I oppose this petition, despite residing in rural Southwest Virginia, near Virginia Tech's Ph.D. MFT program, which would allow a greater number of licensing supervisors for this area.

This petition places the value of education far above clinical experience. Despite the necessity of both to be successful and effective in this field, both as a counselor and supervisor. While additional education can be beneficial, the amount of time served in obtaining a doctoral degree does not make up for a lack of clinical experience. Clinical experience cannot be taught.

Allowing these individuals to supervise others without having at least 2 years of post-licensure clinical experience themselves is setting up a failing system for future counselors and therapists. Across the country, Virginia has a reputation for its high standards and I do not want to see that reputation diminished through selectively decreasing the amount of clinical experience necessary for some to supervise others.