How new technologies are changing the world of supervision

David Paice, our Director for Coaching and Mentoring Technologies, explores how online conference tools and other technologies have created new implications for coaching supervision, and introduces the resources in this month’s Spotlight on technology in practice.

Much research exists on how the proliferation of coaching taking place via online conference tools has changed the manner and practicalities of the coaching process. Despite this, opinion or research on how the coaching supervision process has changed is conspicuous by its absence. There appears to be an assumption that what works for coaching online also works for supervision online.

Is this really the case? Consider these scenarios:

The ease  of accessibility provided by video conferencing tools gives supervisors far wider access to offer supervision internationally and cross-culturally. What implications does this create for the supervisor?

The relative ease of scheduling online supervision compared to in-person supervision might tempt coaches to wait until their need is greatest, and then hastily arrange a supervision session. When this happens, are supervisors then seeing coaches in a heightened sense of anxiety?

What are the dynamics inherent in online group supervision compared to in-person supervision?

Finally, and in solidarity with coaches who are used to working with transference in a face-to-face environment, do supervisors need to adjust their toolset if the online environment hinders communication that happens ‘below the surface’?

These elements are discussed in more detail in the papers and journals offered in support of this month’s Spotlight on technology in practice. Find all the Spotlight resources here (requires EMCC member login), and see the papers and journals below:

Dealing with new experiences: Online supervision in turbulent times (ANSE Journal, 2021)
A systematic review of the factors that influence the quality and effectiveness of telesupervision for health professionals (Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 2018)
Reflective practice at a distance: using technology in counselling supervision (Reflective Practice, 2010)
Psychotherapy supervision conducted via videoconferencing: A qualitative study of users’ experiences (Nord J Psychiatry, 1998)

Photo by Tim Gouw