Unlocking the secrets of ‘good supervision’: A phenomenological exploration of experienced counsellors' perceptions of good supervision

This paper reflects the findings of a qualitative study carried out to identify the elements of good supervision. Nine experienced counsellors were invited to participate in semi‐structured interviews in which they were asked to share their views and experiences of what good supervision meant for them. Following a grounded theory analysis of interview transcripts, the supervisory relationship emerged as the central component of good supervision. Three key constituents were identified as ‘core conditions' which were necessary for an effective supervision relationship to become established: equality, safety and challenge. It is suggested that supervisees seek different things from supervision. Four different types of ‘seeking’ activity were recognised and categorised in this study.