Trainees’ experiences of impasses in counselling and the impact of group supervision on their resolution: A pilot study

Abstract

A qualitative analysis of eight interviews was conducted to answer the following questions: ‘How do trainees experience a clinical impasse?’ and ‘How does the experience of group supervision help or hinder the resolution of these impasses?’ MA students in a counselling psychology program at a Canadian university were interviewed at two points in time: after experiencing a clinical impasse and after receiving group supervision for the impasse. Data were analyzed using consensual qualitative research methodology (CQR; Hill, Thompson & Nutt-Williams, 1997) to identify themes relative to our two questions. Results indicated that when trainees experienced an impasse they reacted with negative emotions because they did not know what to do in session with the client at that point in time, and they experienced the impasse as a failure. Trainees reported seeking supervision to obtain validation/support, and found that supervision provided them with this. As well, a new perspective on the impasse event and increase in self-awareness was reported. An unexpected finding included dissatisfaction with the dynamics of the supervision group. These findings have implications for trainers: for understanding the supervisory needs of trainees, for appreciating the impact of supervision on counsellor development, and for generating alternate practices of supervision.

Keywords:

• Counselling impasse
• supervision
• group supervision
• counsellor training