Using Reflective Journaling in Supervision as a Means of Promoting Self-Care Practices

Supervision is a necessary part of training clinicians. The supervisor has much latitude and influence in the approach they take with their supervisees. There have been recent updates to the National Association of Social Workers’ Code of Ethics to promote more self-care awareness and practices. Supervision is an important time to support the development of self-care skills, and a reflective framework is a well-suited approach. Reflective journaling is one technique, or tool, to utilize in supervision to support reflective development while simultaneously practicing a self-care skill. Three supervisees were asked to reflect on the impact reflective journaling had on their personal and professional development. All supervisees agreed that the practice increased their insight into their own motivations and triggers, as well as opportunities for growth. The practice of “silent reflection” provided a useful tool to promote self-care and address compassion fatigue and burnout. Additionally, all supervisees felt it gave them a way to grapple with professional identity, grow in confidence, and address imposter syndrome.