Clinical Supervision
Why I supervise:
I have worked with hundreds of clients who have told me enough horror stories to know that finding a well-trained therapist is crucial and hard to do. Empowered by Counseling is not only a name of a practice it is a call to action to inspire and empower new and fresh clinicians to become passionate and competent leaders in the field of counseling and mental health. I am on a mission to supervise and to provide clients with competent, educated, passionate, and affirming therapists.
What should I look for in a clinical supervisor?
As a new clinician in the field it is important that you are able to access a well trained supervisor. Supervisors should be able to tell you clearly how they approach supervision, what motivates them, what their own approach to counseling is outside of just naming a generic intervention. These are the folks that are going to be training you, you will want to invest in a supervisor who can clearly identify what they do and how they do it.
Every supervisor should have a supervision agreement ready for you to review that can become a contract and a promise between the both of you.
A good supervisor is someone who has been trained in some way to provide supervision. Do not be afraid to ask what their supervision training is or how long they have been a supervisor.
Good supervision should not be contingent on your ability to work for the “agency”. There are supervisors out there that will trade for services. While this is a fine practice, you will want this agreement in writing with clear defined terms. Even the clinicians and supervisors with the best intentions can end up taking advantage of new clinicians. Make sure that if you are going to compete as service or give time to an office for supervision that you define how many hours/how much service that is equal to the supervision cost.
If it seems to good to be true it probably is. Ask if you can communicate with past supervisees of the supervisor or see if you can get the inside scoop from other colleagues.
You get what you pay for. Just because your office is offering you “free” supervision does not mean that you will get what you need. Do not be afraid to shop for outside supervisors.
My Model of Supervision:
Clinical supervision is the signature pedagogy of the mental health field, meaning that supervision is a specific strategy for instruction and preparation of its practitioners. Supervision is a critical component of counselor development and is a process that continues throughout the clinician's career. The American Counseling Association Code of Ethics addresses the importance of supervision and the responsibilities of ethically responsible supervisory practice (American Counseling Association, 2014). Much like my theoretical model of counseling, my supervision model is influenced by feminist ideology and practices. Feminist supervision integrates ideas and principles of feminist therapy that honor diversity, understanding of social constructs and dynamics, social justice, and understanding the system in which the supervisee and supervisor exist. Feminist supervision is empowering, collaborative, and strengths-based. Feminist supervisors are intentional about privileging the voices of supervisees and attempt to navigate inherent power dynamics present. The supervisory relationship is significant and at the forefront of the supervision experience. Feminist supervisors understand that the supervisee must be evaluated and challenged. Still, they are intentional in empowering the supervisee instead of utilizing their inherent power. Considering feminist underpinnings and influence, I would define my approach to supervision as using Holloway's Systematic Approach to Supervision. Holloway's Systematic Approach to Supervision (SAS) is a multifaceted approach that addresses the complex processes in supervision This approach is considered a collaborative problem-solving framework for which the supervisory relationship is at the center. Utilizing feminist ideas as a lens, I integrate the SAS model into operationalizing supervision as an active process. For more detailed information regarding my supervisory approach please fill out the contact form below.
I believe that every client has within them the power to change their lives. I also believe that every person on the planet has the inalienable right to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of who they love, the color of their skin, their gender, their body, their religion, age, or ability. I believe that because this field is always changing, it is imperative that you are always learning and growing through training, seminars, and reading from experts and leaders in the field. This also includes asking for help and consultation when needed. I support mental health reform and making sure that every client has a competent and affirming therapist. If you feel that some of these views match yours, then maybe we could be a compatible match for supervision.
Experience in Supervision:
I attended Chatham University and completed my Master of Science in Counseling Psychology degree in 2012. I have been practicing for the past eight years in Pittsburgh, PA to a variety of clients. I have previous experience working with children, teens, adults, couples, and families. I currently own and provide counseling and supervision at my private practice, Empowered by Counseling, LLC. The practice is focused on working with women, LGBTQ, and relationship diverse individuals, who struggle with trauma, anxiety, depression, overall health and wellness, as well as issues related to their particular demographic.
My supervision training consisted of a 3 credit CACREP accredited supervision course as part of Waynesburg University’s doctoral program. I provided individual supervision for pre-licensure clinicians, as well as a counselor in training at Waynesburg University. In total, I have provided approximately 100 hours of direct and indirect supervision hours for private pay and university counselors. Supervision has consisted of individual, triadic, and supportive group experiences.
My Supervision Agreement:
If you would like to request a copy of my supervision agreement to help you choose a future supervisor. Please fill out the comment box below.
So, how much do I charge?
You can now get tailor-made supervision for your needs and goals for only $50 for 60 minute sessions. Package rates are also available and can be discussed at the time of scheduling. If there is enough interest, a supervision group could be added in the future. The cost for a group would be $25 for 6 attendees or $30 for 5 attendees, 90 minute group session.