Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate Supervision
Graduation is highly emotional and can be a very exhausting milestone to achieve. What’s more, it can in turn feel intimidating and daunting to consider your supervised experience process, all 3000 hours of it. One of the most important choices in this next chapter of your journey to become a licensed mental health professional is to choose the person who will help support, encourage, and guide you in your impending endeavor.
What you can expect in this supervised experience process is:
Become well versed and comfortable in the myriad of ethical considerations that are expected of us as we practice counseling.
Process and discuss your greatest wins and deepest challenges that you will grapple with as a new therapist.
Fair and constructive criticism, as well as reassurance when we feel like you are on the right track. That way you can make sure that you are practicing at your optimum level as often as you can and are providing the best care possible for your clients. This process demands an open mind and a sound ego!
One of the most critical aspect of this supervision process will be the development of mutual respect, understanding, and grace. You will never be put down, berated, or abandoned as it is difficult enough to accomplish the hard work of bravely making your way into the mental health space.
You’re in the tumultuous and chaotic ocean now. The familiarity and tranquility of the meadow pond was crucial for your education, but rough seas are ahead. Through this supervised experience process, you will be given the tools, insight, and refinement needed to further build not only your competence, but also your confidence.
About Justin Gibbons, LPC, Supervisor
I have been developing my practice within the realm of mental health since 2008. I got my start working at a children and adult crisis unit while I was pursuing my bachelor’s and master’s degree at the University of Central Oklahoma. Being part of the inpatient care team for clients who were experiencing acute crisis was extremely challenging, but highly rewarding. It also provided me with an incredible supplemental educational experience that has informed my practice to this day.
At UCO my training emphasis was heavily gauged toward Behavioral Therapy, CBT, and Client Centered Counseling. After I graduated with my master’s in Counseling Psychology I trained with a veteran psychologist and had the privilege of providing co-therapy with them.
Currently, I have geared my practical focus on health and wellness with an emphasis on personal growth and development. This has informed my approach to the treatment of anxiety, depression, and anger management in a way that helps the client take ownership of the therapeutic change process. This has greatly supplemented the work I do within the scope of Behavioral Therapy, CBT, and Client Centered Counseling.
I have also found that there is a great need to support clients with healthy masculinity development and ego rehabilitation and have helped clients feel safe and secure in their masculine identity whoever the person. I have made a commitment to continue my allyship through my practice and have a deep respect for all people, perspectives, and orientations. I very much so look forward to beginning our work in the process and development of your professional work and supervised experience!