What to expect in supervision?
I believe that there is a gap between the information taught in educational programs and “Real Life” applications. Clinical supervision helps to bridge that gap providing the supervisee with real-world applications and feedback. The American counseling association (ACA) code of ethics (2014) Identifies gatekeeping as one of the many functions of counselors, educators, and supervisors. I take this role seriously and want to ensure that those preparing to enter the counseling field are equipped to do so. Many alcohol and drug counselors are not equipped to enter the field directly from school. Providing supervision to those individuals helps them recognize and develop skills and address identified growth areas.
Why do I supervise?
My approach to supervision will emphasize meeting your needs as well as the needs of your client(s). The supervision model I utilize is Bernard’s Discrimination Model of Supervision. Based on the discrimination model of supervision, I will either take on the role of teacher, consultant, or counselor, which may vary within one supervisory session. You may notice a shift in our sessions based on your needs and/or your clients’ needs. Remember, this is your session; as such, it is your opportunity to grow. I want you to get as much out of the supervisory relationship as possible.
Who do I supervise?
I supervise students working toward graduating with their master’s degree, interns seeking state licensure, and those looking to obtain their Oregon Certified Alcohol and Drug counselor certification. My extensive experience working with those with substance use disorders, conviction histories, and mental health disorders allows me to provide specialized clinical supervision and incorporate multiple modalities and interventions into the supervision process.
Supervisee Expectation
Oregon and Washington state law require one (1) hour of supervision for every forty (40) hours of counseling. However, this varies based on whether you, as the supervisee, wish to attain hours as part of an educational program, attain state licensure, or maintain compliance with an existing license or certification. Your responsibility is to ensure you comply with expectations according to your goals. You are also expected to attend your regularly scheduled supervision sessions on time. If you cannot do so for any reason, please give at least 24 hours notice. Please have one (1) videotaped session per supervision prepared to share. In addition, please find a twenty (20) minute segment of your videotape that you would like to share that demonstrates something you did well, something you feel you need to work on, or a general area of concern. Please make sure you have your client’s written consent to do this.
Evaluation of supervision
I provide both formative and summative feedback to those I supervise. The formative feedback I provide will be clear, concise, objective, and frequent. Formative feedback is provided to help you work on interventions and techniques specific to your case or your theoretical orientation.
As I fill out your evaluation form in conjunction with the Oregon board of professional counselors and therapists (OBLPCT), or the requirements of your educational institution, I will be providing summative feedback. The information I report to the OBLPCT or your educational institution will be available to you and should come as no surprise to you, as we will be discussing it during your supervision sessions.
If there are other forms specific to your program, field of study, or certification/licensure requirements that need to be addressed, I will be happy to do so as they arise.
It should be noted that the decision to grant licensure or to graduate from your educational institution is not my decision. I merely provide supervision to you and let the state licensing board or your educational institution know of your progress in supervision. The decision to grant or deny licensure or graduation is entirely up to the licensing board or educational institution.
If you would like to know more about supervision or arrange a time for a free supervision consultation, please feel free to send me a message here or at drnick@healingassociates.net
