This self-access class explores how creativity and reflexive practice can deepen supervision, support new perspectives and help when therapeutic work feels stuck, repetitive or difficult to express.
Participants will examine the relationship between creativity, reflection and reflexivity, alongside practical approaches such as metaphor, imagery, perspective-taking, chair work, timelines, diagrams and visual materials. The class also considers how supervisors and supervisees can become more aware of their assumptions, emotional responses, identity and influence within therapeutic relationships.
Throughout the class, participants are encouraged to reflect on their own supervisory style and consider how creative and reflexive approaches can be used collaboratively, ethically and with a clear focus on the service user.
These sessions are being developed as part of a wider pathway to supervision. At present, each self-access class can be purchased individually, either as professional development for those working towards supervision or as continuing professional development for existing supervisors. We will release further information about the pathway, including how the sessions fit together once the associated competencies and wider framework have been finalised.
Class Structure
Creativity and Supervision
An introduction to creativity, reflexivity and the balance between the art and science of supervision.
Creative Approaches in Practice
Exploring metaphor, imagery, chair work, perspective-taking, timelines, diagrams and other practical methods.
Developing Reflexive Practice
Examining the difference between reflection and reflexivity, including awareness of assumptions, emotions, identity, power and wider contexts.
Integration and Safe Practice
Bringing creativity and reflexivity together while considering boundaries, ethical practice, potential limitations and the importance of purposeful interventions.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this self-access class, participants will be able to:
- Explain the relationship between creativity and reflexive practice in supervision.
- Distinguish between reflection and reflexivity.
- Identify when creative approaches may support supervisory work.
- Apply a range of creative and reflexive methods in supervision.
- Explore assumptions, emotional responses and relational dynamics.
- Consider how identity, power and wider contexts may influence practice.
- Recognise the potential limitations and risks of creative approaches.
- Integrate creativity and reflexivity while maintaining an appropriate focus on the service user.
About the Trainer
Terry Hanley, is a Professor of Counselling Psychology in the Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester. He is a HCPC registered Counselling Psychologist and a Fellow of the British Psychological Society. He is a current member of COSRT’s Standards Committee.
Terry is co-editor of The Sage Handbook of Counselling and Psychotherapy (4th and 5th editions; Sage Publications) and co-author of Key topics in Counselling Psychology (BPS/Routledge), Introducing Counselling and Psychotherapy Research (Sage Publications) and Adolescent Counselling Psychology (Routledge).
His major research focus is the interface between technology and therapy, with extensive work on the development of online therapy and, increasingly, the use of AI to support wellbeing. Terry has published widely on these topics and contributes to policy and practice guidance for digital mental health provision.
