What's supervision about?

In the Awaken Coaches Community, we hold events called "Coaching Supervision" which is one of the most richly intimate and insightful kinds of conversations coaches can be part of.
It's so important to create a felt sense of safety and bravery in these spaces, because we're bringing up the kinds of issues we often would rather hide - our biggest OOPS moments, and also the moments we're terribly proud of but can never share outside of such a confidential setting.
We're there to offer one another clarity, empathy, support, and professional growth. Here are a few of the harder subjects we bravely bring to supervision:
Ethical Dilemmas: what exactly are those ICF ethical guidelines?
- Navigating dual relationships (e.g., coaching a friend or colleague).
- Handling confidentiality breaches or conflicts of interest.
- Managing a client's request for advice or services outside the coaching agreement
Emotional Content: how can I stay with my client in intense emotions?
- Coaching clients through grief, trauma, or other deep emotional challenges.
- Feeling overwhelmed or emotionally impacted by a client’s situation.
Lack of Client Progress: am I a good enough coach?
- Clients who seem stuck or resistant to exploring deeper issues.
- Sessions where progress feels stagnant despite the coach’s efforts.
Boundary Challenges: were they even in the contract?
- Clients overstepping agreed-upon boundaries, such as contacting the coach outside session hours.
- Balancing support and trust with accountability when a client relies too heavily on the coach.
Cross-Cultural Coaching Dynamics: did I miss something?
- Coaching clients from different cultural or socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Misunderstandings or missteps in addressing cultural norms or communication styles.
Self-Doubt or Imposter Syndrome: who do I think I am?
- Questioning one’s effectiveness or worthiness as a coach.
- Comparing oneself negatively to more experienced coaches.
Power Dynamics: why am I feeling intimidated?
- Coaching high-level executives or influential clients.
- Being overly deferential to clients in senior positions.
- Feeling intimidated or overshadowed by a client’s expertise or authority.
Overidentifying with Clients: I'm learning so much from my clients!
- Resonating deeply with a client’s story due to similar personal experiences.
- Struggling to stay objective when a client’s situation triggers personal emotions.
Navigating Endings: How do I know when it's time to end the relationship?
- Deciding when to terminate a coaching relationship.
- Dealing with clients who are reluctant to conclude the engagement despite achieving their goals.
- Feeling lost and uncertain about how to end well.
Unclear Roles and Expectations: Where's the line between coaching and consulting?
- Clients who misunderstand the scope of coaching, expecting therapy, consulting, or mentoring.
- Stakeholders (e.g., an organization) placing conflicting demands on the coach.
Burnout or Compassion Fatigue: Why am I so tired?
- Feeling drained or disengaged after multiple demanding sessions.
- Losing passion or creativity in coaching due to overwork.
How Supervision Helps
Any of the above situations can feel embarrassing, shameful, and risky. Supervision provides a beautiful, confidential, supportive space to get perspective and grounding. We also learn so much from one another's stories, and prepare for similar situations. And we reaffirm our care for one another in a profession where loneliness can creep in.
We've signed up for lifelong learning in community, and these kinds of conversations provide a wealth of love, courage, and support.
0 comments
Leave a comment
Please log in or register to post a comment