The Role of the Supervisory Working Alliance in Experiential Supervision-of-Supervision Training: A Mixed Design and Multiple Perspective Study

The supervisory working alliance is an essential element in the supervisor-supervisee relationship. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to explore the role that the supervisory working alliance plays in the supervision training process and its relationship in the professional development of supervisors in training. Thirty-three practicum students, 29 supervisors in training, and 20 supervisors-mentors participated in this exploratory study. Quantitative data were collected at a minimum of one time and a maximum of three different times during a 12-month supervision-of-supervision (SOS) experiential training between 2013 and 2017. Data were analyzed using a mixed linear model with repeated measures approach. Qualitative data were then collected from 18 practicum students, nine supervisors in training, and nine supervisors-mentors at the end of their SOS training experience. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke's (2006) guidelines. Results of both types of analyses suggest that the supervisory working alliance plays a role in the SOS training experience. Several important themes also emerged concerning practicum students, supervisors in training, as well as supervisors-mentors' experience regarding the SOS training process.