Ego Development and Student Counselors’ Phenomenological Experiences in Live Supervision

An interpretive phenomenological qualitative research design was used to explore student counselors’ experiences in live supervision, with specific attention to ego development as a potential lens shaping student counselors’ experiences. Participants (N = 9) completed the Washington University Sentence Completion Test (WUSCT) and semi-structured interviews. Three primary themes emerged: (a) roles, (b) processes, and (c) outcomes. Findings were considered from the perspective of ego development. Implications for counselor preparation and future research are suggested.