Supervision as a discipline lacks a clear definition. The functions, approaches and models to supervision we presently have are clearly inadequate.

One of the reasons why this is the case is that no-one has accurately modeled the space(s) in which supervision occurs. Hawkins and Shohet's 7 eyed model, for instance, is both inadequate and internally inconsistent.

I am presently developing a model for supervision using complex systems theory as my platform. At this point I have mapped the following properties of this space: contexts, relationships, emergent contexts, emergent relationships, levels of access to all aspects of the supervisory space, properties of the space (eg. ethical paramaters, confidentiality, the intentions and needs brought by each party to the supervision process), functions of the space (eg. imparting of wisdom/ know how, education/ know what, mentorship, the application of ethics). These are not the only aspect of the supervisory space and I seek feedback or suggestions about what other aspects need to be addressed. Some of the aspects of the space will apply to the whole environment, others will only apply to specific arenas within the space.

My hope is that, when I have this clearly articulated it will be easier for educators, practitioners and researchers to determine what belongs to supervision, what doesn't and how to more easily bring aspects into the supervisory space. For example, is it philosophically and ethically possible to take a practice like mindfulness into the supervisory space? Mindfulness emerged out of a monastic culture wherein it was immersed in a specific metaphysics, epistemology, philosophy and ethics. Does this background align sufficiently with the space of supervision to allow the transference. This same question can be asked of the relationship between mindfulness and the high touch professions in general.

Mindfulness is only one case. There are many tools to be found within the Eastern wisdom traditions that stand to be of use within the high touch professions. If this movement from East to West and Monastic to Secular can be sucessfully negitiated then I would suggest that all parties stand to benefit. THe high touch professions stand to benefit from a growth in their understnading in relation to the nature of human consciousness and the aquisition of tools particularly with respect to practitioner self care.