Solution-Oriented Inquiry for Ongoing Supervision: Expanding the Horizon of Change

Abstract

In this chapter, we outline an approach to supervision which draws its concepts and methods from the broad umbrella of solution oriented therapies. It features a collaborative process of inquiry that is well suited to both individual and group supervision (Lowe and Guy, 1996, 1999). The specific contribution of this chapter, however, is to expand the horizon of solution oriented inquiry by including the potential for utilising developmental themes and narratives emerging from ongoing supervision relationships. By analogy, this is similar to adapting the conventional brief applications of solution oriented therapy to the context of longer term therapeutic work and relationships. The chapter outlines the characteristic assumptions and priorities of solution oriented approaches, discusses our point of departure from previous literature, develops an integrative map for practice and provides practical guidelines and examples of useful practice questions