Page 26 - CCAA-2020- Journal_Neat

Counselling Connections Across Australia

They request help on which counselling is based on the culturally sensitive steps • A Likert scale evaluation and
theories work best, asking, “what is the suggested by Yuen Han Mo and Tsui assessment tool in the form of a
first step ( in counselling)”, and “what 2016c, pp71-72). Remaining culturally questionnaire for supervisor and
direction should I take in helping clients”, sensitive also develops trust and respect supervisees to use and so monitor
another question I was asked is, “if a within our supervision relationship. The the growth, needs and mood of the
client comes in upset should they deal authors’ primary role at the moment group and respond more accurately.
with the ‘emotion’ first or go straight to is teacher, role model and emotional Importantly this evaluation tool
goals and ‘fixing’ the client”? supporter, the supervisees tend to be gives a more informed picture of
submissive afraid to do or say something my supervisees’ assessment of
Given these stated goals, and wrong, providing emotional support , the supervisor as well as the group
considering traditional models, the feedback and encouragement is a vital processes. All documents need to be
author is implementing a culturally ingredient to the success of this group. translated into Chinese and returned
appropriate developmental model of in English.
supervision incorporating aspects of
clinical education and transformational METhODS: • A written supervision report based
learning. on my session notes is sent to the
The supervision sessions are with up interpreter to forward at end of every
Delivering a conceptual developmental to four supervisees plus a translator, session.
model of clinical education has the we meet monthly for two hours via the
advantage of building the supervisees internet. • A skype etiquette document.
theoretical knowledge, practice skills
and competence while improving • Monthly group supervision followed Ethics and professional frameworks
overall planning and structuring of our with at least one session of individual to consider are first having current
supervision sessions. This also has the supervision one on one, allowing the indemnity insurance and ensuring that
advantage of modelling a structure they author to get to know each supervisee this cross-cultural supervision practice
could incorporate when planning their and embracing the culture of guanxi and delivery is included or covered by my
counselling sessions. One such model of and ‘face’. insurer and by my professional ethics
clinical education is described by Cox (in code. Further ethical considerations are
Joffe 2005). This model, Cox suggests, • Offered externally, the supervisor keeping accurate records, evaluation,
addresses the importance of building in a is independent of the supervisees’ and feedback, and performing the
reflective process, creates opportunities agency. monitoring or gatekeeping function of
for supervisees to pursue knowledge supervision. This is an ethical challenge
from their own texts. Cox’s model allows • Delivered using, Skype, WeChat video, for me because it appears that SW in
for demonstration and explanation by and emails using a variety of teaching China is not regulated or at least not in
the supervisor, and observation and an methods, such as, case studies sent the way it is in the west.
experiential learning opportunity for the by the supervisor prior to a session,
supervisees. Cox proposes a circular case conceptualisations presented by Finally, Informed consent and
process linking an experience cycle supervisees, role plays, and practice confidentiality the author asked her
with an explanation cycle. In this case scenarios to promote modelling of supervisees what the process is in
the author links the supervisees’ voiced counselling, teaching opportunities, China. They discussed maintaining
experience of their clinical encounter discussion and reflection. confidentiality with their clients, but
where we debrief/ discuss via them the author is unsure about their
asking questions or by case presentation, • Supervisees respond verbally in understanding of informed consent.
with an explanation cycle where we session to practice and challenge These supervisees view is everything is
make meaning of, analyse and make questions. kept confidential even if their concerns
clear previously not thought of or taught are regarding client safety. This issue
concepts and any unidentified issues in • The supervisee’s requested external was raised recently in supervision
their client’s presentation. This prepares supervision via their agency. and we developed a safety plan for
one for the next client encounter. This the client and a safety protocol for the
model develops a reflective stance • An informal assessment and review counselor to follow. My supervisees
and Cox says, working knowledge. currently Q & A and self -report report that SW practice in China is
The supervisees have an opportunity session at the end of every meeting. not guided by a professional code of
to observe counselling in practice ethics although I did find a document
using their case and my modelling of published online that outlined policies
counselling skills with them. By role DOCuMENTS AND EVALuATION: and practice for a Chinese ‘Social
playing with the supervisees, they Workers Registration Board’ (2018), this
are able to listen and problem solve • A written contract and services document was referenced for Hong Kong
with each other. The author has an agreement covering roles and which is now under Chinese control
opportunity to make use of ‘self’ as an responsibilities for the supervisor and but still operates as one country two
influential power, be open, empathic and supervisee, purpose, (goal setting) systems. The author must determine
give positive feedback. In making use of context, monitoring and evaluation, whether this board covers SW in The
listening, perspective taking skills and conflict resolution steps and People’s Republic of China. Bai (2014b,
asking appropriate questions, we can termination. 496) mentions a ‘Regulations on the
reframe issues and so direct the group to Professional Certification for Assistant
consider possible reasons and solutions • Evaluation of supervision is via informal Social Workers and Social Workers’
that they had not thought previously. This reflective feedback each session, (2006?) which defines different positions
also encourages reflection. This model written evaluations, and review. and corresponding requirements by

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Edition 12 November 2020