2010

Supervision is critical to the field of counseling for many reasons, but principally because it is the primary method used to maximize counselor development and competence (Bernard & Goodyear, 2009). “Supervision, as a psychotherapy training method is considered critical by educators, trainers, and professional regulatory bodies to establish an individual's fitness to become a full-fledged member of the profession” (Holloway & Neufeldt, 1995, p. 207). The governing, accrediting, and regulatory bodies of professional counseling have all developed guidelines and standards for the effective and ethical delivery of counseling supervision (American Counseling Association [ACA], 2005; American Psychological Association [APA], 2003; Association for Counselor Education and Supervision [ACES], 1993; Council for Accreditation for Counseling and Related Programs [CACREP], 2009; National Board of Certified Counselors [NBCC], 2005). Thus, while the amount and type of supervision may be debated, the necessity of counselor supervision is undisputed (Brashears, 1995; Weissman, Epstein, & Savage, 1983).