Helping supervisees use their self in their clinical work: the person-of-the-therapist training model (POTT) in supervision

Abstract

Despite evidence of the importance of self-of-the-therapist factors for positive clinical outcomes, supervisors interested in helping their supervisees enhance their therapeutic effectiveness by honing their use of self may not have the framework to guide this process. In this article, we present the Person-of-the-Therapist Training (POTT) as a model that offers a clear philosophical perspective and specific tools to incorporate self of the therapist work in supervision. We start with a general introduction to POTT, its philosophical underpinnings, and its main concepts. Then, we describe the POTT supervision goals and specific emphasis. Subsequently, we present two POTT instruments (signature theme and case presentations and papers). With a vignette, we illustrate the use of the two instruments and show how this work on the person of the supervisee translates into the supervisee's clinical work with their clients. Specific recommendations about the implementation of POTT supervision are also included.