| Abstract [eng] |
Navyte, S. (2025). The relationship between supervisor and supervisee in the initial phase of psychodynamic psychotherapy supervision. Vilnius: Vilnius university, 75 pp. Supervision is a key learning tool for psychotherapists, particularly within the psychodynamic paradigm, where professional skills are developed through the relationship with the supervisor. The supervisory relationship is considered a fundamental component of successful supervision. However, there is still a lack of research exploring the supervisor-supervisee relationship, especially within the same supervision dyad. The aim of this study is to explore how supervisors and supervisees experience their relationship in the initial phase of psychodynamic psychotherapy supervision. The study involved 6 supervision dyads (5 supervisors and 6 supervisees), Psychodynamic psychotherapy study program students and their supervisors. A qualitative research design was used, data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. The study identified key aspects of supervisory relationship from both perspectives, including emotional connection, supervision contract, collaboration, feedback, supervisor and supervisee characteristics, and challenges in the supervision process. One theme emerged exclusively from the supervisors’ perspective – their own professional development and their efforts to foster the supervisees’ growth. These finding contribute to a deeper understanding of the supervisory relationship in the scientific literature and provide practical recommendations for psychotherapy supervisors. |
