In the landscape of professional development for counsellors, supervision is a cornerstone. While it serves the vital functions of skill development and ethical oversight, I’d say its most profound potential is often unlocked through exploring the powerful but subtle dynamic known as the parallel process.
This concept describes the phenomenon where the dynamics occurring between a counsellor and their CLIENT are unconsciously re-enacted in the relationship between the counsellor (supervisee) and their SUPERVISOR. It’s as if the therapy room has a mirror held up to it in the supervision space, offering a live, interactive source of data.
How the Process Plays Out
The parallel process isn’t a mistake or a sign of failure; it happens nearly ‘naturally’. For example, a counsellor might come to supervision feeling frustrated and stuck, complaining that their client is resistant and “not doing the work.” In the supervision session, I might notice the counsellor is similarly resistant to my suggestions, shooting down ideas, challenging me, and appearing stuck. The feeling of frustration I might experience (and will probably share!) is likely a direct reflection of what the counsellor feels in the therapy room coming from (or towards) the CLIENT. The counsellor has, without realising it, “brought the client into the room” with them, allowing me to experience the dynamic firsthand. This could be either by the supervisee ‘re-enacting’ the client’s experience with me, or actually experiencing their own feelings when working with the client through me; it could go either way.
Navigating the Mirror as a Supervisor
For experienced practitioners, exploring this process moves supervision deeper into reflective practice. My role as a supervisor isn’t to point out a flaw, but to get curious alongside you. We’ll obviously want to have a good supervision relationship for this to work. My approach is to gently highlight the dynamic with open-ended, invitational questions:
- “I’m noticing a sense of urgency in me to find a solution for you. I wonder if you feel a similar pressure from your client to ‘fix’ things?”
- “The way you’re describing the situation feels quite complex and tangled. Is that how you’re feeling within the session itself?”
By collaboratively examining the “here-and-now” of the supervision relationship, we gain direct insight into the client’s world and the therapeutic relationship, bypassing purely ‘thinking’ language and tapping into the emotional side of the topic.
Tips for Self-Reflection Before Supervision
As an experienced counsellor, you can begin this reflective practice before you even arrive at our session. This preparation can make our time together more effective (and richer!).
- Tune In to Your Feelings: Before supervision, take a moment to notice the emotions that arise when you think about the client you plan to discuss. Is it anxiety, boredom, irritation, or perhaps over-enthusiasm? These feelings are important clues.
- Observe Your Narrative: How are you planning to present the case? Are you framing the client as a victim, a villain, or a hopeless case? The story you tell about your client often reveals something about the dynamic between the two of you.
- Reflect on Your Desired Outcome: What do you really want from supervision for this case? Are you seeking a simple technique, validation, or for someone to take the problem off your hands? This desire can mirror what your client is implicitly asking of you.
Engaging with the parallel process takes supervision from a something you need to do to stay registered to a more dynamic exploration. It sharpens our self-awareness (mine, too!), deepens empathy for our clients, and ultimately makes us more present and effective therapists.
