The relation between training asymmetry and supervisory working alliance: implications for the role of supervisors in implementation

Clinical supervision can effectively support the use of evidence-based treatments (EBTs) in community settings. However, implementation of multiple EBTs can lead to different training experiences for therapists and supervisors, such that therapists might learn EBTs their supervisors do not, and vice versa. We explored whether such training asymmetry impacted supervisory working alliance (SWA). In a community sample, more than half of supervisory dyads disagreed about SWA quality. When supervisors had training in fewer EBTs than their supervisees, supervisors rated working alliance lower. We conclude that incorporating supervisors in implementation from the outset could minimize negative side effects of training asymmetry.