Should My LPC Supervisor Work at the Same Place as Me?
Finding the right LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) Supervisor is an important and necessary step in both professional development and becoming an LPC. One question that often comes up for students and recent graduates is whether your LPC supervisor should work at the same place as you.
Here are some pros and cons to consider before making a decision that is best for you:
Pros:
Accessibility: Having your LPC supervisor at the same workplace can make them more accessible for supervision sessions. This accessibility can facilitate timely discussions and support when needed.
Familiarity: A supervisor who works at the same place may be more familiar with the unique issues, values, and expectations of your workplace. This familiarity can lead to more targeted guidance and support tailored to your environment.
Supervision Cost Coverage: Some workplaces offer supervision cost coverage as part of their employee benefits. If your LPC supervisor works at the same place, you may benefit from this coverage, reducing your financial burden.
Access to Notes and Documents: With your supervisor on-site, they may have easier access to your notes and documents for review. This can enhance the quality of supervision by allowing for more thorough discussions based on actual material.
Cons:
Uncertainty of Departure: If both you and your supervisor work at the same place, there's no guarantee that either of you will leave. This lack of mobility can affect the dynamics of supervision and may limit your opportunities for growth.
Blurred Boundaries: Having your supervisor in the same workplace blurs the line between your professional supervision space and your workplace environment. This lack of separation can make it challenging to address personal or professional issues authentically.
Supervisor's Responsibility to Employer: Your LPC supervisor may have responsibilities to your shared employer that supersede their role as your supervisor. This dual role can introduce conflicts of interest and affect the quality of supervision provided.
Difficulty Bringing Challenges to Session: Discussing challenges or conflicts related to your workplace may be difficult in supervision when your supervisor is also part of the same environment. Fear of judgment or repercussions may hinder authentic dialogue.
The decision of whether your LPC supervisor should work at the same place as you depends on various factors, including your specific needs, preferences, and the dynamics of your workplace. While the accessibility and familiarity offered by on-site supervision can be beneficial, it's essential to weigh the potential drawbacks, such as blurred boundaries and conflicts of interest.
If you’re not sure how to move forward, think about what values and factors are important to you in supervision:
Do you want the additional oversight or do you value separation between your workplace and growth place?
Am I comfortable with potentially overlapping professional and personal boundaries?
Does my choice of a supervisor align with my long-term career goals? Is this more for convenience or is there an opportunity to enhance my training in areas that are important to me?
How does having my supervisor at the same workplace impact the confidentiality of supervision sessions? Can I trust that discussions in supervision will remain confidential, even within the workplace setting?
How comfortable am I with discussing personal challenges or conflicts related to my workplace in supervision?
Am I open to exploring different supervision setups over time, or do I prefer consistency in my arrangement?
What past experiences have I had with supervisors, bosses, authority, or workplaces that may color my experiences with my supervisor?
Ultimately, prioritize finding a supervision arrangement that nurtures your professional growth and supports your well-being as a therapist in training. For questions to ask potential LPC-Supervisors, check out the LPC-Supervision page.
