Introduction to Special Section on Using Microanalysis for Training and Supervision

This special section focuses on applying microanalysis to video recordings of actual practice as a component of training and supervision in psychotherapy or coaching. We present two articles in which authors report their experiences and a “classic” microanalysis research article (Jordan et al., 2013) that has underpinned developments in training. All three articles use the structured, theoretically grounded microanalytic lens. This lens stipulates a disciplined, utterance-by-utterance approach for observing video recorded practice: (1) focus on specific moments in the interaction, (2) notice what is observable in those moments, and (3) interpret utterances in their sequential context. While disciplined, the microanalytic lens is only descriptive; thus, for training and supervision, one requires a means for incorporating the aims of the therapeutic approach. Viewing dialogue through the microanalytic lens offers insight about what interlocutors are achieving together; incorporating professional aims offers a means for reflecting on practice.