From psychotherapy to legal practice. The use of clinical supervision by lawyers in England and Wales

Mason, M. 2024. From psychotherapy to legal practice. The use of clinical supervision by lawyers in England and Wales. Psychiatry, Psychology and Law. Advanced online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/13218719.2024.2362138

TitleFrom psychotherapy to legal practice. The use of clinical supervision by lawyers in England and Wales
TypeJournal article
AuthorsMason, M.
Abstract

An emerging practice amongst lawyers in England and Wales is the use of clinical supervision, of the kind used by counsellors and psychotherapists. This is a very different practice to the type of supervision traditionally found within the legal professions. It is reflective and relational in nature. It aims to support safe, competent and ethical practice, and to contribute to sustainability, support and resilience. It also has the potential to support practitioners at risk of vicarious trauma and burnout. This study uses interviews with lawyers who are using clinical supervision to develop an understanding of why it is being sought, how it might be working, and what the potential impacts are. The interviews provide an opportunity to examine the interpersonal dynamics of the work of lawyers. The study explores how supervision allows lawyers to develop their understanding of themselves in relation to others, their boundaries and legal professional skills, and how supervision can contribute to the best interests of the client, and to a lawyer’s career sustainability and wellbeing.

KeywordsLegal Profession
Lawyers
Legal Practice
Clinical Supervision
Psychotherapy
Law and Psychology
Law and Emotion
vicarious trauma
burnout
transference
emotional labour
interpersonal skills
mental health
wellbeing
solicitors
reflective practice
Thematic Analysis
JournalPsychiatry, Psychology and Law
ISSN1321-8719
1934-1687
Year2024
PublisherTaylor & Francis
Publisher's version
License
CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
File Access Level
Open (open metadata and files)
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1080/13218719.2024.2362138
Publication dates
Published online03 Sep 2024
ProjectAn exploration of the relational dynamics of lawyering

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