Ethics, relationships and pragmatics in the use of e-technologies in counselling supervision

Abstract

International literature and local anecdotal evidence report increasing use of video and other e-technology in counselling supervision. In this small-scale study, five experienced supervisors were interviewed about their use of e- technology within supervision. The research was part of a postgraduate paper in professional supervision and worked to introduce and engage researcher- students, all of whom were experienced counselling practitioners, in a supervised collaborative project. It also generated new knowledge for the researchers and participants for their supervision practice. This article offers a review of literature, and ideas about safe and ethical practice for the wider professional counselling community engaged in offering supervision using e-technology. While the use of e-technologies is an effective means of providing supervision, this study found that inquiry should be encouraged within supervision conversations to nourish the quality of supervisory relationships, and thereby enhance the effectiveness of supervision.