Chapter 5: Applications of Context to Supervision in University Counseling Centers

Abstract

This paper explores the university counseling center context from a multisystemic point of view and evaluates the impact of that context on the psychotherapy supervisory process. The context consists of four hierarchically arranged and interacting subsystems: the culture, the college, the center, and the client. From this perspective, problems can occur when there is conflict either between or within subsystems. Rules governing these subsystems are discussed with particular attention to potential sources of conflict. For instance, the supervisory frame is an important factor at the center level. It includes the theoretical orientation of the dyad as well as implicit rules for relating within the relationship. If the supervisor and therapist do not share the same orientation, there will be more conflict in the system and treatment outcome may suffer. Instead of forcing theoretical congruence, however, conflict could be reduced if the supervisor attempts to understand the other's assumptive world views and negotiates the rules of their relationship to develop a common view of supervision. Recommendations for reducing the conflict between various levels of systems are outlined.