This discussion will introduce the concepts of mentalization and reflective functioning to participants in order to assist supervisors working with supervisees. Reflective functioning is based on one's primary attachment relationships; these relationships inform one's capacity to understand the experiences of oneself, others and relationships. Discussants will learn about the importance of reflective functioning (a person's capacity to think reflectively about another) and consider the application to clinical work. Impairments in reflective functioning within supervision and the impact of those impairments on the clinical process will also be discussed. Key supervisory tasks and interventions for modelling reflectiveness, facilitating curiosity, and creating safety will be shared.
