Reflective Supervision (RSC): 

• Is a relationship-based approach to professional development that supports individuals across various disciplines. 
• Centers on the infant mental health principle that relationships are the foundation for growth. 
• Emphasizes a professional’s use of self, curiosity, and reflective functioning to effectively support their professional work with others through the power of relationship.

STRENGTHENING THE WORKFORCE THROUGH REFLECTIVE RELATIONSHIPS

RSC is a key component of infant mental health practice and a requirement for the Endorsement for Culturally Sensitive, Relationship-Focused Practice Promoting Infant Mental Health® (RI-IMH-Endorsement®) through the Rhode Island Association for Infant Mental Health (RIAIMH).

EARLY LEARNING HAPPENS IN THE CONTEXT OF RELATIONSHIPS

Reflective supervision/consultation is distinct from administrative or clinical supervision. It focuses on relationships—much like the infant mental health field as a whole.

During reflective supervision/consultation, the supervisees and their supervisors examine relationships at different levels, including those between the supervisee and supervisor, supervisee and parent, and parent and infant/toddler.

They strive to understand how each of these relationships affects the others.

They also look at how the supervisee’s work is affected by the emotions he or she experiences when working with infants, young children, and families.