Finding a clinical supervisor is an important step toward becoming an independently licensed therapist. Whether you're pursuing licensure in Florida or Illinois, you may initially be focused on the logistics: meeting state requirements, tracking hours, and finding someone qualified to supervise you.
But choosing a supervisor is about more than checking boxes.
The relationship you build with your supervisor can influence your confidence, professional growth, and the way you develop your own identity as a therapist. You deserve someone who understands your goals, welcomes your questions, and recognizes that learning goes both ways.
So how do you know what to look for?
Let's explore what matters when choosing a clinical supervisor, what you can expect from supervision, and how to find someone who supports the therapist you're becoming.
What should I look for when choosing a clinical supervisor?
When choosing a clinical supervisor, look for someone who is willing to receive feedback, not just give it. Supervision should be a two-way relationship where both people can learn from each other. Think about your previous graduate school supervision experiences, what worked well, and what you would like to be different moving forward.
If you've graduated from a therapy training program, you've probably already had experience working with at least one supervisor. That means you have more information about what you need from supervision than you might realize.
Think back to those relationships: What made you feel supported? When did you feel comfortable asking questions? Were there times you hesitated to speak up? Did your supervisor help you feel more confident, or did you sometimes leave feeling uncertain about yourself?
Your answers can help you identify qualities to look for in your next supervisor.
One quality I encourage new therapists to consider is whether a potential supervisor is open to receiving feedback. We often think of supervision as a relationship where an experienced therapist gives guidance to someone who is still learning. While that's certainly part of it, the relationship shouldn't be entirely one-sided.
I firmly believe that supervisors can learn from their supervisees, too. You bring your own experiences, perspectives, and ideas into the relationship. Those contributions can help your supervisor learn from you as much as you learn from them!
It's also important to recognize that you don't need to wait for your supervisor to invite feedback. If something isn't working or you need support in a different way, you're allowed to say so. In fact, waiting until you're asked can sometimes create problems. Unspoken concerns may grow into frustration or misunderstandings that affect your relationship. A good supervision relationship makes room for honest conversations, even when those conversations feel a little uncomfortable.
Ultimately, look for someone who recognizes that you're an active participant in the relationship, not simply someone waiting to be taught.
How do I know if a clinical supervisor is a good fit for me?
A good clinical supervisor should take time to understand what you need rather than assume they already know. Pay attention to the questions they ask, how they communicate, and whether you feel comfortable speaking up. You don't need identical personalities or communication styles, but you should be able to understand and respect each other's differences.
Finding the right supervisor isn't necessarily about finding someone whose personality is exactly like yours. Sometimes, differences in personality or communication style can actually be helpful. The important thing is whether both people recognize those differences and are willing to talk about them.
One thing I encourage therapists to pay attention to during an initial conversation is how curious the potential supervisor seems about them. For example, are they asking what you hope to get out of supervision? Do they want to know what has or hasn't worked for you in the past? Are they checking their assumptions, or do they seem to believe they already know what you need? A supervisor may have years of experience, but that doesn't automatically mean they understand your individual goals.
Communication style matters, too. For example, I'm a pretty direct communicator, and I can be sarcastic. I tell potential supervisees that upfront because I recognize that not everyone appreciates that style of communication. For some people, directness and humor can make conversations feel easier. For others, that same approach might not feel comfortable - Neither response is necessarily wrong; What's important is that we understand how the other person communicates and can speak up when something doesn't feel right.
You also don't need to know immediately whether someone is a perfect fit. An introductory conversation is an opportunity to begin exploring that question. Pay attention to how you feel during the interaction. Do you feel listened to? Can you imagine asking this person a question you're embarrassed about? Would you be comfortable telling them that something they said didn't sit well with you?
The goal isn't to find a supervisor who communicates exactly like you. It's to find someone you can communicate openly with.
What questions should I ask a potential clinical supervisor?
Before choosing a clinical supervisor, ask about their experience with the types of clients you want to work with, their approach to therapy, their communication style, and how often they're available to meet. You should feel comfortable asking thoughtful questions. How a potential supervisor responds in an introductory interaction can tell you a lot about the relationship you might have.
