Professional Wellness within Human Care Professions

In this blog I want to share two evidence based resources as key to supporting professional wellness particularly in challenging times, namely:

• Wisdom Model of Cross Professional Supervision
• Mindful Self Compassion  

Why supporting professional wellness within human care organisations is particularly important now.

Across the world we are in a time of unprecedented change in both our personal and professional lives. Within the professional context many human care organisations are stepping up, helping their employees to maintain professional wellness as they negotiate their way to a new normal. Managers and leaders within human care organisations are using strong communication, expressions of care and practical supports, to support this professional wellbeing as  employees adapt to remote working or in some cases  radically changed work environments. Many of us within the mindfulness community are concentrating our efforts on supporting professional wellness across the human care professions ( such as social care, disability, pastoral care, teaching, healthcare, policing, retail, community work, public services)  with two key interventions, namely:

• Cross Professional Wisdom Supervision, and 
• Mindful Self Compassion. 

For many years I worked as a frontline worker and later in management within in social care, disability and pastoral care settings. I know from direct experience the cost of working with people, the power of compassionate presence as both a core skill, and a finite resource if our own professional wellbeing is not is not strengthened through structured processes of deep care and support. In recent years I have transitioned to supporting those in direct human care roles through a variety of individual and group supports. Over recent months the cost to human care workers of being the compassionate caring presence is increasing. Strong, resilient, resourceful individuals are experiencing overwhelm, fatigue, cynicism, stress, anxiety or fear as warning signs of impending burn out. There is a toll on physical and mental health. Cross Professional Wisdom Supervision and Mindful Self Compassion can provide the reflective space and learning environment to support professional well being even in these extreme situations. In writing this blog though my intention is to give the reader enough information to understand what these interventions are, and so to be able to employ them either as an individual professional, or as an organisation with responsibility for supporting the professional wellbeing of a cohort of staff. 

What is Supervision?

“At its simplest, supervision is a forum where supervisees review and reflect on their work in order to do it better ”.

This definition is proposed by Dr. Michael Carroll a key figure in the development of the profession of supervision as a key practise in supporting professional wellness. Dr.Geraldine Holton  continued to build on this core commitment to professional wellness by going on to develop a particular model of cross professional wisdom supervision. Dr Holton defines supervision as 

“A safe confidential learning space where all aspects of the self, physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual can be explored and developed to enhance client care, professional practice and organisational change.” 

There is a strong evidence base outlining the key benefits of supervision as:

• Potential for growth and transformational learning
• Develop clinical wisdom and skills through reflective practice
• Identify learning challenges and goals
• Uncover blind spots and work creatively with blocks, and limitations that may impact practice and well being

Cross Professional Wisdom Supervision  – An Emerging Profession

This cross professional wisdom model of supervision is as yet new and emerging. It resonates with, and supports in a particular way those whose professions involve working with people. This resource rich deep listening and learning opportunity  for individual workers  has enormous potential for supporting  professional wellness during these times of significant change and challenge. 

The roots of this wisdom model lie in the evolution of supervision from its historical roots where the concern was overseeing and line management, to a more collaborative process between supervisee, supervisor and the organisation supporting the professional wellbeing of both the individual and the organisation. 

Within the helping professions supervision has traditionally had a uni–professional history, as a field of practice within each profession where each individual discipline developed its own supervision tradition and literature. While this practice is commonplace in most clinical and counselling contexts it is not that regular for those working in other helping relationships such as adult education, pastoral care, police, spiritual guidance, complimentary therapists or health and social care workers.  It is in response to this emerging need that the wisdom model was developed, promoting a culture that values supervision as a key resource in building professional wellness across the professions.

What is Cross-Professional Supervision?

Cross-Professional Supervision, a term coined by Dr. Geraldine Holton involves working across professions, across disciplines and across modalities. Within this approach supervision is accepted as a profession ‘in its own right’ with a unique set of skills, tasks and competencies. The role of the supervisor is as a facilitator of learning, change and transformation which in turn will enhance client care, practitioner personal/professional development, and organisational change. Being a supervisor within this model does not mean imposing a particular perspective on a supervisee. Rather the supervisors role involves facilitating the development of the supervisees clinical wisdom and experience in the best interest of the client. This model of supervision widens the supervisor’s field of practise, and requires a vision and methodology that enables individuals from different professional contexts to meet and work together in the supervisory space. This cross professional model is perfect for this time of radical uncertainty  and change providing a supportive  and dynamic learning space that I believe is in turn best served by the wisdom model of  cross professional supervision. 

The wisdom model of cross professional supervision can be described as recognising and respecting the deep inner resources, the well of wisdom, available to both the supervisee and the supervisor. This wisdom model is characterised by four pillars, namely a collaborative, contemplative, creative and compassionate approach.

