Sacred Covenant of Supervision

Private & Confidential

This Covenant is entered into between John F. Doherty (Supervisor) and the undersigned Student/Supervisee.
Together we honour this sacred trust for reflection, learning, and service.

1. The Nature of the Covenant

This covenant honours the sacred trust between Supervisor and Supervisee. Our shared intention is to hold a space of reflection, learning, accountability, and Spirit — a vessel for growth and right relationship in service to others. Both parties enter this covenant freely, in the spirit of integrity, humility, and the mutual evolution of soul and vocation.

2. Confidentiality

All that is shared within the supervisory field is held in sacred confidence. The privacy of the supervisee and all their sharing shall be protected at all times, except when course, legal or safeguarding obligations require disclosure (see full OneSpirit Confidentiality Statement).

3. Record Keeping

John will keep minimal records and reflections of each session, stored securely and anonymously, for the purpose of professional reflection and accountability.

4. Legal & Ethical Integrity

If it becomes clear that the law has been broken or that harm is being caused to self or others, the supervisor will inform the supervisee and take appropriate steps, including — where necessary — notifying relevant authorities. All actions will be carried out with transparency, compassion, and fairness.

5. The Sacred Container

Supervision is a safe and sacred space. Boundaries are mutually respected; honesty and presence are essential. Either party may speak if the sense of containment, trust, or safety becomes disturbed. This container is protected by the shared commitment to Spirit, to the Codes of Ethics of OneSpirit, and to the wider circle of care we serve.

View OneSpirit Code of Ethics

6. The Relationship

In the presence of Spirit, we acknowledge that the supervisory relationship is also a relationship of learning. It is human, sacred, and professional. In cases of dual roles or overlapping contexts, clarity will be sought and boundaries honoured through open dialogue.

7. Transformation Learning

Every relationship carries moments of friction and grace. When subconscious biases are revealed or emotions are triggered, these experiences become opportunities for growth rather than division. Repair begins through awareness — acknowledging the impact, taking responsibility, and meeting difference with curiosity and respect.
In supervision, we learn to hold these challenges within a wider spiritual frame: bringing the disturbance, the vulnerability, and the desire for harmony back to Spirit, where transformation becomes possible for both.

8. Insurance & Accountability

John F. Doherty is fully insured, receives his own supervision, and is a founding member of the Supervisory Association of Ireland and a recognised OneSpirit Supervisor.

9. Session Agreements

• Frequency: Minimum of ____ sessions, with mutual flexibility.
• Duration: One hour per session.
• Fee: Normal Fees are €80 with €60 per session student rate (or an agreed rate).
• Format: Sessions held online via Zoom or a secure, encrypted platform.

10. Aims, Issues & Goals

11. Learning and Supervision Style

John’s approach is person-centred, integrative, humanistic, energetic and spiritual — holding the supervisee in both support and gentle challenge. He listens through somatic feeling, empathy, deep mind, energy and Spirit — reflecting back what arises in the field between. He holds a balance between safety and risk to empower the supervisee in developing awareness and wisdom. Please describe your own learning style below.

12. Spiritual Language & Beliefs

Share the language or framework that feels most natural for you when speaking of Spirit, faith, or inner life. This helps us meet in a shared understanding of meaning and presence, while allowing difference to be held with openness and respect.

13. Evaluation & Reflection

Evaluation is both formal and informal — woven through our conversations and reflected upon at the close of our agreed period. The supervisee is invited to offer written reflections highlighting their inner movements and learning between sessions.

14. Decolonial Interfaith Praxis

Our work together is informed by a decolonial interfaith approach that honours the integrity of every spiritual tradition and lived experience. This praxis invites us to move beyond inherited hierarchies and Eurocentric frameworks, creating space for each voice, body, and landscape to speak in its own language and rhythm. It asks us to notice power, to learn through embodiment and relationship with the land, and to centre wisdoms that have been historically marginalised or silenced. In this shared field, accountability, reciprocity, and respect guide our exploration — so that learning itself becomes an act of repair and right relationship.

15. Cancellations & Completion

The Supervisee agrees to give 24 hours’ notice if unable to attend, otherwise the full fee is chargeable for the session. When our work comes to completion, we will hold a closing session to honour and release the shared journey with gratitude.

16. Ethics & Referrals

Supervision includes deepening awareness of one’s own ethical compass and professional responsibilities. If personal or spiritual issues arise that require further support, appropriate referral may be discussed with care and respect.

17. Additional Notes

Please provide any relevant details such as religous, cultural or work contexts, health considerations, or other matters you wish to note below.

18. Re-negotiation

This covenant may be re-visited and revised at any time by mutual agreement, in service to truth and right relationship.

Final Agreement & Signature

Before completing this covenant, please confirm your agreement below. Your typed name and date will serve as your electronic signature.