Mindfulness-based relational supervision: mutual learning and transformation 
Authors: Fiona Adamson and Jane Brendgen
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 978 1138 06310 5
“Love is at the heart of transformational learning.” That’s the profound teaching at the heart of this remarkable book. The paradox of change posits that we cannot change unless we first accept ourselves as we truly are. To do so takes immense courage. We must feel safe enough to reveal our innermost thoughts and feelings openly. Backed by a solid theoretical framework and their own experience as coach and supervisor, this, say the authors, can only happen within a relationship of love.
Ah, the ‘L’ word! Why is it so difficult to accept as an essential part of our work as supervisors? Two reasons stand out: to protect our own vulnerabilities and to preserve the aura of professional detachment needed to avoid accusations of impropriety. Yet the authors acknowledge and accept their vulnerabilities, describing their experiences with disarming honesty. Furthermore, they demonstrate how sharing those vulnerabilities in a jointly negotiated contract, regularly updated, enabled a loving ‘I-Thou’ relationship to emerge. With this came the conditions of safety and trust that nurtured mutual transformational learning.
The final chapter addresses the challenge of incorporating this radical understanding into relational practice teaching for supervisors and coaches.
Dr Henry Campion is a university accredited coaching supervisor. He was Highly Commended in the Coaching at Work annual awards for contributions to coaching supervision