Perspectives on supervision in cognitive therapy

Abstract

Supervision is often a neglected clinical area. Frequently, supervisors view supervision as an epiphenomenon of clinical work rather than a central feature. This article emphasizes the importance of supervision in cognitive therapy. Teaching novice professionals to skillfully apply cognitive conceptualizations and interventions is a challenging and difficult task. It is argued that fostering a learning alliance in supervision forms the basis for acquisition of pivotal cognitive therapy competencies. Various impediments to productive learning alliances are discussed and ways to obviate these obstacles are suggested. Further, issues related to technical interventions, relationship processes, and case conceptualizations are discussed. Finally, ways to augment trainees' skills in these fundamental areas are delineated.

Counseling Supervision: A Reflective Model

“…Novice counselors are plagued by guilt, anxiety, perfectionism, confusion, and anger (Friedberg &Taylor, 1994), all of which challenge supervisors to work through these thoughts and feelings so that they are able to promote professional development. In this phase, supervisees experience significant levels of emotional and cognitive dissonance as they enter the counseling climate.…”

Supervision Characteristics Related to the Supervisory Working Alliance as Rated by Doctoral-Level Supervisees

“…Similar to the therapeutic alliance being vital to therapy outcome, the effectiveness of supervision essentially depends upon the quality of the relationship between supervisor and supervisee (Bordin, 1983;Friedberg & Taylor, 1994;Horvath & Greenberg, 1994;Kauderer & Herron, 1990;Loganbill et al, 1982;Perris, 1994). As such, research attention is focusing on identifying and defining variables that contribute to the supervisory relationship.…”

Best practices in supervising cognitive behavioral therapy with youth

“…Fortunately, several excellent teaching and training resources exist[ 42 - 46 ]. Additionally, completing written case formulations and receiving supervisory feedback on them is also recommended[ 30 ].…”