Attachment Theory in Supervision: A Critical Incident Experience

Abstract

Critical incident experiences are a powerful source of counselor development (T. M. Skovholt & P. R. McCarthy, 1988a, 1988b) and are relevant to attachment issues. An attachment theory perspective of supervision is presented and applied to a critical incident case scenario. By focusing on the behavioral systems (i.e., attachment, caregiving, and exploratory) identified by J. Bowlby (1969), previous conceptualizations are expanded by illuminating relational concepts that supervisors could use to facilitate counselor learning.

Attachment theory within clinical supervision: application of the conceptual to the empirical

“…Both describe the maladaptive behaviors that insecurely attached trainees may utilize in a supervisory relationship including compulsive self-reliance, anxious attachment, and compulsive care-giving. It was argued that these behaviors could not only negatively impact the relationship between the supervisor and the student, but the parallel process of clinician and client (Bennett, 2008b, Pistole, 2008Pistole & Watkins, 1995;Watkins, 1995). Thereby, it is arguably crucial that examination of this framework continues, with emphasis on empirical evidence, in an effort to maximize client and training outcomes.…”

“…Theoretically, a positive supervisory relationship provides two components of a caregiving bond: a safe haven and a secure base. A safe haven refers to supervisory interventions such as reassurance and comfort, while a secure base can include supervisor actions such as guidance in problem solving and decision-making (Bennett & Saks, 2006;Fitch & Pistole, 2010;Pistole, 2008;Pistole & Watkins, 1995). More discussion of these constructs will take place with regard to supervisor role in attachment.…”

“…It is important to note that when faced with certain situations, such as client crises or novel experiences, secure trainees will still exhibit anxiety. However, it is the trainee's response to that anxiety that determines his or her supervisory attachment (Pistole, 2008).…”

“…Alternatively, insecure trainees report either significantly more (anxious attachment) or significantly less emotional (avoidant attachment) reactivity in supervision than secure trainees (Pistole, 2008). Supervisors may be viewed as unavailable or inconsistent, and repeated reassurance may be needed for trainees to function.…”

“…Some writings conceptualize the supervisor role as indicative of a caregiver role (complementary; Bennett & Deal, 2009, Fitch, Pistole, & Gun, 2010Neswald-McCalip, 2001;Pistole, 2008).…”