Supervisees' Views on Live Observation-Based Supervision Modality

Abstract

Live observation is a technique that allows the supervisor to offer immediate feedback to the supervisee by directly witnessing counseling sessions. Despite its numerous advantages over traditional supervision methods, this approach is seldom put into practice due to its time-consuming nature. Furthermore, there is insufficient research on its suitability in supervision practices, particularly in the context of Türkiye. In this study, the views of the participants on a practice in which live observation and consultation break methods used together were examined. The research involved seven students enrolled in a master's program in Guidance and Psychological Counseling at a university in the Central Black Sea region of Türkiye. Live observation and consultation break methods were incorporated into students' certain sessions as part of their individual psychological counseling practices course. After the supervision process ended, semi-structured individual interviews were conducted to evaluate the students' experiences. The data from the interviews were analyzed using content analysis. The students' opinions were grouped under four themes: development, relationship, live observation practice, and the overall supervision process. The participants stated that the live observation-based supervision practice improved their professional competence and increased their self-awareness. They also stated that they experienced anxiety at the beginning of the practice, but that this anxiety disappeared over time. The views of the participants suggest that the practice of live observation-based supervision strengthens the relationship between client, supervisee, and the supervisor. In general, the results indicate that this practice is a method that can be used in supervision processes.