e-psyche

Supervision is a unique type of encounter, during which health professionals discuss and analyse mechanisms and phenomena observed in therapeutic processes. It gives psychotherapists in training an opportunity to consult professional issues with an experienced therapist.

Supervisors support therapists by sharing comments about how they understand a client under investigation and by offering technical guidelines. Every candidate in psychotherapeutic training should regularly use supervision, which is the foundation for developing professional skills. Supervisors also assess the abilities and experience of those candidates, and give recommendations for those who are ready to apply for a certificate in psychotherapy.

Supervision is also used by experienced therapists who appreciate the opportunity of sharing emotional burdens and concerns with a supervisor, getting support and feedback. Supervising one's own work is a privilege and ethical responsibility towards patients. For therapists, it is a way of taking care of themselves, their patients, and therapeutic process.

 

Supervision is recommended:
* as an important element of psychotherapeutic training, especially in early years of professional practice;
* when it is difficult for the therapist to understand a patient:
* when the patient or therapist transgress or violate established terms of service in relation to payment, ways of addressing each other, canceling sessions or other aspects of the setting:
* when therapists experience intense feelings towards the patient (positive or negative), which are likely to cloud judgement and remain in a neutral position:
* when therapists or patients feel stuck or experience strong resistance (e.g., coming late or skipping sessions, refraining from contact...)