Supervisor and Thesis Advisor Training

İstanbul Psychodrama Institute 
Supervisor and Thesis Advisor Training

“This program has been developed with the aim of training Thesis Advisors and Supervisors required within the Psychodrama Group Psychotherapy Training. It is considered a preliminary step for the preparation of trainers within our institute. This program was developed in 2024 and approved by the Institute's Trainers.”

Program Overview

This training program is designed to prepare experienced psychodrama psychotherapists for the roles of supervisor and thesis advisor. The curriculum focuses on the theoretical foundations, technical skills, and relational competencies required to guide trainees through both their pschodrama supervision groups and academic thesis processes.

The program covers the core characteristics of psychodrama group psychotherapy groups, including group dynamics, facilitation techniques, and the principles of effective group management. Special emphasis is placed on the skills and interventions that supervisors must develop to support trainees in their practice.

Supervision Training

Dedicated theoretical and practical work will be conducted on the supervision process itself. Participants will explore models of supervision, the supervisory relationship, and methods for providing constructive feedback. Key topics include:

  • The role and responsibilities of the supervisor
  • Ethical considerations in supervision
  • Managing the emotional dynamics between supervisor and trainee
  • Observing and evaluating trainee interventions
  • Creating a safe and supportive learning environment

Thesis Advisory Training

Participants will also receive training in academic psychodrama thesis advising. This component includes:

  • Reviewing and understanding thesis guidelines and institutional requirements
  • Examining the structure and components of a successful thesis
  • Supporting trainees in developing research questions and methodologies
  • Supervising psychodrama group applications conducted as part of thesis research
  • Providing guidance on academic writing and literature review

Research Methods Training is an integral part of this program, ensuring that supervisors and thesis advisors are equipped to support trainees in designing and conducting rigorous research.

Program Structure and Delivery

The training will be conducted in person in Istanbul, with selected online modules designed to develop participants' competencies in remote supervision and thesis advising. Given that contemporary supervision and thesis consultations are increasingly conducted online, these modules address the unique dynamics and technical considerations of virtual supervision.

The program includes:

  • Group work and peer learning
  • Theoretical study sessions
  • Internship and observation alongside experienced supervisors

Sessions will be held one weekday per month, for 4 hours per session, allowing participants to integrate their learning with ongoing professional practice. This training will last approximately one academic term (10 months). Supervision internships are set at additional 20 hours. The mandatory scientific article within the program is also credited

Admission Requirements

Candidates must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a graduate of the Psychodrama Group Psychotherapy Practitioner Training (minimum two years since graduation)
  • Be actively practicing in the field (priority given to those conducting experiential groups)
  • Have no history of violating the principles and ethical standards of the Institute
  • Demonstrate basic proficiency in reading academic English
  • Commit to writing and submitting a scientific article as part of the training program.

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IPE SUPERVISOR AND THESIS ADVISORY TRAINING CONTENT OF THE PROGRAM
 

This training program has been designed to train psychodramatists who will take on the roles of Supervisors and Thesis Advisors within the Psychodrama Group Psychotherapy Training Program of the Istanbul Psychodrama Institute. Below are the main outlines of the program.

PART 1

SUPERVISOR TRAINING

Objectives and International Responsibilities of IPE 3rd Year Students in Conducting Supervision Groups

Principles of Conducting a Supervision Group
(Review and evaluation of institute forms)

  1. Principles of Protocol Writing 
  2. Principles of Forming a Supervision Group 

Characteristics of the Psychodrama Group Psychotherapy System
(Presentations by trainees in the supervisor training program)

  • Theories, Methods, Processes, Basic Principles, Techniques 

SUPERVISION SYSTEMS

  • Psychodramatic Supervision System (Supervision through Action) 
  • Examination of the Technical Analysis of a Psychodrama Session 
  • Verbal Psychodrama Supervision 
  • Online Psychodrama Supervision: Characteristics, Possible Challenges, and Advantages
    (Principles and Guidelines for Online Supervision) 
  • Reading and Discussion of Relevant Literature and Articles on Supervision 

COMMUNICATION WITH STUDENTS

Characteristics of students who are writing theses and leading supervision groups:
their sensitivities, strengths and limitations, anxieties, needs, and motivations.

In supervision:

  • The importance of empathy 
  • The value of tele processes 
  • The meaning and importance of being in the “here and now” 
  • The balance between support and confrontation 
  • The balance between providing knowledge and facilitating insight 

ACADEMIC WRITING

Each participant is required to write a graduation paper on topics such as supervision processes, supervision models, communication with students, and possible challenges in supervision within Psychodrama Group Psychotherapy. The paper must be prepared in both Turkish and English.

PART 2

IPE THESIS ADVISORY TRAINING

Objectives and International Responsibilities of IPE 4th Year Students in Thesis Writing

Review of Information and Forms Related to IPE Thesis Writing

  • Principles and Criteria of Thesis Writing 
  • Thesis Acceptance and Evaluation Criteria 
  • Standard Thesis Timeline for IPE 4th and 5th Year Students 

PROCESS-RELATED INFORMATION

  • Brief Review of Research Methods 
  • Discussion of Thesis Topics and Key Considerations in Topic Selection 
  • The Importance of Formulating a Measurable Hypothesis and Its Role in Research Design 
  • Thesis Proposal Form and Its Significance 
  • Accessing National and International Literature 
  • Limitations in Using Previously Completed Theses at IPE 

WORKING WITH STUDENTS DURING THE PROCESS

  • Frequency of Online and Face-to-Face Meetings 
  • Written Feedback on Theses 
  • Motivating the Student 

ETHICAL PRINCIPLES IN SUPERVISION AND THESIS ADVISING

Review of ethical principles in both supervision and thesis advisory processes
(Confidentiality, Responsibility, Respect, Relationships with Students, etc.)