The vision in supervision: transference-countertransference dynamics and disclosure in the supervision relationship

The centrality of the supervision experience in the development of the supervisee's personal and professional capacities is addressed. The supervision relationship and process are explored in light of the potential effects of transference-countertransference configurations of supervisor and supervisee. Parallels between supervision and treatment are highlighted. The importance of developing and utilizing the capacity for reflectivity is reviewed, as is the impact of supervisee nondisclosure to supervisor. The direct use of countertransference experiences in the context of supervision is explored, and the centrality of self-disclosure is highlighted. It is recommended that supervisor and supervisee remain receptive to exploring these experiences in the service of developing a shared subjective sense of the patient, of increasing the supervisee's capacity to treat his or her patient, and of providing the supervisee with a novel, growth-enhancing relationship.