The Multi-Level Supervision Model and the Interplay Between Clinical Supervision and Psychotherapy

Abstract

When supervisees attempt to protect themselves form the probing nature of their supervisors, they claim that they are in supervision and not psychotherapy. Without an adequate framework to view the distinctions between psychotherapy and supervision, the result is often a diffusion of boundaries. The multi-level supervision model is a design format that synthesizes variables which share common ground with psychotherapy. Most notable of these variables are the elements of transference and countertransference. When viewed through and over all framework of ineraction, transference and countertransference are shown to be personality identifiers that transcend categorization. The multi-level approach to supervision relies on three levels of inervention between the supervisor and the supervisee to provide a cohesive structure within which to practice clinical supervision while keeping the boundaries between supervision and psychotherapy intact.