Changes in reflexivity during existential supervision

ABSTRACT

The goal of the current study was to uncover and describe the phenomenon of changes in reflexivity during existential supervision. We analyzed interviews with four female existential psychotherapy trainees utilizing Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. The data yielded three themes: (1) The supervisory relationship: a basis for changes in reflexivity, (2) The influence of the nature of the supervisor’s presence and interventions used for expression of reflexivity, and (3) Changes in reflexivity: a subjective experience of internal transformations. Findings suggest supervision educators should be cognizant of the nature of the supervisory relationship and the supervisor’s presence and specific interventions used in supervision to enhance supervisee reflexivity. These findings add to an in-depth understanding of the supervision process and inform psychotherapy and supervision training programs aimed at improving trainee reflexivity.

KEYWORDS:

• Existential supervision
• supervision research
• reflexivity
• interpretative phenomenological analysis

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1. In Heidegger’s’ philosophy, “Dasein” means the self as the there (Da) of being (Sein), the place where an understanding of being comes into being, in other words, “Being-in-the-world.” Authors’ note.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

M. Vaštakė

M. Vaštakė is a clinical psychologist, existential therapist and supervisor at The Institute of Humanistic and Existential Psychology, PhD student at Vilnius University, who also works in private practice. Her main research interests include existential therapy and supervision. Email: [email protected]

P. Skruibis

P. Skruibis, PhD is an associate professor at Vilnius University. His main research interests include suicidal behavior and existential therapy. He also works as a Clinical Psychologist in private practice and is involved in the training of psychotherapists at Institute of Humanistic and Existential Psychology. Email: [email protected]

R. Kočiūnas

R. Kočiūnas, PhD is a professor at Vilnius University. His main research interests include existential therapy and supervision. He also is a practicing existential therapist and a supervisor, groups therapist, and Director of the Institute of Humanistic and Existential Psychology in Birstonas, Lithuania. Email: [email protected]