What is supervision?

In the field of counselor education, supervision serves as a bridge between didactic coursework and clinical practice.

Through supervision, counselors-in-training learn how to function effectively, appropriately, and ethically as practitioners in the field by integrating their existing knowledge with new and challenging opportunities. Supervisors facilitate this learning by guiding them through the dual processes of identity development and skill development/enhancement. This means that we will talk about you as a developing professional as well as your work with your clients.

Supervision also functions as a gatekeeping process to protect clients, agencies, and the public from incompetent counselors.

What type of supervisor are you?

I have been approved by the Missouri Committee for Professional Counselors to provide supervision to Provisional Licensed Professional Counselors (PLPCs) in Missouri. 

Where do you provide supervision?

For in-person supervision sessions, I see supervisees at my private practice and occasionally at their approved supervision sites. In Missouri, videosynchronous communication can also be used for supervision, so I see supervisees online as well.

What is required for supervision in Missouri?

You are required to participate in at least one hour of face-to-face or videosynchronous supervision per week as a PLPC. Consultation may also be necessary at other times throughout the week and can be arranged as needed.

What is your philosophy of supervision?

My philosophy of supervision stems from my values, experiences, and theoretical orientation to counseling.  I draw from an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy framework, meaning that I emphasize helping people to identify their values and then take action to live in accordance with those values.  I also recognize and incorporate aspects of other theories that best serve the needs of the supervisee (e.g. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, family systems).  I believe that the therapeutic alliance both creates the foundation for growth and propels the process of change.

What is your approach to supervision?

I approach supervision as a process of collaboration rather than a series of static events.  The supervision you receive will be responsive to your professional development goals as a counselor and sensitive to your emerging theoretical orientation to counseling.  Consequently, supervision will focus on your developing professional identity, counseling skills, adherence to relevant ethical codes and legal statutes, and client/case conceptualization.  Because multicultural competency is imperative to our profession, supervision will also include discussions of how cultural identity intersects with your work as a counselor. You may be asked to share and reflect on personal experiences, past and present, relevant to your work with clients.

As your supervisor, I will draw from the roles of teacher, consultant, and counselor to encourage and foster awareness of thoughts, behaviors, and emotional experiences that emerge in the counseling and supervisory processes.  My goal is to provide an atmosphere of challenging support to encourage your ongoing professional development as a counselor. Therefore, I will attempt to create an environment for supervision that fosters intentionality and reflection.

Are you currently accepting new supervisees?

I am not currently providing licensure supervision. Please contact me if you are interested in more information.

Do I have to work in private practice?

You do not have to work in my practice in order to be supervised by me. In fact, the majority of my supervisees have been employed at other sites! We will sign an agreement that allows me to fulfill my requirements as your supervisor without being employed there as well. If you have questions about how this works, check out the Committee for Professional Counselors website or contact me directly.

Do you provide supervision of supervision?

Yes, I am also available to consult with other supervisors and provide supervision of supervision on a basis that meets your needs - monthly, biweekly, or as needed.

Do you supervise Master’s students?

I do not currently supervise Master’s students in private practice. In my experience as a counselor and an educator, it is best for you to work within a larger agency or organization in order to complete your hours for practicum and internship/field experience. If you’re interested in working with me, reach out once you get that diploma!