The experiences of marriage and family therapy supervisors and supervisees

The purpose of this study was to explore and understand the nature of marriage and family therapy supervision from the perspectives of supervisors and supervisees. Two supervisors and four supervisees in an AAMFT-approved doctoral program participated in in-depth interviews focusing on their previously recorded supervision sessions. Results indicate that supervisees and supervisors tend to punctuate their experiences in supervision along an intersecting continuum of role and relationship. Supervisees experienced a high degree of anxiety during supervision and were particularly concerned with the issue of dual roles. Supervisors experienced themselves as empowering the supervisees to awaken to their own potential and avoid being viewed in an all-knowing position.