‘Some of the issues that come up in practice are challenging and can trigger strong emotions. If I notice I’m having a particularly strong emotional reaction to what a supervisee is saying, a client or interaction, I like to imagine I am sitting in a tree.
In the tree, I imagine that I am looking out and observing the situation, and I ask myself ‘why is this affecting me?’ This can help me to view the situation from the outside and provides some distance between me and what is happening.
I also use this exercise as a supervisor to prompt reflection. Sometimes I like to give the supervisee a leaf or twig to help ground them and symbolise our connection. Reflecting in this way helps practitioners to pause and connect with what’s going on in their mind and body. It can be a powerful way to provide space for the supervisee and invite them to dig deeper and reflect on how they are feeling and reacting to their practice.’
— Daphne Yarram, CEO, Yoowinna Wurnalung Aboriginal Healing Service
Updated