Philosophy of Counseling

Research and Scholarly Activity

Mentorship

Mentorship and Supervision 

Although mentorship and supervision both support counselor development, they serve different purposes. Supervision is a formal relationship focused on ensuring ethical practice, client welfare, and clinical competence. Supervisors evaluate performance, provide feedback, and help counselors continue developing their clinical skills while meeting professional standards. Mentorship is typically a voluntary relationship that focuses more on long-term professional growth than evaluation. A mentor provides guidance, encouragement, career advice, and a safe place to process challenges that come with becoming a therapist. Both relationships require trust, open communication, and honest feedback, but mentorship allows for more collaboration and personal growth. While supervision helps counselors become competent clinicians, mentorship helps them continue developing their professional identity and confidence throughout their careers.

Mentorship Characteristics and Skills 

When choosing a mentor, I would look for someone whose experience and clinical approach align with the type of therapist I hope to become. Since I plan to specialize in trauma, I would value a mentor with experience in approaches such as EFT, EMDR, IFS, and somatic interventions. I also want someone who is approachable, ethical, and willing to provide honest feedback while still being encouraging. One of the qualities I value most is humility, because I believe the best clinicians continue learning throughout their careers. I would also want a mentor who challenges my thinking, helps me recognize blind spots, and encourages me to trust my clinical judgment. Consistent availability and open communication are also important for building a productive mentoring relationship.

Professional Mentor Support Goals 

Over the next 12 months, I plan to meet with my mentor at least once each month to discuss clinical cases, ethical concerns, and my professional development. During each meeting, I will present one case for consultation and identify specific skills I want to strengthen, such as deepening emotional processing, improving case conceptualization, and increasing confidence in my use of EFT interventions. After each meeting, I will identify at least one action step to apply in my counseling sessions and reflect on my progress during the following meeting. By the end of the year, I hope to feel more confident in my clinical judgment, strengthen my counselor identity, and continue developing into a trauma-informed therapist who facilitates meaningful emotional change while practicing ethically and effectively.