Group Supervision: A Guide to Creative Practice - Group-focused

In this review of Group Supervision: A Guide to Creative Practice the bottom line is simple: this is the most focused practical text available for supervisors and practitioners working in group settings. Brigid Proctor's Second Edition makes a convincing case that group supervision offers unique learning and accountability benefits, and the book is strongest as a clear, research-informed handbook for those leading or participating in supervision groups. It is practical without being simplistic and situates group work within contemporary concerns such as diversity and ethical decision-making.

Key Features

• Dedicated focus on groups: The book is the only supervision title in this series devoted entirely to group formats, offering guidance specific to group dynamics and process.
• Updated research: The Second Edition includes recent findings on group supervision in organizations so readers get current evidence alongside practice ideas.
• Diversity and ethics coverage: Additional content addresses the challenge of diversity and how to approach ethical decision-making within groups.
• Supervisor development chapter: A new chapter explores advantages of groups for supervisor training and professional development, useful for programmes and individual supervisors.
• Practitioner research emphasis: The author stresses accountability and encourages practitioner research, helping readers link practice to evidence.

Who It's For

This book is aimed at clinical supervisors, group facilitators, counselling trainers and experienced practitioners who use or plan to use group supervision in organisations. It suits readers who want both practical guidance and summaries of contemporary research that relate specifically to group settings.

Those seeking a general introduction to individual supervision models, or a highly prescriptive workbook of exercises for beginners, may find sections less immediately actionable; this text assumes some familiarity with supervision practice and organisational contexts.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clear focus on group supervision provides targeted guidance that is hard to find elsewhere.
• Updated research and organisational examples make the material relevant to contemporary practice.
• Good treatment of diversity and ethical decision-making helps supervisors manage complex group issues.

Cons

• The book is more conceptual and reflective than a step-by-step workbook, so beginners may need supplementary practical exercises.

Specifications

Our Verdict

Group Supervision is a valuable, well-structured resource for supervisors and trainers who lead or design group supervision. Its updated research, focus on diversity and encouragement of practitioner research make it strong value for those wanting a group-specific, evidence-aware guide rather than a beginners drill book.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this edition include new material?
The Second Edition adds updated research, expanded coverage of diversity and a new chapter on supervisor development.

Is it suitable for beginners?
It is most useful for readers with some supervision background; absolute beginners may prefer a more exercise-driven primer alongside this book.

Does it cover ethics in groups?
Yes, the text includes further coverage of ethical decision-making specific to group supervision contexts.