Using "As If" Processes in Family Therapy Supervision

Abstract

Experiences with using 2 formats of "as if' listening in the process of family therapy supervision are chronicled. "As if' listening involves listening to case material from a specific position (e.g., a particular family member's position) and then responding to the case presenter from that same position. The "as if' process promotes the creation of multiple understandings of clients, their situations, and the therapist's position in supervision. Participants' comments about the application of "as if'processes in supervision were analyzed using a qualitative organizational scheme. The themes that emerged from the inquiry are reported and discussed. The themes relate to both the usefulness of "as if" processes in family therapy supervision and the research process itself