Korean Supervisors’ Experiences in Clinical Supervision

Abstract

The demand for mental health services in Korea is increasing, and a corresponding rise in the number of trainees in counseling psychology results in a need for effective supervision. Using a grounded theory approach, this study explored Korean supervisors’ experiences in supervision to better understand the current status of supervision practice in Korea. A model emerging from the data suggests that Korean clinical supervisors in mental health view teaching and explorations of supervisees’ personal issues as the main activities of supervision. Both the method of supervision and the structure of supervision affected the way that supervisors’ theoretical orientations and supervisees’ developmental levels influenced the focus of supervisors’ teaching and explorations of supervisees’ personal issues. To compensate for lack of formal training in supervision, participants in this study engaged in self-development activities. The results of this study are discussed in the context of Korean cultural characteristics and the current status of counseling psychology in Korea. Implications for future supervision training in Korea and in the United States are discussed.