Have I Been Here Before? The Script System in Clinical Supervision

This paper is a theoretical research-based reflection on the process of clinical supervision. It presents two case study projects focusing on the occurrence and use of the script system and the process of change and assimilation of the problematic script material during supervision. One of the cases is an experienced therapist, “Sarah,” and the other is a novice, “Adam,” both of whom were supervised by an experienced TA supervisor. The authors offer a discussion on the prevalence of script themes within the supervision process and ways of working with them while respecting the supervisory relationship, the level of supervisees’ experience, and the teach/treat boundary. They also reflect on the occurrence of the parallel process
and its implications. This led to the development of the script
system model and the addition of a relational field between the
supervisor and the supervisee that can be used as a supervisory
tool.