Clinical Supervision of Couple and Family Therapy during COVID‐19

Abstract

This paper addresses the need for a swift transition from in‐person clinical supervision to telesupervision during the time of the COVID‐19 global pandemic. Five specific areas will be discussed in the effort to enhance the quality of clinical supervision provided to couple and family therapists in training at this time including the following: (1) COVID‐19 and the structural changes and technological adaptation of supervision; (2) culturally and contextually sensitive guidelines for clinical supervision during COVID‐19; (3) the supervisee’s competence and the clinical supervisory process; (4) the new set of boundaries and the supervisory role; (5) and the supervisory alliance and supervisees’ vulnerabilities in the face of COVID‐19.

The journey towards digital systemic competence: Thoughts on training, supervision and competence evaluation

“…As a starting point, it is worth remembering that, as systemic therapists and practitioners, we are used to the concept of transitions in systems, and the move to working online is no different than other transitions in that the amount of change needed as part of this process, the newness, losses and gains, flexibility of the systems involved, all have an impact on how successful we, and the students and families we work with, find the experience. Sahebi (2020) points out that one reason for the slowness in family therapy to take up technology prior to the pandemic may be because of the centrality in many systemic models, of space and physical positioning, and the importance of emotional attunement and experiential therapy. Changes in delivery in the context of the pandemic has, for most, been a process of learning, from initial anxiety to increasing familiarity and confidence.…”

“…This intensity seems to come from the extra layers of complexity and working hard to stay attuned to group process, which is not as easy to perceive online. Sahebi (2020) also points out the additional attunement needed with supervisees at this time of pandemic fears, and anxieties about the technology – therefore the extra importance of the supervisory alliance. She points to the potential parallel processes of anxieties in the supervisor–supervisee relationship, and between the supervisee and the family, with a need for dialogue about these different levels.…”

Online Telesupervision: Competence Forged in a Pandemic

“…The COVID-19 pandemic has forced systemic clinicians and supervisors to make a dramatic pivot to online services, regardless of perceived value or choice. Fortunately, supervisors have come to acknowledge the utility and value of OTS while supervisees generally report there is little difference in the two media (Martin et al, 2017;Nadan et al, 2020;Sahebi, 2020). If early publications of the pandemic shift to OTS are any indication, the pivot for supervisors may not be smooth or even desirable (Nadan et al, 2020).…”

“…One of the substantial benefits of OTS is the temporal and geographic flexibility afforded (Nadan et al, 2020;Sahebi, 2020). No longer are supervisors limited to a local time and space.…”

“…To create a relational connection, a supervisor might find it helpful not only to become aware of her own emotions, feelings and thoughts, but to be intentional about sharing these with supervisees during the supervision process, as well to prompt the supervisees to share their emotions, feelings, and thoughts (Sahebi, 2020). In group OTS, the supervisor might orchestrate opportunities for social connection more intentionally, especially at the beginning stages of the supervision process.…”