Supervision Scenario 1
Paula: There are a number of things we need to discuss today, so let us get started.
Jennifer: Am I in trouble?
Paula: No, not trouble, I just want to be sure that we have time to address all of your issues. First, I see that you have 10 clients that you are working with independently. How is that working?
Jennifer: Okay, I guess. Sometimes I am not sure that I am making a difference. I mean they keep doing the same things over and over and I do not know how to fix them.
Paula: I am not sure your role is to ‘fix’ them. Give me an example of somebody that you are struggling with.
Jennifer: I am working with this older man?he is about 45. He is coming to counseling because his wife said he needs to get help or she is getting a divorce. He keeps having affairs.
Paula: This sounds like an interesting case. Tell me more.
Jennifer: Of course, he doesn’t want to come to counseling. He keeps telling me he is only coming to see me. He says that if I was not his counselor he would not come in. While I tell him that I appreciate his commitment, it is important for him to set a goal for his sessions.
Paula: Is he resistant to goals?
Jennifer: Well, he just talks about sex constantly. Women this and women that. I do not know if I feel comfortable with that.
Paula: Well, as counselors we have to deal with a number of difficult issues. Have you thought about your own issues in regards to sex? I mean, could that be playing out here, making you feel uncomfortable?
Jennifer: This is not about my issues! He is the one whose wife is going to leave. Besides I do not like the way he looks at me during our sessions.
Paula: What do you mean?
Jennifer: He stares at me, like I am on the menu. Obviously, this is what his wife is talking about…he is a pervert.
Paula: Why do you think it is he stares at you?
Jennifer: I do not know. Because I am a woman?
Paula: It is probably the way you dress, Jennifer. You do not see the other woman in the office wearing high heels and tight sweaters. Perhaps you could try wearing a little bit less lipstick.
Jennifer: What?! The way I dress? I can dress however I want! This is HIS problem not mine. Besides I do not wear tight sweaters…. I…are we almost done here?
Paula: No, we still have a number of things to address today. Now let us talk about your schedule. There is a mandatory meeting on Tuesday for the employees and the interns. Now it is not part of your normal schedule but you will need to be there.
Jennifer: Yes, I will be there. What am I supposed to do with this client I was talking about?
Paula: It sounds like you need to change how you dress and perhaps the problem will take care of itself. If it does not we will simply get him another counselor. I know who you are talking about and he has been in and out for the last year.
Jennifer: Really? Who did he work with before? Maybe I could get some tips or ideas.
Paula: It was Judy. She did not have any problems with him at all.
Jennifer: I know that I am a new counselor and I am trying to learn. Maybe I should just work with young female clients. This way we would have something in common.
Paula: Perhaps you are right, Jennifer. It does not really sound like you are really ready to deal with a variety of clients yet.
Jennifer: Ok, if that is what you think. I will change my dress and focus on my clients like me.
Paula: Good, good. Now let me check this list of issues for today to make sure we have addressed them all. Ah yes, some of the other interns have told me that you have been talking about some of your clients with them. Is this true?
Jennifer: Well… yes. I do not say the client’s name but I talk with them about struggles I am having and ask for their advice.
Paula: That is what I am here for. Why would you ask other novice interns when I have 30 years of experience? It is best we deal with your issues and concerns when they happen, rather than bothering the other interns. Are you not getting the help you need from me?
Jennifer: Ahh, yes. I wish we could talk more about client cases, but mostly yes.
Paula: Ok, great. Same time next week then?
Jennifer: Sure.
Refer to Supervision Scenario 1 in this unit’s studies. what do you find problematic about this supervisor’s interaction with her supervisee? What might the implications be for this relationship or for the effectiveness of the clinic? What other observations do you have about this vignette? Be certain to cite the assigned readings or other scholarly sources to support your position.
