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Beginner supervisees (n = 84) and their psychotherapy supervisors who worked in 28 supervision groups in an academic training context participated in this study. SYMLOG self-ratings of actual and ideal experiences of the group interactions were collected at three measurement points: the beginning, middle, and end of the supervision. The main purpose was to examine group members' (supervisees and supervisors) experiences of patterns of polarization in terms of development of subgroups within the supervision group, and group culture in terms of flexibility. The results showed that, for the majority of groups, experiences of patterns of interaction, as measured at the three measurement points, involved changes in role functions or degree of polarization among group members. The group members tended to become slightly more satisfied with their informal roles and the group culture over time.

Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the success of a two-year, part-time training programme for psychotherapy supervisors. A second aim was to examine factors that might contribute to perceived knowledge and skills attainment during the training course.Design This is a naturalistic, longitudinal study where several measures are used to examine group process and outcome.Methods Supervisor trainees' (n=21) and their facilitators' (n=6) ratings of learning (knowledge and skills), relations to the supervisor and supervision group, usage of the group, and supervisor style were completed at three time points. ResultsThe findings suggested that both trainees and their supervisors perceived that the trainees attained a substantial amount of knowledge and skills during the course. In accordance with the literature and expectations, the regression analysis suggested a strong negative association between a strong focus on group processes in the initial and middle phases of the training and perceived knowledge and skills attainment in the final phase of the training. The expected, positive role of relations among trainees in the supervision group in the first half of the training and perceived knowledge and skills attainment in the final part of the training was obtained, whilst the hypothesized significance of the relationship between trainee and supervisor did not receive support. ConclusionsThe supervisory course seemed to provide a training that allowed trainees to attain knowledge and skills that are necessary for psychotherapy supervisors. The results of this pilot study also emphasize the need of more research on learning in the context of group supervision in psychotherapy.

The main purpose of this study was to examine a set of independent group variables (group size, gender composition, and supervisory style) in group supervision, and their interrelation with supervisees' and supervisors' view on group interactions, group climate, and attained skill. The study also examined changes over time in supervisees' and supervisors' ratings. Results from hierarchical regression analysis indicate that the group variables measured in this study are interrelated with perceived psychotherapeutic knowledge and skills attainment, group interaction, and group climate. The participants experienced a positive change over time with regard to attainment of knowledge and skills, group interaction, and group climate. Supervisors were more likely to experience a positive change whereas supervisees, and especially supervisees on the basic level, tended to present more stable ratings over time. These data underline the utility and importance of studying group supervision in psychotherapy from a small group perspective.

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