The main goal in any therapeutic relationship is to motivate and encourage the client to become his own therapist. However, both therapist and client may encounter obstacles during this process of understanding and change. To be effective a therapist needs to learn how to see with the client's eyes and how to listen for the ambiguities between what the client says and what he means. Respect, ethics, confidentiality, trust and encouragement are all part of the developing therapeutic process. Both the new and more seasoned therapist needs to apply these principles in the therapeutic relationship.
Roadblocks often occur.
When a therapist does not know how to proceed with a client, a supervisor can help, motivate and encourage him. This program will, through demonstration and discussion, train the new or more experienced therapist in the tools needed to improve his therapeutic skills. The more experienced therapist will study and practice the theory and methods of supervision. As part of his training he will supervise other therapists, and in turn will receive feedback on his methods and approach. Becoming a supervisor helps therapists gain insight into themselves and their clients.