Supervisors Association of Ireland 

The key aim of the Supervisors Association of Ireland is to support supervisors from across professions and to promote  Cross-Professional Supervision as a key resource.

• SAI is in the unique position of being the only professional organisation in Ireland to exclusively serve and represent Supervisors from across professions, across approaches and across disciplines.
• SAI is a self-governing professional organisation for Supervisors which upholds a Code of Ethics for cross-professional supervisors.
• SAI seeks to develop high standards of professional practice amongst its members who are trained supervisors from across professions and trainers of supervisors.
• SAI seeks to raise public and professional awareness of the benefits of supervision as reflective practice for the well-being of clients, supervisees, supervisory practitioners and organisations.
• SAI promotes an inclusive, adult educational model of supervisory practice across contexts and views supervision as an educational process which seeks to transform and empower supervisees /supervisors and their praxis.

Links with Europe

SAI has forged links with ANSE the  Association of National Supervisors in Europe and is a full member since 2007 giving Ireland a voice in Europe. Through membership of ANSE , SAI seeks to support collaboration, research, mobility and exchange within Europe.

Cross Professional Wisdom Supervision as a resource for professional wellness requires three prerequisites to be in place:

1. An understanding of supervision as a dynamic, collaborative adult learning space that is based on mutual respect, trust and the willingness to be creative and to take risks,
2. The willingness of the person engaging in supervision to be reflective, to explore their professional practise in the company of a professional supervisor. This gentle invitation to accountability and learning provides opportunity then for both celebrating the strengths and identifying areas for growth, all within the context of supporting professional wellness.
3. The active support and engagement by the organisational leaders who will align supporting professional wellbeing through wisdom supervision with the purpose and mission of the organisation. 

The Four C’s of the Wisdom Model as foundational pillars in promoting professional wellbeing

Collabrative – the supervisor and supervisee intentionally enter into a learning alliance where the supervisory experience is understood as a meeting of equals, each with different roles but never hierarchical where the supervisor would be the expert or driver of the process. The space for this egalitarian, supportive learning space is co created by both parties through a contracting process which consciously addresses learning goals and styles, expectations and boundaries, responsibilities and goals. This co- contracting provides a supervisory space that is safe, ethical, supportive and transformative in the best interests of both the supervisee and the wider organisational or professional context of the work.

Contemplative – it is a reflective practise where skills such as noticing, allowing, savouring, deep listening, and surrendering to the often slow gentle pace of the transformational process. This contemplative space provides the spacious container where new perspectives, and new insights can arise. 

Creative – using a variety of tools, resources and creative modalities according to the preferred learning styles of the supervisee. This creative approach recognises and utilises the variety of ways of knowing other than talking. Sometimes out truest and deepest aha moments come not from talking something through but from having the courage and support to pause, to enter into silence as we gaze upon an image, do some creative activity or mindful movement. 

Compassionate– where a key part of the supervisors’ role is to engage in deep listening with an open and compassionate heart. In this deep listening there is empathy and non judgement, discernment about when to support or when to challenge, all the while recognising the inherent dignity of the supervisee. This compassionate presence creates a safe space within which the supervisee can speak has or her deepest truth – concerns, fears, failures and successes. This compassionate presence also supports the supervisee to reflect on the essential role of deep self care  as part of professional wellbeing.

If the Cross Professional Wisdom Model of Supervision is a  significant external professional resource available to support individuals and organisations to not only survive but to thrive in the current time of significant change and challenge, the cultivation of Mindful Self Compassion by individual professionals is the secret sauce for sustaining professional wellbeing.

Mindful Self Compassion as a key route to Professional Wellness

Compassion is defined as a feeling of deep sympathy for another who is suffering, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering. With self compassion we give ourselves the same kindness and care we would naturally give to a good friend. Kristen Kneff is the world leader in the development of evidence based self compassion practices  and she describes the three key components of self compassion as:

• Kindness,( non judgement)  
• Mindfulness ( noticing) and
• Common humanity ( not just me) 

I know from years of supporting frazzled, overwhelmed, and over stretched workers in human care services that simple self compassion mindfulness practices are the  the SUPERPOWER of mindfulness. 

How does the practise of Mindful Self Compassion support professional wellbeing?

Mindful Self Compassion  is simply the capacity to be as kind to ourselves as we would naturally be to another. Simple, but not easy and mindful self compassion  practises seem to be particularly challenging for those of us who are involved in caring for others. Being able to notice and allow our own pain, suffering, tiredness, anxiety, stress , fatigue, and failures is a key stepping stone to building robust resilience particularly in these challenging days of uncertainty and substantial changes. Further being able to surrender to what is, lovingly to allow that we are not always in control, we cannot always bring about the results we desire, and being a compassionate presence to ourselves in moments of hurt, failure and impotence is both possible and very powerful. 

Eight Key Strategies to contribute to your own professional wellbeing through a daily practise of mindful self compassion.

