The good, the bad, and the less than ideal in clinical supervision: a qualitative meta-analysis of supervisee experiences

ABSTRACT

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With qualitative studies increasingly published on different aspects of supervision, this qualitative meta-analysis synthesized existing qualitative research and explored what aspects therapy trainees find helpful and unhelpful in individual supervision. A sample of 29 studies (755 participants) was selected by conducting a systematic literature search and a critical appraisal process to ensure a suitable level of methodological rigor. Data analysis followed a descriptive and interpretative framework. Results yielded 6 main meta-categories: three in the helpful aspects domain (i) Supervisor establishes a secure learning environment, (ii) Supervisor demonstrates ability to facilitate learning, and (iii) Supervisor demonstrates willingness and ability to acknowledge and negotiate differences; and three in the unhelpful aspects domain (i) Supervisor demonstrates behaviour that lacks sensitivity, accountability, and ethical consideration, (ii) Supervisor fails to create a safe and supportive environment, and (iii) Supervisor demonstrates limitations in the appropriate maintenance and sharing of knowledge and skills. Influenced by the quality of the supervisory alliance, supervision can be helpful, but it may also be experienced as unhelpful and potentially harmful. Issues of power and diversity need to be negotiated in a manner that maintains ethical and professional standards of practice and care. Implications for supervision training, practice, and research are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Clinical supervision
• supervisee experiences
• helpful supervision
• unhelpful supervision
• qualitative meta-analysis

Disclosure statement

We have no known conflicts of interest to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by the Tertiary Education Scholarship Scheme (TESS). This scheme is financed by the Ministry for Education and Employment in Malta to support individuals in accessing good quality tertiary education at masters and doctoral level, and consequently, contribute effectively to the economy.”

Notes on contributors

Angie Chircop Coleiro

Angie Chircop Coleiro is a Chartered Psychologist with the British Psychological Society, a member of the Malta Chamber of Psychologists, and is certified by EuroPsy. She has experience working in a variety of settings, providing psychological assessment and interventions to people with a range of mental health difficulties across the lifespan. She also has experience working with organisations seeking to enhance employee well-being and mental health support.

Mary Creaner

Mary Creaner is an Assistant Professor with the Doctorate in Counselling Psychology, and Director of the MSc in Clinical Supervision in Trinity College, the University of Dublin, Ireland. She is an accredited therapist and supervisor with the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, and a member of the American Psychological Association.

Ladislav Timulak

Ladislav Timulak, PhD is Professor in Counselling Psychology at Trinity College Dublin, Ireland. His most recent books include Essentials of Descriptive-Interpretive Qualitative Research: A Generic Approach (with co-author Robert Elliott) and Transdiagnostic Emotion-Focused Therapy (with co-author Daragh Keogh) published by the American Psychological Association (2021). In the past, he co-edited Counselling Psychology Quarterly.