Attachment-based framework

This framework incorporates an understanding of adult attachment theory and its potential impact on supervisory relationships and practice. Supervisees and supervisors often show similar attachment dynamics in their close relationships as they do in the supervisory relationship.^[1] The framework has been included in the Guidelines because supervision:

• is always relational
• involves some degree of vulnerability
• may be influenced by attachment dynamics^[2]
• can activate the attachment patterns of both the supervisee and supervisor^[3]
• fits with trauma- and violence-informed theory and practice, which incorporates attachment theory.

Alongside other factors, the experience of attachment can impact on supervisors and supervisees:

• being able to form trusting relationships
• seeking help
• being able to self-regulate
• developing resilience
• feeling burned out^[4]
• becoming ‘stuck’ in unhelpful and repetitive patterns of behaviour^[5]
• being effective leaders.^[6]

Although the quality of supervisory relationships cannot be solely explained by attachment patterns,^[7] more secure patterns have been linked to greater satisfaction with supervision.^[8]

This framework can add insight into why we interact with one another and respond to stress like we do. It is not expected for supervisors and supervisees to try and determine one another’s attachment pattern. The key is to understand the strengths and challenges associated with the resulting dynamic.^[9]

Understanding attachment can assist supervisors to reframe supervisee’s responses when they become anxious and overwhelmed by the work.^[10] This in turn, can prevent labelling the supervisee as the ‘problem’ and a spiral into a negative feedback loop developing between the supervisor and supervisee, otherwise known as the ‘set-up-to fail’ syndrome (see section ‘When supervision becomes tricky’ on supervisor–supervisee conflict).

Like attachment, the goal of supervision is to provide a secure base for the supervisee to experiment, gain confidence, test their knowledge and skills and grow. An understanding of attachment concepts like ‘secure base’ and ‘safe haven’ helps practitioners and supervisors contain fears and anxieties and assist in keeping the supervisee regulated. Some family violence supervisors have described the importance of adopting the attachment-based ‘bigger, stronger, wiser and kinder’ approach to their role.^[11] When this approach is grounded in a culture where reactions are openly discussed, and self-reflection and insight is actively encouraged, supervision can become safe, nurturing and supportive.

This framework needs to be applied to First Nations practitioners in a culturally safe way. This includes taking into consideration cultural differences, such as the notion of ‘multiple mothering’ or caregiving within Aboriginal communities.

Furthermore, the framework will need to be adapted for practitioners from diverse backgrounds. Supervisors need to consider how racism, homophobia, other forms of discrimination and marginalisation, and prejudice interact with the practitioner’s unique attachment history and personal experiences in relation to race, culture, class, faith, gender, sexuality, age and disability.