P-1163 - Principles of supervision in cognitive behavioural therapy

Abstract

Psychotherapy requires clinical supervision. This is systematic guidance of a therapist by a supervisor. Inevitably, there is a question of training new high-quality therapists. This is related to supervision of their basic training. Later, it is important to provide an opportunity for lifelong supervision throughout the entire psychotherapeutic practice. PUBMED data base was searched for articles using the key words “supervision in CBT”. The task of supervision is to increase the value of the therapeutic process in the client's best interest. Supervision is educational process in the truest sense of the word, including an opportunity to select one's own supervisor. This is a very important procedural aspect since the therapist identifies with his/her supervisor, either consciously or unconsciously. Establishing the supervisor-supervisee relationship is based on principles similar to those in the therapeutic relationship. There is important parallel reflecting the therapist-client relationship. This is because any changes in the supervisory process are analogically transferred onto the therapist-client relationship. Additionally, supervision is oriented towards increasing the therapist's competencies. The CBT therapist's basic skills involve good theoretical knowledge, professional behaviour towards clients, ability to use specific therapeutic strategies for maintaining the therapeutic relationship, sensitivity to parallel processes and accomplishment of changes, and adherence to ethical norms. Given the fact that during supervision, the supervisee may be in any stage of his/her training, supervision must take into consideration where the therapist is in his/her training and development and what he/she has or has not learnt. By IGA MZ CR NT 11047-4/2010.