Considering characterological resistances in the psychotherapy supervisor

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Psychotherapy Training
• Clinical Supervision

Background:

• Psychotherapy supervision is critical for therapist development.
• Supervisor characterological resistance can impede authentic relatedness.
• New supervisors may exhibit heightened resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine characterological resistances in psychotherapy supervisors.
• To identify types of supervisor resistance: autonomy, shame, and narcissism based.
• To explore the impact of these resistances on supervisee learning.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of supervisor characterological resistances.
• Developmental contextualization of resistances.
• Identification of potential interventions.

Main Results:

• Characterological resistances (autonomy, shame, narcissism based) negatively impact supervision.
• These resistances particularly affect novice supervisors.
• Resistances can limit supervisee therapeutic growth.

Conclusions:

• Supervisor characterological resistances present significant challenges in psychotherapy training.
• Interventions such as self-analysis and supervision of supervision can address these issues.
• Mitigating supervisor resistance is essential for fostering effective supervisee learning and development.