How Czech supervisors engage in the supervisory process on sexual attraction and strategies used to supervise sexual attraction in the work of supervisees

Abstract

Abstract Our study investigated how Czech supervisors understand, engage with and supervise therapists in handling sexual attraction. Qualitative interviews were carried out with 13 volunteers in the Czech Republic. Transcripts were analysed using constructivist grounded theory (GT). Findings show that in reflecting on their experience as supervisors, participants stepped into their experience as therapists first. Data shows various factors mediating and influencing the supervision process: the historical and political impact of sexual tabooism and sexual attraction in training and practice; supervisors’ personal experience of sexual attraction provoked shame; gender and trust impact on which supervisor to choose; male and female differences in supervisory needs; and a clear contract facilitates disclosure of sexual attraction.