While various models of supervision have emerged over the years, one framework that has stood the test of time—particularly in the United Kingdom—is the Seven-Eyed Model of Supervision.
This model offers a multi-faceted approach to reflection, encouraging both supervisor and supervisee to look at the therapeutic process from a variety of different viewpoints.
This post looks at the history that led to the development of the Seven-Eyed Model, explores its theoretical underpinnings, and provides practical insights into how it can enrich a supervision session.
The Landscape Before the Seven Eyes: A Brief History of Supervision in the UK
Before the advent of more structured frameworks like the Seven-Eyed Model, clinical supervision in the UK was often less formalised. In the mid-20th century, the dominant approach resembled an apprenticeship, where trainee therapists learned by observing and assisting a more experienced “master” clinician (source).
This approach, while valuable in its own right, was typically tied to the specific therapeutic orientation of the supervisor. For example, a supervisee of a psychoanalytic therapist would be guided primarily by psychoanalytic principles and practices.
The 1970s saw a significant shift. There was growing emphasis on moving away from a purely hierarchical, master–apprentice dynamic toward a more educational and reflective practice. A key development during this period was the emergence of the three-function model of supervision, championed by figures like Brigid Proctor and Joan Inskipp (source). This influential framework proposed that supervision should serve three core functions:
- Normative: Ensuring the supervisee’s work is ethical, professional, and competent.
- Formative: Developing the supervisee’s skills, knowledge, and understanding.
- Restorative: Providing a supportive space for the supervisee to process the emotional impact of their work and to recharge.
The three-function model remains a cornerstone of many supervisory trainings today. However, there was still room for a more holistic and systemic approach.
The Development of the Seven-Eyed Model
Against this backdrop, Peter Hawkins and Robin Shohet developed the Seven-Eyed Model of Supervision in 1985. Their work integrated relational and systemic aspects of supervision into a single, comprehensive framework. They recognised that the therapeutic encounter does not happen in a vacuum; to truly understand it, one must consider the various interconnected systems and relationships.
The model is so named because it invites the supervisor and supervisee to look at the work through seven different “eyes”, each offering a unique perspective on the therapeutic process. This encourages a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the client, the therapist, and the supervisory process itself.
The Theoretical Framework: What Are the Seven Eyes?
The Seven-Eyed Model provides a structured way to explore the dynamics of a therapeutic relationship. Let’s “look” at each of the seven eyes:
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The Client’s World
Focuses entirely on the client. The aim is to bring the client and their experiences into the supervision room—exploring not just the content of what the client brings, but also how they present themselves, their non-verbal cues, and their overall way of being. -
The Therapist’s Interventions
Shifts the focus to the supervisee’s actions and interventions. What did the therapist do in the session, and why? This reviews technique and clinical reasoning and opens space to consider alternative strategies. -
The Relationship Between Therapist and Client
Examines the therapeutic alliance, including transference, countertransference, and the unspoken elements of the relationship. The goal is insight into the conscious and unconscious dynamics at play. -
The Therapist’s Own Experience
Turns inward to the supervisee’s process. How is the therapist affected by the work with this client? This includes feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations—acknowledging and understanding the personal impact of the work. -
The Supervisory Relationship
Brings the “here and now” of the supervision session into focus. Are there parallel processes where therapy dynamics are mirrored in supervision? This eye can offer profound insights into the client’s experience. -
The Supervisor’s Own Process
Encourages the supervisor to reflect on their internal experience as they listen to the supervisee. What thoughts, feelings, and images arise, and how might these be relevant to the case? -
The Wider Context
Considers the broader systemic context—organisational pressures, professional codes of practice, societal norms, and cultural factors influencing client, therapist, and supervisor. The therapeutic relationship is always situated within a wider system.
The Seven-Eyed Model in Practice: A Glimpse into a Supervision Session
To bring this model to life, imagine I’m supervising Sarah, a counsellor working with Mark, a client struggling with work-related anxiety.
Eye 1: Focus on the Client
“I’m curious: if Mark were in the room with us now, what would you want me to know about him? How does he hold himself when he talks about his anxiety? What metaphors does he use?” The aim is to build a rich, empathic picture of Mark’s experience.
Eye 2: Focus on Interventions
“You mentioned using a mindfulness technique with Mark. What was your thinking behind choosing that intervention at that moment? How did he respond?” This supports Sarah to articulate her clinical reasoning.
Eye 3: Focus on the Relationship
“What’s the feeling in the room when you and Mark are together? Are there patterns in how he relates to you?” This invites reflection on the therapeutic alliance.
Eye 4: Focus on the Counsellor’s Experience
“How are you feeling when you’re in the room with Mark? Do you notice any physical sensations or emotional responses in yourself during sessions?” This encourages Sarah to connect with her internal process.
Eye 5: Focus on the Supervisory Relationship
If I notice hesitation, I might name it: “I’m sensing some hesitation as you talk about this. I wonder if this also comes up in your sessions with Mark?” This explores potential parallel process.
Eye 6: Focus on the Supervisor’s Own Process
“I’m noticing a pull in me to ‘fix’ this for you, Sarah. I wonder if that echoes the pressure Mark feels at work—and that you might be carrying.” I share this to see if it resonates and opens new understanding.
Eye 7: Focus on the Wider Context
“You’ve mentioned the high-pressure culture at Mark’s workplace. How might that be impacting his anxiety and your work together? Are there organisational factors we need to consider?”
In reality, it’s rarely this neat or linear. The aim is for both of us to explore the client thoroughly and consider how best to support them through the therapeutic relationship. From my own experience, this model can hold complexity without losing focus on the client’s needs.
Criticisms and Potential Limitations
This model isn’t perfect. Having been trained in it and used it, I recognise a few limitations:
1) Complexity for Novices
For new supervisors or supervisees, navigating all seven eyes can feel overwhelming. There’s a risk of the model becoming a mechanical checklist rather than a fluid framework for reflection.
2) Lack of Empirical Evidence
While widely used and respected, there is limited empirical research definitively proving the model’s superiority over other frameworks (source).
3) Over-Emphasis on Certain Eyes
In practice, supervisors may focus on some modes more than others—and I’ll confess to that blind spot in my own work. One observational study found the most attention was given to the wider context (Eye 7) and interventions (Eye 2), and the least to the client (Eye 1) and the client–supervisee relationship (Eye 3) (source).
Conclusion
The Seven-Eyed Model of Supervision offers a robust framework for reflective practice. Its strength lies in moving beyond a narrow focus on the client’s “problem” to embrace the complexity of the therapeutic process.
By encouraging a systemic and relational perspective, it helps supervisees and supervisors develop skills, enhance self-awareness, and ultimately provide a more ethical and effective service to clients.
If you’re interested in working with a supervisor who uses this framework, get in touch to arrange a free supervision consultation.