10 Check-in Ideas for Online and Face to Group Supervision

Group supervision is more than just a space for professional reflection. In my experience it can be a really valuable space to nurture connection, trust, and psychological safety. A place where the group can bond and get to know and understand one another in ways that just wouldn’t take place in the usual work setting.

One of the ways I choose to start my group supervision session is by holding a group “check-in”. In an online setting, check-ins become even more important to bridge the physical distance and help participants feel present and engaged.

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People can take on vital information about one another in these check-ins. It also gives you as a facilitator a clear idea of what emotions are already in the room, and how that might show up in the session.

10 Creative & Meaningful Group Check-in Ideas

Here are some practical and creative ideas for online and face to face group check-ins that can work really well in both small and large group supervision contexts:

1. Visual Prompt Check-In

Share a slide or virtual whiteboard with a selection of images or lay a range of images out on the table… nature scenes, abstract art, or symbolic objects. Invite each participant to choose one that reflects how they’re arriving today and briefly explain why.

Why it works: Visuals bypass overthinking and open up richer emotional expression.

2. Personal Weather Report

Ask everyone to describe their current state as a “weather forecast” — e.g., sunny with scattered clouds, stormy but clearing, calm and clear. Reinforce there is no right or wrong answer in this activity. All emotions are welcome

Why it works: It’s quick, lighthearted, and gives a snapshot of the group’s collective mood. (this is one of my personal favourites!)

3. Object in Reach (useful for online)

Invite participants to grab an object within arm’s reach and share how it represents their current mindset or energy.

Why it works: It sparks creativity and often leads to surprising, personal insights.

4. Scaling Check-In

Use a 1–10 scale to gauge energy, focus, or emotional readiness. You can do this verbally or with a poll feature. I find asking about energy can provoke an interesting insight into where people are at in that moment.

Why it works: It’s simple, measurable, and helps facilitators adapt the session’s pace.

5. “Song Without the Song” or “film without the film”

Ask participants to name a song title or film title, (without singing or quoting lyrics) that matches their current mood.

Why it works: It’s playful, culturally rich, and invites metaphor without breaching copyright.

6. Emoji Mood Board or Feelings Cards

Have everyone drop an emoji in the chat that reflects how they’re feeling. You can then invite a few to elaborate.

Why it works: It’s fast, inclusive, and works well for larger groups. Aids recognition of levels of emotional literacy in the room.

7. Gratitude Snapshot

Invite each person to share one thing they’re grateful for today — personal or professional.

Why it works: Gratitude boosts positive emotions and primes the group for constructive dialogue.

8. Regulation activity cards (face to face) or online, describe a way they currently self-regulate

Lay the cards out on the table and ask each person to choose something they already do and something they would like to do more of. For an online setting you can offer suggestions such as stretching, listening to music, running hands under cold water.

Why it works: It provides ideas for regulatory activity and encourages empathy and knowledge around stress reduction strategies in the team.

9. Rose and thorn of their day so far

Invite everyone to share a part of their day that was the best and worst, start with the worst.

Why it works: increases group empathy and shared experiences of the challenges of daily life.

10. If you were….a superhero, animal, plant…..what would you be right now?

Ask participants to choose one of the above ideas and share with the group. This can yield some surprising answers

Why it works: it is playful, accessible and requires a bit of creative thinking

Tips for Group Supervision Facilitators

Keep check-ins time-bound so they don’t overrun.
Rotate methods to keep things fresh.
Model openness yourself – it sets the tone for the group.
Be mindful of cultural and personal differences in comfort levels.
Always frame as “an invite” so people can choose not to participate if they wish.

Final Thoughts on Group Supervision Check-ins

A well-chosen check-in is more than an icebreaker – it’s a bridge into deeper, more authentic supervision conversations. In the online space, these moments of connection can make all the difference in building trust and engagement.