Dilemmas that undermine supervisor confidence. Issue 1 (16th November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Thériault, Anne; Gazzola, Nicola
• Is Part Of: Counselling and psychotherapy research. Volume 18:Issue 1(2018:Mar.)
• Page Start: 14
• Page End: 25
• Publication Date: 2017-11-16
• Subjects: supervisor self‐confidence -- confidence in supervising -- supervisor dilemmas -- supervisor self‐care; Counseling -- Periodicals; Psychotherapy -- Periodicals; 616.891405
• DOI: 10.1002/capr.12153
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1473-3145

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Conventional wisdom links supervisor self‐confidence with experience in supervisory practice. Aims: This study explored the nature of confidence from an emic perspective. Method: Twelve experienced Canadian supervisors were interviewed, and data was analysed using Structured Thematic Analysis. Results: Aspects of the role and process produce tensions that create ambiguity that may diminish self‐confidence. Five main themes were distilled: (a) building supervisee confidence when experiencing self‐doubt as supervisor or clinician;(b) parallel process‐what disturbs therapy disturbs supervision; (c) expert vs. co‐explorer; (d) engaging in supervision while maintaining boundaries; and (e) catch 22 – inviting disclosures of difficulties and evaluation. Conclusion: The study adds nuance to the scholarly work that informs supervisor self‐confidence.