Content

This unit deepens the theory and practice of supervision specifically in relation to supervision of Spiritual Directors. Rooted in a contemplative framework, this unit places discernment of spirits and soul-care as the lens through which an exploration of power and authority differentials are appraised. Students will gain an understanding of the complexities inherent in Spiritual Direction within the framework of institutional power, and a focus on the responsible use of authority in addressing issues of abuse within spiritual or religious contexts. Blocks that may hinder the facilitation of compassionate accompaniment will be investigated, and practical engagement with the principles of Spiritual Direction will be expanded to ensure supervisors are capable of nurturing authentic and trusting supervisionary relationships, individually, in group settings and in culturally diverse contexts. This unit requires each student to log 10 hours as a supervisor in training. Additionally, the student will receive at least 2 hours of supervision provided by a UD recognised Spiritual Direction supervisor.

Unit code: PS8114Z

Unit status: Approved (Minor revision)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Foundational

Unit discipline: Professional Supervision

Delivery Mode: Blended

Proposing College: School of Professional Practice - Professional Supervision

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Learning outcomes

1.

Discuss nuanced knowledge and principles of supervision of spiritual directors with reference to the sociological, psychological, and pastoral foundations underpinning the ministry of spiritual direction

2.

Analyse psychological aspects of self and others operating within the supervision of Spiritual Direction sessions

3.

Reflect critically on culture, power and authority dynamics in the supervision of Spiritual Directors within spiritual/religious contexts

4.

Demonstrate professional supervision of groups and individual spiritual directors, including supervision and contemplative listening in an intercultural and other contexts

5.

Evaluate with reference to contemporary literature and spiritual or religious contexts, a range of different approaches to contemplative supervision of Spiritual Directors

Unit sequence

Prohibited combination: PS8014M Inclusion Power and Culture in Supervision

Pedagogy

34 hours face to face engagement: 4 hours tutorial, 4 hours application, 12 hours practicum

Indicative Bibliography

  • Butté, Céline., Colert, Tasha . Embodied Approaches to Supervision: The Listening Body. United Kingdom: Taylor & Francis, 2022
  • Conroy, Maureen, Looking into the Well: Supervision of Spiritual Directors, USA: Loyola University Press, 1995.
  • Denborough, David. Retelling the Stories of Our Lives: Everyday Narrative Therapy to Draw Inspiration and Transform Experience. United Kingdom, W. W. Norton, 2014.
  • Nouwen, H. Discernment: Reading the Signs of Daily Life. New York: HarperCollins, 2013.
  • Paterson, Michael., Crumlish, Liz. Modalities for Group Supervision & Reflective Practice. United Kingdom: Institute of Pastoral Supervision & Reflective Practice, 2023.
  • Tucker, Lucy Abbott. Spiritual Direction Supervision: Principles, Practices, and Storytelling. United States, SDI Press, 2020.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Case Study - Case Study; Verbatim (same criteria and rubric)

Students will identify and investigate a problem in a particular case example (situation), examine potential solutions and recommend effective interventions using supporting evidence.

1000 20.0
Essay - Essay; Poster/Presentation; Integrated project; Reflective Learning Journal (same criteria and rubric for all)

Students will draw together the learning of the unit and focus on integrating experience with theory. The processes and practices required to professionally supervise will be critiqued with particular attention given to supervisory context.

2500 35.0
Skill Demonstration - Assessment in the Room

A. Supervision in the room 30% (equiv 1500) Student practitioners will be assessed in real time as they take up their role as a professional supervisor. Student-to-student critique is integrated into this task. B. Critical Reflection 15% (write 1500) Students will critically reflect on one specific issue that was brought to their attention throughout the assessment-in-the-room experience

3000 45.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 24 Nov, 2023

Unit record last updated: 2024-01-25 13:31:02 +1100