IJSP Number 3, 2021

REMARKS ON USING ONE-WAY MIRROR SUPERVISION METHOD TO TRAIN PSYCHOANALYTIC PSYCHOTHERAPISTS ATHAR Mojtaba Elhami 1 1 M.Sc. in Clinical Psychology, School of Behavioural Sciences and Mental Health (Tehran Institute of Psychiatry), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Email : mojtabapsychology@yahoo.com , https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8221-076X Abstract The one-way mirror method of supervision is an excellent method to train psychotherapists. Its positive influences on training candidates and patients are well-documented in previous studies. Based on his personal experiences as an observer of psychoanalytic psychotherapy sessions from behind a mirror, the author recognized particular materials, dynamics and defenses both in the patients and the trainees, brought out by the one-way mirror setting. The advantages of this supervision method and the materials, defenses and dynamics that this setting instigated in patients and therapists are explored separately. The importance of the supervisory relationship in dealing with such issues is elaborated. Keywords: psychoanalytic psychotherapy, supervision, supervisory relationship, narcissism, one-way mirror supervision. 1. INTRODUCTION Supervision is widely recognized as an integral part of clinical training. It has been defined as an intervention provided by a specialist to a junior member in the same profession. This process enhances the supervisee’s professional functioning, monitors the quality of professional services offered to the patients, and serves as a gatekeeper of newcomers to the particular profession [1]. The positive influence of supervision on the supervisee’s professional development has been well documented in specialty literature. For instance, supervision has been associated with supervisees’ increased self-efficacy [2], with the acquisition of skills required to work with patients [3], with increased self-awareness [4], and a supportive atmosphere that facilitates supervisee’s professional development [5].