It can feel a little intimidating to interview someone who may eventually be responsible for guiding and evaluating your professional development; You might worry that asking too many questions will make you seem inexperienced, demanding, or difficult to work with. But I'd encourage you to think about this from a different perspective. Remember, s a therapist, you probably want potential clients to feel comfortable asking you questions before deciding whether to work with you. Why shouldn't you have that same opportunity when choosing a supervisor? You're entering an important professional relationship, and you deserve enough information to make an informed decision.
I generally encourage therapists to explore four areas during an initial conversation:
Experience: Has the supervisor worked with the types of clients you hope to support? What relevant professional experience do they bring?
Approach: How do they think about helping clients? How do they support therapists who may approach their work differently?
Communication: Are they direct, reflective, structured, informal, or some combination? How do they prefer to receive feedback?
Availability: How frequently can you meet? What happens if you need additional guidance between scheduled sessions?
These conversations can help you understand both the practical arrangement and the interpersonal relationship.
It's also worth paying attention to how the supervisor responds. Are they open to your questions? Do they seem interested in helping you make the right choice, even if that choice isn't them? If someone becomes defensive when you ask reasonable questions, that's important information to consider - You don't have to ignore that reaction simply because the person has more experience than you. The initial conversation is an opportunity for both of you to decide whether working together makes sense.
How much does a supervisor's experience and approach matter?
A supervisor's experience and approach matter, but they don't have to match yours perfectly. It helps when someone has worked with the types of clients you hope to see and understands your general approach to therapy. However, different perspectives can also be valuable, especially when you're feeling stuck or need another way to understand a situation.
When you're searching for a supervisor, it can be tempting to look for someone whose professional background closely mirrors the work you want to do, and there are good reasons for that. If you're hoping to work primarily with children, couples, or families, having a supervisor with experience supporting those clients can be helpful.
But experience doesn't necessarily mean your supervisor needs to be doing that exact work right now. Someone who has meaningful experience with a particular group of clients may still bring valuable knowledge and perspective, even if their current work looks different.
The same is true when it comes to approaches to therapy (theoretical and otherwise). It's important that your supervisor has enough familiarity with how you work to offer meaningful guidance. But I don't believe you need someone who approaches every situation exactly as you do.
In fact, those differences can sometimes be an advantage. Think about a time when you've felt stuck with a client. Maybe you've been looking at the situation from one perspective and aren't quite sure what to try next. A supervisor who sees things differently may help you notice something you hadn't considered.
This doesn't mean you have to abandon your own approach or automatically adopt theirs. To me, supervision isn't about training someone to become a copy of their supervisor. It's about helping therapists explore how they want to practice, recognize what they may not know yet, and continue developing their own professional judgment.
A supervisor's role is to support that exploration while also helping you provide thoughtful, responsible care. Ultimately, you're looking for someone whose experience can help expand your perspective, not someone who expects you to think exactly like them.
What should I expect from clinical supervision sessions?
Clinical supervision sessions should provide opportunities to discuss challenges, ask questions, reflect on your work, and recognize your successes. In my sessions, I typically begin by checking in about how the therapist's week has been. We then explore situations where guidance would be helpful and make time to celebrate things that have gone well.
If you're approaching supervision after graduate school, you might wonder what your sessions will actually look like. Questions that might come up include: Will I need to prepare something every week? What if nothing particularly challenging happened? What if I don't have any questions?
While each supervisor may structure sessions differently, I think it's important that supervision makes room for more than problem-solving. As mentioned above, I usually start by checking in with the therapist about how they've been handling their week. That's intentional. Therapists are human beings, and what's happening in our personal lives can affect how we're feeling and functioning professionally. That doesn't mean supervision becomes personal therapy. It means recognizing that our lives don't exist in completely separate compartments.
From there, I generally ask about situations that have been challenging. Are there client interactions you’ve been thinking about? Decisions you're unsure of? Questions you’d like another perspective on?
But I also make a point of asking about the things you’re proud of. Which interactions went well? What felt different this week? Was there a moment when you noticed yourself feeling more confident? I believe those moments deserve attention, too.
New therapists can become so focused on everything they still need to learn that they overlook the progress they're already making!
