Supporting Those Who Support Others: Why Professional Supervision Matters

Supervision helps professionals work through challenging situations, receive feedback, reflect on their practice and develop their professional skills. It is a space for professional development, not a way of monitoring or evaluating their work.

Recently, a five-day training course on the Integrative Model for Supervision (IMS) was held in Kyiv for Ukrainian Red Cross mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) specialists.

Participants explored the principles and tools of the IMS, developed supervision skills and worked on professional boundaries, confidentiality, ethical issues and risk management. The training combined theory with practical exercises: participants worked through case studies, practised supervision sessions and developed skills in individual, group, remote and peer supervision.

The training brought together specialists from 13 regions of Ukraine. They will now apply their knowledge by providing supervision to colleagues in their regions, with ongoing methodological support and professional exchange through the IMS community.

The Ukrainian Red Cross continues to support those who help others every day by creating opportunities for professional development and peer support. Supporting those who support others is an important part of ensuring high-quality and safe assistance.