Supervision from a Gestalt Therapy Perspective

Abstract

This article is an edited version of a chapter entitled “Experiential Supervision”, which appeared in the book Handbook of Psychotherapy Supervision. The article examines quality supervision as an application of the philosophy of Gestalt therapy (i.e., the principles of phenomenology, dialogue, and field theory) and how the practice of Gestalt therapy supervision follows from Gestalt therapy principles. Supervision is discussed as creative adjustment and in terms of the Paradoxical Theory of Change and the Dialogic Relationship. Three functions or components of supervision (administrative, educative, and consultative) are discussed in terms of the requirements of each function and variations that arise from the requirements of agency, community, and the experience level of the supervisee. Gestalt therapy theory and supervision practices are discussed in reference to each component. Supervision and psychotherapy are compared and the methodology of Gestalt therapy supervision is discussed, including the experiential method, parallel process, the role of theory in supervision, the sequence of supervision and interferences with supervision.