Supervision, Consultation and Advocacy

Unit 4 - Supervision, Consultation & Advocacy

Introduction:

In this paper, we will look at and evaluate different types of supervision models. When looking at the different types of models, we will describe the benefits to both the supervisee and the supervisor. This paper will also review consultation and advocacy in the field of counseling. There are differences and similarities in these two areas and this is part of the information that will be provided to you. In the final steps of the paper, we will review the writer's individual thoughts as to how the specialization they have chosen relates to these areas, looking at the barriers that could possibly impede their access for their clients and also at the strategies that can be used to advocate for diverse populations.

Part 1: Clinical Supervision

Evaluate Supervision Models:

According to Leddick (1994), "the manner in which supervision is applied is called a model" (p.2). Although the focus of early models centered more on the theory, the three most current models widely used are developmental models, integrated models and orientation-specific models (Leddick, 1994).

When looking at the developmental model, we understand that the thought process behind this model is that each of us are continuously growing. During this growing time, the supervisor will be able to identify the areas of strength and also identify the areas in which growth is needed for the future.

"Integrated models are models that were designed to be employed with multiple therapeutic orientations" (Bernard and Goodyear, 1992). This type of model incorporates three different styles to include the role of a teacher who instructs the supervisee; the role of counselor in which they try to assist the supervisee's in recognizing their own problematic spots, and in the role of colleague. During the role of colleague, the supervisor may often sit in on sessions with the supervisee and act as a consultant.

The last model is the orientation-specific model. This model is done with the counselor implementing one type of therapy that they believe is the best for them to work with. The supervisor in this case would then make sure that the supervisee is adhering to that particular type of therapy they have chosen to work with.

All three types of models are unique in their own way. It is up to the supervisor and the supervisee to choose how they wish to proceed as their relationship may be a long one in which they will need to be able to relate to each other and talk through different problems or issues that arise. There must be a level of trust between the two individuals so that the maximum benefits of supervision can be achieved.

Describe benefits (to you and your clients) of supervision during your counselor training and after your formal training is complete:

As a supervisee, there are many thing that one can learn from their supervisor. When being placed with a supervisor, it is good to try and have someone who works along the same ethics and morals that you do. There needs to be an open line of communication and there also needs to be the ability for the supervisee to take constructive criticism from their supervisor should the time arise. The supervisee would benefit greatly from the years of experience their supervisor has, and should be willing to take note of the supervisor's concepts and knowledge so that they can use it to further their own knowledge base.

When a supervisee is done with their training period, the clients that they first work with will be expecting and needing professional counseling. A supervisee who paid attention and was willing to listen and learn during their supervising experience will be much more prepared to serve their client with an exceptional base of knowledge and training that will help them during their counseling experience. One important thing that a counselor who is done with their supervision period can do is to continue supervision from time to time. This can deepen their knowledge in the field and can also give them the ability to collaborate with other staff when it comes to tough issues they may be facing with clients.

Why is it ethically important to have clinical supervision?

As a supervisee, you want to be able to receive the most up to date information and techniques in which you can use with your clients. During the supervision process, the supervisor is monitoring not only you as the supervisee, but also they are there to ensure that the client is getting the needed help they are seeking. In this supervision process, the supervisor will help the supervisee understand the need to ensure compliance with the 2005 ACA Code of Ethics. Part of these ethics include compliance with legal, ethical and professional standards for clinical practice.

The supervisor will also monitor the supervisee's development through the supervision period to certify that the counselor in training is ready to start out on their own and that they have been provided the necessary skills and information needed to ensure the clients receive the best possible counseling experience. As a supervisee, you want to have a "wide open" thought process when it comes to learning from your supervisor, as there is so much knowledge to gain from someone who has had experience in the field. This knowledge will help you when taking on your own clients and it will also ensure that your clients are receiving a counselor with not only credentials, but knowledge and experience that will be able to walk them through their difficulties and lead them in the best direction towards healing.

Part 2: Consultation and Advocacy

Define consultation and advocacy in the field of counseling:

According to Myers, Sweeney and Thomas (2013), Lee defined advocacy as "the process or act of arguing or pleading for a cause or proposal" (p.8). Lee was very well known for being an advocate for the counseling field to become "agents of social change" (p.1). He was one that believed that it was possible to advocate for clients and the counseling profession as one entity; however, these are often viewed as incompatible activities. In the case of a counselor, one way of advocating for a client would be to stand up for what that client is dealing with, helping them plead their case or stand with in instances such as court cases.

Consultation is a meeting of client and counselor to give an evaluation of the client's immediate issues. During consultation, the counselor will ask the client many