The Supervisory Alliance: Facilitating the Psychotherapist's Learning Experience

This work presents thinking on supervision issues like creating an optimal learning environment, establishing a safe space, developing an atmosphere of reflectivity, attuning oneself to the emotional experience of the supervisee, and encouraging disclosure of the supervisee's countertransference. Supervision has shifted from an authoritarian, didactic model to a relational one. The interpersonal dynamics between supervisor and supervisee are now seen as central to the development of a productive learning experience. As supervisors are becoming more sensitive to their trainee's vulnerability and anxiety, new frameworks for understanding and dealing with this shift are required. This book presents current thinking on such relevant issues as creating an optimal learning environment, establishing a safe space, developing an atmosphere of reflectivity, attuning oneself to the emotional experience of the supervisee, and encouraging the disclosure of the supervisee's countertransference.