Theory of Supervision

Both of the selected theories place high importance on the relationship between the counselor and client. Given that research indicates

As the standards of the counseling profession are continuously being shaped, I desire to play a role in the educating

Supervision theories and practices began emerging as soon as counsellors started to train other counsellors (Bernard & Goodyear, 2009). Several different theoretical models have developed to clarify and support counselling supervision. The focus of early models of supervision had generally been based on counselling theories (such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Adlerian or client-centred), but these orientation-specific models have begun to be challenged as supervision has many characteristics that are different to counselling. Competency as a counsellor does not automatically translate into competency as a supervisor, and when supervisee/supervisor orientations differ, conflicts may arise (Falender &

Psychotherapy-based models of supervision often feel like a natural postponement of the therapy itself. “Theoretical coordination informs the observation and selection of clinical data for discussion in supervision as well as the meanings and relevance of those data (Falender & Shafaanske, 2008). I feel that this model utilize psychotherapy theory to apply similar techniques used with clients in the supervision setting, as a supervisor I would put emphasis on the importance of client-clinician, and clinician-supervisor relationship.

This model focuses on both affective and cognitive learning. It allows for discussion of the choice and application of a particular theoretical model and attempts to stimulate personal and professional growth (Gysbers & Henderson, 2006). There are three stages of counselor development. The first stage is one of reliance. In this stage the supervisees are highly motivated but they lack basic counseling skills. During this stage, the supervisee’s focus is mainly on how to perform a skill and master that skill. They rely significantly on their supervisor at this time. They depend on textbook theories rather than real world experiences and the utilization of theories in practice. During this stage, it is required that the supervisor teaches the fundamentals of counseling to enhance the trainees’ skills. Stage 2, the trial and error phase, is when a lot of the performance anxiety and lack of confidence comes into the picture. It is the job of the supervisor to support the supervisee and build their self- confidence. Supervisors need to bring awareness to the ineffective behavior that the supervisee may exhibit without destroying their confidence and desire to work in the field. During this stage, the supervisor’s focus shifts from reflection on data from the counselor/client relationship to the supervisee’s performance anxiety. This is a time for questioning and experimenting allowing

Therefore, the definition of counselling supervision according to counsellingresource.com (2014) is a counsellor or psychotherapist that reviews their employee’s work for the beneficial of their client. Also, discusses about their professional and personal development. Supervisor does not act as a boss, but as a consultant who gives the counsellor further guidance about how they could overcome their issues.

To make sure that the highest standards are met it is crucial for the practitioner to have personal and professional supervision. Having personal supervision will help the practitioner to stay emotionally stable and well-balanced, safeguarding practitioner will not cause any damage to a client through their emotion state. Professional supervision allows the practitioner to discuss the client’s case, ensuring that the identity is not disclosed with a supervisor. The supervisor can overview the cases and provide a feedback. Supervision helps the practitioner to identify and resolve the problems if occurred. A supervisor can be used as a mentor or independent third party to give an non-biased opinion if anything improper was done or the practitioner has become emotionally or personally involved or whether the arrangements made are working and are of high standard.

Additionally, research has been done that examines the perceptions of school counselor effectiveness, as well as the usefulness of available supervision (Borders & Usher, 1992; Henderson & Lampe, 1992). During a school counseling master’s education program, there is ample supervision, both on-site and through the university, during the practicum and internship field experiences (Peterson & Deuschle, 2006; Studer & Oberman, 2006). However, it has been noted that clinical supervision of school counselors post-graduation has not been utilized in the most effective way (Linton & Deuschle, 2006). Several studies have examined the reason behind the lack of effective supervision within a school setting. Some researchers suggest that there is incongruence between the daily tasks of school counselors and models of clinical supervision most often utilized (Luke, Ellis, & Bernard, 2011). There also appears to be limited research on whether school counselor directors are being provided “best practices” methods of formal education and training for their positions.

Rebekah utilized the “sink or swim” approach to supervision, which particularly emphasizes the process of challenging the counselor-in-training. She described her philosophy of supervision as experiential. In other words, counselors-in-training learn best by jumping in, experiencing the role of a counselor, and learning as they go. Furthermore, it is important to have confidence in the abilities and skills of the counselor-in-training, as well as, trusting in their ability to be responsible for their actions. She monitors

The discrimination model of supervision developed by Bernard & Goodyear, (1998) has three primary focus areas in training novice counselors these include use of intervention, what the supervisee is doing in the session that is observable, conceptualization or how the session work is being conducted and the level of understanding the supervisee has regarding client themes and application of specific counseling session interventions, and personalization, the supervisors own approach or method. This model embeds three essential supervisory roles, teacher, counselor and consultant in providing effective supervision. The teacher's primary

Counseling supervision, the ethical and legal issues, and the multiple relationships that result is a dynamic topic that presents numerous complex issues. The important functions of the supervisory relationship are to teach counseling through a hands-on process, assess, inform, implement, and evaluate the application of theories, ethical and competent practices to prepare the supervisee for their future profession in the counseling field. However, while supervisors play multiple roles in the supervision process, there are situations and times when the boundaries between therapy and supervision are not always clear. During the supervisory relationship it is vital and of the upmost importance that the supervisor model’s ethical behavior and implements the ethical standards of the counseling profession.

A counselor should be very observant and able to interpret non-verbal communication for example if the patient looks angry, and then find out the cause of his/her anger first. An effective counselor should provide non-possessive warmth in a counseling environment. Smile and show concern and acceptance by showing comfort, empathy, and understanding to the patient.

The supervisor will inform the supervisee of the evaluation instrument used to assess his/her progress. Verbal and/or written feedback will be provided during each supervisory session. To be in good standing, supervisee must perform to a certain professional standard.

Clinical supervision practicum allowed me to get involved on what has helped me in the process to become an effective teacher. The opportunity to write constructive feedback, interact with a teacher, and together be able to identify instructional concerns and creat opportunities to solve instructional problems has been a remarkable experience. Which in turn, I have cemented my passion for helping teachers to grow, and for that, I am excited about the upcoming year. After I completed the Clinical Supervisor Cycle, I remembered the question I have had since my first class. Will I, as a future supervisor, be able to implement the supervisory behaviors as a process of teaching and learning? Surely, I will embrace the purpose of this process as

Supervision should be planned and adopted to the changing conditions. It calls for good planning and organization.