SUPERVISION
Regular and adequate Supervision is essential for health professionals to discuss case work in a confidential setting. Our Supervisors are very experienced and are trained/registered in particular modalities.
Individual Supervision may be fortnightly or monthly, and is on a one to one basis, where supervisees may talk about work with individuals, couples, families or groups.
Group Supervision is conducted in a small group of 3 to 5 participants, where supervisees may talk about work with individuals or groups. Presenting in a group provides more opportunities for different viewpoints and creative ideas.
Peer Supervision is suitable for the more experienced practitioner, and usually 2 to 6 therapists will meet on a monthly basis, taking turns to present work. At present there are several peer groups meeting in Elmswood. Additional peer groups can be facilitated.
Work Role Consultation is valuable for staff who are in management positions, who may or may not still have a caseload. It provides an opportunity to think about the complex dynamics of the role, which may include relationships to staff and to outside agencies.
BALINT GROUPS
Balint Groups were initially developed by Michael and Enid Balint to help Doctors think about the emotional impact and content of their work, but have become valuable reflective spaces for a wide range of Health Professions, including Psychologists, Nurses, and Psychotherapists, and are now also being used in non-medical settings.
Each session, 2 members will have an opportunity to present a case, and can then sit back while the group reflect on their thoughts, feelings and impressions about the therapeutic relationship as described. Through the rich associations and parallel process, the presenter finds new ways of thinking about the work, and feels supported. They are a valuable way of staying connected to core values and avoiding burnout.
A Balint Group meets monthly on Thursday evening from 7.45 to 9.15, is limited to 8 participants, but new members can join when spaces become available. The group is facilitated by Dr Glenda Mock and Christine Christie who are accredited as Balint Leaders by the UK Balint Society.
STAFF DYNAMICS
Sometimes staff teams can feel stuck – either going nowhere, or experiencing conflicts that get in the way of work being done. A trained facilitator can come to a workplace and conduct a series of sessions with staff members to help address underlying issues.
SUPPORT GROUPS
A support group is especially suitable for people who are experiencing something in common, e.g. bereavement, a health condition, or having a child with special needs. It meets at a regular time and may be ongoing, with an open membership, or for a fixed period of time with a closed membership. These run on an occasional basis according to demand.
PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL GROUPS
Are by definition short term and focused on specific themes. They provide a mixture of training, discussion and sometimes practicing of skills or homework. For example: an Assertiveness Training group introduces participants to a core definition and 3 core skills of assertive communication, and provides opportunity for skills practice with support, feedback and encouragement. Participants may be invited to do ‘homework’ between sessions, such as ‘saying no’ to something they don’t want to do, or asking for something they want, such as a change in a relationship or work situation. They can then review progress at the next group. A Relapse Prevention Group might support members who are trying to change a relationship to a substance, and provide very practical information, useful strategies and a mixture of challenge and support. Other groups might help with depression, anxiety or phobias.