Changes in supervision as counselors and supervisors gain experience: A review.

Abstract

Evidence bearing on whether and how counselors and supervisors receive or give different types of supervision of psychotherapy as they each gain experience was investigated. Theories describing changes in supervision of counselors as they gain experience are reviewed. Most are similar to each other. They posit changes in the supervisee, with supervision environments being matched to the changing needs of the supervisee. There are three theories concerning how the supervisor changes as he or she gains experience. Findings from empirical studies are consistent with theories of counselor development but only weakly supportive of the theory that actual supervision environments are matched to supervisee needs. Findings from empirical research on changes in supervisors as they gain experience reveal few differences in supervisors at any level beyond the master’s degree. Presumably, therapists and supervisors age like wine. In this article, I sample their sounds, sights, bouquets, and tastes as they gain experience. Supervision of prepracticum counselors is not covered in this review (for a recent review, see Kurtz, Marshall, & Banspach, 1985). Rather, this article is a summary of supervision of counselors from their first practicum and beyond. First, the issue of what supervision should be is discussed. Then research on changes in supervision as counselors gain experience is reviewed. Last, research on changes in supervision as supervisors gain experience at supervision is examined.