Interactional patterns of clinical supervision: using sequential analysis

ABSTRACT This study targets interactional patterns of clinical supervision by using sequential analysis. Specifically, it explores (a) the overall transitional dynamics of clinical supervision; (b) different transitional patterns of supervisory dyads with more experienced supervisors and those with less experienced supervisors; and (c) different transitional patterns of supervisory dyads with more experienced supervisees and those with less experienced supervisees. Findings of this study have implications for the professional development of both supervisors and supervisees, particularly international counselling and psychotherapy trainees. Dyads with more experienced supervisors or supervisees displayed a repetitive pattern between opinions and positive social emotional behaviours over time compared to supervisory dyads with less experienced supervisors or supervisees.