Texas LPC-Associates: Set yourself up for success!
Texas LPC-Associates
You've made it this far! Graduation is a huge accomplishment and one that deserves celebration! It's also the beginning of a new journey of being mentored as you work to complete your 3,000 hours. It can seem daunting... so many hours, more time, and more money. I get it. We all just want to get "there." What is that for you? What are your aspirations in the field of counseling? Whatever you are shooting for, a rock-solid Supervisor is a must. You deserve to be mentored in a way that respects the efforts you've put forth thus far.
Why did I become a Supervisor?
Being a Supervisor in Texas requires a 40-hour class and additional CE's specific to supervision training. It's an investment that I deemed well worth the time and money because I understand the importance of a good mentor. When I graduated from Colorado Christian University I was supervised by an LPC at my workplace. There was little oversight, even less training, and the business was mismanaged in ways that later proved to be illegal and unethical. Needless to say, I was in a bad environment! I left that group practice promptly upon realizing the depths of the situation and was fortunate to have a second job at a hospital that was happy to have me full-time. On these psychiatric units there were plenty of seasoned therapists to learn from through observation, but all of them seemed to be focused on their own craft and unwilling to lend much knowledge to the younger generation. So, once again, I found myself without much guidance. It was at this point that I actively looked for a mentor outside of my work settings and I was fortunate to find a great one! She was kind, shared her knowledge willingly, and was eager to offer the support I was longing for. She helped me hone my skills and also learn the ropes of the business of counseling. Grad schools don't teach you about billing, paperwork, finances, and marketing! My experiences straight out of grad school, along with hearing similar stories from colleagues, is what motivated me to give back to the next generation of counselors. We need you! I deeply desire for counselors to be excellent clinicians, proficient employees and business owners, and well-respected individuals who live their lives with integrity and congruency.
What does supervision with Anna look like?
The relationship between an LPC-Associate and a Supervisor is just that - a relationship. This requires some like-minded goals, values, and lots of communication! So before we enter into this relationship we'll make sure we're a good match. Just like I'm not the best counselor for every client, I'm also not the best Supervisor for every LPC-Associate! We'll walk through some interview questions to determine whether or not we want to move forward.
To be clear, a great mentor is not someone attempting to clone themself, but rather someone investing in uncovering and encouraging the person (and counselor) you were made to be. What this looks like practically is weekly virtual meetings and access to me at all times outside of those meetings. I answer my phone when you call and I return emails and text messages promptly. I do what I say I'll do, and I am committed to providing guidance in all areas of the field of counseling. I care deeply about those that I supervise. I want you to find success in all areas of your life and learn how to live out the priorities you speak aloud.
Weekly meetings for 3,000 hours... that's a lot of meetings!
Yes it is! But there is so much to cover! In our time together I will teach you the following, in addition to much, much more:
>The fundamentals of professionalism
>Overcoming stigmas about our profession
>Clinical training and supervision
>How to properly market yourself
>How to find a job
>Business startup guidance including forms, tax IDs, business plans, and more
>Liability Insurance necessities
>HIPAA compliance
>Chapter 611: Release of Records
>Managing your profession and your personal life
>Maintaining self-care and soul-care
A special note to counselors in rural communities
Counseling in a rural community is an area I hold exceptional knowledge in. I opened my first practice in a town of about 2,500 people that did not have much in the way of mental health services prior to my arrival. I quickly learned that all of the black and white boundaries we are taught in school turn to GRAY immediately upon establishing a business in a small town! There are endless unique situations that take special care and consideration when working in such an environment.
If you find yourself living and/or practicing in a rural community, I urge you to consider those gray areas when choosing a Supervisor. It is vital to work with someone that has been there and knows firsthand the complexities of the job.
My own continuing education
As an LPC-Supervisor, I take seriously the guidance I am providing to others. I want to be sure I am giving accurate and sound advice, as well as modeling everything I am teaching. I have found an excellent Academy that supports these goals and shares the professional values I hold close. The Academy Certification Program through Practice Mentors sets out to train Supervisors to be up-to-date on current events and changes, understand legal and ethical standards, and set apart Supervisors that are committed to upholding the highest standards of care from those who simply skim by.
In addition to training for Supervisors, Practice Mentors also offers trainings for all counselors in very practical, personable, and effective formats. I obtain continuing education through them each year and recommend that others do the same! You can find a list of their Counseling Landscape CE courses here.
To make finding high-quality Supervisors easier on you, Practice Mentors maintains a Wall of Excellence. These are Supervisors who are committed to regular trainings in the art of supervision and have completed courses within the Academy. You can find me, along with other quality Supervisors, here.