Supervision
What you do know, is that you must find a Supervisor first, before you can get a job and begin acquiring the 3000 hours needed in order to become fully licensed. This is overwhelming and you are not alone.
Supervision
Finding a supervisor can feel like, “looking for a needle in a haystack”, can’t it? Right now, you don’t know what to ask, you don’t know if the supervisor-candidate(s) really have your best interests at heart, and you don’t know what you don’t know!
What you do know, is that you must find a Supervisor first, before you can get a job and begin acquiring the 3000 hours needed in order to become fully licensed. This is overwhelming and you are not alone.
What To Expect
When you begin working with a new supervisor, there are some things you can expect. First, your supervisor will likely want to get to know you better. They will want to know about your education, training, and experience in counseling. They will also want to know about your personal and professional goals. This information will help them create a supervision plan that is tailored specifically for you.
In addition, your supervisor will expect you to be accountable to them. This means that you will need to keep them up-to-date. You will also need to follow their guidance and recommendations.
Finally, your supervisor will expect you to be engaged in the supervision process. This means that you should be actively participating in your supervisory meetings and using the feedback that you receive to improve your counseling skills.
Common Questions
Who Can Provide Supervision to an ALC?
Only Licensed Professional Counselors can serve as supervisors for ALCs. They must be licensed at least 5 yrs and taken a 2 day supervision training to provide supervision and have supervisory status with the Alabama State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors. In addition, they must comply with the standards of the American Counseling Association and the Alabama State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors.
When Should You Start Seeking Supervision?
You must start seeking supervision before you begin working with clients. Finding an LPC Supervisor is a prerequisite to obtaining your ALC license in the state of Alabama.
Supervision is a key component of the LPC licensure process. It is important to find a supervisor who is qualified and compatible with you. Take your time in finding the right supervisor, and be sure to ask plenty of questions before you begin working with them.
How Often Do You Meet With Your Supervisor?
Most supervisors will offer supervision weekly. This can be through individual supervision or provided as group supervision. The board requires that ALCs meet with their supervisor for a minimum of four hours per month.
The Responsibilities of the Supervisor and Supervisee
At a minimum, the supervisor is responsible for the following:
-Reviewing the associate’s client record
-Providing feedback and guidance to the associate
-Evaluating the associate’s clinical skills
-Monitoring the associate’s professional development
At a minimum, the associate is responsible for the following:
-Following the supervisor’s directions
-Completing all assigned clinical work
-Regularly meeting with the supervisor to discuss clinical work
-Maintaining professional boundaries with clients
-Participating in continuing education and training opportunities
The supervisor is responsible for overseeing the counseling practice of an ALC. In addition, they are responsible for providing feedback and guidance to help the ALC grow as a counselor.
What is the Cost of Supervision?
Our supervision fee is $85 – $100 per hour. You will have the opportunity to discuss fees with the supervisor before beginning supervision.
Engaging in quality supervision can be a life-changing experience, but we certainly don’t want it to contribute to financial strain and stress. If you are unable to pay out-of-pocket for supervision, you may apply for an agency or community mental health position which offers supervision as a benefit to employees.
We at Summerlane Counseling offer an affordable option for ALCs who are able to pay out of pocket. We also offer flexibility in scheduling and access via phone or text in between supervision sessions. Our ALCs know they can contact us at any time when they have questions or concerns.
Supervision provides a number of benefits to both the associate ( ALC) and the supervisor, including growth as a counselor, evaluation of clinical skills, and guidance with professional development. When looking for a supervisor, it is important to find someone who is qualified and a good fit for you and your future endeavors. Fees for supervision can vary, but we do offer a free consultation to discuss the supervisory relationship.
As a Supervisor, here at Summerlane Counseling we are looking for inspiring and passionate furture LPCs who are:
Accountable – Can to make self-corrections along the way.
Ambitious – Must be self-motivated & a go-getter.
Resourceful – Willing to learn about the real world of the counseling profession.
As a supervising counselor, I strive to model principles that create a friendly and supportive, yet challenging environment that will promote counselor skill development with my supervisees.
There are two groups of Supervisors that you’ll encounter:
Those that are primarily in it to give back and mentor
the next generations’ professional aspirations, and…
Those that are in it for the money.
If your plans include finding the cheapest possible mentor (supervisor) that will let you skate by on minimums then you’ll need to stop right now and look elsewhere, because I belong firmly in that first group, as does anyone I might recommend to you if we are full.
Our approach to supervision is influenced by the Discrimination Model, an empirically supported model that enables a supervisor to concentrate on a supervisee’s focus areas: counseling performance skills, cognitive counseling skills, self-awareness, and professional behaviors. As your supervisor, we will fluctuate between the role of a teacher, counselor, and consultant.
What Supervision Looks Like
Individual (1 supervisor; 1 supervisee) weekly sessions
Dyad/Triad Supervision (1 supervisor; 2 supervisees) – when appropriate
Group supervision – (1 supervisor; up to 3 to 5 supervisees) when appropriate
Assessment of counseling skills and techniques
Feedback on the application of theories, ethics, and differential diagnosis
Feedback on recorded client sessions (when feasible and appropriate)
Review of case notes and other documentation
As an ALC you will get an abundance of Reassurance and support. So What’s Next?
Spend some time with these three thoughts before you begin your search for that perfect Supervisor.
What Do I Want to Accomplish? (Be Specific)
What Does it Look Like? (Be Specific)
What Am I Willing to Do to Get to Where I Say I Want to Go? (Be Honest)
We can help.
Please contact us if you have any questions. We look forward to speaking to you soon. My advice and motto to all future and inspiring licensed professionals:
Plan Smart. Be Safe. Serve Others.
We can help.
Plan Smart. Be Safe. Serve Others.
