Joan E. Sarnat – författare

Relational psychodynamic psychotherapy arose in reaction to hierarchical, doctor-patient aspects of Freudian psychoanalysis. It emphasizes instead the partnership between therapist and client, and focuses on the power dynamics involved in this inherently unequal relationship. In this book, Joan E. Sarnat describes a model of clinical supervision that is based upon this therapeutic approach. While some clinicians treat the supervisory relationship as entirely distinct from the supervised therapy, Sarnat presents a straightforward and ethical framework within which a supervisor uses his or her clinical skills to work in the supervisory relationship, helping supervisees navigate their emotional responses to clients. Clear, concise chapters cover the theoretical and empirical basis for a relational model of supervision, and offer specific recommendations for addressing typical problems encountered by beginning, intermediate, and advanced supervisees. The book also includes revealing transcripts and analyses of the author's supervisory sessions with real trainees, including those documented in the author's companion DVD.

In the past two decades, many psychodynamic therapists have begun to view the relational processes taking place between patient and therapist as a central source of transformation. Yet traditional paradigms of clinical supervision, focusing primarily on didactic teaching, have limitations for training therapists to work in these new ways. This groundbreaking volume is the first to elaborate a comprehensive contemporary model of supervision. Using a wealth of examples and vignettes, the authors show how working within the vicissitudes of the supervisory relationship can allow the supervisee to gain a deeper understanding of the treatment method being taught. Key topics discussed include issues of power and authority, regression in the supervisory relationship, rethinking the "teach/treat" question, parallel process as a relational phenomenon, working with group process in case conference, and the role of the organization in supporting training. This is a richly informative resource for psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, psychoanalysts, and others involved in clinical supervision and training. It also will serve as a text for courses in supervision and organizational psychology.