Deception and delusion: The relational aspect of supervision explored through Greek mythology

Abstract

Aim:The aim of this paper is to explore the relational aspect of supervision from a psychoanalytic perspective.Rationale:In keeping with a psychoanalytic approach, the relational aspect of supervision has been explored through experiential learning and recourse to the literature. Greek mythology has been used to stimulate reflection.Findings:The theoretical concepts of an internal supervisor, projective identification and containment have been used to describe how the supervisory relationship can support development and tolerating complexity and uncertainty.Limitations:This paper describes the author’s experiential learning, informed by psychoanalytic theory, in reference to a particular supervisor-supervisee relationship. The argument is developed within this context.Conclusion:It is argued that, trans-theoretically, the relational aspect of supervision merits a greater emphasis in research, practice and professional guidelines.