Two Powerful Supervision Models Explained Simply: The Seven-Eyed Model & The Integrated Developmental Model

Supervision can sometimes feel a bit mysterious, especially when models and theories are mentioned in passing but never really explained. Two of the most helpful—and widely used—models in UK counselling supervision are the Seven-Eyed Model and the Integrated Developmental Model (IDM).

Let’s break them down into something useful, warm, and easy to understand.

🌿 The Seven-Eyed Model of Supervision (by Hawkins & Shohet)

Despite the name, this model doesn’t involve any actual eyeballs! It simply refers to seven different “lenses” or areas that supervision can explore.

These help us reflect on all the relationships involved in therapy, not just what’s happening in the client’s session.

Here’s a simple rundown of the seven “eyes”:

👁 1. The Client’s Experience

We explore what the client is experiencing in their world and in the therapy room.

👁 2. The Therapist’s Interventions

We look at what you did or said in the session—and why.

👁 3. The Client-Therapist Relationship

What’s happening between you and your client? Power, trust, dynamics?

👁 4. The Therapist’s Experience

How do you feel in response to the client? Stuck, drained, moved?

👁 5. The Supervisory Relationship

What’s going on between you and your supervisor? Any parallel processes?

👁 6. The Supervisor’s Experience

How does the supervisor respond to what you bring? They might notice something you haven’t.

👁 7. The Wider Context

We consider the wider systems—culture, agency, ethical framework, social context.

🧠 Why it’s helpful: This model helps you reflect on all the layers at play, not just “what happened in the session.” It supports deeper awareness and greater flexibility in your practice.

🌱 The Integrated Developmental Model (IDM)

This model recognises that you grow as a therapist over time—and what you need from supervision changes too.

The IDM describes three stages of development:

🌼 Level 1: The Beginner Stage

You’re likely feeling unsure, eager, and needing structure. Supervision at this stage offers lots of guidance, reassurance, and help understanding your process.

🌷 Level 2: The Growing Stage

You’re developing confidence but still wobble sometimes. You’re more self-aware and able to reflect—but might feel stuck when clients challenge you emotionally.

🌳 Level 3: The Mature Stage

You have confidence, self-awareness, and ethical depth. Supervision becomes more collaborative, focused on refining and deepening your practice.

🧠 Why it’s helpful: This model supports supervision that adapts to you. It helps your supervisor meet you where you are—offering what you need at each point in your journey.

💬 So, How Do These Work Together?

Think of it like this:

• The Seven-Eyed Model helps explore what’s going on in your work from multiple angles.

• The IDM helps explore how you’re growing as a therapist over time.

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Together, they create a supervision experience that’s deep, reflective, and responsive to your needs.

🤝 Final Thoughts

Supervision isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s a living, breathing process of reflection, growth, and support. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been in the game for years, these models can help make your supervision more meaningful—and more empowering.

If you’re looking for supervision that honours your development and sees you as a whole person, I’d be honoured to walk with you.