How does supervisor power influence clinical supervision from the perspective of the supervisor? An interpretative phenomenological analysis

This thesis explores the role that power plays in clinical supervision from the perspective of the supervisor. It focuses on the level of awareness supervisors have of power, its impact on them, and how they view its impact on their supervisees and the supervision process itself. This research will add to the limited literature available on this critical issue. It was conducted using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) as a methodological and analytical framework. The results highlight the significant role that power plays in clinical supervision, as well as the understanding participants have of the way in which it impacts on them, the supervisees, and clinical supervision. Four superordinate themes emerge from this research: (1) the impact of power on participants; (2) participants’ awareness of power in supervision; (3) power as an entity in supervision; and (4) sharing power in supervision. The results of this research reveal that many participants view their power as responsibility. The study also found that participants understand power as something that is exercised in clinical supervision if warranted, and that it is not a permanent active presence in supervision. Significant variations emerged in participant’s awareness of it and its impact on them. This research highlights the need for all those involved in clinical supervision to critically explore how power is present in supervision, their understanding of it, and how its presence impacts on the way supervision is conducted. A limitation of the research is the potential lack of generalisability associated with using an IPA framework. The extent to which clinical supervisors are consciously aware of and understand their power would benefit from further research. Also, the role power plays in promoting and perpetuating an uncritical common-sense view of the role of supervisors needs to be further researched.