Starting therapy can come with many questions. You may wonder what to expect in your therapy sessions, how long therapy lasts, or why your therapist mentions having a supervisor.
The idea of your therapist being supervised might sound unusual at first. After all, therapy involves sharing deeply personal experiences, and you may assume being supervised means your therapist isn’t qualified. That isn’t true. In fact, many therapists, especially those newer to the field, work under supervision as part of their licensing process and professional development. This is a standard, compliant, and ethical practice that helps ensure clients receive the best possible care.
In this blog, we will explore what it means to have a therapist who is being supervised, the benefits, and how it can enhance your therapy experience.
Why does my therapist have a supervisor?
When a therapist has a supervisor, it usually means they are still in the process of becoming fully licensed. In most U.S. states, mental health professionals must complete a certain number of supervised clinical hours after earning their graduate degree before they can practice independently.
Although newer, limited license therapists have completed rigorous clinical training, supervised experience offers them an opportunity to continue learning under the guidance of a more experienced clinician. Therapists may also seek supervision when they’re learning a new practice area or becoming certified in a particular practice area, such as EMDR or Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT).
Supervision isn’t about someone “checking” to make sure your therapist is doing the right thing; it’s about professional growth. The supervisor may review their work, offer feedback, and support them — all while maintaining your privacy and confidentiality in accordance with professional ethics. You can think of it as an additional layer of support that benefits both you and your therapist.
What is a limited licensed therapist?
A limited licensed therapist (sometimes called a limited license counselor, psychologist, or social worker, depending on their degree) is a mental health professional who has completed their graduate education, including experience providing therapy, but is still gaining the supervised clinical experience required for full licensure.
Here’s what this often looks like:
- They’ve earned a master’s or doctoral degree in counseling, psychology, marriage and family therapy, or social work.
- They’re working in a clinical setting under the supervision of a fully licensed clinician.
- They meet regularly with that supervisor to review cases, ethics, and skill development.
This stage is comparable to how medical residents work under attending physicians. It allows newer therapists to apply their formal training and skills to real-world settings with ongoing professional support.
Different licenses and credentials for therapists
The mental health field includes several types of licenses and credentials for limited license therapists. These may vary by state.
Limited license credentials include:
- LLPC (Limited Licensed Professional Counselor)
- LLMSW (Limited Licensed Master Social Worker)
- TLLP (Temporary Limited Licensed Psychologist)
- LLMFT (Limited Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist)
Full license credentials a supervisor may hold include:
- LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor)
- LMSW / LCSW (Licensed Master Social Worker / Licensed Clinical Social Worker)
- LP (Licensed Psychologist)
- LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist)
The main difference between limited licensed and fully licensed therapists lies in their experience and supervision requirements:
- Limited licensed therapists are gaining clinical hours under supervision.
- Fully licensed therapists have completed their supervised clinical hours and can practice independently.
Both hold the education and qualifications to provide therapy. The distinction is simply where they are in their professional journey.
Benefits of seeing a limited licensed therapist
It’s common to assume that a fully licensed therapist is preferable, but newer or limited licensed therapists bring their own strengths. Potential benefits include:
- Fresh perspective: Many are trained in the latest evidence-based methods and research.
- Collaborative care: Your therapist’s supervisor offers another professional viewpoint and clinical expertise, which may enrich your care.
- Flexible availability: Limited licensed therapists may have more open schedules or shorter wait times.
Supervision adds another thoughtful layer to your care. Your therapist is not only reflecting on your sessions, but they are also receiving feedback and guidance from an experienced professional. As a result, you can benefit from more effective, enriched, and well-rounded care.
What do therapists discuss in supervision?
Supervision sessions are structured and confidential. Common supervision topics include:
- Discussing diagnosis, treatment goals, and progress
- Exploring effective approaches for specific client concerns
- Reflecting on professional boundaries and therapist self-awareness
- Ensuring adherence to ethical and professional standards
Supervision can help strengthen a therapist’s clinical skills and approach, enhancing the quality of care you receive in your sessions.
Is it better to see a fully licensed therapist?
There’s no single “better” option. What matters most is the therapeutic relationship, or the rapport you build, with your therapist.
According to the American Psychological Association, research suggests that the quality of the therapeutic relationship is one of the strongest predictors of positive outcomes in therapy. This is how supported, understood, and respected you feel.
Whether your therapist is fully licensed or working under supervision, what matters most is that you feel comfortable, heard, and supported in your therapy sessions.
What this means for you
Supervision ensures that limited licensed therapists receive feedback and support while working toward full licensure. This can enhance the quality of care you receive as the client.
You can take comfort in knowing that another experienced mental health professional is indirectly contributing to your care. They may be helping your therapist reflect on your goals and challenges in a thoughtful, unique way.
If you’re curious about what supervision means in your therapist’s specific context, it’s okay to ask questions. Therapists understand these questions and are happy to explain their credentials, training, and supervision process. You can also reach out to your therapist’s supervisor if you have any questions.
Takeaway
Therapists who work under supervision are not less qualified; they are trained professionals who can bring fresh energy, new perspectives, and the latest clinical knowledge to their approach. With the support of a supervisor, they combine this with the wisdom and expertise of an experienced professional.
If you’re ready to start therapy, you can explore options at findmytherapist.com, where you can connect with therapists dedicated to helping you heal, grow, and thrive.