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Licensed Professional Counselor - Supervisor

Texas #71856.

Expires August, 2023

Supervision Approach & Experiences

My approach to clinical supervision is the

Systems Approach to Supervision (SAS) Model. Initially developed by Elizabeth Holloway (2016), it consists of seven dimensions with the supervisory relationship at the core of the theory. All the dimensions and interactions are addressed through the context of that relationship and extends into the relationships the supervisee has with their clients and includes all the systems for all the parties involved. This model steers away from providing advice or giving direct answers and helps the supervisees to learn how to ask questions for themselves which naturally fit into the mold of how I initially began to interact with supervisees.

This approach integrates well with my foundational beliefs of Relational-Cultural Therapy where the relationships and growth in relationships are fundamental. 

Supervision Experiences

Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi

Professional Counselor II

University Counseling Center

*Supervision of graduate level trainees, up to two per semester

Trainee onboarding

Weekly supervision training

*Counseling & Training Clinic; Invited Trainer

*Health Science Practicum Students Site Proctor, Trainer, and Supervisor:

Spring 2018- Present 

1-2 Students per Fall/Spring, 1 Student Summer

Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi

Counseling & Educational Psychology Doctoral Program

Doctoral Supervisor

 

Three semesters of training: Practicum level counselors in training

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Doctoral Supervisor

TA for First Year Doctoral Students Advanced Supervision Course

Behavioral Health Center of Nueces County

Robstown Clinic Supervisor

Clinical Supervisor

Psychiatric services supervisor

Training of clinical staff

Training of QMHP-CS staff

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Systems Approach to Supervision

Overall, I attempt to have a relaxed approach to the relationship. I do not want to supervise by force, or to extend beyond the acceptable scope of my role in exerting too much control or power over a supervisee. SAS discusses the role of the power dynamic of the supervisor and supervisee (Bernard & Goodyear, 2019) as important to navigate and be aware of through the phases of the relationship. I aim to be attentive of the relationship and the power dynamic especially as I work with supervisees to navigate through the dimension of the supervisory process. This approach with my overall personality helps to keep me fluid through the supervisor functions.

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When learning about the SAS model and how my therapeutic approach fits within it, I was reminded of my draw to positive psychology and Martin Seligman’s admissions of being a natural pessimist (Seligman, 2002). This concept of feeling the weight of the negative, but then stretching and seeking out the positive ways to improve or to help others in spite of, or in rebellion away from pessimism, fits my model of helping and how useful it can be. To be real with clients and supervisees while being present is sometimes to sit with the discomfort and to let them acknowledge that things are challenging or hard but then guide them to identifying their inner strengths and how they are Good Enough. This is where my relaxed personality style allows the supervision relationship to grow; supervisees do not need to be perfect to work with me. They can be flawed, as we all are, but welcomed and treated fairly.

References

  • Bernard, J. & Goodyear, R. (2019). 6th Ed., Fundamentals of clinical supervision, Columbus: Pearson.

  • Holloway, E. L. (2016) Supervision Essentials for a Systems Approach to Supervision American Psychological Association. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/14942-002

  • Seligman, Martin E. P. (2004). Authentic Happiness: Using the New Positive Psychology to Realize Your Potential for Lasting Fulfillment. New York: Free Press.