From psychotherapist to supervisor

Abstract

This study is a part of an ongoing research project examining group supervision in psychotherapy. The study was performed in a postgraduate training program for prospective supervisors. The two-year supervisor training program included theory seminars as well as group supervision of the prospective supervisor’s supervision of a trainee who had a patient in psychotherapy. The training program was based on psychoanalytic theory and the psychotherapy conducted was psychoanalytically oriented. Supervisees´ and supervisors´ experiences of the learning process, supervision format in group and supervisor styles were explored in semi-structured interviews. Both supervisees and supervisors emphasized the importance of a specific training program for psychotherapists who intend to work as supervisors. The didactic aspects of supervision were pointed out. The group format was experienced as particularly suitable for this training level. The “super-supervisor’s” style was important as a role model for the supervisors in training.