In every supervision journey, the relationship between supervisor and supervisee is critical.

Yet too often, we assume this relationship will evolve naturally. More often than not however, it takes intention, skill and support to develop a supervisory alliance that fosters safety, reflection, and growth.

When we get it right, there are significant benefits. Individuals feel more capable. Workplace culture lifts. Clients receive a high level of care.

Strategies to strengthen the supervisory relationship

1. Start with Psychological Safety

Trust is not a given. It is built moment by moment, interaction by interaction. Supervisors set the tone by showing curiosity, being open to feedback, and responding with care, not criticism. A psychologically safe relationship is one where supervisees feel comfortable being honest about uncertainty, sharing their learning edges, and asking for guidance without fear of judgment.

One powerful way to build psychological safety is to genuinely show yourself as a learner. Ways to do this include, sharing your own learning goals and also highlighting areas where your supervisee has more skill, knowledge and strength than you.

2. Move from Transactional to Transformative

Tick-the-box supervision drains energy. Transformative supervision fills it. To foster a more meaningful dynamic:

Lay the groundwork with clear contracting
Create a clear contracting process where both parties discuss what they hope to gain from supervision, their learning styles and how they want to intentionally create the supervisory relationship and work together. This process will also include practicalities such as frequency and format of sessions and preparation. Done well, contracting builds trust and psychological safety, and lays a solid foundation for reflective and courageous conversations.
Encourage supervisees to bring learning goals, not just caseloads
Supervision should not feel like a debriefing line for problems. Encourage supervisees to focus on learning goals and identify what they want to develop - whether it’s clinical reasoning, communication skills or confidence navigating uncertainty.
Focus on proactive and reflective learning, not just reactive problem-solving
When supervision is always focused on putting out fires, the deeper learning is lost. Carving out time for reflective discussion helps supervisees develop insight, resilience and clinical judgement.

3. Treat Supervision as a Relationship Worth Investing In

Just like any professional relationship, supervision requires time, structure and skill. Aligning supervision with adult learning principles, not student supervision models, is key. Ensuring both supervisor and supervisee are trained in how to get the most from supervision will also support the relationship.

When both parties understand their role, and workplaces support the process, supervision becomes energising rather than draining.

At its best, the supervisory relationship is not just about compliance or oversight. It is about professional nourishment. It creates a space where both supervisor and supervisee can reflect, stretch and thrive.