What Should Graduate Students Know About Clinical Supervision?

I'm often asked, what should graduate students know about clinical supervision? In reality, I could write a book on everything I would like graduate students to know.  It's such an important decision; yet too often students make it in haste and regret it later. Graduate students who do their homework now will reap the benefits of finding a great supervisor they can rely on and who will help them grow.

TCCBB #23 What Should Graduate Students Know About Clinical Supervision

Why Do I Need Clinical Supervision?

Why do you need a clinical supervisor? In short, most states require clinical supervision to receive your licensure as a professional counselor. Even though it is a requirement, it is so much more than a check in the box. Clinical supervision allows you to have firsthand experience with a professional who has had experience in the field. By having a supervisor, you are given guidance, feedback and insights that will help you in your future career. Though your required supervision is only a short period of time, supervision will go on throughout your career.

Why is Clinical Supervision Important?

Clinical supervision is important for a few reasons.

• It helps prepare you for your professional career in counseling.
• It gives you valuable experience that you will take with you in the future.
• It gives you space and time for reflection and growth because your supervisor will help you to identify your strengths and areas of opportunities.

Just as clinical supervision is important, it is also important to find a supervisor that is right for you. Every supervisor in Texas had to take a 40 hour supervisor training (or a doctoral course) to learn to supervise. The right supervisor will help you grow, give you great experiences and provide constructive feedback throughout your supervision.

Remember not all supervisors are created equal. Looking for one that has experience in your area of practice and fits your needs is important. By finding the right supervisor, it will increase the value of your supervision time and help you to professionally meet your goals.

Graduate students who research what it takes to get a great supervisor will benefit now and for years to come. It's important to remember your clinical supervisor is so much more than just someone who will sign off on your hours. They will become your mentor and friend, and invest in you throughout your career. Take the time and find a good one.

Blog post by Kate Walker LPC/LMFT Supervisor in Texas