Phone Supervision: Unpacking Resistance

Given the benefits of supervision/consultation in general, from a supportive ear, to a place to talk, reflect on cases, and unpack thoughts and feelings so that everyone thrives and progress is made...it is often a point of curiosity as to why more clinicians don't make supervision a regular part of their work routine.

In an informal survey of Good Practice Institute Phone Consultation Group participants, the following resistances to supervision were identified:

lack of time or money, feelings of general competency, and
the idea that supervision was only necessary for new professionals or for very difficult cases.


These ideas were further analyzed and understood to be, in part, a defense against fear of appearing incompetent or unknowledgeable, anxiety over professional presentation (how they will be viewed by supervisor or group members), fear of rejection by peers, fear of having to share personal information, fear of conflict with other members (in group supervision), supervisor, or group leader, a wish to be seen as the expert, attachment to a fantasy that others always know how best to work, or that they as the therapist ought to know how to work without having to reflect on their cases and feelings. Though many therapists do regard consultation as a necessity for good practice, and as normative for therapists at all levels of experience and skill, the same resistances to in person supervision apply to phone supervision.

Therapists also mentioned that with in person group supervision, feelings of competition and territorial thoughts often come up. Therapists may hesitate to share marketing ideas for fear of losing business, or giving away ideas that they feel are sacred to their own work.

Though with phone group supervision, where participants are usually from different parts of the country or world, and where the customer base for online or phone counseling is seemingly unlimited, feelings of market competition are lessened greatly.

It is interesting to note that therapists who do participate in supervision over period of time report a general feeling of satisfaction and progress in their professional growth and practices, as well as a feeling of "rightness" at having a space to say everything on their mind about the work they are doing. There is a reported sense of relief at being heard, validated and understood, and having their cases discussed in a proper and supportive fashion.

The use of the phone to access supervision serves to help resolve some the resistances in its convenience, efficiency, simplicity and accessibility to colleagues, consultants and learning opportunities without regard to geographic limitations.

As one therapist recently said, "I was hesitant to try it, hesitant to stick with it, but could now not imagine my work without it."