Here's some stories about my supervision relationships
Above photography provided by Kevin Utting & Yap Ying Ying
Treasured apprenticeships
I started my journey with supervision in 2006. I have supervised social work placements for National University of Singapore and UniSIM for the FSC and the Residential Home. At THKFSC@Tanjong Pagar, i have been responsible for supervising new social workers and staff for clinical supervision and program supervision; using group processes and/or providing individual support. As a supervisor, these are some roles that i offer:
- To nurture passion, creativity, enthusiasm and reflectiveness.
- This includes joint sessions, regular supervision sessions, coaching (in terms of skills).
- Keeping track of the work with those who consult with them.
- Recognising knowledges, commitments, skills and values and strengths
- Seek opportunities that will help them to grow.
- Critical analysis of processes, areas of development, co-evaluating programmes.
- To provide support when tiredness, confusion sets in.
- Practical help and working out the next steps to take, when needed.
- Processing experiences together.
- To lend my privilege, connections, power and voice.
- To support hopes of being the worker they want to be and stand in solidarity with their committments.
- Centering the hopes of those who consult with them the discussing of ways of helping.
I believe in a skills based, collaborative apprenticeship and supportive approach. Thus, extensively use experiential and creative ways to develop and internalise these skills with reference to individuals, families, groups and communities that we work with:
- Assessment & Conceptualisation,
- Case/ Project management & Planning,
- Therapeutic skills.
external group supervision
In 2017, i started the journey with a Family Service Centre as an external supervisor, and have been enjoying the dynamism and enthusiasm of the group to learning and supporting one another.
My Journey with FEng YING
I loved working with Feng Ying - her thoughtful gestures and the effort she put into her work was felt by the families. Her intelligence and openness to try new things made a great impression on me. She was ever ready to reflect deeply about her values and experiences in relation to her social work journey.
My Journey with DAvid
It was great luck that David was assigned (last minute apparently) to our centre. His enthusiasm, reflectiveness and confidence gave me a great sparring partner to discuss approaches and ideas, and he continues to have passion for communities and helping others.
David, an experienced actor/Emcee was our Emcee for the Singapore Narrative Therapy Conference.
my journey with ellie
Ellie was one of my first supervisees at the Family Service Centre and i was proud of her spirit in desiring change for the wellbeing of her families, her innate belief in her families as well as her commitment to them. I enjoyed working alongside her to support her families' and individuals' hopes.
Natasha, Naadira and Ellie doing some sand boarding in Adelaide.
My JOURNEY with Nurjannah
Nurjannah came to our agency with lots of lived experience and skills of working with people. Although we had some differences, we shared the same thoughtfulness, approaches when working with families. I loved seeing Nurjannah's confidence grow in tackling tricky situations and persevering with heavy moments, and always having energy for the next challenge.
We attended a charity event together for Beyond Social Services who is committed to poverty reduction. :)
“I was fortunate to have a supervisor like Elizabeth who was empathetic and created a very positive and encouraging atmosphere for me. This enables me to trust her and have honest discussion regarding my work whenever we meet for supervision... And her enthusiasm is certainly infectious!”