December 5, 2025 • 50 mins
If you’re trying to become an LPC Associate in Texas, this episode is going to save you stress, money, and a whole lot of confusion. I invited Dr. Tara Fox to walk us through the entire Texas LPC licensure process, because no one breaks it down more clearly than she does. Together, we unpack what future counselors actually need to know—how to pick the right LPC supervisor, how to avoid supervision nightmares, and how to navigate the NCE or NCMHCE without getting blindsided by outdated or incorrect information.
I share the questions I wish every associate would ask during the supervisor interview, and Tara explains how to evaluate supervision styles, spot red flags early, and choose someone who aligns with your clinical needs and long-term goals. We also talk about why accurate documentation, up-to-date knowledge of Texas counseling board rules, and maintaining your own liability insurance are non-negotiable for protecting your future license.
If you’re a Texas grad student, new associate, or anyone preparing for LPC licensure, this is the step-by-step guidance I wish I’d had when I started.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- How to prepare for the Texas LPC Associate application, including which exam to choose, how to study, and how to document your clinical hours the right way.
- What the NCC certification actually means, why it’s not a license, and how misusing it can trigger a board complaint.
- How to interview and select the right LPC supervisor in Texas, including must-ask questions, contract essentials, fee expectations, and the supervision structures that signal competence.
- Why you should avoid doing “coaching” while waiting for your associate license—and how to protect your career with liability insurance, boundaries, and an accurate understanding of state rules.
If you want a smoother, more confident transition from grad school to LPC Associate, you’re in the right place.
If you’re ready to lead with confidence, join the 2026 Supervisor Course waitlist for early access to bonus tools, templates, and fast-track grading. Strengthen your systems today with the free Supervision Onboarding Checklist, and get ongoing CEUs and live coaching inside the Step It Up Membership. You’re not just building a practice, you’re building a legacy.
Get your step by step guide to private practice. Because you are too important to lose to not knowing the rules, going broke, burning out, and giving up. #counselorsdontquit.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
SPEAKER_02 (00:00):
Have questions to ask the LPC supervisor regarding
their supervision style.
Really make sure you know whatyou're looking for and create
questions based on what you haveidentified as important to you.
Make your grocery list of itemsyou're looking for in an LPC
supervisor so that you don't getlost in the sauce.
SPEAKER_01 (00:45):
Today we're digging into one of the biggest pain
points for future Texascounselors: how to navigate the
supervisor search and licensureprocess without getting tripped
up by confusing rules,especially if you're a grad
student.
Dr.
Tara Fox is taking the lead onthis one, guiding you through
what you need, what to avoid,and how to actually get licensed
(01:08):
in Texas without the usualchaos.
I'll share how to grab thismonth's bonus later in the
episode.
Now, let's get to work.
(01:29):
So this is in Texas.
So if you're listening to this,you're going to get the
information as of 2025.
So it's September 2025.
And Dr.
Tara Fox is going to present itto us because she knows way more
about this stuff than I do.
So, Dr.
Fox, tell us where you are rightnow and what you're doing and
(01:50):
how do you know all this?
SPEAKER_02 (01:52):
Well, welcome tonight to Bridge the Gap, your
path to LPC Associate, or I liketo call it, you know, from class
to couch, because that's justfun.
But yes, my name is Dr.
Tara Fox, and I am currently theclinical director and an
assistant clinical professor atSacred Heart University, which
is based out of Connecticut.
(02:12):
But prior to that, I was thedirector, program director,
program coordinator, graduatecoordinator, clinical experience
coordinator for a program inTexas.
So I'm very well versed in whatit takes to transition from
being a graduate student tobeing an LPC associate in Texas.
(02:33):
So that's exactly what we'regoing to be talking about here
tonight.
SPEAKER_01 (02:38):
And um, I'm going to ask you questions because I know
for me, I teach the 40-hourtraining to become a supervisor
in Texas and other states.
So I've got questions.
I'm always going to havequestions about how folks get
from grad school toprovisionally licensed or what
we have in Texas, the associatelicense, and then on to fully
(03:01):
upgrading.
So yeah, where do you want tostart?
SPEAKER_02 (03:04):
I think I can start a little bit background more
about me of um, you know, whatled me to want to become a
supervisor.
Because I think that's always aninteresting story, is what leads
us to want to becomesupervisors.
And honestly, for me, I was agrad student in a rural.
(03:26):
I started working in a ruralarea, and I realized how
important it is to feed backinto rural areas.
And I wanted to do that to thebest of my ability.
And that started with becoming asupervisor.
