Three heads are better than one: Psychiatry trainees’ experiences of a psychotherapy written case supervision group with three co-supervisors

Abstract

Objective

The aim of this project was to evaluate the experiences of Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) trainees in a regional centre who participated in a psychodynamic psychotherapy written case supervision group with three co-supervisors.

Method

A web-based survey was sent to RANZCP trainees. Descriptive statistics were performed, and written feedback was analysed.

Results

A total of 8 of 10 eligible trainees completed the survey. All respondents stated that the group met their training needs. The average rating of feeling understood by supervisors was 91 (maximum 100). Positive feedback was received about the variety and breadth of experience provided by the co-supervisors. Trainees felt that 1:1 supervision was important to complement group supervision.

Conclusions

The supervision group model with three co-supervisors is competently meeting the training needs of RANZCP trainees as well as providing a deep learning experience. This model may be of use in other services, particularly in regional settings.

Keywords

Psychotherapy supervision group psychodynamic supervisors

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

The Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists Education Committee . Psychotherapy Written Case Education Training Policy & Procedure v.3.6. https://www.ranzcp.org/files/prefellowship/2012-fellowship-program/rpp/examinations/policy-and-procedure-%e2%80%93-psychotherapy-written-case.aspx

Ögren

Sundin

. Group supervision in psychotherapy. Main findings from a Swedish research project on psychotherapy supervision in group format. Br J Guidance Counselling 2009; 37: 129–139.

Ögren

Sundin

. Experiences of group format in psychotherapy supervision. The Clin Supervisor 2007; 25: 69–82.

Ögren

Apelman

Klawitter

. The group in psychotherapy supervision. Clin Supervisor 2002; 20: 147–175.

Collens

Van Hout

. Learning in psychotherapy group supervision: transcending complementarity and the generative potential of group conflict. Br J Psychotherapy 2017; 33: 177–191.

Cohen

Hatcher

. The experiences of trainee psychiatrists learning a psychodynamic psychotherapy model: a grounded theory study. Australas Psychiatry 2008; 16: 438–441.