supervisiooni

Supervisiooni (Estonian for "supervision") refers to a structured professional relationship in which a more experienced practitioner supports, monitors and guides the work of a less experienced colleague. It is commonly used in fields such as psychotherapy, counseling, social work, education and health care to promote professional development, ensure service quality, and protect client welfare.

The practice typically involves regular meetings where cases, methods, ethical dilemmas and the supervisee’s professional growth are discussed. Common models include developmental approaches that focus on skill progression, integrative models that combine theoretical perspectives, and systemic or reflective models that emphasize context, relationships and self-awareness. Techniques used in supervisiooni can include case discussion, live observation, role-play, video review and reflective questioning.

Key functions are formative (training and competence building), normative (adherence to standards, policy and accountability) and restorative (emotional support and burnout prevention). Effective supervision depends on clear agreements about roles, confidentiality, boundaries and evaluation, and on supervisors’ qualifications and ongoing professional development.

Ethical and legal considerations include client confidentiality, dual relationships and documentation. Research indicates supervisiooni can improve practitioner competence and client outcomes, though effectiveness varies with model, frequency and quality. Criticisms note potential power imbalances, variability in supervisor skills and limited access in some regions or services.