And so rural mental health hasalways been a passion of mine.
I've been a rural provider since2009.
(03:48):
And I've always wanted to giveback and mentor the future
generation of students.
And that's why I wanted to goback and get my PhD as well, is
because I feel like that is thebest way that I can pay it
forward professionally, is togive back to this profession and
to the future generation ofcounselors.
(04:09):
So that's just kind of a littlebit about me and what led me to
want to be a supervisor and tobe a counselor educator.
SPEAKER_01 (04:16):
And you've always been passionate about, you know,
students and making sure they'resuccessful and making sure they
transition and find a goodsupervisor.
And you and I've done thistogether for years now, just
trying to get people connectedwith good information because
there's so much bad informationout there.
Yeah.
SPEAKER_02 (04:36):
I think when you hear horror stories, it really
makes you understand howimportant it is for to connect
students with the information toset them up for as much success
as they can possibly have.
And finding an LPC supervisorthat aligns with what they need
and what they want to challengethemselves is such a big part of
(04:58):
that.
That I love to mentor studentsand help them to make good
decisions.
I feel like we are similar inthe fact that we learned a lot
of trial by fire and trial anderror and what not to do or what
we didn't want because weexperienced it.
And so if I can save someone,heartbreak, I really like to do
(05:22):
that.
SPEAKER_01 (05:23):
Yeah, because I mean this is something where, you
know, you are in the sameFacebook group I'm in, the Texas
Supervisor Coalition.
And we know there are somereally unhappy associates out
there.
We know that there are somereally bad situations.
I just did three podcastepisodes about toxic
supervision, how to empowerassociates to speak up and
(05:46):
advocate for themselves insupervision.
And a lot of supervisors, if Iflip it, they think, oh, if I
just have the perfect interview,then I'm going to be able to
have this wonderful bunch ofassociates.
And it it just doesn't work likethat.
I mean, it's part of it, but itreally is about the ability to
(06:07):
have a conversation and theability to have a relationship
with someone.
Yeah.
SPEAKER_02 (06:13):
I completely agree.
And I always like to explaintheoretical orientation as a
theory meal.
And I haven't really heardanyone else talk about it like
this, but this is how I teachit.
And this is how I like toexplain it of your main theory
is your protein.
Like this is the tried and truetheory that you feel the most
(06:36):
comfortable in that feels themost natural to you.
And then you have your sidetheories that supplement your
main theory, what it may not beproviding to clients, so that
you can try to have top-down,bottom-up theories, type A, type
B theories, a well-roundedtheoretical orientation.
(06:57):
But then I also like to talkabout how an approach is
different than a theory.
And the approach in the meal isthe napkin.
Because if anyone has ever had ameal with me, they know I cannot
have a meal without at leastfive napkins with me, right?
And so I love to talk about theapproach being like a napkin
(07:19):
where it doesn't matter whatyou're eating, you always have
your napkin.
And so I like to explain howyour approach is what's always
turned on.
It's always on.
It never shuts off.
So for a lot of people, that'sgonna be person-centered,
feminist theory, multicultural,strength-based.
Like it's gonna be a lot oftheories like that.
(07:41):
But for me, it's RCT, it'srelational cultural theory.
That is my napkin.
And I really do approachteaching supervision and
everything really.
It's very much who I am as aperson that I bring into that.
And RCT is all aboutunderstanding that there has to
(08:01):
be a connection in order forgrowth to happen.
And we do not do that on ourown.
We are not on an island.
And so making connectionspersonally, professionally, and
making them about equity.
Like, I'm not the expert of you.
Like, we don't think we're theexperts of our clients, but
we're not the experts of ourassociates or our students
(08:22):
either.
That is still them.
And so understanding that it's acollaboration, we come together.
There's trying to get rid ofthat, that hierarchy, that power
dynamic that can really skewsome relationships and really
trying to empower our studentsand our associates to teach them
(08:43):
how to go through an ethicaldecision-making model instead of
just telling them the answers.
And so RCT is very muchunderstanding that there has to
be a really good connectionbetween the teacher or educator
and the student or thesupervisor and the supervisee in
order for that relationship tonavigate through the necessary
(09:04):
growth process.
SPEAKER_01 (09:05):
Yeah, I love that.
I mean, it is.
It's all about the relationship.
All right.
So where do we start?
Where do you start your studentson this journey?
SPEAKER_02 (09:15):
Well, part of that is what can I do while I'm still
a graduate student?
I think that's a lot of whatstudents think is okay, I know
once I graduate, I'm gonna haveto do this, this, and this.
But what do I do until then?
