Developing a Private Psychotherapy Practice Blog - Dr. Lynn Friedman - Johns Hopkins University -Dealing with Silence in the Clinical Setting

Dealing with challenging supervisors

Dealing with patient silence

Dear Graduate Students,

I received a letter from a graduate student asking me about how to manage a conflictual relationship with a supervisor. It reminded me of an article I wrote on my website for advanced undergraduates - the sort of thing that counseling student have been trained to do. However, I thought that it provided a nice review. So, I thought that I would share it with you. I'd love to hear your reactions. Best to all, LVF

Your supervisor tells you that in talking with clients or patients, you don't use enough transition statements. You have no idea what she means, so what steps can you take to find out and to address the problem?

I use this example because when a student posed it to me, I had no idea what the supervisor meant either. However, I had two thoughts...the first was related to the supervisor and the second is related to the issue of transition statements. First of all, I'd encourage graduate students to clarify their supervisor's feedback. Make sure that you understand what they mean. What does she mean by transition statements. Can she give you some examples? Can you role play and practice with the supervisor so that you have a clear understanding of what she means? Why are transition statements important? What is it that you are not doing with your patients/clients that she would like you to do? Asking your supervisor directly will (hopefully) do three things. First, of all, it will allow you to understand what she's talking about and it will allow you to be able to attempt to follow her suggestions. Second, you will establish the fact that you care about learning and care about doing a good job. Third, it will help your supervisor to be more explicit (which will enhance the learning experience for both of you!). Continued here:www.drlynnfriedman.com/reflection.html

P.S. The waiting list to take this class has grown. Therefore, Johns Hopkins has added a second session to be taught the last weekend in April. Already practicing professionals and graduate students from elsewhere may enroll as special students. The course will run from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm on Friday and Saturday. Information about registration may be obtained through the university.

P.P.S. A list of all blog posts can be found at: Dr. Lynn Friedman's, developing a private psychotherapy practice

Confidentiality Policy: Please note for reasons of confidentiality and copyright all letters to the blogger will be summarized and edited. Also, I will not write about real patients. Instead, I will create fictionalized vignettes. When you pose a clinical question, please ask it in a general way. DO NOT write about real patients. Thank you.

(c) January 7, 2010, Dr. Lynn Friedman, All rights reserved.

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Lynn Friedman, Ph.D.

Psychologist, psychoanalyst, work-life consultant

Faculty Associate, Johns Hopkins University

5480 Wisconsin Avenue

Chevy Chase, MD 20815

301.656.9050

www.drlynnfriedman.com/about.html

http://www.drlynnfriedman.typepad.com

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Those seeking consultation, I welcome your calls.
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Comments

[Roia]

It took me a while to get used to silence in a session, especially as a music therapist working with folks who use little to no speech. What I found, however, is that silence with each person is a different experience. Of course, I constantly have to be aware of my tendency to over-function for my clients. Thanks for this gentle reminder about the tendency to want to "fix" things.