Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Health Professions
 
Board
Board of Counseling
 
chapter
Regulations Governing the Practice of Professional Counseling [18 VAC 115 ‑ 20]
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3/28/24  12:08 pm
Commenter: Dr. Naomi Wheeler, LPC

Reject Proposal
 

As a professor of Counselor Education at VCU, I help to prepare future counselors and supervisors; therefore, I am aware of the critical role a supervisor plays for counselor development during pre-licensure clinical experiences.  Having a supervisor from the same discipline seems a foundational criteria as evidenced by supervision requirements used by psychology and social work, where counselors are not able to provide supervision. Additionally, requirements to be an eligible supervisor differ by discipline, as do the regulatory boards who provide oversight. Our licenses are unique because we have distinct competencies that support our approach to practice and professional identity. While I understand the need for more supervisors and value interdisciplinary practice, I don't believe expanding supervisor eligibility to other disciplines is the best approach as it has the potential to dilute professional identity.

CommentID: 222427