The meaning and impact of supervision for experienced counsellors: a relational narrative

This research explores the meaning and impact of supervision for experienced counsellors. Eight experienced counsellors were interviewed twice, the interviews were transcribed and analysed using a dialogical narrative inquiry. Three narrative typologies were developed as a result: Relational; Support; and Career-long. This research suggests that experienced counsellors attribute meaning and impact in supervision primarily through the relationship they had with their supervisor. A particular type of relationship was articulated, and based on the core conditions: congruence, empathy and unconditional positive regard. If the relationship felt safe, and was based on the core conditions, it appears possible to fulfil the ethical requirements inherent in career-long and mandated supervision. In particular, participants expressed a preference for egalitarian and non-hierarchical relationship in supervision. Safe supervision affords a space which can facilitate a range of important functions: self-care; restorative; therapeutic; personal development; compassion, and at times love; and, finally, can be free of unhelpful power dynamics. The narrative typologies of Support and Career-long relate to professional and ethical issues. Supervision for accredited members of BACP is an ethical requirement across the career life-span. And both typologies articulate stories about the impact of that on experienced counsellors. Furthermore, participant narratives, and the literature about supervision, raised questions such as: the efficacy of supervision; power in the supervisory relationship; whether what works for a trainee counsellor is fit for purpose for experienced counsellors; and the professionalisation of counselling.