Philosophy of Supervision
Counseling school didn’t teach me how to be a counselor. It gave me the fundamentals I needed to properly learn the craft. I learned how to be a therapist by working with my clients. With them, I was able to apply what I’d learned in class or from books and trainings. I saw what worked and what didn’t, not only for the clients, but for me as well. I picked up techniques and styles, tried them on for size, and abandoned them until I found the ones that made sense for how my brain sees and processes the world.
All along the way, my supervisors guided my exploration, while keeping me anchored to ethical practice. They alerted me to my weaknesses, and helped me hone my skills.
This is what I hope to pass along.
Think of me as your fellow traveller, climbing the same mountain as you. I may be further along, but it’s still a long way from the summit. Because I’ve been where you are, I can see your route with better perspective, and maybe even teach you a few things. Because I’m still a learner myself, I’m open to the wisdom and expertise you bring.
It also means that, as a supervisor, I’m still figuring things out. What I offer may adapt over time to what I’m learning from my Associates.
If you want a bit more specificity, I’ll be employing Bernard’s Discrimination Model of Supervision. In this model, the supervisor occupies three roles (teacher, counselor, and consultant) along three foci (process, conceptualization, and personalization). This means that I’ll adapt my approach to what you need at that particular point in the journey as well as what you need in that particular session.
Associates will be evaluated biannually, with both self-reporting and supervisor feedback, and an audio or video recording of a session with case conceptualization/treatment planning. (Don’t worry, it’s not nearly as scary as it sounds).
Associates will also have the opportunity to review my performance and our relationship so that I can be responsive to your evolving needs.
LMFT Supervision Requirements
According to current LMFT rules, Associates need to accrue 200 total hours of supervision.
- Up to 100 hours can be transferred from your graduate program
- At least 100 hours need to be individual or triadic, 50 of them post-graduation.
- You must have at least 1 hour of supervision per week, except for good cause shown.
Associates are required to log 3000 hours of experience:
- 1500 indirect (includes supervision, training, research, notes, practice development, reading, etc)
- 1500 direct contact with clients, of which 750 are with couples or families.
If you build a successful practice, you’ll likely meet your contact hours requirement faster than that for your supervision hours.
Clinical Lens
In my clinical practice I work with couples and adult individuals. My primary clinical lens comes from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which is a mindfulness-based and research-supported postmodern approach. Clinical supervision will be overtly through this framework.
With couples, I use the Gottman Method with a little Emotionally Focused Therapy sprinkled in for good measure.
My other major influences are Nonviolent Communication and Internal Family Systems.
Recommended Reading List
None are required in order to work with me, but all are worth reading. They’ll make you a better therapist.
The Wise Heart by Jack Kornfield
ACT Made Simple by Steven Hayes
10 Principles for Doing Effective Couples Therapy by Julie Schwartz Gottman and John M Gottman
The Practice of Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy: Creating Connection by Susan M Johnson
Nonviolent Communication by Marshall Rosenberg
Introduction to the Internal Family Systems Model by Richard C Schwartz