Shifting roles: A new art based creative supervision model

This article presents a new creative supervision model that integrates Landy's theory of roles into arts-based supervision. It defines the arts therapist in terms of theatrical roles, and suggests how best to choose the therapist's role and stance accordingly. This new approach provides the arts therapist and supervisor with another perspective to explore complexities and resistance in therapy, as well as ways to work through them. The model can underpin arts therapy supervision processes in general and the work of drama therapists in particular, and contribute to therapists who combine different art forms. Examples illustrate the implementation of the model, while highlighting the potential of creative supervision. It is argued that creative supervision can increase therapists' awareness, provide valuable supervisory tools, cultivate belief, and prompt inspiration.