Experiences of the supervisory alliance and self-compassion in counseling and psychotherapy students

Authors

Alexandre Brien, Université du Québec à MontréalFollow
Patricia Dionne, Université de SherbrookeFollow
Réginald Savard, Université du Québec à MontréalFollow
Cynthia Bilodeau, Université St-PaulFollow

Document Type

Empirical Research Article

Keywords

supervisory working alliance – reflexive self-awareness – self-compassion – career counseling and psychotherapist training

Subject Area

Clinical Supervision

Abstract

This qualitative research examined the relationship between supervisory working alliance, self-compassion and reflexive self-awareness with students enrolled in a graduate-level counseling or counseling and psychotherapy program (n = 48). A thematic analysis using a Critical Incident Questionnaire was performed. The themes identified in this study indicate that both supervision alliance and self-compassion seemingly contribute positively to student supervisee learning experiences and to the development of their reflexive self-awareness. Moreover, the perceived learning achieved, and the development of reflexive self-awareness, reciprocally strengthened the supervisory alliance. Furthermore, the degree of supervisees’ self-compassion as well as their perceived supervisory alliances had an impact on supervisees’ experiences of the supervision process.

Recommended Citation

Brien, A., Dionne, P., Savard, R., & Bilodeau, C. (2023). Experiences of the supervisory alliance and self-compassion in counseling and psychotherapy students. Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision, 17(3). Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.sacredheart.edu/jcps/vol17/iss3/7