The Institute works with agencies to construct courses that focus on the dilemmas faced by supervisors within their work base whilst providing transferable supervision skills across multiple contexts This course equips participants to use systemic, social constructionist and educational theories to develop their practice when undertaking supervision. The focus is on the application of sound theoretical frameworks. The course transforms theory into clear supervisory practice.

IFT recognises the extensive knowledge, experience and skills that participants bring and seeks to build on these and the practice wisdom which emerges from the local environment. The knowledge we apply emerges from multiple theoretical sources. By creating a context in which ideas can be developed, enriched and reinvigorated, we offer conditions for curiosity and critique to flourish as part of ethical supervisory practice.

We pay particular attention to ways of working in practice and in supervision that meet the needs of marginalised client groups. Attention to issues of privilege, power and difference and the promotion and development of anti-discriminatory practice are central to the course philosophy and permeate all aspects of the teaching.

Participants are supported in their aspirations for learning and self-development; we value different learning styles and develop skills through small group work, didactic teaching, learning logs, role play, peer and tutor feedback and the supervision of supervision. The knowledge and skills development that is central to this course can be applied across multiple contexts. However great emphasis is placed on the application of theory in situated practice.

We are committed to providing communities and the field with outstanding supervisors. Course entry requires extensive knowledge, skills and professional expertise. Participants will develop sensitivity to the distinction between the relational practices of therapy and the relational practices of supervision.

Our expectations and accountabilities are clearly set out throughout the course; the quality of our teaching is paramount in delivering safe and rigorous practice.

Course participants are required to use current audio-visual technology to record sessions of their individual and group supervision to bring to the course days for supervision of supervision and in order to facilitate further reflexive processes in their work.

The course aims and outcomes draw upon the third edition of the AFT Red Book (2017), which outlines the requirements of qualified systemic psychotherapists for training to become a systemic supervisor.