Online clinical supervision in couple and family therapy: A scoping review

Abstract

Online clinical supervision, or telesupervision, is a growing practice in couple and family therapy. This scoping review aims to identify and synthesize the existing body of knowledge regarding the utilization, experiences, and perceptions of telesupervision among the couple and family therapists and to highlight gaps in the literature. The review followed the five-step approach proposed by Arksey et al. (2005). Fifteen articles were included and their analysis yielded four themes: 1. telesupervision competence; 2. setting and boundary management; 3. advantages of telesupervision; and 4. challenges of telesupervision. Our review clearly demonstrates the dearth of available conceptual and empirical work. The rapidly growing use of online therapy and telesupervision in couple and family therapy has created a critical need to expand this body of knowledge by collecting evidence that can later be translated into practice. Moreover, we identified several gaps in the existing body of knowledge, including a lack of reports on the efficacy of telesupervision and on the experiences, processes, and ascribed meanings of the supervisors and supervisees. We also noted a lack of practice and ethical guidelines for telesupervision. We conclude our analysis by suggesting areas and directions for further investigation.