Related Experiment Videos
Countertransference: a neglected subject in clinical supervision.
The American Journal of Psychiatry
|January 1, 1976
Summary
Psychotherapy supervisors rarely discuss countertransference, a key aspect of clinical supervision. This study found many supervisors avoid discussing countertransference, even though it doesn't turn supervision into therapy.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Supervision
Background:
- Countertransference is an acknowledged aspect of psychotherapy.
- Clinical supervision is a critical component of training psychotherapists.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the frequency and manner in which countertransference is discussed during clinical supervision.
- To explore potential reasons for avoidance of countertransference discussions.
Main Methods:
- Review of videotapes of 24 clinical supervision sessions.
- Analysis of supervisor comments regarding countertransference.
Main Results:
- 12 out of 24 supervisors made no comments on countertransference.
- 8 supervisors approached countertransference directly, while 4 approached it indirectly.
- Avoidance of countertransference issues was observed in a significant portion of sessions.
Conclusions:
- Discussion of countertransference in clinical supervision is less frequent than anticipated.
- Avoidance of countertransference does not necessarily transform supervision into therapy.
- Further exploration into the reasons for avoidance and effective methods for addressing countertransference is warranted.