SUPERVISION
I implement elements of several approaches to clinical supervision sessions, with a concentration on relationship building, professional development, multicultural considerations, ethical conduct, identifying strengths and mastering growth edges, building autonomy, and fostering creativity. I emphasize collaborative decision-making, creative problem-solving, and empowerment.
"Creativity involves breaking out of expected patterns in order to look at things in a different way."
- Edward De Bono
PERSONAL MODEL OF SUPERVISION
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The supervision I offer utilizes an integrative approach of the Systemic Cognitive-Developmental Supervision (SCDS) model and a phenomenological arts-based approach called the Expressive Therapies Continuum (ETC). Through the utilization of these approaches, supervisees can review and examine clients' artwork, create their own imagery, process their responsive artwork both visually and verbally, and build tools for intervention, conceptualization, and personalization.
This integration was born from recognizing the overlap of concepts and origin, combined with seeing a need for supervision models that can be used with art therapists and those supervisees who are interested in creative interventions. Currently, no specific model for art therapy supervision exists. Additionally, I have an interest in the supervision of all counselors (art therapist or otherwise) to include opportunities for increasing self-efficacy and reducing imposter syndrome. Previous research has supported art-making and using creative approaches in supervision as a valuable tool to enhance personal awareness, increase expression, insight, and self-efficacy (Fish, 2008; Liberati & Agbisit, 2016).
Review a Presentation on the Merging of SCDS and ETC
June-August 2023
Master's Practicum Supervisor, Waynesburg University
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Provided direct supervision, guidance, and mentorship to counselors-in-training during their practicum placements. Offered support in handling client cases, challenging ethical scenarios, and clinical decision-making. Conducted weekly triadic group supervision sessions to review cases, discuss counselor growth and development, and provide constructive feedback.
March 2021 – present
Clinical Supervisor, JADE Wellness Center.
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Provides training, supervision, consultation, and oversight of the clinical team; including counselors, counselor assistants, peer supports, clinical interns, and new professionals. Individual, triadic, and group supervision sessions are conducted on a weekly basis. Monitors and evaluates the clinic program, outcomes, services, and best practices related to the provision of clinical services to patients. Ensures agency policies and procedures are met, facilitates case consultation, assists in counselor growth, and monitors measurable outcomes toward client needs. Collaborates with a multidisciplinary team to coordinate day-to-day patient care and organizational operations. Manages a personal caseload of an average of ten clients; facilitates counseling in the form of individual, family, and group therapy. Developed one cohesive internship program across all three sites, hired and trained internship supervisor.
2020 – 2021
Lead Clinician, JADE Wellness Center.
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Provided supervision and oversight of the Southside office clinical team. Managed personal caseload of an average of forty clients; facilitated counseling in the form of individual, family, and group therapy.
2016 – 2020
Counselor and Art Therapist, JADE Wellness Center.
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Managed personal caseload of an average of forty clients; facilitated individual, family, and group counseling. Mentored and supervised master's-level interns. Aided with training incoming employees.
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SUPERVISION EXPERIENCE
FILES
A document outlining supervision offerings, roles, responsibilties, and expectations.
An individualizable contract for supervisees, including commonly used assessments.
The template I use to document supervision sessions.
SUPERVISEE FEEDBACK
Jen was awesome. So approachable and knowledgeable. Jen always had creative and helpful suggestions for anything I asked of her. I loved our supervision together, always challenging and enjoyable.
Jen D
My therapeutic approaches were welcomed and encouraged. The support I received through supervision directly affected my growth. I was challenged while also being provided the opportunity to process through ethical/moral questions.
Marissa D
Attending supervision sessions with Jen Ackerson has impacted my view of working with clients and has helped shape my identity as a counselor. Jen is open and welcoming, and together we co-created a supervisory relationship where I feel comfortable discussing my strengths and growth edges. Her supervisory style has been both encouraging and challenging. She has prompted me to consider client conceptualizations from various theoretical lenses, which has challenged me to think more freely in a less linear fashion and has provided me the strength to approach client issues and concerns from various angles.
Kalyn J
I feel that supervision with Jennifer has been more help than I could ever imagine. When meeting for supervision, I automatically feel comfortable because Jennifer takes a person centered approach in asking what I need help with and what I would like to work on to excel in my career as a counselor. One thing that I really enjoy about her supervision style is that there is somewhat of a compliment sandwich, where she gives you some good things you’re doing, some things that need to be worked on a little more, and then finished strong with some of my positive qualities and attributes.
Amanda W
Jen A is a great supervisor and really helped me to better understand my theoretical orientation, as well as foster continuous growth across the duration of my practicum/internship.
Robin H
Jen approaches supervision from a person-centered perspective and attends to my ongoing and changing individual needs, questions, and concerns. Jen presents as attentive and genuinely interested which makes for a collaborative supervision relationship and allows me to feel comfortable to openly explore and challenge myself. Jen's constructive criticism enables me to grow professionally and become more confident in my own skillset.
Savannah E
