Training Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Supervisors: Didactics, Simulated Practice, and "Meta-Supervision"

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Psychotherapy Training

Background:

• Competent clinical supervision is crucial for training cognitive behavioral therapists (CBT) and maintaining professional standards.
• Formal training for psychotherapists as supervisors is a recent development in the field.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the content and processes of a graduate training course in CBT supervision.
• To explicate the key modules and concepts, including meta-supervision, within CBT supervision training.

Main Methods:

• Drawing on evidence-based CBT supervision programs.
• Describing a graduate training course with didactics, readings, and experiential exercises.
• Illustrating meta-supervision with a transcript of a remote, computer-assisted supervisory meeting.

Main Results:

• The training course covers 6 major modules: supervisory relationship, enhancing CBT competencies, ethical practices, and administrative aspects.
• The concept of meta-supervision is introduced and demonstrated.
• Cross-cultural considerations in international CBT supervision training are highlighted.

Conclusions:

• Formalized training is essential for developing competent CBT supervisors.
• The described training course provides a comprehensive framework for supervisors and supervisees.
• Meta-supervision offers a valuable model for advanced supervisory practice, especially in international contexts.