1. Practice daily, even if for a short time 

Mindfulness is a present centered, non-judging awareness. With practice, you will begin to find your own inner peace, clarity and open heartedness. This in turn will support you open , available and connected to those you serve. 

Try to agree a set time and a set place for your practice rather than waiting until you are in the mood. It does not matter if you devote 10 , 15 or 30 minutes to practise. The key is the quality of presence so just do it, do it regularly and preferably in the same place everyday. 

2. Attitude is everything 

Your mindful self compassion practise is a place of non judgement. There are no should, no right or wrong. The biggest reason people quit meditation is because they judge themselves for how they are practicing. Remember mindful self compassion is about being as kind to yourself as you would naturally be to another within your professional work. At the start of each sitting, remind yourself of what draws you to the practise of mindful self compassion, and then set your intention to be kind and accepting toward however this particular meditation unfolds. 

3. Pay attention to your posture 

When many people think of meditating, they imagine a yogi sitting cross-legged on the floor. In reality, you can meditate in any position that feels comfortable to you (including standing and walking) as long as it promotes a sense of alertness, openness, and ease. To practise in the sitting position see if you can sit upright, in a way that allows you to feel alert and relaxed. Let your hands rest comfortably on your knees or lap. Let your eyes close, or if you prefer, leave the eyes open, the gaze soft and receptive. Every now and then come back to check your posture, as a way of staying connected to your senses. 

4. Arrive in your body 

Scanning your body with your awareness will help you shift out of thinking and connect to present moment vitality, openness and relaxation. You might begin by bringing a smile to your lips, as this sends a message of ease to your entire nervous system. Then, starting at the scalp, move your attention slowly downward, relaxing and softening different parts of the body. As you relax, become aware, from the inside out, of the sensations and energy moving through your body. 

5. Select an Anchor for mindful self compassion practise 
Your anchor is your home-base where you  can return to when you notice that you have been distracted or lost in thought. This will help you quiet your mind and more fully open to the present moment. 

Some useful  anchors : 

• The breath You might choose to pay attention to the sensations of the breath as it enters and leaves your nostrils, or the rise and fall of your chest or your belly  as you are breathing. For some, it is helpful to attend to the experience of the whole body breathing. 
• The body You might place your attention on the sensations in a particular part of your body – perhaps your hands, feet, belly or lips. Choose an area that feels neutral, not particularly pleasant or unpleasant. (You can combine body with the breath.) 
• Sounds – Listening to the sounds around you as they arise and fall away. 

6. Keep coming back 

While quieting the mind will support your practise of mindful self compassion don’t confuse this with the erroneous idea that the goal of meditation is to get rid of thoughts. There is nothing at all wrong with mind wandering. Please don’t be at war with thoughts. Instead of judging when you find you’ve been distracted, instead practise bringing  an interest and friendliness to the shift from thoughts to presence. Each time you  recognize that you have  become lost in thought, just gently “relax back” by returning your attention to the sounds, sensations and feelings that are actually happening in the present. Allow your anchor to be in the foreground, and just tune in non judgementally and with great kindness to our your changing moment-to-moment experience. 

7. Deepen your practise of Mindful Self Compassion with these two key questions: 

• What is happening inside me right now? This will help direct your attention to your inner experience. You might experiment with naming or noting strong waves of experience, — “fear” “sorrow” “tingling” “tightness” “sounds” “worry thoughts” — as a way to be become really aware of what is happening in the present moment.
• Can I be with this? Asking this question will help you to cultivate the capacity to be with whatever is arising with acceptance. After naming an experience (such as fear or sadness) you might explore whispering the word yes, or it’s ok. 

8. Cultivate Self  Kindness 

When you become aware of difficult emotions such as fear, confusion, sadness or hurt, offer yourself kindness. Maybe put a hand gently over your heart and send a message of care to the vulnerable place inside you. Mindfulness and heartfulness are inseparable: the more you bring these qualities to your inner life, the more they will enrich your relationships and ripple out into our world. 

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Dee Hennessy

Dee Hennessy Senior Mindfulness teacher has been a mindfulness practitioner since the late eighties, teaching and leading retreats across Ireland, in Wales, Germany, and the USA. She has studied with leading teachers from both Western and Eastern Wisdom traditions, as well as having a full immersion into the neuroscience underpinning current secular mindfulness practice. Dee’s teaching is a distillation of these 25 years. Her philosophy is simple, and underpinned by her three core beliefs: 1) Like the Dali Lama, her religion is kindness. 2) The current wave of interest in forest bathing is a reminder of what we know already – nature heals. 3) Neuroscience allows us to use short mindfulness practices to live happier and less stressed lives Dee is a board member with All Ireland Spiritual Guides Association (AISGA) the professional body for Spiritual Companioning in Ireland and is a full member of both Mindfulness Teachers Association of Ireland (MTAI) and supervisors Association of Ireland