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An indicative reading list...

Bimrose, J. and Wilden, S. (1994) Supervision in careers guidance: empowerment or control? British Journal of Guidance and Counselling, 22 (3) pp 373-383.

A good introduction to the topic which provides a rationale for support and supervision in the career guidance field given the changes in career guidance provision (accountability, targets etc.). The managerial / organisational context is explored and a model for supervisory practice presented.

Carroll, M. and Holloway, E. (1999) Counselling Supervision in Context. London: SAGE.

The organisational context for counselling supervision is explored and Chapter 8 is particularly useful on ‘supervision in workplace settings’.

Centre for Career and Personal Development (2001) Supporting personal advisers in Connexions:perspectives on supervision and mentoring from allied professions. Occasional Paper. Canterbury Christ Church University College.

A collection of papers covering support and supervision in other helping professions and suggesting and exploring the relevance of these models for guidance practitioners in a PA role.

Copeland, S. (1998) Counselling supervision in organisational contexts: new challenges and perspectives. British Journal of Guidance and Counselling, 26 (3) pp 377-386.

This article explores the impact that the organisation itself can have on the development of a system of support and supervision. A clear working contract is required to ensure effective supervision. When it works, supervision can be a change agent within an organisation.

Dryden, W. and Thorne, B. (ed) (1998) Training and Supervision for Counselling in Action. London: Sage.

A range of articles by key players in the supervision field. The book outlines the skills and strategies involved in training counselling supervisors, the supervisory relationship and ‘being’ a supervisor.

Hawkins, P. and Shohet, R. (2000) (2nd edition) Supervising in the Helping Professions. An individual group and organisational approach. Milton Keynes, OU.

This is the definitive text for the subject – a must for anyone training as a supervisor or indeed anyone participating in supervision.

McMahon, M. (2003) Supervision and career counsellors: a little explored practice with an uncertain future. British Journal of Guidance and Counselling, 31 (2) 177-187.

Considers the supervision of careers counsellors in Australia, suggesting that supervision is not widely practiced and has varying levels of understanding within the profession. Parallels can be drawn with current development sin the UK.

Mearns, D. (1995) Supervision : a tale of the missing client. British Journal of Guidance and Counselling, 23 (3) pp 421-427.

Emphasises the developmental function of supervision, within which the supervisee has the opportunity to discuss the difficulties they may have with clients in a safe environment.

Proctor, B. (2000) Group Supervision – a guide to creative practice. London: SAGE.

A good guide to undertaking group supervision, with practical suggestions on setting the scene, developing leadership, working with the diversity of supervisees and managing group dynamics.

Reid, H. (2001) Do personal advisers need personal advisers? Paper to the World Congress of the IAEVG. Canterbury Christ Church University College.

Hazel Reid argues for support and supervision within Connexions services to help advisers giving in-depth specialist support work with ‘the traumatic stories’ presented by many clients.

Sugarman, L. and Palmer, S. (2000) Challenges for psychotherapy, counselling and guidance at the millennium. British Journal of Guidance and Counselling, 28 (4) pp 445-450.
Explores the relationships between these 3 professions, questions of registration and accreditation and the impact of public policy on the professions.

Taylor, M. (1994) Gender and power in counselling and supervision. British Journal of Guidance and Counselling, 22 (3) pp 319-326.

Discusses the power relationship from a gender-specific context.

Webb, A. and Wheeler, S. (1998) How honest do counsellors dare to be in the supervisory relationship? An exploratory study? British Journal of Guidance and Counselling, 26 (4) pp 509-523.

Discusses the problems associated with ‘honesty’ in a supervision relationship when the supervisor is the line manager.

Wheeler, S. and King, D. (eds.) (2001) Supervising Counsellors: issues of responsibility. London: SAGE.

The chapter by Sue Copeland (Supervisor Responsibility within Organisational Contexts) is particularly helpful in understanding the role if the supervisor if she/he also has the role of line manager. Issues around confidentiality, boundaries and reporting are discussed.