Characterological Resistances in Psychotherapy Supervision

While resistance has long been discussed as an obstacle to the process of psychotherapy (Freud, S., 1912,1914; Freud, A., 1936; Fenichel, 1945; Gill, 1963; Greenson, 1967) it has been less frequently addressed in the context of psychotherapy supervision. The most frequent aspect of resistance in supervision that has been discussed in the literature is the type of resistant behavior most commonly manifested by supervisees. Among these behaviors Bauman (1972) includes: submission, turning the tables, self-depreciation, helplessness, and projection. Bauman also discusses supervisory methods for dealing with these forms of resistance including interpretation, feedback, clarification, generalization, ignoring, the alterego technique and audio taping. Kadushin (1976) also describes the forms mat supervisory resistance can take. These include flattery, redefining the supervisory relationship, reducing the supervisor's power, ensuring that uncomfortable topics won't be raised, engaging in excessive self-criticism to solicit reassurance, concealing problems and distorting what actually occurs in the therapy session. Dodge (1982) notes that supervisees may