Relational processes and the emergence of harmful supervision events: A narrative analysis of a single case. Issue 2 (24th October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cartwright, Duncan
• Is Part Of: Counselling and psychotherapy research. Volume 20:Issue 2(2020:Jun.)
• Page Start: 344
• Page End: 354
• Publication Date: 2019-10-24
• Subjects: harmful supervision -- supervisor -- trainee -- relational theory; Counseling -- Periodicals; Psychotherapy -- Periodicals; 616.891405
• DOI: 10.1002/capr.12271
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1473-3145

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Harmful supervision practices have been found to be fairly common in clinic supervision. Although a number of possible factors linked to harmful supervision have been identified, the relational processes and dynamics associated with the emergence of harmful supervision events still remain largely unexplored. Aim: This study explores a case of harmful supervision with the aim of understanding relational factors that contributed to the difficulties encountered. Both the supervisor's and supervisee's perspectives are considered. Method: Narrative inquiry was used to analyse supervisor and supervisee interviews. Interviews focused on reconstructing supervision stories associated with critical incidents. Findings: Poor orientation to the goals and tasks of supervision and the early undermining of the supervisee's experiences appeared to set up a negative relational process. This led to a cycle of escalating anxiety, amplification, avoidance and non‐disclosure on both sides of the supervisory dyad. In turn, this seemed to contribute towards the emergence of a pseudo‐supervisory alliance. Given the erosion of trust, unresolved issues constantly re‐emerged. The relational processes associated with the case are explored using Jessica Benjamin's Recognition Theory.