Providing psychotherapy isn’t the only job description for counselors. Often, counselors act as a consultant. For example, an experienced counselor could provide supervision to a novice counselor. It is important for both graduate students in counseling programs and beginning counselors to understand what these different roles entail.
The 1940s and 1950s saw the beginnings of the consultant movement. Rather than rely solely on in-house talent, experts from the outside were brought in on a temporary basis to provide either expertise or a service that they were uniquely qualified to do. Although the ways in which consultants are used in the counseling field has changed somewhat, the idea is basically the same. Currently, consultants work in a much more collaborative way. Some examples of modern day consulting include:
- A mental health agency brings in an expert on the DSM-5 to train staff
- A counseling supervisor discusses a case with a novice counselor
- A counselor contacts another counselor with expertise in a niche area
Just like counselors, there are different theories for consulting. Most of the theories, with the one exception being Chaos Theory, correspond to each of the counseling theories. For example, in Person Centered Consultation, the purpose is to facilitate change in a nondirective way, just as it is in Person Centered counseling. To elaborate further whether you are talking about counseling or consultation, there is the belief that the system or individual will naturally tend toward growth and health.
Supervision
Supervision is a type of consulting, but there are some differing features:
- Supervision is an on-going relationship, whereas consultation is time-limited
- Supervision involves an intense interpersonal relationship, consultation generally does not
- Supervisors have an evaluative responsibility over their supervisees, consultants generally do not
Because of its intense interpersonal nature, it is important to find a supervisor with whom you feel comfortable. There is some evidence that the quality of your supervisory experience depends on the quality of that relationship. So, if you end up with a supervisor you aren’t comfortable with, find another one. You must be able to share your struggles honestly with your supervisor in order for him or her to help. A good supervisor is empathic, flexible, genuine, open, concerned, and supportive.1
Because of the nature of the relationship, and the nature of counselor growth, there will be some resistance on the part of the counselor. One important factor is how receptive the counselor is to feedback. If the counselor is overly sensitive, then negative feedback will be difficult to accept. Another factor is the supervisory relationship. A good relationship helps to reduce defensiveness, therefore also reducing resistance. Lastly, the style of the supervisor also needs to mesh well with the counselor. Some counselors prefer a supervisor who is less directive and more collaborative.
Ethical Issues
Just as with the counseling process, there are ethical issues to consider with the consultation process. For example, similarly to counselors, consultants must get informed consent from all parties involved, avoid dual relationships, keep information confidential, and only practice in areas they have competency.
Yours in the Joy of Knowledge,
Barb LoFrisco
Source: The World of the Counselor, Ed Neukrug, Fourth Edition.