And what if you don't have a problem to bring to supervision? That's okay! I understand wanting to make the best possible use of your time, especially when supervision is an investment. But every session doesn't need to revolve around a difficult situation. Sometimes reflecting on your professional goals, discussing a recent success, or exploring a new idea can be just as valuable.
And when something needs more attention, we can explore arranging additional time. Supervision should support your overall growth, not just help you manage difficult moments.
What if I'm nervous about being judged by my clinical supervisor?
It's totally understandable to feel nervous about discussing mistakes with your supervisor… AND, making mistakes is part of being human and learning. Even experienced therapists make them. A supportive supervisor should help you understand what happened, consider what contributed to it, and explore how to approach similar situations differently in the future.
To quote Hannah Montana (I am shamelessly millennial first and foremost), "Everybody makes mistakes." Yes, even therapists. And that includes therapists who have been fully licensed for years (like me!). I think it's important for new clinicians to hear that because there can be so much pressure to feel like you know what you're doing all the time. You spent years in school learning how to help people. You've worked hard to get to this point. Of course you want to do a good job. But being a good therapist doesn't mean you'll never make a mistake. What matters is how you respond when something doesn't go the way you intended.
In supervision, I believe it's important to explore what may have contributed to a mistake. We might reflect on questions like: What were you thinking at the time? Was something happening that affected your decision? Is there information or a perspective that might be helpful to consider? These conversations can help you learn from the experience and identify ways to reduce the likelihood of a similar mistake happening again.
I also remind my supervisees that I make mistakes in sessions, too. Being fully licensed doesn't make me immune to being human. I believe that being nonjudgmental is just as important for supervisors as it is for therapists working with clients.
That doesn't mean supervisors won't have personal reactions. We're human, too. Part of my professional responsibility is recognizing those reactions, setting them aside when needed, and taking time to examine them separately through my own professional support or consultation. Supervision should be a place where you can be honest about challenges while still taking responsibility for your work and your clients' well-being. You deserve guidance that helps you learn, rather than making you afraid to acknowledge that you're still learning.
What should I know about supervision requirements in Florida and Illinois?
As you know, supervision requirements depend on your state, the license you're pursuing, and your current licensing status. It's important to understand which supervisors are eligible, what experience you need, and how your progress must be documented. You don't need to memorize every rule, but you should know where to find accurate information and when to double-check it.
Let's acknowledge something that many new therapists experience: the licensing process can be confusing. There are applications, paperwork, supervision requirements, and different rules depending on where you're practicing.
Unfortunately, we don't always receive much guidance on how to navigate all of it. If you're feeling overwhelmed, that makes sense.
I have the most hands-on experience with Florida's licensure process, so I'm often able to answer questions about that process fairly quickly. Even then, I encourage therapists to double-check important information. When questions come up about either Florida or Illinois, I'm also happy to look up the requirements together.
I don't think being a supervisor means having every licensing rule memorized; I still have questions about my own license renewal requirements sometimes! What matters is helping you find reliable information so you can make informed decisions.
There are also differences between states and license types. For example, Florida has specific registration and supervisor-approval requirements for registered mental health counselor interns and marriage and family therapy interns. Illinois has different licensing pathways and requirements for professional counselors and marriage and family therapists. The correct requirements depend on the credential you're pursuing.
You can review official guidance through the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling and the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
Before beginning supervision, confirm that your chosen supervisor is eligible for your particular licensing pathway and that your arrangements satisfy your state's current requirements.
Ultimately, I want supervisees to feel comfortable asking logistical questions, even when they're unsure where to start. Part of my role is helping you learn how to find the answers, not simply giving you information and expecting you to remember it.
How can clinical supervision help me develop my own style as a therapist?
Clinical supervision can help you discover what kind of therapist you want to become. Rather than teaching you to work exactly like your supervisor, it should encourage you to explore different perspectives, recognize your strengths, and identify areas where you'd like to grow. Your professional identity develops through experience, reflection, and continued learning.
When you're early in your career, it can be easy to assume that more experienced therapists have everything figured out. You may find yourself comparing your decisions to what your supervisor would do or wondering whether you're approaching situations the "right" way.
But there's something important I want new therapists to remember: You aren't supposed to become an exact copy of your supervisor. You bring your own personality, experiences, values, and perspectives to your work. Those things will naturally influence the kind of therapist you become.
