Supervision in Dance / Movement Therapy by Iraina Clarke
Dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the Degree of Master of Education of the University of Bristol. September 1999.
SYNOPSIS
The purpose of this study is to explore the supervision experiences of Dance/Movement Therapists. It investigates 'supervision' as a learning process that aids professional development and focuses specifically on consultative/clinical supervision.
This qualitative study deals with the issue of how supervision affects learning for professional development. It considers what type of supervision is being practiced, specific features of supervision in Dance / Movement Therapy (DMT) and how these operate. It also deals with supervision practices that are universal and context related.
The above questions/issues are explored and examined through the use of supervisees' reflective journals and in-depth interviews. In addition a survey of both supervisors and supervisees have addressed key questions in the study. The methodology was chosen because of the client group and the suitability of
qualitative analysis for the project brief. This includes a multimethod approach to gather information and participant perspectives (Erikson 1986).
The study aims to show the range of practice exhibited within the DMT profession and considers how the theoretical models can be integrated into the system of supervision in DMT.
The response from the journals was less than anticipated. However from the findings six key themes emerged. Firstly, supervision is a learning process which provides both support and challenge for the development of professional skills and abilities. Secondly, there is a substantial overlap between personal and professional experience in supervision (which can be a benefit if recognised). Thirdly, clarification of roles will aid the supervisee and supervisor. Fourthly,effective supervision may involve supervisors in more 'active' learning for development. Fifthly, that consolidating an approach and theoretical basis would develop the appropriateness of supervision. Finally, that new approaches to supervision can take us forward.
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