LMSW Supervision in Georgia

My Approach to LMSW Supervision

At the heart of my supervision approach is the professional relationship. It's important that you have a safe supportive space to learn, grow, and express the tough stuff that comes up when you're a therapist.

Beyond that, I generally take an integrated development approach. This means that I meet you where you are in your professional growth. There is a world of difference in the needs of someone just out of grad school and someone who is ready to practice independently. So, my approach adjusts depending on where you are in your journey.

For example, if you had a question that could be answered with the board rules, I'll probably answer different people differently. With someone newly licensed, I'd walk them through how to find and interpret the rule.  However, for someone about to be an LCSW, I'd expect them to get most of the way there on their own.

Group vs Individual

I love the power of small group supervision. My groups typically have 3-5 people and meet biweekly.

In group, you get not only my thoughts, but also the collective wisdom. That is to say, when you present a case, I'll first ask you for your thoughts. Then, I'll invite others to offer how they might approach it. Finally, I'll give feedback and add to the discussion. This level of depth isn't possible in individual settings. Another benefit is group is that it's more economical.

Of course, there are times when you need individual supervision. Perhaps your needs are so specific or short-term that group doesn't fit. Even if you're in a group, you might need individual supervision, too. For example, you might need individual hours to meet licensing requirements.

Online vs In-Person

Historically, I have offered supervision groups in person. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic started, we moved online. Once it's to resume in-person activities without mask or distancing, I'll offer both.

Paid vs Free

Occasionally, people ask why they'd want to pay to get supervision when they can their agency offers it for free. Even if you have free supervision available, I recommend supplementing that with outside supervision if at all possible. A common reason why this makes sense is because counseling brings up tough stuff that you don't necessarily want to discuss with your employer. Another benefit of outside supervision is that it will give you a broader range of ideas for treatment than would be setting specific for your agency. Moreover, having outside supervision could help better prepare you for independent practice.

Rates

Rates for hour-long sessions:

• Group $75
• Individual
  • for current group members $125
  • for non-group members $210

My Background

Beyond my approach, here are some details about me that you may find helpful as you work to figure out what kind of supervisor you are looking for.

• LCSW in Georgia since 2011. I got my MSW degree from the University of Georgia and my BA in Psychology from the University of South Florida.
• Counseling specialty is complicated anxiety, depression, and trauma. I especially like to work with highly intelligent over-achievers and LGBT+ folx.
• Methods most frequently used include: EMDR, Motivational Interviewing, CBT, DBT skills, trauma-sensitive yoga.
• Second-career therapist. Before I went to grad school, I worked mostly where Human Resources meets Information Technology.
• Work experience for 30+ years in multiple industries and settings, including:
  • Private Pay Private Practice
  • Non-Profit Counseling Center
  • Government (Georgia DBHDD)
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Training Consulting
  • Higher Education
• Experienced in different positions from front-line provider to Executive Director. My favorite roles (before owning my own business) were as Director of Operations.

My expectations of LMSW Supervisees

I believe in transparency and clarity. Therefore, I think it's super important to talk about expectations up front. With that in mind, here are some of the most basic expectations I have for people I supervise:

• Works in (or wants to) an area where I have experience
• Holds a current Georgia LMSW license
• Maintains their own professional liability insurance
• Participates in supervision regularly
• Maintains membership in a professional society (I recommend Georgia Society for Clinical Social Work and/or the National Association of Social Workers)
• Displays commitment to our social work values of service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, the importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence