Diploma in Group Supervision

A creative and professional training for experienced supervisors who want to/already offer group supervision. Set in an atmosphere of prayer and discernment, the course builds on key theories of supervisory practice to focus on developing and facilitating reflective pastoral supervision groups for a variety of contexts.  The content of the course draws on different modalities, models of participation and theories of group work.  Attention will be paid to group formation, cohesion, intercultural and power dynamics.  Participants will engage in group exercises, reflect on demonstrations in the light of the theories taught and practise leading groups.

The course leaders are Jane Leach and Bob Whorton.

Jane Leach is an APSE accredited senior supervisor and trainer.  She was the founding chair of APSE and is the author of A Charge to Keep, and, with Michael Paterson, of Pastoral Supervision: A Handbook.  She holds a diploma in creative supervision methods from the London Centre for Psychodrama. She is an ordained Methodist presbyter, serving as the Principal of Wesley House.  She has more than 15 years experience of teaching reflective pastoral supervision and has developed training materials for use in Britain, the USA and Kenya.  She researches and supervises academic research in this field.

“It has been so energising to put this course together and I really look forward to sharing the learning with other participants. This course will strengthen the skillset of anyone engaging in reflective practice with groups in a pastoral setting.”

Bob Whorton is a senior accredited supervisor and educator with APSE, and is a spiritual director. He holds a Diploma in Creative Supervision with the London Centre for Psychodrama. Bob has worked as a lead trainer with the Methodist Church’s ambitious Responsible Grace training programme in reflective supervision. After many years as a circuit presbyter in the Methodist Church he worked as a mental health chaplain and hospice chaplain. His published writings include Reflective Caring: Imaginative Listening to Pastoral Experience, SPCK, 2011.

“Given the fact that belonging to a group is so integral to being human, group supervision can be a very natural and effective way to reflect on work and vocation”

 

Course details

  • 5 intensive face to face days followed by ongoing online supervision groups (6 x 2 hours at monthly intervals) run by the course leaders.
  • Prior to the start of the taught component about 16 hours of preparation is needed, including identifying 6-8 people who are willing to form a reflective pastoral supervision group for the trainee to lead for six months and reflect on during the course.
  • The course will be assessed by a portfolio that tracks the development and leadership of the trainee-led supervision group.
  • In total the course will provide 124 hours of continuing professional development
    • 16 hours preparation
    • 40 hours classroom time
    • 12 hours engagement for six months in  supervision of supervision group led by course tutors
    • 12 hours providing group supervision as a trainee over six months
    • 44 hours portfolio preparation (covenant and feedback from supervision group members; process report; analytical report)

Course Dates in 2024

Intensive Days (in person)
8-12 July 2024

Supervision Groups will run online on Monday afternoons 2-4pm.
2 September, 7 October, 4 November, 2 December 2024 and 3 February, 3 March 2025

Portfolio Submissions
31 May 2025

 

Admission requirements

A supervision diploma or equivalent 70+ hours of supervision training

60 hours of 1:1 or group supervising in the last 3 years

Knowledge of the following supervision processes:

  • Leach and Paterson’s six processes
  • Hawkins and Shohet’s seven eyes/modes
  • Inskipp and Proctor’s three legged stool

Admission will be by application and interview (via zoom) with one of the course teachers. Interviews will begin from 1 September 2023.

Application Form should be downloaded and returned to office@wesley.cam.ac.uk by 31 May 2024.

Course Costs in 2024

£1000 – this price includes teaching, assessment and supervision costs.