Psychoanalytic Supervision

Drawing on deep reserves of experience and theoretical and research knowledge, Nancy McWilliams presents a fresh perspective on psychodynamic supervision in this highly instructive work. McWilliams examines the role of the supervisor in developing the therapist's clinical skills, giving support, helping to formulate and monitor treatment goals, and providing input on ethical dilemmas. Filled with candid clinical examples, the book addresses both individual and group supervision. Special attention is given to navigating personality dynamics, power imbalances, and various dimensions of diversity in the supervisory dyad. McWilliams guides mentors and mentees alike to optimize this unique relationship as a resource for lifelong professional learning and growth. Winner--Gradiva Award, National Association for the Advancement of Psychoanalysis Winner--American Board and Academy of Psychoanalysis Book Prize (Clinical Category) Cover 1 Half Title Page 4 Title Page 6 Copyright 7 Dedication 8 About the Author 9 Preface 10 Acknowledgments 15 Contents 18 Introduction 22 Learning from Past Accomplishments and Mistakes 23 Organization 24 Ethical Considerations and Terminology 26 1. Overview of Psychoanalytic Supervision 28 Providing Psychological Support 29 Promoting Honest Engagement and Good Use of Supervision 31 Providing Information 35 Teaching Skills 37 Nurturing Ethical Sensibilities 43 Socializing Supervisees into a Psychoanalytic Ethos 45 Stimulating Ongoing Curiosity and Preventing Burnout 46 What Psychoanalytic Supervision Is Not 47 Concluding Comments 48 2. Historical Background of Psychoanalytic Supervision 50 Freud’s Contributions 50 Post-Freudian Contributions 54 Recurrent Themes and Tensions 56 The Supervisory Alliance 63 Concluding Comments 64 3. Psychological Vital Signs: Evaluating Progress in Treatment 65 Safety and Increased Attachment Security 68 Self- and Object Constancy 70 Sense of Agency (Autonomy, Self-Efficacy) 73 Realistic and Reliable Self-Esteem (Healthy Narcissism) 76 Resilience, Flexibility, and Affect Regulation (Ego Strength) 78 Reflective Function (Insight) and Mentalization 80 Comfort in Both Communality and Individuality 81 Vitality 84 Acceptance, Forgiveness, and Gratitude 85 Love, Work, and Play 87 Concluding Comments 87 4. Individual Supervision and Consultation 89 Establishing and Maintaining the Supervisory Alliance 90 Addressing Resistances to Learning 103 Playing with Alternative Solutions to Clinical Problems 104 Supporting Ethical Sensibilities 107 Encouraging Therapy for the Therapist 108 Gratifications of Individual Supervision and Consultation 110 Concluding Comments 111 5. Group Supervision and Consultation 112 Overview 114 Group Supervision with Therapists in Training 116 Pragmatics of Group Supervision 120 Supervision in Groups of Two 123 Resistances and Complications in Supervision and Consultation Groups 124 Long-Term Benefits of Supervision and Consultation Groups 128 Concluding Comments 128 6. Supervision and Ethics: The Larger Context 130 Orienting Premises 130 Respecting the Patient’s Right to Know 131 Ethical Dilemmas Involving the Patient’s Best Interest 135 Ethical Dilemmas Involving the Community’s Best Interests 140 Ethical Dilemmas Involving the Therapist’s Best Interests 149 Exemplifying Ethical Practice 152 Concluding Comments 153 7. Supervision in Psychoanalytic Institutes 154 Gratifications of Supervising in Psychoanalytic Institutes 155 Challenges of Supervising in Psychoanalytic Institutes 156 Qualifications for Psychoanalytic Supervision: A Vexed Issue 172 A Hypothesis about Cultures of Enmeshment 173 Evaluation 175 On Preparing Candidates for Institute Supervision 178 Concluding Comments 179 8. Individual Differences and Specific Supervisory Challenges 180 Some Relevant Personality Configurations 181 Other Aspects of Individuality: Implications for Supervision 200 Concluding Comments 204 9. Getting the Most Out of Supervision: For Supervisees 205 Overall Benefits and Goals of Psychoanalytic Supervision 205 Appreciating the Supervisor’s Subjectivity 214 Maximizing the Value of Less-than-Ideal Supervision 218 When the Problem Is You 221 Concluding Comments 222 References 224 Author Index 246 Subject Index 251 "Drawing on deep reserves of experience and theoretical and research knowledge, Nancy McWilliams presents a fresh perspective on psychodynamic supervision in this highly instructive work. McWilliams examines the role of the supervisor in developing the therapist's clinical skills, giving support, helping to formulate and monitor treatment goals, and providing input on ethical dilemmas. Filled with candid clinical examples, the book addresses both individual and group supervision. Special attention is given to navigating personality dynamics, power imbalances, and various dimensions of diversity in the supervisory dyad. McWilliams guides mentors and mentees alike to optimize this unique relationship as a resource for lifelong professional learning and growth."-- Provided by publisher