Phenomenological reflections on the experience of training and clinical supervision in an applied psychology service within an university

Abstract

This work proposes a reflection on the specific difficulties of clinical training for the existential-phenomenological perspective. We observed that in the training curriculum in clinical psychology in existential-phenomenological perspective, some difficulties arise due to the inadequacy of the theoretical baggage of newly acquired representations in the course and the kind of comprehensive approach that we are asked to exercise. It is as if the natural attitude of everyday objectifies and crystallizes the meaning of existence and experience of suffering, gaining a reinforcement with the theoretical representations, further blurring the phenomenological attitude of suspension. There is the assumption that the place of psychotherapyst can only be legitimized from a positive knowledge about mental life and, consequently, the attainment of effective techniques for intervention. The experience as students and supervisor training in clinical psychology in addressing the existential-phenomenological psychology course of Fluminense Federal University, shows that these moments of impasse, which installs a “crisis” of theoretical paradigms and professional identities are essential for a redefinition of the role of psychological theories and techniques in the practices of clinical care in the light of a proper understanding of the phenomenological existence.