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:

Top 5 Behavioral Characteristics

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 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 on need. (Jewell, 2019) Additionally, working collaboratively with a supervisee and encouraging critical thinking skills are key supervisor traits that shows the supervisee is valued, respected, and supported in their professional growth process.

Finally, but not least, the ideal supervisor possesses effective treatment and intervention skills. To achieve a comprehensive viewpoint of counseling, a supervisors training should be extensive coupled with varied experiences in the field. This shows that the supervisor is growth-oriented and seeks to improve upon and supplement skills via professional educational resources, introspection, and feedback from those with whom they work. Remaining up to date and current with research, especially areas of specialty, is also a key factor that ties into a supervisor’s commitment to professional growth.

References

The good supervisor. ERIC Digest. (n.d.). ERICDigests.Org - Providing full-text access to ERIC Digests. https://www.ericdigests.org/1995-1/good.htm

Jewell, C. (2019, March 7). 12 characteristics of an effective clinical supervisor. Mind ReMake Project. https://mindremakeproject.org/2019/03/07/characteristi cs-of-an-effective-clinical-supervisor/

Tracey, M. D. (2006, March). More effective supervision. https://www.apa.org. https://www.apa.org/monitor/mar06/supervision.aspx

Written By: Maria Giuliana, LMHC Maria Giuliana, LMHC, is founder of Beyond The Matter Counseling and Consulting Services in Jacksonville, Florida. She is Qualified Supervisor for both Mental Health and Marriage and Family Registered Interns. Her Leadership and Advocacy experience includes presenting at professional conferences on a variety of clinical topics. She currently holds the position as the Regional Director Northeast of the Florida Mental Health Counselors Association and is a CES doctoral candidate at National Louis University.