Supervision is a space where coaches can reflect, refine, and grow their practice. One of the most widely used frameworks for this reflective process is the Seven-Eyed Model of Supervision, developed by Peter Hawkins and Robin Shohet. This model provides a structured yet flexible way to explore what happens in coaching sessions, focusing on different perspectives that influence the work.
By using the seven “eyes,” supervision allows coaches to gain a more complete understanding of their practice, helping them develop new insights, refine their approach, and ultimately serve their clients more effectively.
What Are the Seven Eyes?
Each “eye” represents a different lens through which we can examine a coaching session, offering multiple perspectives that contribute to deeper learning and professional growth. Below is an overview of each eye, along with example questions that might arise during a supervision session.
1. The Counterpart’s Experience
This eye focuses on the counterpart’s world—what they are bringing to coaching, their challenges, emotions, and thought patterns.
Example questions:
- What is the counterpart experiencing in their coaching journey?
- How would the counterpart describe their biggest challenge right now?
- What emotions or patterns seem to be present in their work with you?
2. The Coach’s Interventions
This eye examines the techniques, tools, and approaches the coach is using in sessions. It helps assess whether interventions are effective and aligned with the client’s needs.
Example questions:
- What interventions have you used in your sessions, and how have they landed with the counterpart?
- Were there moments where you felt your approach was particularly effective—or not?
- What frameworks or techniques might you explore to deepen your impact?
3. The Relationship Between Coach and Client
This perspective looks at the dynamic between the coach and client, considering elements like trust, rapport, and potential unconscious biases or projections.
Example questions:
- How would you describe the relationship between you and your counterpart?
- Are there any recurring themes or tensions in your interactions?
- Do you feel fully present and engaged with your counterpart, or are there moments where something feels “off”?
Reading about supervision is the first step. Reflecting on your own practice is where the real learning begins.
If this article has prompted questions about your own coaching practice, I’d love to help you explore them. Whether you’re considering supervision for the first time or looking for a new supervisor, let’s start with a conversation.
4. The Coach’s Experience in the Session
This eye explores the coach’s inner world—their emotions, reactions, and any internal dialogue that arises during coaching sessions.
Example questions:
- What emotions surfaced for you during your last session with this counterpart?
- Did you feel energised or drained by the conversation?
- How did your own assumptions or beliefs influence the session?
5. The Parallel Process
This perspective considers how patterns from the coaching relationship may be playing out in supervision. Sometimes, the dynamics between the coach and their counterpart show up in a similar way between the coach and the supervisor.
Example questions:
- Do any feelings from your coaching session seem to be emerging in our supervision conversation?
- Are there dynamics in your coaching work that feel similar to those in other areas of your professional life?
- How might recognising these patterns offer new insights?
6. The Supervisor’s Experience
This eye shifts the focus to the supervisor’s thoughts, feelings, and reactions as they observe and reflect on the coaching work.
Example questions:
- As I listen to you, I notice [emotion/thought]. Does that resonate with you?
- If I were in your shoes, I might feel [emotion]. How does that compare to your experience?
- What do you think I might be picking up on that could be useful for you?
7. The Wider Context
The final eye takes a systemic view, considering organisational, social, and cultural factors that may be influencing the coaching relationship.
Example questions:
- How might the counterpart’s organisation or industry be shaping their experience?
- Are there external pressures—cultural, economic, or structural—that may be impacting the coaching process?
- What systemic factors could be influencing your own coaching approach?
How the Seven-Eyed Model Strengthens Coaching Practice
By working through these seven perspectives in supervision, coaches can uncover hidden patterns, sharpen their interventions, and develop greater self-awareness. The model allows for a layered exploration of coaching sessions, ensuring that no single viewpoint dominates the reflection process.
Coaching supervision isn’t just about troubleshooting challenges—it’s about continual growth, deeper awareness, and refining the art of coaching. The Seven-Eyed Model provides a structured way to ensure that every session contributes to a coach’s professional evolution.
You can find more information about individual supervision or group supervision through the links.
If you’re a coach looking to deepen your practice, supervision offers a space to reflect, challenge assumptions, and expand your capacity to support clients effectively.
Continue Developing Your Coaching Practice
Supervision creates space to think more deeply about your coaching, strengthen ethical practice and continue growing with confidence. Choose the option that best suits your coaching journey.