Psychological supervision… for lawyers?
It is not always easy for lawyers to talk about how work affects them. In this article, Marion Baker and Suzanne Jacobs, co-founders of Balint Legal, discuss psychological supervision - a safe, structured way for lawyers to reflect on emotional responses to their work, build self-awareness, and strengthen relationships with clients and colleagues.
The legal sector has traditionally been one where emotional detachment and stoicism are expected. This can create a stigma around acknowledging the inevitable emotional impact of work, which makes it difficult for many lawyers to seek help when they need it. As a result, the challenges of work and working relationships are often hidden, exacerbating the toll of legal practice.
However, an emerging concept in law - psychological supervision - provides a powerful tool for lawyers to reflect on the emotional aspects of their practice in a confidential, safe and structured environment. By integrating psychological supervision into the profession, lawyers can find ways to better tolerate some of the difficult and complex feelings that are part and parcel of professional life.
Psychological supervision focuses on the professional ‘self’ of the lawyer and their experience of work. It specifically addresses the emotional and relational aspects of practice rather than technical or legal issues. Although a relatively new concept in law (see From psychotherapy to legal practice: the use of clinical supervision by lawyers in England and Wales), it is commonly used in other professions, such as psychotherapy, counselling and social work (where it is generally called clinical supervision).
Psychological supervision involves discussion in a confidential and safe space, either 1:1 with a specialist supervisor or in a professionally facilitated peer group setting such as Balint groups. By focussing on personal responses to work, and on the complex undercurrents of professional relationships, it allows participants to think more deeply about the issues raised and find new perspectives and greater objectivity.". This provides relief from stress and anxiety, and the opportunity to develop self-awareness, emotional self-regulation, and relational intelligence.
As the core of legal work is with and for others, so the way we relate to others - both clients and colleagues - matters.
The benefit of psychological supervision for lawyers extends beyond professional wellbeing; it also enhances professional performance. Lawyers who engage in regular psychological supervision develop the skills to better understand the emotional impact of work, and how their responses may influence decision-making and interpersonal interactions, ultimately leading to better work outcomes.
Psychological supervision is a type of reflective practice, which is now recognised by both the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and the Bar Standards Board (BSB) as a core competency. Rightly so, as it helps lawyers address aspects of work which may not otherwise be aired, and identify patterns of behaviour or thinking that may be impacting their professional performance, client and colleague relationships.
Research from the Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the longest-running studies on human health and happiness, has consistently shown that the quality of relationships is the single most important predictor of a long and fulfilling life. The ability to cultivate and sustain meaningful connection is essential to happiness and longevity. The study, which has tracked the lives of hundreds of individuals for over 80 years, consistently finds that people who maintain good relationships and supportive social connection are happier, healthier, and live longer lives. Connection improves our resilience.
This insight is particularly relevant for lawyers, who often work in environments that allow and even foster isolation and emotional disconnection from work and from each other. It is also crucial to client care where it is not just the legal aspects of a case that impact on the service provided, but also the relational elements.
Psychological supervision, whether offered 1:1 or in a supportive and professionally facilitated peer group setting, is an important new tool available to the legal sector. It is a place to address and develop the skills to manage both the inevitable emotional hazards of practice and complex professional relationships. In reducing some of the stress and anxiety which arise when lawyers are ineffectively supported, it can lead to a more sustainable career in law.
Extensive academic research emphasises the importance of meaningful connection for both happiness and longevity. By integrating psychological supervision into the practice of law, we can foster a healthier profession where lawyers are not only proficient in legal knowledge, but are better able to understand and work effectively with others. This has the potential to lead to a beneficial change in workplace culture, and ultimately in the work done for and with clients.
By Marion Baker and Suzanne Jacobs, Balint Legal.
Balint Legal
Balint Legal runs facilitated reflective practice peer support groups (Balint groups) for lawyers across the legal sector. It is the only specialist organisation in the UK providing bespoke Balint groups, in the workplace, run by Balint-trained former lawyers for lawyers.
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