Post‐Degree Supervision: Existing and Preferred Practices

Abstract

A survey of National Certified Counselors (NCCs) was conducted to (a) document existing supervision practices and (b) determine the type of supervision these counselors preferred at this point in their careers. Descriptive statistics and chi-square analyses were conducted for the total sample (N=357) and subgroups classified by work setting, counseling experience, degree level, and hours of post-degree supervision. Results indicated that existing practices varied, with school-based respondents receiving the least supervision. A majority of respondents said that they currently were being supervised by noncounseling professionals. Almost every respondent wanted some supervision, and most preferred a supervisor who had additional training in supervision.

Supervision Experiences of New Professional School Counselors

“…These descriptions of supervisory experiences are consistent with reports of several researchers who have concluded that the practice of school counseling supervision is lacking in the field (Borders & Usher, 1992;Portman, 2002;Roberts & Borders, 1994;Usher & Borders, 1993).…”

Clinical Supervision of Substance Abuse Counselors: Current and Preferred Practices

“…From the results of this survey, it seems that substance abuse counselors are receiving supervision similar to other counselors (Borders & Usher, 1992). Individual supervision was the most common form of supervision, and it occurred on a weekly basis.…”

“…The instrument used was a modification of the questionnaire used by Borders and Usher (1992). Respondents were asked to provide information regarding four areas related to their substance abuse work and clinical supervision.…”

School Counseling: An Evolving Specialty

“…Thus, like practicing counselors in all work settings, school counselors need the support of ongoing clinical supervision from a qualified counseling supervisor. There is ample evidence that such supervision is not being provided in the schools and that it is a high priority for school counselors (e.g., Borders & Usher, 1992;Roberts & Borders, 1994). Most school systems currently do not have qualified supervisors on staff, and there is reason to speculate that clinical supervision is not a high priority for administrators.…”