A Contextual-Functional Meta-Framework for Counselling Supervision

In this paper, an approach to clinical supervision, entitled the ContextualFunctional Meta-Framework (CFM), is developed and articulated, based on a consideration of current literature and the author’s extensive practice experience. First, the context for the development of the CFM, and its formative influences, are examined, followed by a review of its six main components: the administrative context in which supervision takes place; the culture infused supervisory working alliance; nine supervisory functions; the supervisor’s and supervisee’s theory of change; the service delivery system; and the phase of counsellor development. Finally, future avenues for the model’s ongoing development and evaluation are discussed. As a meta-framework for the development of one’s personal approach to supervision, rather than a model of supervision, the CFM provides a transtheoretical heuristic for clinical supervisors to develop their personal approach the supervision.