Supervisee perspectives on supervision processes: An introduction to the special issue

Abstract

In this introduction to the special issue "Supervisee Perspectives on Supervision Processes," we provide a theoretical grounding and overview the research context of the articles across the special issue. With respect to theory, the articles in this special issue are conceptualized as reflecting key intersecting input, process, and output variables in the generic model of supervision. To provide additional context for the articles in this special issue, key themes emerging from research in supervision are also summarized: Supervision can benefit supervisees, expertise unfolds developmentally, multiculturalism impacts supervision, the supervisory relationship is highly important, and supervision may impact client outcomes. Limitations in the extant research literature (inattention to discipline-specific effects; poor vigilance in thwarting Type II errors) are also discussed. Encouragement is broadly offered for pluralistic methodological contributions to the much underresearched area of supervision in health service psychology.