Hello and welcome. My name is Nathan Driskell, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor in the Cypress area. I wish to introduce myself and discuss what I have to offer as a Supervisor. It was a little over five years ago I was an intern, just graduated with my Master’s Degree. I had many questions entering the profession. How would I find a job? What treatment modalities would I use? What would my internship be like? As I entered the workforce, I found my managers were not very supportive, and at times went against ethical standards. Alone I would have been in trouble and would have placed client welfare, and my license, in jeopardy. Luckily for me, I was not alone, as my Supervisor was there to help guide me through my time as an Intern. She helped teach me ethical codes and standards, how to handle stress while on the job, and various techniques on how to provide counseling. Without my supervisor, I would not be where I am today. To that end, I wish to return the favor and help provide Interns such as yourself enter into this profession.
One of the most important topics I will cover is ethics. In most instances, therapists do not plan to make mistakes regarding ethics. As an Intern, it is easy to make mistakes due to a lack of experience. My job as a supervisor is to teach you current ethical standards, within a real world context. Ethical situations on paper can be black and white. However, real life is often a shade of gray. By working with the current ethical standards, you and your clients will be protected.
HIPAA compliance is extremely important. As of 2013, therapists within a private practice setting need to be HIPAA compliant. This is scary, as it is not a well-defined process. With fines up to $5,000 per violation, HIPAA compliance is not a choice. I have had to modify my practice to conform to HIPAA and will work with you if you are planning to create a private practice in the future. By starting this process as an Intern, you will be ready once you are fully licensed.
From the moment I entered into my undergraduate program, I wanted to create my own practice. It was a long term goal that I never let die. I have spent the past 15 years on this goal and have finally succeeded. It was a difficult process; however, my Supervisor helped teach me how to set up a practice and how to market yourself to gain clients. If you plan to eventually create a private practice (once you are fully licensed), I can help you in this process.
Last but not least, I will help you define what it is you want as a Licensed Professional Counselor. You entered the profession for a reason. Working as an Intern can at times be daunting, as the real world is very different from a classroom. It is easy to become discouraged and sometimes to question yourself. As a supervisor, I will help you keep perspective, for the well-being of you and your clients. You will be encouraged to find the best treatment modalities and techniques for you and your clients.
In closing, it is important you choose a Supervisor that works for you. Working with clients is a heavy responsibility, one you have to be willing to accept. You need a Supervisor that will work with you to challenge you to be better and to grow as a therapist. I am open to questions and feedback and will work with you to become the best therapist you can be.
If you have graduated with a Master’s Degree in Psychology or Counseling and have passed the NCE, you are ready to find a Supervisor so you can obtain your LPC-Intern Licence. If you are interested in having me as your Supervisor, Contact Me, and we can schedule an interview.
