The First Step
*Please note that these are my experiences and recommendations following the policies required for the State of Georgia. This process varies from state to state.*
Let’s go back in time, the year is 2023. I am sitting in my counseling office thinking of all of the ways I need to make more money as the school year begins to close.
I start making a list, like most of us will do, of all the talents I have and my interests. I called my great friend and linesister who is also a school counselor to inform her that I believe I want to become an LPC. She stated that she had already started her research for the same journey.
So, here I am. Fast forward to back when I started and had no clue where to begin. I even did my research by googling and calling some of my school counselor colleagues who have previously gone through this process to become certified as a licensed professional counselor.
Sidenote: Google did not have anything related to the process from a school counselor to an LPC, so you’re welcome 🙂
The First Step Was Finding A Supervisor
The steps for LPC vary from state to state. I will be specifically speaking on the rules and regulations of the State of Georgia. You can find the update link here.
So, per the Chapter 135-5: Requirements for licensure, “a supervisor means a person who is licensed as a Clinical Social Worker, Professional Counselor, Marriage and Family Therapist, Psychologist, or Psychiatrist and must have practiced in their specialty for at least 2000 clock hours over a minimum of 2 years following licensure.”
Make sure you are networking throughout your search. Ask around. Seeing who others have worked with during their supervision process allows you to receive an inside perspective. You can also look into various social media groups. It is easy to find your tribe by searching to see who is seeking out the same information that you are. Lastly, I would even reach out to your previous or current professors.
TIP: Do not rush the process of finding a supervisor. Although you may become frustrated, finding someone who fits your needs is the most important part of the process. Your supervision will be a 2 year process, so really make sure your supervisor is someone you can see yourself working with long term.
What Do You Want To Gain From Your Supervisor Outside Of Supervision Hours?
During your searching process, do not forget to keep in mind what you want to obtain from the process.
Finding a supervisor can be one of the hardest steps depending on your circumstances. For me, I wanted to find a supervisor who specialized in working with school counselors. I also wanted a supervisor that had flexible hours after my work hours.
I found this challenging because a lot of therapists work throughout the day, so their supervision hours were random times like noon. Or, I found therapists who were more hands-off when it came to fundamental teaching, and the process was strictly supervising your therapy sessions. There were many phone calls I made that went unanswered, and that is okay. Keep pushing.
The Best Supervisor Interview Cheat Sheet For Aspiring Associate Professional Counselors
Ensure that you are comfortable with your potential supervisor. You will need to communicate with your supervisor constantly for over a year on a monthly basis. It is important to be able to share with your supervisor what goals you have, and what you would like to gain from this process. Feeling supported is key.
If you need more help with the process for obtaining your Licensed Professional Counselor Licensure, check on my blog:
My Journey From A School Counselor To A Licensed Professional Counselor: I Found My Supervisor, What’s Next?
MORE LPC TIPS:
Looking for more tips and guides to assist with obtaining your licensed professional counselor?
Stay tuned for the following blogs coming soon:
- Supervisor Interview Cheat Sheet For Aspiring Associate Professional Counselors
- Finding your tribe within your journey to obtaining your LPC
- HELP! I need a supervisor that helps my transition from school counselor to LPC
- How much does getting your LPC cost?
- Understanding the process to apply for your APC or LPC