On becoming a supervisor: an anticipated transition for trainee clinical psychologists

Section A reviews the empirical and theoretical literature on supervision in order to gain a better understanding of how experiences of supervision during clinical training may relate to the anticipated transition of ‘becoming a supervisor’.
Section B presents an initial exploratory study focusing on how trainee clinical psychologists make sense of their experiences of supervision in relation to the anticipated transition of ‘becoming a supervisor’. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten trainee clinical psychologists at the end of their training. Data was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Analysis of the transcripts revealed three master themes: the development of the professional self; the supervisory relationship; and the development of supervisory perspectives. Developmental and relational aspects of supervision were emphasised in relation to the anticipated transition of ‘becoming a supervisor’, alongside the significance of the supervisor as a role model. Learning from peers’ experiences of supervision was also key. The study concluded that participants’ experiences of supervision and the meaning they give to those in relation to the anticipated transition of ‘becoming a supervisor’ were connected to the development of a professional self in which increasing autonomy and integration of the personal self was important. Learning took place in the context of the supervisory relationship. The human side of that relationship was valued where reciprocity and containment facilitated a safe space to explore. The development of supervisory perspectives facilitated the anticipated transition of ‘becoming a supervisor’ as experiences of supervision helped to evaluate positive and negative aspects of that role. Subsequently, an ‘ideal for self’ emerged.