Liz Omand, “What makes for good supervision and whose responsibility is it anyway?”

Liz Omand suggests that within the counseling and psychotherapy, the supervisory relationship is complicated and may lead to experiences of anxiety, frustration, conflict and misunderstanding while also fostering excitement and satisfaction. Thus, to be a good supervisor, there are several qualities that supervisors must espouse. Supervisors must be prepared to learn by way of elaboration on their ideas and how to best help the supervisee grow and develop. It is integral that supervisors model a preparedness to live with uncertainty without jumping to premature formulations. Supervisors must also have qualities of consistency and reliability. They must remember the boundaries of tasks assigned to the supervisee and remember that their role is to help the supervisee become the best therapist they can become.

Liz Omand, “What makes for good supervision and whose responsibility is it anyway?” (2010) 16:4 Psychodynamic Practice 377.