Strengthening Resilience at Bristol Law Centre through Therapeutic Supervision
Alongside our clinical work, TFSW plays a vital role in building the resilience of the wider refugee support ecosystem. We provide trauma-informed training, reflective practice and supervision to frontline staff and volunteers working in legal advice, housing, local government, and community settings. Our mission is to protect the wellbeing of those who support refugees and asylum seekers – and in doing so, sustain the sector itself.
Why Supervision Matters in Legal and Frontline Roles
Professionals working with highly traumatised populations are at increased risk of experiencing secondary or vicarious trauma – the cumulative emotional toll of witnessing suffering. Without support, this can lead to burnout, compassion fatigue, and even symptoms of PTSD.
Supervision provides protected space for staff to:
Reflect on emotionally challenging cases
Respond, rather than react, under pressure
Maintain healthy boundaries and team cohesion
Recognise and celebrate their strengths
Sustain their capacity to offer empathetic, effective support
Though common in clinical fields, therapeutic supervision is still rare in legal and advice settings – despite the emotional weight of the work. Our partnership with Bristol Law Centre is helping to change that.
TFSW and Bristol Law Centre: Building a Culture of Reflection and Support
Since July 2024, TFSW has been delivering monthly group supervision to staff at Bristol Law Centre. The Centre provides life-changing legal advice to people facing poverty, discrimination and injustice – many of whom have fled war, persecution or exploitation.
Recognising the toll this work can take, Bristol Law Centre invited TFSW to create a tailored supervision offer to support staff wellbeing and sustainability.
How it Works
Monthly sessions (1.5 hours) delivered on two separate days to fit around part-time schedules
Voluntary participation – typically 2 to 5 attendees per session
In-person delivery at the Law Centre office, with online options when needed
Rolling group agreement to establish a safe, confidential space
Facilitated reflection – each session begins with a check-in and flows into a responsive discussion
Key Themes Explored
Perfectionism and the fear of making mistakes in legal practice
Managing workload and emotional fatigue
Navigating client anger with empathy and firmness
Respectfully closing difficult conversations
The challenges of volunteer management
What Participants said
“Bristol Law Centre values the supervision sessions with TFSW, allowing staff protected time and space to discuss sensitive topics that could affect their work and wellbeing; exploring their feelings and sharing practical tips to manage their emotions – something that can often be overlooked when running a busy caseload. It has been well received by all participants.”
– Gina Jones, Head of Services, Bristol Law Centre
How TFSW can support you
If your organisation is interested in accessing therapeutic supervision, reflective practice, or trauma-informed training, TFSW can help. We work with charities, legal advice providers, public services, and community organisations across the South West and beyond. To learn more about how we can support your team’s wellbeing and resilience, visit our website or get in touch.
