Supervision intervention

This study evaluated the addition of VF to EFT supervision using the plan–observe–feedback format. More specifically, the supervision provided during the baseline phase involved the supervisor and CFT intern meeting to plan for the session, the supervisor observing the live session, and the supervisor providing verbal feedback to the CFT intern during or after the session ended. VF was then added during the intervention phase. VF is a technology‐assisted approach to supervision in which the supervisor can electronically flag important moments in the therapy session and record digital feedback directly onto a live or video‐recorded session. This study used Morae software, though other software packages may offer similar features (e.g., Lookback, Video Review, and Vimeo). This software affords the supervisee the opportunity to playback important segments of the therapy session and return to the emotional field of the moment while reflecting on the supervisory feedback. In addition to providing general feedback, the supervisors could flag video segments according to specific preprogrammed hot keys or keyboard shortcuts in which supervisors could efficiently type one letter on the keyboard to code a segment in a specified way (e.g., as focusing on a specific therapeutic process). The preprogrammed markers in this study included: (a) alliance, (b) interactional pattern, (c) reframe, (d) pursuer softening, (e) withdrawer re‐engagement, (f) enactment, (g) blocking, (h) emotional experiencing, (i) consider being more active, (j) client showing growth, (k) adverse event discussed, and (l) bring to supervision.

The therapist‐in‐training was instructed to watch video segments of their sessions that were electronically flagged by the supervisor and read the supervisor's feedback before the next planning session. Therapists‐in‐training could also filter the electronic feedback based on the specific marker types to efficiently review, for example, all video segments and supervisory feedback that the supervisor identified as needing to discuss or those related to opportunities for or effective facilitation of deep emotional experiencing. Pooling the supervisory feedback on specific markers over the course of therapy with a couple offered opportunities to highlight patterns in practice and reflect on ways to shift patterns that were not conducive to facilitating change.