ABSTRACT
The triadic match is the author’s term for the interaction among analytic candidate, supervisor, and patient. Overlapping or diverging characteristics of candidate and supervisor may influence the candidate’s learning for good or ill depending on the way the patient’s and candidate’s characters and conflicts interact. Four candidates who had found their supervisors’ character and supervisory styles particularly beneficial in relation to a particular patient volunteered to describe their experiences. Candidates and supervisors were interviewed. The aim of the chapter is to illuminate factors in the match that enhanced or interfered with the candidates’ learning. While the chapter is presented from the perspective of the candidates’ experiences, the balance between challenge and comfort in learning situations is also considered.
