The 7-Eyed Model of Supervision: What It Means for Your Professional Growth
- debbie7639
- May 11
- 3 min read
As a supervisor, I’m passionate about creating a space where practitioners don't just survive in their work — they truly thrive. One of the most powerful tools I use in supervision is the 7-Eyed Model, developed by Peter Hawkins and Robin Shohet. Over the years, I’ve seen first hand how this approach can deeply enrich professional — and personal — growth.
So what is it, and why does it matter for your journey?
What Is the 7-Eyed Model of Supervision?
The 7-Eyed Model invites us to explore our work through seven different lenses, or “eyes.” Together in supervision, we look at:
The client – what's happening for them.
The therapist's interventions – what you are doing and how you’re working.
The client-therapist relationship – what’s playing out between you.
The therapist's internal process – your feelings, thoughts, bodily reactions.
The supervisory relationship – what happens between you and me.
The supervisor's internal process – my own reactions and insights.
The wider system – cultural, organisational, and contextual factors that impact the work.
It’s not just about ticking off tasks or “fixing” problems. It’s about opening up space for reflection, growth, and deeper understanding of the many layers at play.
How This Model Supports Your Growth
It Deepens Your Self-Awareness
One of the most rewarding parts of supervision, for me, is helping practitioners connect with what’s happening internally — not just in the head, but in the heart and body too. By tuning into your internal process, you become a more authentic, responsive practitioner.
It Strengthens Your Work with Clients
When we explore the client-therapist relationship, we often uncover rich material that leads to breakthroughs. Sometimes what feels like “stuckness” is actually a signal from the relationship itself.
It Develops Your Reflexivity
Supervision with the 7-Eyed Model encourages you to step back and see the bigger picture. We explore not just the session in front of you, but the patterns, systems, and dynamics shaping the work — building a more flexible, resilient way of practising.
It Supports Your Wellbeing
Our work can be emotionally heavy at times. Using the model, we regularly check in with how the work is landing in your body and mind, helping you to recognise signs of overwhelm early and keep your own pot full.
It Promotes Ethical, Thoughtful Practice
We don’t work in a vacuum. The 7-Eyed Model invites us to think about systemic, cultural, and organisational influences too, ensuring your work remains grounded, ethical, and connected to the bigger picture.
Why I Believe It’s Needed More Than Ever
Today’s world feels fast, complex, and often overwhelming. Clients are bringing increasingly complex experiences into the room — and as practitioners, we’re navigating not only their worlds but our own.
This model offers a grounding framework for reflective, relational supervision — helping you grow not just professionally, but personally too. Supervision becomes a space where you can bring your whole self, with curiosity and compassion.
A Final Thought
Supervision, for me, isn’t about performance or perfection. It’s about creating a relational space where you can safely explore, stretch, and strengthen who you are as a practitioner.
Working within the 7-Eyed Model opens up pathways for richer insight, greater resilience, and deeper connection — both with your clients and with yourself.
And that’s where true professional growth begins.
If you’re looking for a supervision space where you can grow, reflect, and reconnect with your passion for the work, I’d love to hear from you. I offer supportive, relational supervision grounded in the 7-Eyed Model. Feel free to get in touch to explore how we might work together.
📩 Contact me today to arrange an informal chat or book your first session.
Comentários