Relational processes and power dynamics in psychoanalytic group supervision: a discourse analysis

ABSTRACT

The authors explore the relationship between language and interpersonal dynamics within supervision groups for psychoanalytically oriented child and adolescent psychotherapists working at a charitable clinical service in a large metropolitan city in the UK. Using discourse analysis, the authors identified key interpersonal functions of language in a professional supervisory setting. Results revealed linguistic processes through which power identities and dynamics were enacted and multiple opinions and perspectives negotiated during group supervision. The authors then make practical suggestions regarding the management of power differentials and interpersonal relationships to facilitate more constructive group supervision and promote better therapeutic outcomes.

KEYWORDS:

• Group supervision
• discourse analysis
• supervisory language
• power dynamics
• working alliance

Acknowledgments

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for my research supervisor, Dr. Lisa Thackeray, for her consistently reassuring support over the course of this two-year project. Thank you for your insightful comments and your presence as my ever-so patient listener. You have set a brilliant model of an effectively helpful supervisor, as this study actively advocates for. I would also like to thank my family for their unwavering support.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper. No funding was involved in this project.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Michelle CY Lee

Michelle CY Lee BSocSc (HKU), MSc (UCL) Michelle Lee is a master’s graduate in Developmental Psychology and Clinical Practice at the Anna Freud Centre and University College London. She also has a background in Sociology and is particularly interested in qualitative research into the relationship between psychological and sociological constructs.

Lisa Thackeray

Lisa Thackeray Thackeray is a post-graduate research tutor at the Anna Freud Centre where she supervises MSc and doctoral students. She specializes in qualitative research methods, particularly Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, working in the field of child, adolescent, and family mental health.