Preparing for Effective Supervision: Considerations for First Time Supervisees

Authors

• Mallory Radcliff, University of Northern Colorado
• Laura Rivas, University of Northern Colorado

Abstract

Supervision is an essential part of clinical training and serves as an essential support to students who are beginning to see clients for the first time (American Counseling Association [ACA], 2014; Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs [CACREP], 2024). To effectively utilize supervision, it is important to establish shared expectations and goals between supervisor and supervisee (Bernard & Goodyear, 2019). Without previous experience in supervision, it may feel challenging for first time supervisees to know what appropriate goals or expectations of supervision are. Current literature focuses primarily on effective supervision from a supervisory perspective and lacks a perspective that is applicable for a first-time supervisee. In this article, authors aim to outline what counseling supervision is, possible expectations for supervision, and ways to effectively use supervision for the first time. Entering a supervisory relationship for the first time can feel intimidating; through this preparatory guide, the authors aim to demystify the supervision process and strengthen students’ confidence as they begin supervision.

Recommended Citation

Radcliff, Mallory and Rivas, Laura (2026) "Preparing for Effective Supervision: Considerations for First Time Supervisees," The Bear Counseling Collective: Vol. 3, Article 2.
Available at: https://digscholarship.unco.edu/bcc/vol3/iss1/2