What Clinical Supervision Means for Your Care

What does clinical supervision actually involve?

Supervision is a formal, ongoing relationship between a licensed therapist and an associate. The supervisor reviews the associate's cases, consults on treatment direction, and provides guidance on clinical decisions. In California, associates must complete a set number of supervised hours before they can test for full licensure.

Who supervises the associates at Third Street Counseling?

Michele Hall-Preston, LMFT is the supervisor of record for our associate therapists, including Tallie Gigi, AMFT and Brian Stubbs, AMFT. Michele is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with years of clinical experience and is responsible for the quality of care each associate provides.

Does the supervisor know what I talk about in therapy?

Your associate discusses your case with their supervisor in regular consultation, but they do not share every detail of what you say. The supervisor reviews the treatment direction, not a transcript. The same confidentiality standards apply. You can ask your therapist how supervision works and what is shared.

Is supervision a sign that my therapist is inexperienced?

It means your therapist is in the final stage of their training, accumulating the hours required for independent licensure. Associates have already completed a master's degree and hundreds of clinical hours. Supervision is a requirement of their license, not a red flag. Many clients find that the combination of a motivated associate and an experienced supervisor is an excellent arrangement. See our article on associate versus licensed therapists for more.

Reviewed by David Lindquist, LMFT