Supervision and Self-Disclosure: Modes of Supervisory Interaction

Abstract

A conceptual framework is presented for thinking about supervisory issues raised by candidate self-disclosure. The process of dealing with self-disclosure in supervision brings into bold relief certain dynamics that operate in all supervisory encounters. In responding to these and other tensions stirred by analyst self-disclosure, the supervisory dyad moves in and out of various configurations, or “modes of supervisory interaction.” Why these dynamics are intensified when the focus of supervision is on an instance of candidate self-disclosure is explored. To illustrate these ideas, a supervisory hour that dealt with the issue of self-disclosure is presented. A nonjudgmental awareness of the various modes of supervisory interaction enriches the supervisory process.