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Top Five Characteristics of An Ideal Counselor Supervisor The role of the counselor supervisor is multi-faceted. As with any leader, it is essential for the supervisor to have the ability to navigate between the functions of counselor, consultant and teacher dependent on the supervisees need at any given time. (Borders, 1994) To be considered an ideal supervisor, one would have to possess at least some basic traits and characteristics as a foundation to build upon. The top five for this writer include the following: My top 5
Top 5 Behavioral Characteristics
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Ethical
Approachable
Enthusiastic
Supportive
Collaborative
Top 5 Professional Knowledge and Approach to Supervision Integrates ethics in daily practice Current with research Effective treatment/ intervention skills Flexible supervision approach based on supervisee's level Encourages the supervisee's problemsolving
One of the most important behavioral characteristics, which include having a good knowledge base and executing a purposeful approach to supervision, relates to ethics. Ethics is the umbrella that protects the supervisor, supervisee, counselor, and client from undue harm. Supervisors are responsible for educating and role 40
January 2022 InSession | FMHCA.org
Professional Experience Article
modeling appropriate ethical behaviors to supervisees, which also ties into upholding appropriate boundaries in each role served. Without a solid knowledge base or sense of awareness of what constitutes ethical behavior, a supervisor risks creating a slippery scenario that could result in disfavor to all persons involved. An ideal supervisor is also approachable which would serve to make the supervisee feel comfortable and open to the process. Psychologist Judith Beck recognized counseling professionals held the belief that supervisees would be more likely to ask for direction when they came across a problem if supervisors were “warm, empathetic and helpful” from inception. (Tracey, 2006) Additionally, the level of enthusiasm that a supervisor brings to the role also plays a significant function to the supervisory relationship.“Even more, good supervisors really enjoy supervision, are committed to helping the counselor grow, and evidence commitment to the supervision enterprise by their preparation for and involvement in supervision sessions.” (“The Good Supervisor. ERIC Digest.”) A genuine love for what one does should seep through the supervision process and demonstrate the level of investment one has in preparing supervisors for their roles as counselors. These traits organically cross over into the degree of support a supervisee would experience from the supervisor. The ideal supervisor also possesses a flexible approach to supervision and can meet the supervisee at their own experience level. There is no one-size-fits-all formula, and it is imperative to consider a supervisees individual characteristic as well as learning style to thoughtfully and effectually apply a variety of supervision methods based
