2 TPC Digest 2 TPC Digest William B. Lane, Jr., Timothy J. Hakenewerth, Camille D. Frank, Tessa B. Davis-Price, David M. Kleist, Steven J. Moody The More, the Merrier? A Phenomenological Investigation of Counselor-in-Training Simultaneous Supervision Simultaneous supervision is an experience in which counselors-in-training (CITs) receive supervision from more than one supervisor during the same period of time. This frequently occurs when CITs have both a site supervisor at their clinical placement and a faculty supervisor from their counseling program. This also occurs when CITs have multiple placements or multiple supervisors at a placement. Simultaneous supervision is a common occurrence in training programs but is guided by limited counseling scholarship. We therefore engaged in a qualitative study utilizing interpretative phenomenological analysis to understand CITs’ experience of simultaneous supervision. Participants were four CITs from CACREP-accredited programs in their internships receiving supervision from at least two supervisors. We conducted two semi-structured interviews with each participant to understand the essence of their experiences. Four primary themes emerged: making sense of multiple perspectives, orchestrating the process, supervisory relationship dynamics, and personal dispositions and characteristics. In making sense of multiple perspectives, CITs received varied clinical feedback rooted in their supervisors’ differing theoretical backgrounds, specializations, and perspectives. Some CITs felt positively about the diverse viewpoints, which they felt allowed them to gain wider perspectives and “pieces of the puzzle.” However, conflicting guidance also caused confusion and frustration and left CITs unsure how to integrate the different suggestions. In orchestrating the process, CITs had to intentionally choose which clinical information to share with each supervisor. They sought specific supervisors for preferred perspectives based on specialty fit or likelihood of getting the answer they desired. CITs also had to manage logistical challenges like finding time for extra meetings and completing repetitive paperwork. Some withheld information as an attempt to efficiently manage the process. Supervisory relationship dynamics uniquely affected the experience of simultaneous supervision. Feelings of safety and vulnerability heavily influenced what CITs shared with individual supervisors. CITs were less likely to be vulnerable with supervisors they saw as “bosses” focused on evaluations rather than as mentors. Navigating power differentials in relationships was difficult. Positive experiences resulted when supervisors collaborated to provide cohesive systemic supervision.
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