Foundations of Advanced Clinical Supervision

Divine Mercy University is offering a program that provides both the foundation for competent, effective, and professional clinical supervision and the advanced knowledge to expand your understanding and practice of supervision. Enroll today!

World-Class Learning Experience

The DMU Foundations of Advanced Clinical Supervision CE track is a 46-clock-hour curriculum delivered in a self-paced, online format via nine modules. This training follows industry standards for the provision of supervision in clinical settings with additional attention to administrative supervision.

FIND OUT MORE

Why the Foundations of Advanced Clinical Supervision?

This program provides the educational component of the supervisor requirements to be a Virginia Board Approved LPC, LMFT and LSATP Supervisor (at least 20 hours of continuing education in supervision). It also fulfills similar supervision requirements in other states. Verify requirements with your state board.

Divine Mercy University- School of Counseling is a NBCC-Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP) for both Live/Real Time CE Programs and Home Study CE Programs. Home Study Delivery Format includes text-based learning materials, on-demand webinars, and other audio/visual materials.

Encourages Professional Growth

The Foundation of Clinical Supervision promotes the clinical supervisor’s professional identity, visibility and accountability, and encourages professional growth.

Industry Standards

With notable ties to the professional counseling community, the Foundation of Clinical Supervision program facilitates counselor supervisor alignment with professional identity and industry standards.

Continuing Education

The DMU School of Counseling Foundation of Clinical Supervision curriculum provides an opportunity for professional growth and for meeting continuing education requirements to qualified clinicians across several domains.

What you’ll learn

The minimum required content areas for each module are as follows:

1 Roles and functions of clinical supervisors

This module defines the roles and functions of a clinical supervisor. Topics covered in this course include the definition of clinical supervision, the development of supervision as a specialty area, the requirements outlined for clinical supervisors and institutions in counseling programs aligned with industry standards, and the goals of supervision. Participants will learn the general objectives of supervision and become familiar with the essential ethical guidelines for clinical supervisors.

4 Methods and techniques in clinical supervision

This module is designed to meet the requirements for supervision preparation in the areas of methods and techniques. Topics include methods of monitoring using live observation, cotherapy, live supervision, use of audio and/or video recordings, role plays, interpersonal process recall, providing feedback, coaching, suggestions and advice, case consultation, and demonstration of skill. The use of technology to assist in supervision, distance supervision, online supervision, and the need to maintain process notes will be addressed in this course.

7 Utilization of Technology in Clinical Supervision

This module addresses the nuances of technology utilization in clinical supervision. Topics covered in this module include the history of using technology in clinical supervision, the exploration of tele-supervision techniques and platforms, procedures for the use of distance communication, including telephone, chat, email, social media, and other distance technology, and end-to-end encryption requirements when conducting tele-supervision. The benefits and challenges of using technology for delivery, support and enhancement of clinical supervision are outlined. Participants also review the general ethical principles for using technology in clinical supervision.

2 Theoretical Frameworks and Models of Clinical Supervision

This module addresses the need to develop an understanding of distinct theoretical models in clinical supervision. The course has a focus on styles of learning and techniques supervisors employ to facilitate learning. Various models are outlined including developmental, integrated, the life-span, psychodynamic, person-centered, cognitive-behavioral, choice theory, family therapy, feminist, solution-oriented, integrative, and a discrimination models. The development of a personal style of supervision is also covered.

5 Group supervision

This module is focused on the formats and settings for supervision. Individual or one-on-one supervision may be required, yet standards and state regulation include provisions for conducting triadic and group supervision. Topics include the four stages of supervision (initial, transition, working, and ending) and the value of conducting triadic and group supervision. The peer supervision group process also is outlined.

8 Administrative Procedures and Responsibilities Related to Clinical Supervision

This module addresses the evolution of the professional clinical supervisor within a counseling career. Topics include techniques for developing a professional disclosure statement (PDS), mandatory information included in the PDS, establishing fee schedules, the supervision contract with supervisees, the supervision contract with the counselor education institution, acquiring details for the Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) credential, professional marketing and use of the CCE logo, and state licensure requirements pertaining to supervision of counseling students.

3 Supervisory relationship issues

This module examines several facets of the supervisory relationship with supervisees. Topics include exploration of the significance of building a strong working relationship that is positive and productive, developing trust and a willingness to self-disclosure, transference and countertransference, diversity concerns, setting and extending boundaries, the influence of the power and authority differential, the concept of parallel process, and the need for highly developed awareness of personal variables.

6 Evaluation, Remediation, and Gatekeeping in Clinical Supervision

This module addresses a range of concepts that round out the desired characteristics and traits of an effective counseling supervisor. Topics covered include elements of the supervision process such as initiating agreements and documentation, managing crises in supervision, codes of ethics regarding evaluation of supervisees, essential components and methods of evaluation, evaluation of the supervisor and self-evaluation, and guidelines for conducting evaluations.

9 Legal and Ethical Issues and Responsibilities in Clinical Supervision

This module is focused on critical legal and ethical issues facing supervisors. Topics include standards and codes of ethics, supervisor responsibilities, confidentiality, teaching supervisees a process for ethical decision-making, competence in supervision, monitoring supervisee competence, challenges for counselor education programs and associated site supervisors, managing multiple roles, boundary setting, and sexual attraction issues.

10 Culturally Responsive Clinical Supervision

This module explores areas of multicultural competence in supervision. A working definition of multiculturalism establishes a foundation for addressing topics such as managing attitudes and beliefs, monitoring personal biases, developing awareness of the supervisees worldview, and methods for improving the supervisees skills in working with diverse groups. The course explores multicultural dynamics when working with supervisees of a different culture from their own, ethical codes and standards regarding multicultural supervision, and the need for a multicultural competency clause in the supervision contract.

About the Author

Dr. Stephen Sharp

Dr. Sharp has worked in the human services field in various professional roles in community mental health as an agency operator/owner, clinical director, and in private practice as professional counselor. His work in higher education as a counselor educator with CACREP accredited programs includes roles as full-time core faculty, CACREP liaison, clinical director, and CACREP counseling program chair. Dr. Sharp has served in higher education administration in a variety of roles that included assistant dean, associate dean and academic dean in the University of Phoenix College of Social Sciences with oversight of programs in human services, psychology, school counseling, marriage and family counseling, and clinical mental health counseling. In these administrative roles, he sat on the Regulatory Council, Scholarship Council, and Curriculum Council and engaged as a primary contributor in the development of curricula, assessment plans, and revision of social and behavioral science programs to align with industry standards. Dr. Sharp was instrumental in the development of leading edge online programs in correctional and clinical mental health counseling. He continues to provide consultation and supervision for organizations as well as counselors-in-training. As a Mental Health Facilitator (MHF) Master Trainer for the National Board for Certified Counselors – International (NBCCI), Dr. Sharp taught many volunteers and professionals to be MHF trainers including refugee camp workers in Jordan and Lebanon, educators in Southeast Asian countries, higher education faculty and first responders across the United States. He sat on the editorial board for The Professional Counselor peer-reviewed journal, and served as a volunteer fellowship and scholarship reviewer for the National Board for Certified Counselors Foundation (NBCCF).