| Clinical supervision is fundamental to the teaching of psychotherapy and is a primary means by which practicing psychologists examine their clinical work and enhance their skills. A search of the literature reveals that little research has focused on the supervisory relationship, especially how the relationship is experienced by the supervisor. This is a phenomenological study that asks the question: How does the clinical supervisor experience the supervisory relationship? Open-ended interviews were conducted with ten Ph.D. psychologists, each with at least two years of experience as supervisors. Transcripts of the interview material were analyzed with the processes of Phenomenological Reduction and Eidetic Variation culminating in a final Textural-Structural Synthesis. This study finds that supervisors highly value their supervisory relationships. They find them enjoyable, enriching, and a way of making a meaningful contribution both to the profession of psychology and to the practice of psychotherapy. Supervisors are cautious and somewhat burdened by the responsibility they take on especially the legal liability. They feel protective of the clients of the supervisee and of the supervisees themselves. Supervisors see themselves as teacher, mentor, and supportive facilitator of the supervisee's effectiveness. They enjoy the relationship for the opportunity it brings to enter into an intense, creative process that improves their own skills as well as those of the supervisee. They work to create a supervisory relationship that provides an important supportive space in which the supervisee can explore and learn. The relationship deepens over time bringing increased comfort, openness, and friendship. When a sense of mutuality is not achieved the relationship dulls and an air of tolerance prevails. When supervision flourishes, the supervisor comes to regard the supervisee as a peer. In this apprenticeship process, supervisors become part of a professional heritage they value. Limitations of this study, and implications for training and practice are discussed. |
