Innovative Utilization of the Discrimination Model for Career-focused Counselling Supervision

Abstract

Career-focused counselling supervision provides a venue in which elements of effective service delivery can be enhanced. Within career development services, Hoppin and Goodman (Clinical supervision of career development practitioners: Practical strategies National Career Development Association, Broken Arrow, OK, 2014) outlined the application of clinical supervision to career services professionals. Established approaches to clinical supervision such as the discrimination model (Bernard & Goodyear, in Counsellor Education and Supervision. 19:60–68, 1979, 1997) in which a career practitioner is assessed in three skills areas of intervention, conceptualization, and personalization (i.e. adapting his or her own personal style to counselling while being aware of personal issues). The supervisor shifts between the roles of consultant, counsellor, and teacher based on the development needs of the practitioner. This chapter contains information on the connection between career and mental health concerns as well as the manner in which supervision of career-focused counselling and more specifically the discrimination model can enhance career service delivery. Specific strategies grounded in this approach and a case study outlining its application are provided.

Appendix

• Supervision Professional Disclosure Statement

• (Name)

• Professional Experience

• (Education)

  I am looking forward to working with you in a supervisory relationship. This document is designed to present you with information regarding my background and the nature of supervision. Supervision is a professional relationship requiring all parties involved to fully understand the nature of this collaboration. This form will outline aspects of this collaboration.

  I obtained a graduate degree in (discipline) from the (institution). I have experience working with (populations, topics, etc.). I am a (relevant certifications and licenses).

• Supervision Services Offered/Models Used

  In general, I subscribe to an integrated cognitive and relational approach to counselling. I adhere to this approach’s emphasis on relationships and the manner in which these affect a person’s experience. I view clients as existing in a cultural and social milieu, which affects their functioning and worldview. In addition, I also focus on the beliefs (feelings, thoughts, etc.) a person associates with various events in their life is another point of focus in my counselling.

  In terms of career-focused counselling, I primarily subscribe to the tenants of (supervisor’s career-focused counselling theory). This approach’s focus on the (description of characteristics of the approach) which aligns with my view of the critical aspects of career development. While these concepts and ideas may characterize my counselling work, I understand that other theories and models offer benefits. I do not wish to unduly impose my counselling approach upon you as a supervisee.

  In relation to supervision, I adhere to tenants of the Discrimination Model. Counsellors are continually evolving and developing both personally and professionally. The process of counselling is a deeply personal interaction. While the goal is to assist clients/students with their issues, this process elicits feelings and issues for career-focused counsellors that may impede client/student progress. It is my view that having a functional understanding of one’s self is an essential component of being an effective counsellor. Some level of introspection is an important aspect of being a counsellor. As your supervisor, I see my role as one to provide challenge and support while you look inside yourself in this way.

  If we are to work together we will need to specify goals, methods, risks, and benefits of supervision, the approximate time commitment involved, and other aspects of your particular situation. Before going further, I expect us to agree on a plan to which we will both adhere. Periodically, we will evaluate our progress and redesign our goals if needed.

  As with any powerful intervention, there are both benefits and risks associated with participating in clinical supervision. Risks might include fleeing strong anxiety upon being “evaluated” or experiencing uncomfortable levels of feelings such as anger, guilt, or sadness when working with your own issues which might affect your abilities to successfully function as a professional counsellor. If you are willing to take these risks, I believe that the benefits of personal and professional growth will far outweigh the fleeting discomfort.

• Boundary Issues

  It is important to remember that supervision and counselling are distinct activities, and that supervision does not include counselling for the supervisee. Although supervision is not counselling, it does involve self-discovery and, at times, self-confrontation. Because of this, supervision sometimes can feel like counselling to those who are used to a good bit of interpersonal distance. In supervision, we will address personal issues in terms of how they influence your professional work. Should it seem that further attention to personal issues would be helpful, I will refer you elsewhere for that work.

  There may be times when a discussion occurs in which we are colleagues as opposed to supervisor and supervisee. This experience of operating in a tight knit community will require us to clearly delineate our roles in various contexts. As your supervisor, I will not use information divulged in these various non-supervisory interactions in my evaluation of your clinical work.

• Emergency Situations

  Although it is unlikely, if an emergency situation arises in your clinical work in which you need direction and advice before our scheduled supervision, you should consult with me (contact information).

• Ethical Standards

  In conducting supervision, I adhere to the (relevant ethical codes and standards) and will supply you with a copy of all of these when appropriate. If, at any time, you are dissatisfied with my work, I would appreciate the opportunity to address the situation first.

• Supervisee Understanding

  I have read this Professional Disclosure Statement. In addition, I have had the opportunity to meet with (supervisor’s name), to ask questions, and to talk with him about both his and my expectations as we begin our supervisory relationship. I understand that as we continue to work together, I may have more questions. I am expected to raise these questions, and any other concerns I may have, with (supervisors name).