Supervised psychoanalysis explained

A supervised psychoanalysis or psychoanalysis under supervision is a form of psychoanalytic treatment in which the psychoanalyst afterwards discusses the psychological content of the treatment, both manifest and latent, with a senior, more experienced colleague.[1]

The analyst who provides the supervision is called a supervising analyst (or less frequently supervisory analyst).

Training

Since 1925, supervised analyses have been a mandatory part of an aspiring analyst's psychoanalytic training within the International Psychoanalytical Association; and most training institutes ascribe great value to the experience of such an individual relationship about an analytic relationship.[2]

A similar system was adopted after 1948 by the Society of Analytical Psychology.[3]

The danger of uncritically applying insights drawn from the supervision directly to the analysis is however also recognised; and some would stress the importance of developing one's own internal supervisor, as opposed to merely reproducing someone else's thinking in the session.[4]

Length

The term "supervised analysis" is flexible. It can be applied to such treatment lasting over several years or to a single session; while even practicing analysts will sometimes seek supervision and discuss a challenging case with a senior colleague,[5] or resort to ongoing supervision at times of analytic difficulty.[6]

External links

Supervised Clinical Training

Training of the Psychoanalyst

Notes and References

  1. http://www.enotes.com/supervised-analysis-control-case-reference/supervised-analysis-control-case Roger Perron, Supervised analysis
  2. Janet Malcolm, Psychoanalysis; The Impossible Profession (1988) p. 54
  3. J. Weiner et al, Supervising and being Supervised (2003) p. 83
  4. Patrick Casement, Further Learning from the Patient (1990) p. 9
  5. http://www.enotes.com/supervised-analysis-control-case-reference/supervised-analysis-control-case Perron
  6. Casement, p. 124