Mindfulness and the Play-Therapist Supervisor: A Study in Transformative Learning

This study examines the supervisory relationship from the perspective of the supervisor. Using a qualitative methodology, data were collected during a workshop at the 2011 Conference of the Association for Play Therapy. Supervisors were asked to reflect on their experiences as clinical supervisors. Supervisors typically focus on the experience of the supervisee rather than on a mindful reflection of their own experience in the relationship. The most prominent theme centered on the supervisory relationship and a second theme related to the power differential in the nature of the relationship. The opportunity exists for supervisors to focus on the relationships and on themselves in the context of those relationships. In being mindful of their own experiences, supervisors have the potential to enhance the supervision experience for themselves and those they supervise.