Reflecting on My Own Clinical Supervision Practice: Utilising Images for Greater Wisdom
Cheryl Taylor has been a guiding light in my journey of self-discovery and professional growth. Her insightful guidance and ability to hold space for my own clinical supervision has been invaluable. Recently, Cheryl posed a series of thought-provoking questions, inviting me to delve into the depths of my inner world through the powerful medium of imagery. These questions served as catalysts for reflection, allowing me to tap into the wisdom of my subconscious and gain a deeper understanding of my authentic self.
In this blog, I share my personal reflections and the insights gathered from this recent transformative exercise.
Coming Home to Self
The journey of self-discovery is an ongoing pursuit, and for me, it is intrinsically tied to the exploration of new horizons. The image I chose to represent this notion of "coming home to self" is that of a modern architectural new age precinct – a reflection of my love for venturing into unfamiliar territories and experiencing that profound sense of awe. It is in these moments of wonder and curiosity that I find myself most alive.
A Clear Representation of Me
Family has always been the bedrock of my existence, a constant source of strength and support. When tasked with selecting an image that encapsulates my true self, I gravitated towards a depiction of a small village, symbolising the collective effort required to nurture and raise a child. This image serves as a poignant reminder that it truly "takes a village" to cultivate growth and foster resilience, both within ourselves and within the communities we belong to.
What is Calling Me?
In the midst of life's responsibilities and obligations, it is all too easy to lose sight of the joy that infuses our existence with vibrancy. My reflection on "what is calling me" revealed a longing to integrate more fun into my life – a desire to embrace the playful, carefree moments that often elude us in the hustle and bustle of daily routines.
What Gets in the Way?
The image I chose to represent the obstacles hindering my progress was one of sludge and two footprints, each facing in opposite directions – a powerful metaphor for the sense of stagnation and indecision that can grip me at times. Neither path seemed to offer a clear way forward, leaving me feeling stuck and uncertain about the next steps to take.
Future Me
Envisioning my future self was an exercise in hope and aspiration. The image I selected featured footprints, with one bearing the imprint of a hiking boot. This representation was accompanied by the mantra, "Your boots have never let you down," signifying that the transition I am currently experiencing professionally is merely part of a grand adventure, leading me towards the awe and wonder I so deeply crave.
Moving Towards the Vision
Finally, when contemplating what I need to start doing to move towards my vision, I chose the image of a sunflower. This vibrant bloom not only embodies the colours of my business but to me, also symbolises growth, strength, and the solar plexus chakra – a reminder to trust in my inner power and resilience as I navigate the path ahead.
Through this reflective process, utilising images as conduits for self-exploration, I gain invaluable insights into my own journey. By tapping into the subconscious realms represented by these visual metaphors, I am able to revisit a course towards a future that aligns with my authentic self.
As a practitioner of clinical supervision, it is imperative that I walk the talk, engaging in regular reflective practices to deepen my own self-awareness and cultivate wisdom. By sharing this personal journey, I hope to inspire others to embrace the transformative power of imagery and introspection, unlocking the profound wisdom that lies within each of us.
I incorporate these same reflective skills when I work with school counsellors as a clinical supervisor and with educators as the facilitator of the Psychoemotional Strength Program I developed. Reach out and connect with me to learn more! cathy@refreshreset.com.au