In 2002, I took my first course on clinical supervision. Based on the information gained in that course and my own personal experience, here are 10 questions that you should ask anyone that you may consider hiring for your clinical supervision:
"Answering Questions" by Jan / garlandcannon
- What are your credentials?
If s/he says s/he is licensed, verify it. In Colorado, you can do that here for free. - How long have you been licensed?
Require a minimum of 5 years. - What is your academic background?
Make sure your supervisor graduated from an accredited program. For counselors [in the United States], that accreditation should be CACREP. Does s/he have a Ph.D. or a Master’s Degree? In what area — counseling, psychology, social work, human resources, etc.? Why did s/he choose the program s/he chose? - Do you have formal training in supervision? If so, how much?
Trends in supervision are changing and the professional standard is rapidly shifting to require formal training in clinical supervision before you can provide it to mental health professionals. In many states, like Texas, your clinical supervisor MUST have formal training in order for you to count your supervision hours toward your eventual licensure. - How long have you been providing clinical supervision?
Again, make sure you get your money’s worth. Require a minimum of 5 years experience in clinical supervision. - Can you provide references for your clinical supervision?
This is very important. You want to talk to past employers, previous partners, supervisees, and others who can give you information about professional behavior, personality conflicts, problems, concerns, ethical dilemmas, etc. - What can I expect from supervision under you and what therapeutic skills will you teach me?
This should be discussed and spelled out in a written Contract of Supervision. - Do you consider your supervision style to be that of a teacher, consultant, counselor, or evaluator?
Your clinical supervisor should be ALL of these. You should expect to learn new information, new therapeutic skills, new ways of conceptualizing your clients, and new resources from your supervisor. You should be able to consult with her about any clinical concerns. Although you will not be counseled about your personal issues, your supervisor will help you become aware of the ways that your personal issues get in the way of your clients’ best interests. And, first and foremost, your clinical supervisor will evaluate your level of performance at all times. S/he will give you feedback about your strengths and ways to strengthen your performance as a counselor. - How will you evaluate me and how will you provide that information to me?
You should expect to receive verbal and written feedback at regular intervals throughout your supervision. - How would you like me to provide you with feedback about your style of supervision?
You want a supervisor who is eager and open to receiving feedback from you about your experience and needs for supervision.
As noted above, these questions came largely from the Institute in Counselor Supervision taught at the University of North Texas’ Counseling Program by Carolyn W. Kern, Ph.D., LPC, NCC and Cynthia K. Chandler, Ed.D., LPC, LMFT.
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Tamara, thanks for your post. As always, you boil everything down very nicely and clearly. I do have a few questions, though regarding clinical supervision for counselors (since I’m not one). First, I presume it’s required. Second, is it only required if one is working toward licensure? Because then I can see that there would be an evaluation component to it. Is it different when it’s simply professional clinical supervision for ongoing growth and insight as a counselor? Just trying to figure out how it all differs from music therapy. I know we’ve had various “conversations” about this before, but there are still elements that seem to be very different in our professions. Maybe that’s why you folks have had an easier time of getting licensure.
Roia, this is such a good question that I’ve written a blog post on it here. Thanks for dropping in to nudge the conversation along!