What Is Professional Supervision?
Learn what professional supervision is, what happens in supervision and how reflective supervision supports professional practice in New Zealand.
Read the guide →Reflective practice
What Is Reflective Supervision?
Reflective supervision creates structured time to examine professional experiences, decisions and responses rather than concentrating only on tasks and operational updates.
Last reviewed: 13 October 2026
Direct answer
In brief
Reflective supervision is a form of supervision centred on thinking critically about practice. It explores what happened, how decisions were formed, what influenced the practitioner and what could be learned or approached differently in future.
How is reflective supervision different from a work update?
A work update usually concentrates on what has been completed and what needs to happen next. Reflective supervision goes further by examining judgement, assumptions, emotional responses, relationships, context and the reasoning behind professional decisions.
What does critical reflection involve?
Critical reflection can involve asking what influenced a response, what other perspectives may exist, what assumptions were present and what the practitioner might retain or change in future practice.
Why make reflection a regular practice?
Regular reflective space can help practitioners notice patterns, examine difficult situations more carefully and turn professional experience into ongoing learning.
Sources and further reading
New Zealand supervision guidance
Related resources
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Benefits of Professional Supervision
Explore how professional supervision can support reflective practice, professional judgement, learning, accountability and practitioner development.
Read the guide →How to Prepare for Professional Supervision
Learn how to prepare for a professional supervision session by identifying key situations, questions, patterns and goals for reflection.
Read the guide →What Makes Professional Supervision Effective?
Learn what makes professional supervision effective, including reflection, constructive challenge, cultural responsiveness, clear boundaries and regular review.
Read the guide →Related UPUTĀUA service