Department of Family Therapy Dissertations and Applied Clinical Projects

Date of Award

2021

Document Type

Dissertation - NSU Access Only

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Advisor

Christopher Burnett

Abstract

Due to its significance to psychotherapy, various topics regarding clinical supervision have been of interest to many scholars over the years, with conflictual supervision being one of them. Although an interpersonal conflict between a supervisor and supervisee can hinder the supervision process, studies suggest that the occurrence can be transformed into a meaningful experience and be productive to learning, personal growth, and strengthened relationships when managed appropriately (Moskowitz & Rupert, 1983; Nellis, Hawkins, Redivo, & Way, 2011). Given their expertise, supervisors’ perspectives regarding this matter have been at the forefront in literature, leaving supervisees’ voices relatively absent despite them being the other half of the supervisory dyad. Further exploration is needed since published research on how supervisees view supervision conflict and the ways they approach it effectively from their position does not exist. This study used an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to examine the lived experiences of four Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) who had an interpersonal conflict with a supervisor and perceives their conflict resolution as successful. Through close data analysis, two superordinate themes along with subordinate themes emerged: relational barriers (difference in race and imbalance of power) and process of conflict (identifying occurrence, emotional reactions, advocating for self through mindful approach, conflict resolution, and gained knowledge). The findings contribute new and valuable information to the existing research literature and provide a more comprehensive understanding of supervision conflict and successful conflict resolution from the perspectives of supervisees.

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