Supervisors' Experiences of Trainee Impairment and Incompetence at APA-Accredited Internship Sites.

Abstract

This collective case study examined the process by which experienced supervisors identified and intervened with impaired trainees. Twelve participants who worked at 3 university counseling center internships were identified for inclusion on the basis of the centers' reputations for being active in discussing and addressing intern competence problems. Participants completed a background questionnaire and were interviewed. Data were analyzed using the constant comparative method (Y. S. Lincoln & E. G. Guba, 1985). Participants identified key issues that affected their ability to intervene appropriately, including lack of preparation for the evaluative components of supervision, the degree of agency and collegial support for supervisors, and the emotional difficulty of intervening.