Janet is the clinical director of a local counseling agency. She has been supervising Michael, an internship student from a local university, for 2 months. Michael verbalizes what appears to be a great deal of insecurity regarding his counseling skills and abilities. He starts apologizing for his performance on his taped counseling session prior to playing the tape for supervision. In addition, when processing the various clients he sees, Michael often says, I just don’t know what od do. However, Michael is receptive to supervision and always incorporates the feedback offered to him by Janet.

Most recently, Michael has presented a case for supervision of a client who is experiencing problems in a romantic relationship. Michael indicates that the client reports not ever having a positive role model regarding relationships, not having a good relationship with her father, and not knowing how to deal with arguments in relationships. Michael said he felt a little uncomfortable when the client stated she wished her boyfriend could spend some time with him (Michael) so that he could learn how to really listen to her.

1. Explain how the counselor, in each of the supervisory roles, would approach the supervisee, Michael.

2. For each role, describe one supervisory skill that a counselor may think is most relevant to the role. Be specific to the case and provide examples.

3. Explain the importance of supervision to counselors and to the counseling profession.