To me, supervision is an opportunity to explore that process. We can talk about what feels natural to you, what you're unsure about, and what you may not have considered yet. Sometimes that means discussing a situation where you felt confident in your decisions. Other times, it means exploring an interaction that left you feeling stuck. Both experiences can teach you something.
I also believe there's value in hearing perspectives that are different from your own. A supervisor might approach a situation in a way you hadn't thought about before. That doesn't automatically mean their way is better or that you need to change yours, but it does give you another angle to consider your work with a client. Additionally, it creates an opportunity to reflect on your choices and consider additional possibilities. Over time, these conversations can help you become more thoughtful and intentional about your work.
And remember, professional growth doesn't mean focusing exclusively on what you need to improve - Recognizing your successes is important, too. Supervision should help you recognize what you're doing well, identify what you'd like to continue developing, and gain confidence in making your own professional decisions. The goal isn't to become someone else's version of a good therapist. It's to continue growing into the therapist you want to be.
What's the difference between clinical supervision and clinical consultation?
Clinical supervision is generally a teaching and learning relationship that helps developing therapists build their skills while meeting applicable professional requirements. Clinical consultation is more of a peer-to-peer relationship where therapists share perspectives and continue learning. Even after you're independently licensed and no longer require formal supervision, consultation can remain a valuable part of your career.
One of the biggest differences between supervision and consultation is the purpose of the relationship.
I think of supervision as more of a teaching relationship. There's an expectation that the supervisor will provide guidance, help the developing therapist recognize areas for growth, and fulfill responsibilities associated with the supervision arrangement.
Consultation, on the other hand, feels more like a conversation between professional peers. Both people bring knowledge and experience to the relationship, and both can benefit from exchanging ideas.
Of course, I believe learning should go both ways in supervision, too. The distinction isn't that supervisors know everything and supervisees know nothing. It's that the responsibilities and expectations are different.
Once you've obtained independent licensure, you may no longer need formal supervision unless it's required by your workplace, an additional credential, or another professional circumstance; But that doesn't mean you should stop seeking professional support.
I think there's sometimes an expectation that once therapists are independently licensed, they should suddenly know everything and be able to figure everything out themselves. I fall into that trap sometimes, too!
The reality is that learning doesn't end when you receive your license. There will always be unfamiliar situations, new questions, and opportunities to rethink how you approach your work. That's why I believe consultation is such an important part of a therapist's career. Talking with another professional can help you consider different perspectives, challenge your assumptions, and continue developing your skills.
We should consistently be learning and challenging ourselves so we can provide the best possible services to the people we work with. Whether you're just beginning your supervised experience or you've been independently licensed for years, you don't have to figure everything out alone.
So what now?
Looking for Clinical Supervision in Florida or Illinois?
Choosing a clinical supervisor is about more than meeting licensure requirements. It's about finding someone who understands your goals, respects your perspective, and supports you as you develop your own professional identity.
At Empower Family Therapy, Lauren Buroker, LMFT, MBA, provides clinical supervision for eligible prelicensed therapists in Florida and Illinois, as well as professional consultation for newly licensed clinicians.
Lauren's approach emphasizes open communication, collaborative learning, thoughtful feedback, and making room for both challenges and successes. She believes supervision should be a relationship where you feel comfortable asking questions, acknowledging mistakes, celebrating progress, and speaking up about what you need.
If you're exploring clinical supervision and wondering whether Lauren would be a good fit, we invite you to learn more.
Explore Clinical Supervision at Empower Family Therapy
About the Author
Lauren Buroker, LMFT, MBA
Lauren Buroker, LMFT, MBA, is a licensed marriage and family therapist with Empower Family Therapy, providing clinical supervision for eligible prelicensed therapists in Florida and Illinois, along with professional consultation for newly licensed clinicians.
Lauren believes effective supervision is a collaborative relationship built on open communication, mutual learning, professional curiosity, and respect for each therapist's individual development.
Her approach emphasizes helping therapists build confidence, recognize their strengths, learn from challenges, and develop their own professional identity.
Professional Credentials: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Education (MEd), Education Specialist (EdS)