About the Book
This book sets out a new model for psychodynamic supervision, designed around relational psychoanalytic theory and practice. It emphasizes the development of the self of the therapist and working directly with the emergent therapeutic relationship.
Building on Barsness’s seminal Core Competencies of Relational Psychoanalysis text, this book is grounded in those theoretical competencies. The author offers what he calls the MAMAL method of supervision—(M—muse; A—affect; M—metabolization; A—articulation; and L—learning), a method that privileges (1) affect over cognition, (2) the use of the therapist’s subjectivity as the primary portal to the patient’s internal and interpersonal world, (3) the immersion of the supervisor’s subjectivity in the supervisory process, and (4) viewing the patient as a muse rather than an object of assessment. The MAMAL method approach enriches the supervisory experience and enhances the therapeutic process, fostering a therapeutic climate where both therapist and patient can thrive. It is attention to our own humanity and woundedness that facilitates a deep connection to our patients and animates the progression of the therapeutic process and is at the core of this supervision model.
Drawing on clinical experience, this book is grounded in research and is a readable resource for psychoanalysts, psychotherapists, and mental health professionals, providing a clear guide to a relational model of supervision and a concise understanding of relational theory and practice.
Table of Contents:
1. So What’s New? 2. Theoretical Foundations of Relational Psychodynamic Therapy 3. Core Competencies (Disciplines) in Relational Psychoanalysis: A Summary 4. The Essential I 5. The MAMAL Method
About the Author :
Dr. Roy E. Barsness is the Founder and Executive Director of the Contemporary Psychodynamic Institute. He is the author of the text Core Competencies of Relational Psychoanalysis, and has served as Academic Dean and Professor at The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology, Professor and Clinical Director at Seattle Pacific University, and Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Washington, School of Psychiatry.
Review :
Here is what graduates of the Certificate Program in Relational Psychoanalysis at the Contemporary Psychodynamic Institute are saying about their experience with the MAMAL method…
'Working with the MAMAL method for case consultation both as a supervisor and a supervisee has revitalized my work as a psychotherapist. The upside-down approach of tending to affect first has been like finding a hidden door into the depths of relational work that was missing from traditional supervisory approaches. Attention to affect and the unconscious, collaborative authority, relentless curiosity and emotional risking are the portals into not only deepening my work with clients, but also are growing myself as a person.'
Mandy Casurella, Anchorage, AK
'Learning and practicing this approach has changed the way I work in a way that feels more alive, engaging and deeply beneficial to my patients. Dr. Barsness’ efforts to scaffold the supervision endeavor in this way is both practical and creative, structured, and endlessly flexible as I learn to use my own humanity in my work with other humans.'
Cristine Ramsdale, Seattle, WA
'I am so deeply grateful that I found this model of supervision early in my career. It requires me as a therapist to acknowledge my own subjectivity and the fact that it is always active in the room as I work with my patients. I haven't stopped practicing this model since I began four years ago, and I can't imagine doing this sort of work without it now.'
Joe Hall, Grand Rapids, MI
'In this groundbreaking book, Dr. Barsness takes us on a revolutionary journey through the world of supervision and consultation. As a psychologist with two decades of experience, I found his method to be transformative, leading to increased self-awareness and enriched patient care. I found myself invigorated and enlightened by Barsness' innovative approach, discovering new depths within myself, leading to greater authenticity and openness both personally and professionally. This book not only offers practical techniques but also inspires a profound shift in perspective, ultimately enriching the therapeutic process for both practitioners and patients alike. Highly recommended for practitioners seeking personal and professional growth.'
Jeremy Morris, Salina, KS
'With five years of work in the MAMAL method of consultation, I now use this model for my training clinic for all clinicians because of its impact on my own clinical work and mind. I find that the model has given us space to move towards a richer, more honest dialogue with one another as clinicians, and more wholehearted authenticity with our clients. Most impactful - for me in my own life, my work as a clinician, and in my therapeutic community at our clinic - is that I have found the model has helped me to hide less, and in that, feel far less alone in my world.'
Jeremy Dew, College Station, TX
'The MAMAL method has helped me increase my understanding of human pains and to heal and grow as a psychotherapist and a person in an experiential, collaborative, supportive, loving, authentic, and relational environment. I gained not only knowledge but also insight and experiences, and I feel more grounded and connected to myself and to my clients at a deeper level.'
