Relational Processes in Counselling and Psychotherapy Supervision

This book is focused on relational processes in supervision for counselling and psychotherapy. The aim is first to introduce a relational theoretical stance, then to apply that stance to the process of supervision, and finally to offer practitioners immediately accessible resources for relational supervision.
Within a relational perspective, supervisor and supervisees are viewed as partners who co-construct the supervisory process. Unlike other approaches to supervision where the emphasis is on specific techniques and strategies for supervision, the relational orientation of this book invites supervisor and supervisee into different understandings of the supervisory interaction. This orientation directs our attention to the importance of co-creating the therapeutic relation/alliance with special attention to the wellbeing of the supervisee and the supervisor. Supervision, from this perspective, is focused on what participants are making together rather than on the individual abilities, strengths, and weaknesses of either the supervisor or the supervisee.


Ottar Ness is Professor of Counselling at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Adjunct Professor at the program of family therapy and systemic practice at VID Scientific University in Norway, Senior Advisor at the National Competence Centre for Mental Health Care, Norway, and Taos Institute Associate, USA.

Sheila McNamee is Professor of Communication at the University of New Hampshire and Vice President, Co-Founder, and Board member of The Taos Institute, USA.

Øyvind Kvello is Professor of Special Education at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, and Adjunct Professor at the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences at the University of South-Eastern Norway.