Supervisory Experiences of Novice Psychotherapists
Abstract
RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to get acquainted with the experience of supervising psychotherapeutic work by novice psychotherapists of different modalities from a retrospective perspective.
THE RESEARCH PROBLEM AND METHODS: The research concerns the meanings which psychotherapists assign to supervision in early career stages — key to their professional development. Data from nine semi-structured interviews were analysed using IPA.
THE PROCESS OF ARGUMENTATION: The argumentation begins with a theoretical introduction to the formal and personal context of novice psychotherapists, highlighting the formative and complex role of supervision and supervisor. Then, study results of IPA analysis are discussed, and the last part covers their theoretical and practical implications.
RESEARCH RESULTS: Four main themes were identified: „Relationship with the supervisor”, „Reflection on clinical material”, „Supervision as a necessary condition for psychotherapeutic work” and „Time and financial cost of supervision”. The key meaning was assigned to the supervisor’s relationship, which was assigned to be understood as decisive in the practical usefulness of the knowledge provided by the supervisor.
CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS, AND APPLICABLE VALUE OF RESEARCH: The narratives reveal the subjective meanings of supervision in early career stages. It appears as both a formative and at times also destabilising experience. Conclusions with recommendation highlight the need to prioritise the supervisory alliance, offering valuable insights for psychotherapy supervisors.
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