Relational processes and the emergence of harmful supervision events: A narrative analysis of a single case

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundHarmful supervision practices have been found to be fairly common in clinic supervision. Although a number of possible factors linked to harmful supervision have been identified, the relational processes and dynamics associated with the emergence of harmful supervision events still remain largely unexplored.AimThis study explores a case of harmful supervision with the aim of understanding relational factors that contributed to the difficulties encountered. Both the supervisor's and supervisee's perspectives are considered.MethodNarrative inquiry was used to analyse supervisor and supervisee interviews. Interviews focused on reconstructing supervision stories associated with critical incidents.FindingsPoor orientation to the goals and tasks of supervision and the early undermining of the supervisee's experiences appeared to set up a negative relational process. This led to a cycle of escalating anxiety, amplification, avoidance and non‐disclosure on both sides of the supervisory dyad. In turn, this seemed to contribute towards the emergence of a pseudo‐supervisory alliance. Given the erosion of trust, unresolved issues constantly re‐emerged. The relational processes associated with the case are explored using Jessica Benjamin's Recognition Theory.