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Clinical Supervision and Logotherapy: Discovering Meaning in the Supervisory Relationship

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Abstract

Upon review of the clinical supervision literature, the case is made for implementation of logotherapeutic principles within the context of the supervisory relationship. Logotherapy is a meaning-centered approach that may enhance existing supervision styles and models, especially their tendency to de-emphasize the supervisor-supervisee relationship and the inner experiencing factor of what occurs during the process of supervision. The utility of incorporating elements of logotherapy in clinical supervision is presented within the context of supervisor roles (i.e., mentor, teacher, and evaluator), as well as the content and process of effective supervision (e.g., enhancing knowledge, skills, attitudes, and interpersonal ability of supervisees). The importance of supervisor and supervisee personally meaningful values to the supervision process is then discussed, followed by specific avenues for research. Recommendations for incorporating logotherapy into supervision are offered.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Fort Hays State University, 600 Park St., Hays, KS, 67601, USA

    Carrie Nassif

  2. Department of Psychology, The University of Mississippi, University, MS, 38677, USA

    Stefan E. Schulenberg

  3. Knoxville, IA, USA

    Robert R. Hutzell

  4. Department of Psychology, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, USA

    Julius M. Rogina

Authors
  1. Carrie Nassif
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  2. Stefan E. Schulenberg
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  3. Robert R. Hutzell
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  4. Julius M. Rogina
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Correspondence to Carrie Nassif or Stefan E. Schulenberg.

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Nassif, C., Schulenberg, S.E., Hutzell, R.R. et al. Clinical Supervision and Logotherapy: Discovering Meaning in the Supervisory Relationship. J Contemp Psychother 40, 21–29 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10879-009-9111-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10879-009-9111-y

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