Why I Became a Board Approved Clinical Supervisor for Mental Health Counselors and Art Therapists
If you’re on the path to becoming a licensed mental health counselor or art therapist, you know the journey is anything but short! It involves countless hours of graduate-level coursework, shadowing during internships, and hands-on experience with clients. This intense training is no joke- and lots of time and energy is spent into becoming a licensed professional.
Throughout the therapist’s journey, starting their first week of their graduate clinical program or graduate program internship, training practitioners must begin to attend clinical supervision. It’s a rigorous process designed to ensure that you provide the most ethical and effective care possible!
As of 2024, for LCPC (licensed clinical professional counselors) and LCPAT (licensed clinical professional art therapists) candidates in Maryland, you need to complete 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience, including at least 100 hours of face-to-face supervision. These hours ensure that you’re well-prepared to provide ethical and effective care before becoming fully licensed! Please check out the most updated required information on the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors website!
I’m excited to share that becoming a board-approved supervisor in the past year was a natural and meaningful step for me, deeply rooted in my commitment to nurturing growth and excellence in our field!
Currently, I work with a few therapists on a weekly basis and I also facilitate three group supervision spaces. I am contracted with group practices in the area to also deliver supervision and mentorship to their staff! I love the variety that this brings with my practice as a therapist and clinical supervisor! Read more about my current supervision offerings here.
You might be wondering, “Why is clinical supervision so important?” or “Why do therapists need clinical supervision sessions with a licensed professional therapist even after they finish graduate school?” You may also be curious about what my current group supervision spaces look like. I’m here to share what I know with you in this blog post!
The Importance of Clinical Supervision
Clinical supervision is a vital component of ongoing professional development for therapists. Even after completing graduate school, therapists encounter complex cases and emotional challenges that can impact their practice. Supervision provides a structured environment where therapists can receive guidance, ensure they are practicing ethically, and foster professional growth!
Staying current and effective in your practice is essential, and this is where clinical supervision plays a critical role. It’s not just about checking off a requirement—it’s about engaging in meaningful discussions that help you refine your skills, stay connected to the real-world challenges, and continuously improve your practice.
Supervision should be a space where therapists feel supported and understood. It’s a collaborative process where you and your supervisor discuss your learning styles and align on how best to achieve your goals. My dual role as both a clinician and a supervisor allows me to provide guidance that’s grounded in practical, real-world experience.
What to Expect in Group Supervision Sessions at Labyrinth Art and Wellness in Maryland
You might also be curious about what my current group supervision spaces look like: In my group supervision sessions, I strive to create a warm, collaborative atmosphere where therapists feel comfortable sharing their experiences. As a therapist, I am an LGBTQIA+ affirming provider, and I ensure that this commitment extends into the supervision space. We openly discuss how to best support our clients, emphasizing cultural competence and inclusivity, particularly for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) clients. Read more about my core values as a supervisor here and more about my core values as a therapist here.
One of the joys of facilitating group supervision is exploring creative and engaging activities that foster learning and reflection! Here are some of my favorite activities:
El Duende Process Painting: This activity is all about tapping into a deep, almost mystical source of creativity. El Duende involves creating spontaneous and expressive art, allowing participants to explore and express their emotions and thoughts in a non-judgmental space. It’s a powerful way to connect with one's inner self and with the group.
Warm-Up Drawings: To get the creative juices flowing, we start with warm-up drawings. These quick, informal exercises help participants loosen up and get into a creative mindset, making it easier to tackle more complex topics and interventions.
Sharing Go-To Client Interventions: We take turns discussing our favorite client interventions. This sharing session not only provides new ideas and perspectives but also fosters a sense of community and collaboration within the group.
Podcast Discussions: I encourage everyone to listen to the same podcast episode outside of group supervision. We then come back together to discuss our thoughts, insights, and how the content might influence our practice. This activity promotes ongoing learning and keeps our discussions fresh and relevant!
Integrating clinical practice with supervision creates a powerful cycle of learning and improvement. It ensures that every piece of advice you receive is relevant and empathetic, contributing to a culture of excellence in our field. I’m excited to be part of your journey and look forward to supporting you as you continue to grow and make a positive impact on your clients.
Feel free to get in touch—I’m here to help you on my professional journey!
A heartfelt thank you to my past supervisors who have guided and inspired me along my journey: especially Nina Davey, LCPC, ATR-BC. And to my current and future supervisees, I’m excited to be part of your professional growth and look forward to supporting you as you continue to make a positive impact on your clients!
Are you curious about how art therapy and counseling supervision can help you grow at? Please check out the supervision page to learn more about current individual and group supervision experiences available!
Let’s embark on this path together!
Check out the sunshine and scribbles blog for even more insights into being an art therapist and board approved supervisor!
Find even more free mental health resources available on my resource page! A collection of worksheets and PDFs to help enhance your wellness journey!
