Development, content, process and outcome of an online peer supervision group for counselor trainees

This study investigated the development, content, process, and outcome of an online peer supervision group (OPSG) for counselor trainees. Outcome measures determined that participants felt comfortable, confident, and open to using the OPSG. In addition, counselor trainees reported a preference for using aliases online to foster more sharing. In terms of content, topics in the group focused on mostly professional identity (40.1%) and therapeutic techniques (22.5%). A discourse analysis of the group revealed a high percentage of messages were experiential self-disclosure (40.0%) and guidance (20.0%). Our findings indicate that the components and content found in supervision groups, and in group process more generally, can take place in OPSGs. The role of computers in psychological training is discussed.