Demirtzidou, M. and Tragantzopoulou, P. 2025. Mitigating Burnout: A Qualitative Exploration of Clinical Supervision's Impact on Novice Psychotherapists. European Journal of Psychotherapy & Counselling. Advanced online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/13642537.2024.2438924
| Title | Mitigating Burnout: A Qualitative Exploration of Clinical Supervision's Impact on Novice Psychotherapists |
|---|---|
| Type | Journal article |
| Authors | Demirtzidou, M. and Tragantzopoulou, P. |
| Abstract | Burnout poses a recognized risk within the psychotherapy profession, potentially compromising the quality of care for clients and the overall well-being of practitioners. Clinical supervision emerges as a crucial component in psychological therapeutic practices, with research affirming its efficacy in alleviating burnout symptoms among psychotherapists. While numerous quantitative studies underscore the prevalence of burnout among psychotherapists due to the demanding nature of their work, there remains a paucity of literature focusing on novice practitioners. To address this gap, our study aimed to explore the lived experiences of burnout among novice psychotherapists practicing integrative therapy, and their perceptions regarding the role of supervision in managing burnout. Through analysis of nine semi-structured interviews using thematic analysis, two overarching themes emerged: (a) internal shifts and underlying influences, and (b) the strengths of supervision. Participants described experiencing physical and psychological implications, including instances of countertransference. Common triggers included elevated caseloads, personal challenges, and feelings of inadequacy. Furthermore, participants universally emphasized the positive impact of supervision in maintaining ethical practice, normalizing and managing burnout, alleviating anxiety, and fostering a growth mindset. The implications of our findings extend to various aspects of clinical practice, professional training, and organizational policies within the mental health field. |
| Journal | European Journal of Psychotherapy & Counselling |
| ISSN | 1364-2537 |
| 1469-5901 | |
| Year | 2025 |
| Publisher | Taylor & 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/10.1080/13642537.2024.2438924 |
| Publication dates | |
| Published online | 15 May 2025 |