The Interpenetration of Supervision and Psychotherapy

Abstract

This paper deals with how supervisory relationships contain, through the complex dynamics they often evoke, a strong therapeutic effect. It further explores how the “real relationship” between patient and therapist may actually presuppose the therapist’s supervision of the patient’s life. This supervisory dimension of the therapy is further discussed as both possible inhibitor and facilitator of the patient’s autonomy, as well as a possible outgrowth of the therapist’s own autonomous psychic process.

Keywords:

• autonomy
• dependence
• supervision
• therapy
• transference and mutual change

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Warren Wilner

Warren Wilner, PhD, is training and supervising analyst and faculty at the William Alanson White Institute, supervisor and faculty at the postdoctoral program of New York University, author of many papers on the experiential and unconscious dimensions of psychoanalysis, and in private practice in New York City.