Counseling
Supervision
Associate Professional Counselors in the State of Georgia are required to have a minimum of 2 years of directed experience under supervision by a Licensed Professional Counselor in order to fulfill the requirements for full licensure. Clinical supervision has become an integral link in the mental health treatment profession and provides a bridge between the classroom and the clinical setting. Supervision is focused on improving patient care, maintaining ethical standards, improving quality of care, and ensuring adherence to evidence based practices.
Topics Discussed
Supervision is focused on ensuring that counselors have the ability to discuss issues related to patient care, develop a theoretical framework for treatment, and to practice in a safe and ethical way. Gaining objective feedback allows counselors to learn and practice new skills, find better ways to help patients, and to constantly upgrade knowledge and skills. Here are some common topics addressed:
Treatment Approaches:
Evidence-based treatment modalities are based on peer reviewed scientific research that has shown to be effective in treating a wide range of psychiatric conditions. Learning multiple approaches to treatment provides a foundation for making informed decisions about clinical care and collaborative decision-making with the patient.
Ethical Dilemmas:
Supervision will consistently integrate discussion of ethical dilemmas encountered in clinical practice to help therapists handle complex situations with support and confidence. Discussions will also focus on maintaining professional boundaries, upholding confidentiality, addressing informed consent, managing dual relationships, and potential conflicts of interest
Case Reviews:
Case conceptualization is an integral part of the learning process where therapists can detail comprehensive treatment plans, effectively evaluate patient needs, and set therapeutic goals. The process also allows for continued skills enhancement through supervisory feedback about different theoretical frameworks and focus on clinical skills.
Therapeutic Relationship:
Ther therapeutic relationship plays an integral role in successful clinical outcomes. Supervision sessions can be used to discuss the dynamics of the therapeutic alliance, promoting patient engagement, managing difficult emotions, and strategies to build rapport.
