Supervision for Counselors Working With Eating Disorders Groups: Countertransference Issues Related to Body Image,Food, and Weight

Because of similarities in age, education, and background, group counselors and members of eating disorders groups may easily identify and connect with each other. Although it can be positive, such overidentification may also create countertransference issues and demand attention in supervision. A model of supervision based on parallel process is presented to address these issues. The article describes (a) societal values related to eating disorders and countertransference; (b) specific themes in eating disorder groups and their impact on group process; (c) examples of countertransference related to body image, food, and weight; and (d) guidelines for supervision of female counselors working with eating disorders groups.