Peer Supervision Groups: How They Work and Why You Need One

Peer supervision groups, in which psychotherapists meet regularly to give and receive help with difficult cases and other issues in private practice, are an important component of many therapists' professional lives, but only a few journal articles have discussed them. This first and only book on the topic addresses some of the problems of conventional supervision and investigates the experience of being in a peer group. Drawing from the authorOs own experience and his interviews of thirty-four members of twenty different peer groups, the book describes in detail the varying structures, topics, and interactions in a peer group situation. The author also gives guidelines for organizing and conducting an effective group.

Table of Contents:
1 Introduction Part 2 I: Supervision Chapter 3 1 The Supervisory Relationship Chapter 4 2 The Problems of Supervision Part 5 II: The Interviews Chapter 6 3 Who Are the Interviewees? Chapter 7 4 The Members of the Group Chapter 8 5 The Structure of the Group Chapter 9 6 Presenting a Case Chapter 10 7 The Positive and the Negative Part 11 III: Some Groups Chapter 12 8 Specific Peer Groups 13 Conclusions and Recommendations 14 Appendix A — The Questionnaire 15 References 16 Index 17 About the Author

About the Author :
Lee D. Kassan is a licensed psychoanalyst, licensed Mental Health Counselor, and Certified Group Psychotherapist in private practice since 1980. He is the author of Who Could We Ask? The Gestalt Therapy of Michael Kriegsfeld (2007), Second Opinions: Sixty Psychotherapy Patients Evaluate Their Therapists (1999), and Shrink Rap: Sixty Psychotherapists Discuss Their Work, Their Lives, and the State of Their Field (1996), and a co-author of Genius Revisited: High IQ Children Grown Up (1993).

Review :
Kassan offers a glimpse into the vulnerabilities of clinicians. With an extensive review of the literature, he makes a compelling case for peer supervision as a haven for personal and professional development and connection. This book is both informative and inspiring. For decades psychotherapists have found peer supervision groups enriching and meaningful. In this lively and practical book, Kassan presents a comprehensive view of the pros and cons of these groups as well as providing guidelines for setting up effective peer groups. This important book also effectively deals with the larger issue of how we train psychotherapists. I believe this is the first book-length, comprehensive examination of peer supervision groups, an increasingly popular vehicle utilized by mental health professionals to deal with difficulties that arise in their practices, to foster their growth as professionals, and to derive support in what otherwise can be a very lonely profession. Kassan does a wonderful job of making these groups come alive and delineating their attributes; as such, it should be read by all who want to understand their value and their limitations. Lee Kassan...has written a practical book for those therapists who might consider joining a Peer Supervision Group. By taking a practical approach and eschewing theory, Mr. Kassan presents a readable, practical and helpful book which broadly covers every aspect of peer group supervision....This is an excellent survey and introduction to what will be an increasingly important topic.