Dual‐Focus Supervision: A Nonapprenticeship Approach

Abstract

This article provides a professional model for practicum supervision using supervisors with equal responsibility and status. The authors discuss the influence of preprofessional guilds on practicum supervision and cite the major tenets that distinguish a profession from a guild. A model that attempts to meet some of the deficiencies identified in the literature on practicum supervision is proposed. With this model we stress the use of professional knowledge in both the content and process of practicum supervision. Dual‐focus supervision is seen as the integration and application of two approaches to practicum supervision. Theory congruency is defined as the ability to translate espoused theory into practice. Interpersonal dynamics refers to the ability to recognize and attend to the impact of the counselor's and the client's behavior on each other. The application of the model is described, and examples from the use of the model are given. Student comments tended to support their satisfaction with the dual‐supervision model. The model was seen to produce changes in trainee behavior and in supervisor behavior.

Conjoint Supervision with Beginning Trainees

“…The sharing of these multidimensional training tasks helps to dissipate my overburden confronting lhe supervisor responsible for a number of individual beginning supervisees. Sharing also avoids the "do-it-my-way" apprenticeship pilfalls of one-loone supervision (McBride & Martin, 1986). Dividing ultimate responsibili-Geltic 0.…”

“…Even more scarce are descriptions of collaborative models. Those previously described have recommended a senior therapisl/supervisor and junior traineelleader as "co-supervisors" (Alpher & Kobus, 1988;Glenwick & Stevens, 1980) or described cooperative models in which two supervisors may share a practicum group selling or may supervise the same trainees on different client cases (Davis & Arvey, 1978;Martin & McBride, 1987;McBride & Martin, 1986). A notable exception is found in lhe arena of family therapy supervision where lhe use of collaborative leans and group framework is more commonly employed.…”

The Results of the Implementation of a Professional Supervision Model on Counselor Trainee Behavior

“…We have begun the process of gathering data on the effects of a model of counselor supervision. We designed the model and reported on that process in Counselor Education and Supervision (McBride 8c Martin, 1986).…”

“…A more complete description of the supervisory activities can be found in "Dual Focus Supervision: A Non-Apprenticeship Approach" (McBride & Martin, 1986).…”

“…In the March 1986 issue of Counsrlor Education and Supervision, the authors described a model for practicum supervision. 'The model, called Dual Focus Supervision (McBride & Martin, 1986), was designed to teach professional counseling skills. The content of supervision in this model comes from knowledge of the profession (theories, methods, and research from the counseling literature).…”