Parallel processes in clinical supervision: Implications for coaching mental health practitioners

Abstract

This paper outlines the potential of parallel processes to enhance experiential learning opportunities in coaching for mental health practitioners. Traditional views of parallel processes in clinical supervision are examined in relation to how they can be applied to enhance coaching mental health practitioners. For example, parallel relationship patterns refer to repetitive interpersonal relationship patterns that are transferred from client interactions with mental health practitioners into the coaching sessions for these mental health practitioners. In addition, experiential learning strategies that utilize parallel process concepts might include the use of equivalent protocols for staff development coaching as are used by mental health practitioners in their work with clients experiencing mental health problems. Two coaching approaches (skills acquisition and transformational coaching) to support the implementation and use of a practice model for mental health staff and clients are presented to exemplify the potential advantages of purposeful use of parallel processing in coaching mental health practitioners.