The Role of Contracting in Supervision

249: The Role of Contracting in Supervision with Anna Springett

In this Episode

Do you really understand the role of contracting in supervision? This week, join host Helen O’Grady as she speaks with coaching psychologist and supervisor, Anna Springett as they discuss the skill and practice of contracting in supervision. They discuss how it compares to contracting in coaching and the broad range of factors that practitioners need to consider. Anna explains the psychological aspects of containment in supervision and the significance of checking assumptions in supervision relationships.

 

They explain what questions a coach can ask when looking for a supervisor and explore cultural differences in perceptions of time and group dynamics, emphasising the need for ongoing, adaptive contracting. Anna introduces her 8 Ps model and what emerging trends and challenges she sees for coaching supervision, including technology and global awareness. This conversation defines the vital role contracting has in supervision, with tips and insights to help both supervisors and coaches improve their contracting practices.

You Will Learn

• What contracting is and its pivotal role in supervision
• The psychological concepts of containment
• What questions a coach can ask to find the right supervisor

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Guest Bio's

Anna has two decades of experience as a coach, coach and psychology supervisor, team developer and OD practitioner, working across sectors and countries, delivering leadership and organizational development programmes. Anna is a BPS chartered psychologist and supervisor, an HCPC registered occupational psychologist, and an EMCC Master Coach, team coach and ESIA certified supervisor. She is writing a book on the psychology and practice of contracting, due to be published by Routledge in 2026.

 

Connect with Anna