Integrating Relational-Cultural Theory Concepts Into Supervision

A Constructive Approach to Help Counselors Work With Clients Who Express Discriminatory Views

“…In doing so, supervisees can gain a clear understanding of how their thoughts and feelings affect their supervisor and, therefore, feel more supported and relationally competent in navigating their difficult experience with their client. By creating an environment that is supportive of vulnerability, supervisees are more likely to disclose difficult situations they experience without fear of negative evaluation (Abernethy & Cook, 2011; Lenz, 2014). Mutual empathy in the supervisory relationship can also help develop relational resilience in the supervisee.…”

“…Mutual empathy in the supervisory relationship can also help develop relational resilience in the supervisee. In other words, receiving support from and feeling an authentic connection with their supervisor can help the supervisee develop confidence in their relational capabilities, allowing them to address the relational disconnection they are feeling with their client (Abernethy & Cook, 2011; Lenz, 2014).…”

“…The supervisor can foster mutual empathy and relational resilience in the supervisory relationship by authentically expressing empathy for the supervisee’s struggle and encouraging the supervisee to reflect on how this empathic supervision made them feel (Lenz, 2014). Processing the strength and authenticity of the supervisory relationship can leave the supervisee with less shame and doubt and more confidence to deeply reflect upon and heal their relationship with their client.…”

“…Alicia’s request to have Jerry taken off of her caseload is likely due to her felt relational incompetence in working with a client who holds a worldview that she finds offensive at least, and deeply hurtful at worst. To create an environment of mutual empathy in their supervisory relationship, Steven could directly communicate with Alicia his own feelings about seeing Alicia in such a distressed state by saying something like “I can see you’re very hurt and angered by Jerry’s statements, and I have to say that sitting with those statements during your session must have been extremely difficult.” A statement such as this would validate Alicia’s feelings, allowing her to feel less isolation and shame about feeling this way about her client (Lenz, 2014).…”

Relational processes and the emergence of harmful supervision events: A narrative analysis of a single case

“…Mutuality refers to the idea that mutual empathy in the relationship builds a stronger supervisory alliance. Emphasis here is placed on interpersonal sensitivity, understanding different points of view, diversity and awareness of the impact of the supervisor's authority on the trainee (Lenz, ; Wells, Trad, & Alves, ). Mutuality, however, should not be misunderstood to mean that supervisor and supervisee occupy symmetrical positions in supervision where the superior's authority, knowledge and expertise are not acknowledged as necessary aspects of supervision (Frawley‐O’Dea, ; Miehls, ).…”