Supervision in the strategic approach

Abstract

In order to form an optimal strategy suitable for a particular therapist, it is necessary to carefully collect as much information about the individual characteristics of the therapist, to create a working alliance with the therapist. It is important for the supervisor to flexibly change the style of communication, working with different therapists. The methods of indirect intervention applied in the strategic approach, such as paradoxical intervention, metaphors, the technique of "pretense", the illusion of an alternative, the technique of "confusion", the assumption of error, can be used as effective means to facilitate the implementation of these tasks in the supervisory process. Their application reduces resistance and/or uncertainty, anxiety of the therapist, especially novice. In addition, the use of direct interventions is appropriate. Strategic supervision is aimed at stimulating the creative activity of the therapist, the formation of flexibility of his thinking, professional competence and independence.

Keywords

• supervision
• strategic psychotherapy
• indirect intervention
• metaphor
• paradox