Psychoanalytic Supervision

by Nancy McWilliams

Drawing on deep reserves of experience and theoretical and research knowledge, Nancy McWilliams presents a fresh perspective on psychodynamic supervision in this highly instructive work. McWilliams examines the role of the supervisor in developing the therapist's clinical skills, giving support, helping to formulate and monitor treatment goals, and providing input on ethical dilemmas. Filled with candid clinical examples, the book addresses both individual and group supervision. Special attention is given to navigating personality dynamics, power imbalances, and various dimensions of diversity in the supervisory dyad. McWilliams guides mentors and mentees alike to optimize this unique relationship as a resource for lifelong professional learning and growth.

Winner--Gradiva Award, National Association for the Advancement of Psychoanalysis
Winner--American Board and Academy of Psychoanalysis Book Prize (Clinical Category)

Genres: Psychoanalysis, Psychology, Nonfiction

237 pages, Hardcover

Published September 28, 2021

About the author

McWilliams is a psychoanalytic/dynamic author, teacher, supervisor, and therapist.

Reviews

[Kasandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

It wouldn't surprise me if this remains the single most helpful book on clinical supervision I ever read. I took up supervisory responsibilities just a few months ago and was sent into a tailspin by unexpectedly stormy emotions. It turns out the work of doing therapy both did and did not prepare me for supervisory challenges. The psychoanalytic perspective may not be in style in most clinical circles, but I appreciate the emotional honesty regarding personality dynamics that inevitably surface in the supervisor-supervisee relationship. McWillians offers practical recommendations on how to provide the most clinical support/encouragement during both individual and group supervision. She offers different ways to look at and address conflicts within the supervisor/supervisee relationship. She also is also compassionate but firm about instances, however rare, when the supervisor-supervisee relationship must terminate. Literally in my first round of supervision I had a supervisee who brought out the worst in me, and if it wasn't for this book I think I would have had an ever harder time seeking out the help that I needed and respecting my own boundaries. It's a new text, it's relevant, and I am grateful to McWilliams for sharing this with the world. Well worth your money whether you a new clinician looking for strategies to get the most out of your supervision, or if you a supervisor looking to provide the most.

[M L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much wisdom and practical advice here regardless of whether supervising analysts in training or residents or others. I will go back to this book as a reference no doubt.

[James Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding (just like all of her books)!

[Ro Ni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like all of Nancy’s books, incredibly researched and well worded. I got a ton out of this book and would certainly return to it in the future.

[Psicoleggimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚 Il libro di cui vi parliamo oggi è “La supervisione” di Nancy Mc Williams, testo a cui teniamo molto perché ci consente di parlarvi di un aspetto della nostra professione che si conosce poco.

🔍Per capire cosa intendiamo per supervisione, basta leggere le parole di Watkins che ritroviamo tra le pagine del libro:
“Un metodo educativo o un intervento in cui un professionista più anziano della comunità psicoanalitica, con maggiori conoscenze ed esperienza clinica, stabilisce un rapporto professionale con un collega più giovane, con minori conoscenze ed esperienze … per promuovere la crescita professionale e accrescere le competenze cliniche e concettuali del più giovane; tale relazione è di tipo valutativo e gerarchico, si sviluppa nel corso del tempo e prevede un processo di monitoraggio e controllo della qualità del lavoro del clinico.”

🧠 Questa pratica accompagna gli psicoterapeuti dagli anni della formazione fino alla pensione ed è assolutamente necessaria per il bene sia del paziente che del terapeuta stesso, indipendentemente dall’orientamento teorico.
La supervisione è un utile strumento per la crescita professionale perché permette al terapeuta di vedere un paziente con altri occhi, comprenderne i blocchi e analizzare le proprie reazioni nei confronti di ogni singola storia.

🧳 Con questo testo la McWilliams ci accompagna in un viaggio nella supervisione a partire dai cenni storici per poi passare alla supervisione individuale, di gruppo e quella relativa alla scuola di specializzazione per poi chiudere con dei suggerimenti pratici.