ABSTRACT
The critical reflective nature of professional supervision offers an ideal space to test, explore, examine, think out loud, and review thinking about wellbeing. A holistic perspective identifies the key interconnected internal and external domains of wellbeing for a person, from their spiritual wellbeing through to the role of the organisations and systems they are a part of. Thinking holistically lifts a conversation past generalised discussion of personal ‘self-care’ and helps reduce the risk of a neoliberal approach where wellbeing is seen solely the responsibility of an individual. Instead, a holistic approach considers structural and contextual factors, removing the potential for individual blame and failure if a person is not well.
The SPHERE model for holistic wellbeing (developed by the author in 2009) is described and linked to supporting the parasympathetic nervous system. The notion of mental fitness is explored by identifying capacities to support wellbeing that can be applied in supervision. Supervisors also need to notice and question organisational culture in ways that help supervisees identify their points of influence and control. Wellbeing is both a personal and an organisational responsibility, a discussion of organisational culture (including an example of working therapeutically by a social service agency manager) and the importance of wellbeing for supervisors concludes the chapter.
