The Supervisor–Trainee Relationship

Effective supervision has so many benefits for aspiring sport and/or exercise psychologists in their quest to practice in a safe, competent, and autonomous manner. At the heart of effective supervision is the supervisor–trainee relationship, deemed central to professional development, competence, and quality assurance. The chapter is structured into the following four key areas, reflecting the initiation, development, and maintenance of the supervisor–trainee relationship: (1) Selecting the most appropriate supervisor; (2) How supervisors operate; (3) What supervisors are looking for in potential trainees; and (4) Managing the supervisor–trainee relationship. Guidance within each key area is supplemented with reflections from current supervisors and trainees, drawing upon their advice and first-hand experience. The information presented is useful for individuals contemplating a recognised training pathway in sport and/or exercise psychology, in addition to current trainees and supervisors, and those practitioners who may be considering becoming registered supervisors with one of the professional bodies.