“When personal concerns are discussed in supervision, the goal is not to solve the trainee’s problem.” (Corey, Schneider-Corey, & Callanan, 2007, p. 392) The goal, simply stated, is to challenge trainees to address personal issues that could be potential counter-transference issues in their counseling relationships. The supervisor is not meant to serve as a personal counselor, but as a mentor that can help identify how personal dynamics influence work with clients. Generally speaking, this exploration should take place “in the present tense” and relate specifically to the supervisee’s case load. All “past tense” issues that arise should be referred to a 3rd party counselor for individual therapy.
Reference
Corey, G., Schneider-Corey, M., & Callanan, P. (2007). Issues and ethics in the helping professions (8th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.
