Shame and supervision: How supervision helps coaches deal with shame (Part 2)
This post is part of a 2 part series, in part 1 which you can read here, we explored the ways shame can show-up in your coaching practice. In this post we are looking at how coaching supervision can help.
Coaching supervision is a secret weapon to help coaches deal with the challenging emotion of shame. It creates a safe and judgment-free environment where coaches can explore their experiences openly.
Safe Space for Unloading: Coaching supervision provides coaches with a safe, confidential space to unload their shame baggage. It's like a cozy chat with a trusted friend, but this friend is an experienced supervisor who knows the ropes, is trained to hold the space and (in my case as your supervisor), makes suggestions on working through it which are based in psychodynamics, neuroscience, transactional analysis and positive psychology.
Mirror, Mirror: Supervision acts as a mirror, reflecting coaches' thoughts, feelings, and actions. This reflection helps coaches gain insight into their shame triggers and patterns. It's like holding up a mirror and saying, "Oh, that's what's bothering me!"
No Judgment Zone: Coaches can openly discuss their shame without worrying about criticism. It's a judgment-free zone where they can be themselves.
Exploring Shame's Roots: Supervision helps you explore the roots of your shame. In this supportive space, coaches engage in self-reflection and self-examination. I am mindful of not digging into your trauma and if it ever goes to a place I don’t feel qualified to hold, we will discuss this and I will sign-post you to relevant services. We can still do the work of uncovering roots of your shame without getting into capital T trauma and then use this to identify the triggers and patterns that might be holding you back. It's a bit like a therapeutic journey of self-discovery through the lens of your work.
New Perspectives: As your superpvisor The supervisor offers fresh perspectives and alternative viewpoints. Supervisors offer valuable feedback and insights and bring objectivity to the table, helping coaches view their experiences from different angles.
Strategies and Tools: Supervision provides a toolkit of strategies and tools to tackle shame. Coaches learn how to manage it, let go, or reframe their thoughts. Emotional regulation techniques are part of the toolkit coaches acquire. These techniques empower coaches to manage their emotions, making them more resilient in the face of shame-triggering situations.
Setting Boundaries: Coaches are guided in setting and maintaining boundaries, which is crucial for dealing with shame. Boundary setting is a key focus, ensuring coaches maintain professionalism and keep shame from interfering with the coaching relationship. It's like building a protective barrier to safeguard the coaching journey.
Accountability Partner: Supervisors are like accountability partners. They support coaches in taking action to address their shame and prevent it from affecting their coaching work. This partnership keeps coaches committed to their personal and professional growth, like a trusted companion on a shared quest.
Building Resilience: Coaches learn strategies for building emotional resilience, like strength training for the coaching soul. This helps them bounce back from shame-induced setbacks, ensuring their effectiveness in coaching practice remains undeterred.
Self-Compassion Boost: And then there's self-compassion—cultivating kindness towards oneself. It's encouraged by supervisors, providing coaches with a more forgiving lens to view their experiences of shame. Think of it as nurturing your own emotional garden.
Tailored Solutions: Finally, supervision is all about tailored solutions. It recognises that each coach's experience of shame is unique. So, it's like receiving a customised roadmap to address your specific challenges.
In essence, coaching supervision is like a trusty guide in navigating the landscape of shame and something to lean on when shame comes knocking. It offers structure, support, and practical tools, akin to a seasoned guide who is ready to walk the path with you.
If you’re interested in Coach Supervision with me. Book a call and let’s see if we are a good fit.
