Please provide a well-articulated response to the two discussion question peer responses. Each response should be approximately 250 words and include at least one current (within the past 3 years) scholarly reference and one citation in APA 7th edition format. I have included the original discussion questions for context.

Discussion Question #1

How do counseling supervisors select philosophical underpinnings appropriate to their supervisory settings? What happens when the philosophy of the supervisor is not aligned with the setting? Explain.

Tara’s Response:

It is important a supervisor develops their philosophy of supervision, as it can articulate their method, goals, and beliefs about supervision. To ensure a supervisor’s philosophical underpinnings are appropriate to their supervisory settings, it would be wise for them to sit down and ask themselves some questions to see how the two (supervisor’s philosophy and setting) can successfully fit. Martin and Cannon (2010) suggested writing a philosophy of supervision by asking oneself their beliefs on conducting therapy, clinical supervision, the roles of supervisor and supervisee, and how a good clinical supervisor is defined.

Ideally, this is an ever-evolving task since a supervisor and their way of supervising will change over time based on those around them, professional experiences, and their settings (McNair, 2011). If a supervisor recognizes their philosophy does not necessarily align with their setting, the supervisor has a choice to make. Depending on how significant the two are off, they could chose to speak to their organization and find a way to resign without disrupting the program or the supervisee’s progress, or they can sit down and see how they can re-align the two to ensure a successful relationship. For example, if the supervisor’s philosophy is not aligned to the setting due to an ethical conflict, this might be a reason to find a new setting. However, if the conflict is due to a difference in style or approach, the supervisor can make the appropriate changes needed to fit the setting. McNair (2011) explains, as supervisors move into different positions, their perspectives gradually shift. The misalignment could simply be a shift in perspective and easily fixed.

Martin, F. A., & Cannon, W. C. (2010). The necessity of a philosophy of clinical supervision. American Counseling Association: VISTAS Online. Retrieved August 10, 2023, from http://counselingoutfitters.com/vistas/vistas10/Article_45.pdf

McNair, D. E. (2011). Developing a philosophy of supervision: One step toward self-authorship. New Directions for Student Services, 136, 27–34. https://doi.org/10.1002/ss.411

Discussion Question #2

A primary purpose of clinical counselor supervision is to assure ethical practice. If ever clinical counselor supervision does not promote ethical practice, how should the supervisee respond? Support your view.

Tara’s Response:

The American Counseling Association (2014) ethical code F.7.e. states, counselor educators must ensure supervisees are aware of ethical standards and responsibilities for both the profession and their role as a student in the profession, by infusing ethical considerations throughout the curriculum. At the start of the supervisory relationship, the goals should be clearly outlined and if the two parties have an open flow of communication, ideally, misunderstandings would be limited. Both the supervisor and the supervisee have a responsibility in making sure all areas are covered, as this should be a collaborative experience. However, if a supervisee recognizes their supervisor has not promoted ethical practice, they should take some form of action. Bernard and Goodyear (2019) found some supervisees who were not confident in their supervisors will either turn to their peers to vent and seek consultation on what to do or address their concerns with the training program. Although it is important to have a support system and it is appropriate to keep the training program updated, I believe a supervisee should first address their concern directly with their supervisor. Then, if the supervisor does not remedy the situation, escalating it to the training program would be the next appropriate step.

American Counseling Association. (2014). Code of ethics. https://www.counseling.org/resources/aca-code-of-e…

Bernard, J. N., & Goodyear, R. K. (2019). Fundamentals of clinical supervision (6th ed.). Pearson. ISBN-13: 9780134752518.