1st Regional Forum for Trainers and Supervisors

“Power in the service of autonomy: Authority, responsibility and relationship in training and supervision”

Date: 12 November 2026, 9:00–17:30
Location: Zagreb — the exact venue will be confirmed depending on the number of registered participants

About the Forum

This one-day regional forum has been designed as a space for connection, dialogue and shared reflection among trainers and supervisors from Croatia and the wider region. We want to engage openly with important questions that arise within training and supervision processes, but for which formal programmes often provide neither sufficient time nor space.

In our region, many of us were taught—and often continue to learn and teach—within models based on a clear distinction between the authority who “knows” and the student who “does not know.” Within this model, the trainer transmits knowledge, while the trainee’s task is to absorb it.

At the same time, one of the key aims of many psychotherapy schools, as well as psychotherapy itself, is to support the development of autonomy. Contemporary authors also emphasise the development of homonomy.

Autonomy helps us recognise what we need at a particular moment and act accordingly. Homonomy directs us towards connection, mutuality and responsibility for the community, while supporting a sense of belonging. Belonging is just as important to the human experience as the individuation and separation associated with the development of autonomy.

Training and supervision can strongly support the development of both autonomy and homonomy. But what happens when trainees and supervisees experience a powerful psychological pull to place their trainer or supervisor on a pedestal—as an idealised, all-knowing figure?

Today, we have a strong understanding of the importance of the relationship between therapist and client. The same level of attention needs to be given to the relationships between trainer and trainee, and between supervisor and supervisee.

When a trainer or supervisor retains a traditional position of authority and power, how does this relationship—through parallel process—affect the professional development of the trainee or supervisee, and their future relationship with clients?

Questions we will explore during the first Regional forum for trainers and supervisors

• – the power and responsibility of trainers and supervisors
  – trainees’ and supervisees’ dependence on evaluations, recommendations and approval
  – the idealisation of trainers, supervisors and psychotherapy schools
  – cultures of silence and fear of professional consequences
  – the regional legacy of authority, hierarchy and approaches to teaching

The intention of the forum is not to provide quick or definitive answers. Instead, we aim to create a sufficiently safe and open space in which we can recognise our own blind spots, listen to different experiences and reflect together on more responsible approaches to training and supervision.

Who Is the Forum For?

The forum is intended for:

• – trainers and supervisors from different psychotherapy modalities
  – professionals who lead or organise psychotherapy training programmes
  – advanced trainees considering a future role as a trainer or supervisor
  – other professionals interested in developing high-quality, responsible and reflective training practices

Programme

Time                              Session
9:00–9:30 – – – Arrival, coffee and introductions
9:30–9:50 – – – Opening and agreement on ways of working, safety and confidentiality
9:50–10:30 – – – Opening lecture: The Power We Hold, the Power We Do Not Acknowledge
10:30–11:15 – – – Three short personal reflections from trainers and supervisors
11:15–11:45 – – – Break
11:45–13:00 – – – Facilitated regional dialogue in a fishbowl format
13:00–14:30 – – – Lunch
14:30–16:00 – – – Small-group work on selected dilemmas
16:00–16:30 – – – Break
16:30–17:30 – – – Closing reflection without discussion
From 17:30 – – – onwards Informal gathering

Registration Fee

Early registration, until 30 September 2026: €80
Regular registration, until 31 October 2026: €100

The Registration Fee Includes
– participation in the full-day programme
– coffee, tea and refreshments during the breaks
– a shared lunch
– working materials
– a certificate of participation and continuing professional development hours

The number of participants will be limited to ensure active participation, open dialogue and meaningful work in smaller groups.