Abstract
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This study aimed to explore clinical supervisors’ perspectives on the components of the relationship
competency. The constituents of relational competence have been articulated by expert committees, and
the present study sought to add to this literature through understanding these competencies from
Australian field supervisors’ perspectives. In the present study, supervisors were asked to provide
relational competence definitions and specific behavioral markers they use in assessing supervisee
competence within their supervision practice. They were then asked to describe the developmental
trajectory of relational competence among their supervisees, ranging from novice to intermediate and
expert stages. Similarities and notable differences between previous expert panels and the current sample
were observed in comparing data on the development of relational competence. A unique aspect of this
study is that compared with previous expert panels, the current sample greatly emphasized the ability to
understand relational data in the moment and to speak directly about the therapeutic relationship with the
client. The results of this study offer useful, in-depth descriptions of supervisee progress in the
development of relational competence. Consideration of competence markers within a sequential trajectory
offers a useful map for the ongoing development and evaluation of these abilities.