Supervision in sociotherapy. Implications of the psychodynamic approach for the training of sociotherapists and good practices in sociotherapeutic work

Abstract

The aim of this article is to describe the importance of supervision in the sociotherapeutic work and the process of training sociotherapists. Supervision of one’s own work with a group serves an educational and training function, as well as strengthening the sociotherapist in the process of providing assistance and thus preventing professional burnout. The theoretical framework of the article is based on psychodynamic concepts that point to the importance of transference and countertransference processes in working with a sociotherapeutic group, the discussion of which constitutes the main content subject to analysis during supervision. The development of generally accepted rules for the use of supervision among sociotherapists would contribute to the professionalization of sociotherapy as a group form of assistance for children and adolescents.