On solidarity and generosity in supervision

In the supervisory process, dialectical tensions arise between the supervisee and the supervisor. Often, the source of these tensions is the significant difference in their perceptions of the meanings of the unfolding therapeutic reality, intensified by belonging to distinct professional generations and reconstructing therapeutic interactions in different ways. According to the Hegelian model, mutual recognition and validation as independent and autonomous professionals help the supervisory dyad overcome dialectical tensions, reach new understandings, and grow as clinicians. Supervisors who acknowledge their vulnerability and manifest generosity and solidarity with supervisees can readily recognize and validate the supervisees and minimize the dialectical tensions.