Masterclass Topic 5: Supervision for therapists working with couples

This workshop will explore the supervisor competencies (AHPRA, 2018) required, and supervision models relevant to, addressing the unique issues that can arise when supervising within the field of clinical couple therapy.

Workshop goals

Supervision of couple therapy is a particular skill that involves multi-modal assessment, individual and relationship formulation, treatment planning across a range of theoretical orientations including attachment theory, systems theory, psychodynamic theory, as well as a range of theories associated with intimate relationships. The complex dynamics within clinical couple therapy presents the supervisor and therapist a range of unique opportunities to explore ethical and legal considerations, and a range of theoretical and therapeutic approaches.

This workshop will explore the supervisor competencies (AHPRA, 2018) required, and supervision models relevant to, addressing the unique issues that can arise when supervising within the field of clinical couple therapy.

Learning Objectives

Models, theories and methods for couple therapy supervision:

  • Critical Events in Psychotherapy Supervision Model (Ladany, Friedlander & Nelson, (2016),
  • Emotionally Focused Model of Supervision (Greenberg & Tomescu, 2017).

Identifying and establishing competency based goals:

  • Which model of couples therapy are we working from?
  • What are the key therapeutic competencies based on that model?
  • Which model of supervision are we using and how will we measure and monitor competency within the Board approved supervised practice plan?

Providing effective feedback:

  • Bidirectional feedback,
  • Supportive reassurance feedback,
  • Directive feedback,
  • Evaluative feedback,
  • Constructive/critical feedback.

Addressing problems of competence and within the supervisory relationship:

  • Skill difficulties and deficits (Ladany, Friedlander & Nelson, 2016),
  • Addressing problematic emotions, attitudes and behaviours, e.g Crisis in confidence. interpersonal and characterological difficulties (Ladany, Friedlander & Nelson, 2016).

Ethical, legal and professional concerns:

  • The ethical decision making model,Contra-indications to therapy (Domestic violence, coercive control),
  • Boundary issues (secret keeping, side-taking),
  • Dual relationships (couple therapy and individual therapy),
  • Records and Family court issues,
  • Limits of competence issues.

Patricia Purnell-Webb

rish is a Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years experience working in private practice with adults and couples. She was the first person in Australia to become a Certified Gottman Marital Therapist and a Master Trainer and Consultant for the Gottman Institute. She is also trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples (EFT-C).

She has been an Associate of the STAP team since 2007 engaged in evaluating supervisor accreditation submissions. Trish holds a Graduate Certificate in Adult Education and has been providing training in the provision of evidenced-based couple therapy for over 10 years reaching more than 1000 clinicians.

She is the Senior partner at Relationship Institute Australasia and Clinical Director of Burleigh Heads Psychology Clinic where she works with complex couples particularly in the areas of trauma, infidelity, mood disorders and borderline personality disorder. Trish is the lead author of 365 Simple Ideas to Improve your Relationship – a book of daily tips and tasks for couples.
Patrick Jones - Course author