Finding a Great Supervisor: Essential Guidance for New Counselors

Hey there, new graduates and supervisors tuning in—welcome! Today, we’re diving into how to find a great supervisor, a crucial step in your journey to becoming a licensed professional counselor.

TCCBB #86: Finding a Great Supervisor

Why a Great Supervisor is Essential

So, why is having a great supervisor necessary? It's not just a requirement for licensure in most states; it's an integral part of your training. After you graduate, you need to work under the supervision of a licensed counselor for a significant number of hours before you can apply for your own license.

For instance, in Texas, you're looking at a 60-hour degree and a minimum of 3000 supervised hours over at least 18 months for LPC Associates or 24 months for LMFT Associates. Remember, your education doesn’t stop once you have that diploma in hand!

The Ongoing Value of a Great Supervisor

Supervision isn’t just a one-time thing during your licensure period; it’s a continuous opportunity for professional growth. I often reflect on how my mentors, Dr. Judy DeTrude and Dr. Chi Sing Li, have profoundly impacted my career, offering guidance well beyond their formal roles.

Choosing a great supervisor, therefore, is about much more than ticking a box for a certain amount of time—it’s about finding a mentor for life!

Reflection and Self-Development

Supervision provides a reflective space to hone your clinical skills and personal insight. It’s crucial for dealing with counter-transference—the emotional entanglement that can occur between client and therapist.

A great supervisor provides a trusting environment where you can comfortably discuss the things that trigger you, mishaps, or your anxieties. This safe space is vital for your growth and confidence as a counselor.

Choosing Your Supervisor Wisely

Finding the right supervisor isn't just about their availability or the cost. It's about:

• their experience in your desired area,
• their supportiveness,
• and their ability to provide constructive feedback.

Think about the supervisors you've had in the past—even in non-counseling roles. What did you appreciate, and what did you dislike? These reflections will guide you in choosing a supervisor who aligns with your needs and personality.

Practical Considerations for Selecting a Supervisor

When you’re vetting potential supervisors, check their qualifications. For example, in Texas, you can verify their licensing status online. Also, remember the importance of their availability—can they accommodate your schedule, especially if unexpected needs arise?

Logistical compatibility is as crucial as professional compatibility.

Communication and Feedback from a Great Supervisor

The way a supervisor communicates feedback is significant. You’ve likely gotten a sense of my communication style from this podcast. When interviewing potential supervisors, ask them how they deliver difficult news. Their approach will affect how well you can accept and learn from their feedback.

Financial Aspects

While fees shouldn’t be the sole factor in your decision, they are important. Consider innovative models like the Ansplace model I used, which allowed supervisees to exchange service hours for supervision. This not only eased financial burdens but also enriched the supervisees’ experience through diverse practice settings.

Organizational Skills

Lastly, ask about their organizational systems. How do they manage scheduling, note-taking, and rescheduling? A disorganized supervisor can lead to frustration, which impedes your learning process.

One of the first organizational tasks you'll need to work on once you find a desired supervisor is your contract. Make sure you know how to spot the signs of  a bad supervision contract.

Conclusion: The Impact of a Great Supervisor

Choosing the right supervisor sets the foundation for your career and development as a counselor. This is not a decision to rush. Take your time, conduct thorough interviews, and select someone who will provide not just oversight, but also mentorship and support throughout your professional journey.

Finding a great supervisor is a significant step in ensuring your success and satisfaction in the counseling field. Make it count!

Action Items

1. What are your key takeaways from this post regarding choosing your supervisor? How can you go about establishing a plan to find someone you feel professionally and logistically great about?
2. If you liked this episode of Texas Counselors Creating Badass Businesses, please subscribe and leave a fabulous review!