Contemporary Psychoanalysis. XXI, 1985: On Supervisory Parataxis and Dialogue. John Fiscalini. Pp. 591-608.

Supervisory parataxis involves transference-countertransference of supervisee and supervisor to each other, and inevitably has an impact on the relationship between supervisee and patient. The author argues that open discussion of these aspects of the supervisory relationship will lead to enhanced understanding by the supervisee of both his patient and himself. Moreover, to the extent that identification with the analytic functions of the supervisor is an important component of learning in supervision, an open, curious, and non-authoritarian attitude on the part of the supervisor will foster like qualities in the supervisee. An example is furnished, from the author's experience as a supervisee, which illustrates the enhanced effectiveness of a supervisory stance characterized by a willingness to explore the supervisory process itself. The author feels that supervisory attention to transference-countertransference issues in the supervision will have salutary effects not only on the analytic work being supervised, but also on the supervisee's personal analysis and on the development of his own unique style as an analyst. The environment in which the supervision takes place, particularly when it is a requirement of training, contributes to the resistances of both supervisee and supervisor to the open exploration of their own interaction.