Peer Supervision

Getting regular peers supervision with an experienced therapist and participating in a peer supervision group can do the same or more for your practice than any marketing plan. By constantly becoming more self aware, you will be able to make better business decisions and take the actions that you need to be successful. Peer supervision is totally directed by you and your needs as well as your unique situation.

There are a few different forms of peer supervision:Peer Supervision Groups which are facilitated by a more experienced massage therapist or where massage therapists actually meet on their own after learning the basics of active listening. The groups determine their needs and meet regularly.

Individual Supervision sessions are done on a one-on-one basis where the massage therapist can get more individual attention for specific issues that they need more help in addressing.

Here are some more formal definitions of supervision:

'A formal process of professional support and learning which enables individual practitioners to develop knowledge and competence, assume responsibility for their own practice and enhance consumer protection and safety of care in complex clinical situations. It is central to the process of learning and to the scope of the expansion of practice and should be seen as a means of encouraging self-assessment and analytical and reflective skills' (Vision for the future 1993). ]

Butterworth & Faugier (1992) said supervision refers to a range of strategies, including: 'preceptorship, mentorship, supervision of qualified practice, peer review and the maintenance of identified professional standards' and was: 'both a personal and professional experience'.

Swain (1995) differentiates supervision in contrast to more well-known procedures: '(supervision is)…not psychotherapy or counseling…nor is it directive management, individual performance review or staff appraisal. It is not a form of disciplinary procedure…it is not any of those things which some nurses seem to fear it might be or could be used for'.

1-2 hours of peer supervision are recommended for every 2-3 weeks of practice depending on your case loads. The more sessions you do, the more peer supervision sessions can help support you.

For more information on peer supervision:

Supervisionby Cherie Sonen-Moe : mentions My personal process with peer supervision

Recommended Reading on Peer Supervision on my other site www.thebodyworker.com. Some free online articles and recommended books for massage therapists.