Using questions effectively in supervision

The motivation for writing this post was my experience around asking questions as a supervisor.  I set out to understand what might be happening when a supervisee stated ‘Now, that is a really good question?’  Were they buying time to work out ‘the answer’ or had the question genuinely opened up the conversation for fruitful … Read more

Exploring an alternative approach to support

I have been fortunate to have access to strong supervision throughout the majority of my speech and language therapy life. Reflecting on my supervision journey the high points have been when I have had a solid relationship with my supervisor; when the supervisor has been someone I have trusted and respected, and whom I have … Read more

Successful transition from paid work to retirement

Today, I am a 68-year-old retired Speech and Language Therapist, enjoying a fulfilling life encompassing a number of roles: wife, mother, grandmother, artist and volunteer in two groups for stroke survivors with communication impairment. Six years ago I was struggling with the concept of retiring from a hectic Band 8 SLT post in a large … Read more

One supervision journey

For many years supervision was largely an unrewarding and functional experience for me. Initially, the focus felt skills driven, such as meeting standards and competencies. As I progressed, it became almost all about management expectations with little space to develop my personal and professional skills. There was little consistency to build a trusting relationship with … Read more

The importance of supervision

Supervision can be provided in a variety of formats and styles and can include not only professional and clinical supervision, but also managerial supervision. As a clinician progresses through their career there is often a move away from clinical supervision into more managerial supervision. The emphasis here may be on setting priorities and objectives in line … Read more

Your Privacy Matters

Data privacy has never been more important, and in light of new regulation coming into effect across the EU, intandem has updated its Privacy Policy. This new law is built around the principles of transparency and active consent, two values that intandem take seriously. So, to help you retain control of the data we hold … Read more

Stepping back to step back in

Supervision. A word that used to fill me with confusion and at times anxiety. What do I say?  How do I react? What are they thinking?  Am I saying the wrong thing? Is this topic supervision-worthy? These were just some of the thoughts that used to swim around in my mind before and after the … Read more

Window

Sitting on my sofa just thinking… I am looking at cars, the people in them Going to work or walking to school There are birds on roofs, and hedges looking for food. The pavements are frozen – be careful   I am still thinking… Thinking about this little island This island that has helped so … Read more

From Hero to Zero

Today, I am a 42-year-old married woman with two small children (son – 4 and daughter – 8) doing a part time masters in HR and looking after the children, house and my husband with all the organising of clubs, playdates, school bags, bills and house maintenance etc. that entails. Ten years ago, before having … Read more

An experience with narrative therapy

Human’s are interpretative creatures which means as we move through our lives we create meaning. This steady accumulation of meaning, is articulated to us, the protagonists, in the form of stories. We have a host of stories about ourselves. A story about our relationships. A story about our work. A story about our time at … Read more