The Power of Reflective Supervision and Self-Care
Barbara Einsohn’s mentorship through reflective supervision enabled Lee Johnson to become a strong candidate for Endorsement and eventually earn the IMH-E® credential.
First3Years recently wrapped up a ToolBox grant from North Texas Community Foundation that allowed us to not only offer scholarships for endorsement, but to measure the impact of reflective supervision.
What is Reflective Supervision? Reflective supervision is a medium through which infant and toddler professionals receive the emotional support they need to more effectively serve the children and families with which they work. It is mentorship that gives them the opportunity to process their work with families with a highly qualified individual who has received the Infant Mental Health Endorsement (IMH-E®) credential.
Other reported outcomes include increased perceived competence, job satisfaction, and overall professional development, despite increases in work-related stress over time.
In what can be a profession rife with burnout, compassion fatigue, and job-related stress, reflective supervision serves as a safe place for processing, self-care, and support from someone who really understands the intricacies of the field. Studies and first-hand accounts have shown that participating in reflective supervision increases job satisfaction, improves coworker relationships, and enhances the competency of professionals in the infant and toddler mental health field.