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    How can this person get me so wrong? A qualitative study examining the self of the systemic training supervisor

    McCandless, R. and Eatough, Virginia (2010) How can this person get me so wrong? A qualitative study examining the self of the systemic training supervisor. Human Systems: The Journal of Therapy, Consultation and Training 21 (2), pp. 208-236. ISSN 0960-9830.

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    Abstract

    In the UK the literature on supervision within the field of systemic psychotherapy is not extensive, and very little research is published. In particular there is a lack of empirical material available that explores how training supervisors work. This study focused on how supervisors develop reflexive abilities in systemic psychotherapy students, and in particular on the nature of their experience whilst doing this work. Semi-structured interviews with three experienced supervisors were conducted and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). The Supervisory Relationship emerged from the analysis as a single overarching theme which contained and contextualised three further themes: Promoting Learning, Dimensions of Power, and The Self of the Supervisor. One aspect of the analysis is reported here, The Self of the Supervisor, via a presentation of two of its supporting components, The Developmental Journey of the Supervisor and Challenges to the Supervisor’s Sense of Self. Formative experiences in training and powerful interactions with students were both found to impact significantly on the supervisory self. This study adds richness and detail to the published material on supervisory experience, and points to the need for greater levels of support for training supervisors. The findings are discussed in the context of current literature and research regarding supervision and training in systemic psychotherapy. Comments are offered, on the basis of this piece of research, about the suitability of IPA as a method for research within systemic psychotherapy.

    Metadata

    Item Type: Article
    Additional Information: Special Issue: Qualitative Methods and Systemic Research
    Keyword(s) / Subject(s): supervision, IPA, reflexivity, qualitative, self
    School: Birkbeck Faculties and Schools > Faculty of Science > School of Psychological Sciences
    Depositing User: Virginia Eatough
    Date Deposited: 22 Jul 2014 07:02
    Last Modified: 02 Aug 2023 17:11
    URI: https://eprints.bbk.ac.uk/id/eprint/10154

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