What's not being said? Recollections of nondisclosure in clinical supervision while in training

Abstract

AbstractThe aim of this qualitative study was to retrospectively examine nondisclosure in individual supervision while in training. Interviews were conducted with supervisees two years post-qualification. Specific nondisclosures were examined and reasons for these nondisclosures were explored. Six in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted and data analysis drew on Consensual Qualitative Research. The findings revealed four categories relating to: (i) the nature of the difficulty; (ii) reasons for nondisclosure; (iii) the supervisory relationship; and (iv) facilitative factors. The quality of the supervisory relationship was a significant element in nondisclosure. A key recommendation was that role induction for supervisees should be incorporated into training programmes to assist supervisees in learning how to use supervision more effectively. Limitations of the study and further research are provided in light of current findings.Keywords: supervisory relationshiptrainee nondisclosuresupervisor self-disclosureclinical supervisiontrainee therapists AcknowledgementsThe authors would like to thank Dr. Ladislav Timulak, Associate Professor and Course Director, Doctorate in Counselling Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, for his helpful comments on an earlier version of this article.Notes on contributorsJennifer Sweeney is a graduate of the Masters in Science programme in Counselling Psychology, Trinity College Dublin. Jennifer is currently working with the National Counselling Service and also runs a private practice. She is a Registered member of the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) and is a member of the British Psychological Society (BPS).Mary Creaner is an Assistant Professor and research co-ordinator with the Doctorate in Counselling Psychology and Course Director for the M.Sc./P.Grad. Diploma in Clinical Supervision, Trinity College Dublin. Mary is a registered supervisor with the European Association for Supervision (EAS) and a member of the American Psychological Association (APA).