Hiromi Gerety, Seattle, WA
'The MAMAL method of supervision has transformed the way I show up in the room with my patients as well as given me deeper access to myself both personally and professionally. This model has helped me to stop hiding behind intellectualizing, theorizing, rigid adherence to modalities, and treating my patients as objects to be fixed. Likewise, it has grown my capacity and ability to locate myself and the courage to show up as fully as possible with my patients creating opportunities for authentic encounters, intersubjectivity, and more life-giving work. My experience is that the more I have learned to show up through these relational encounters, the more the work has moved from "a grind" to enlivening for all involved.'
Ben Reisterer, Grand Rapids, MI
'This thoughtful and extremely relational model of supervision that Dr. Barsness created and developed has guided my approach from the mindset of needing to know, with little room to be wrong in my work to a beautiful melodic rhythm that combines the notes of my clinical mind, my embodied life experience, and trust in my intuitions and inclinations. This approach has opened space inside me and towards my patients on its emphasis on curiosity, exploration, and creativity. Traditional supervision tends to pay less attention to the affective and intuitive experiences of the therapist, whereas the MAMAL method understands and highlights the therapeutic encounter as an embodied one and as a bridge to the patient's life experiences in ways. Working from this perspective has reshaped me and now guides me as I work with myself in deeper ways and guide others to their own understanding and healing, I highly recommend this book for all of these reasons and many more.'
Marjorie Long, Birmingham, AL
'Experiencing MAMAL alongside other courageous therapists who did not hide behind relational psychoanalytic theory but instead chose to live out this theory together accelerated my growth as a relational psychodynamic therapist far beyond my expectations. As a result of learning how to listen with my full being (not just my mind) I feel much more present and alive both inside and outside the therapy room. I am so thankful for Dr. Barsness’ creative mind and work and also for my experience at the Contemporary Psychodynamic Institute!'
Shannon Gilbride, Encinitas, CA
'Experiencing MAMAL alongside other therapists accelerated my growth as a relational psychodynamic therapist. As a result of learning how to listen with my full being (not just my mind) I feel much more present and alive both inside and outside the therapy room. I’m so thankful for Roy’s creative mind and work and also CPI!
Truly a unique consultation and supervision model that enlivened my own clinical practice and supervision process. Prizing the clinician’s affective experience of the client as the window to understanding, this psychodynamic supervision model values authenticity, curiosity, metabolization, courageous speech, and a trust in one’s subjectivity. It has changed the way I practice for the better, as a professor the way I teach and as a clinical supervisor the way I supervise! '
Cayla Bland, La Mirada, CA
'It is no exaggeration for me to say that the MAMAL Method has reinvigorated my work as a psychotherapist and supervisor. Transformation within the context of psychotherapy occurs in relational space between therapist and patient. More than a technique, this model is dedicated to the development of the self of the therapist so that the therapist can show up more fully and courageously as a participant within that relational space. It is a therapeutic model that is both generative and creative in its essence and I would say, is relatively rare! This book is a must read for psychotherapists.'
Bryan Nixon, Grand Rapids, MI
'The MAMAL method truly is an innovative and exciting approach to case consultation where learning and growth come from the inside out and we get to engage and play in the relational realm instead of just talking about the theory and its application. In this book, Dr, Barsness does an excellent job describing the structure and process of running case consult groups using the MAMAL method while also providing the depth of thoughtfulness and purpose behind the creation of this model.'
Clarissa Hill, Seattle, WA
'This model of supervision has had a tremendous impact on me, both professionally and personally. Giving up the need to be the "Good Enough" object in favor of relating authentically has freed me to live more authentically in my life as well as my work. This model has produced in me confidence in trusting the process and the therapeutic dyad's ability to work intersubjectively including the navigating of conflict towards living with more vitality.'
Ryan Eberst, Plano, TX
'As a psychologist, professor, and clinical supervisor, The MAMAL method has been transformative. Grounded in relational theory and experience, it captures both the heart and mind of psychodynamic supervision with clarity and sophistication. It is essential reading for all clinicians who seek to enhance their therapeutic presence and impact.'
Stanley Hoover, Atlanta, GA
'This supervision model encourages me to access and accept parts of myself that I longed for, but never thought, could be useful in the therapy room. The method not only helps me access those parts of myself but goes further in teaching me HOW to use those parts of myself in a way that is beneficial to the client. My work, and my life, have become enriched, enlivened, and emboldened in ways I always hoped the therapeutic process could entail.'
Chris Roberts, Nashville, TN
'What sets the MAMAL model apart is that it is experiential and affect-focused. Because each person is asked to engage the patient being presented from a relational stance it expands not only the mind of the presenter, but the mind of every therapist in the room. It has transformed the way I consult and do therapy.'
Kelly Garrett, Vancouver, WA