Well, the first thing you can dois build community.
You know, join that grad tocouch Facebook group, you know,
(09:37):
get involved, find an onlinecommunity or an in-person
community, or find your people,find, you know, professional
connections because you will notstay in the field long term if
you do not have community, theability to consult and things
like that.
So it's super important to havethat community, to have those
(10:00):
connections, to have people youknow you can you can ask
questions to so you don't feellike you're just by yourself.
Another one is get to know yourprofessors and your classmates.
I used to always have mystudents create a group me
between themselves.
And I told them I do not want tobe in the group me.
Please do not put me in thegroup me.
But I wanted my classes to havetheir own group me so that they
(10:21):
could remain a supportthroughout the semester.
And I've had former studentstell me, we still use the group
me.
And so no longer when they'restill staying in touch, they're
updating each other.
But yes, as a student, get toknow your professors.
These can be faculty mentorslong term for you.
(10:42):
And so get to know them.
What are their researchinterests?
What are their specialty areas?
What would you want to learnfrom them?
Like it's one thing to be intheir class and learn from them,
but what do you want to learnfrom them professionally?
And then, you know, if you'retowards the end of your clinical
semesters, what do you need tobe looking for in an LPC
(11:03):
supervisor?
If you're towards the end ofyour graduate semesters and
you're in your clinicals,practicum, internship,
internship two, then you kind ofknow what kind of supervision
aligns with you and helps yougrow and what maybe doesn't.
So take that knowledge from theclassroom, from your clinical
(11:23):
placement sites, and think toyourself, what am I looking for
in an LPC supervisor?
What am I looking for someonewith a specific certification?
Am I looking for someone whowith a specific theory or
theoretical orientation?
Am I looking for someone who Itrust that they're never going
to ask me to do something thatthey wouldn't do themselves?
(11:44):
Like, what is the most valuablething for you and seek out a
supervisor who's going tofulfill that?
Because you can have the bestsupervisor, but if you don't
align, if you can't talk tothem, then it's it's not as
effective.
SPEAKER_01 (12:01):
You know, you bring up a really good point because
using that practicum experienceto trust yourself, right?
I mean, a lot of times I thinkstudents think, oh, it must be
me.
This the site doesn't feel good,or I don't like this boss, or I
don't like it's gotta be mebecause I'm the new person here.
But yeah, what I hear you sayingis use that to find the next
(12:24):
supervisor and really trust yourfeelings about the experience
there.
And I wonder if a lot of the thetimes that associates and
supervisors get crossways, atleast from the associate point
of view, is that they're justlooking for somebody to sign
their paperwork instead ofreally looking for that
(12:44):
experience that will enrichthem, you know.
And I get that.
I get that.
I mean, they you don't know whatyou don't know, right?
SPEAKER_02 (12:52):
Absolutely.
I heard a quote the other daythat overthinking is when you
ignore your intuition.
Ah and uh it stopped me dead inmy tracks as someone who has
anxiety, ADHD, and is anoverthinker.
You know, it's because we oftenintellectualize things and give
(13:13):
the benefit of the doubt sooften as counselors, that's just
part of our nature.
But the problem with that is wehave those intuition feelings
for a reason.
And sometimes we train ourselvesto ignore them for professional
reasons, but personally, westill need to listen to our
intuitions there.
And so if you are having adecision about, let's say you
(13:37):
have three LPC supervisorsyou're considering, and
intellectually you're feelingone way, but your intuition is
seeing another.
You know, the things that youare stressing about in the
beginning are probably going tobe the things that lead you to
make a change later.
And so we really need toremember that when we're
(13:58):
navigating the process oflistening to how am I, how is my
body feeling about this?
Like, am I feeling anxious or amI feeling calm about this?
You know, if you are making thisdecision and you're really
activated and triggered, and youmay not make the decision that's
going to be best for you.
So really listening to yourselfof what you want and what you
(14:20):
need is so important when makingthat big decision.
SPEAKER_01 (14:24):
When you said that I had a flashback to couple
counseling, you know, I thinkone of the questions I always
ask is did you have concernswhen you first got together?
It's like, well, yeah, but itwas cute back then.
So yeah, pay attention.
Pay attention to that.
Yeah.
SPEAKER_02 (14:41):
And I think another thing to remember is we don't
want it to get lost, is keepmeticulous records.
I think that's easy to say forme as someone who's type A.
But I imagine being type B, thatmay not be a strong suit of
keeping those meticulousrecords.
But make sure you have access toyour time logs.
(15:01):
If your university is using somesort of program that you track
your logs on, make sure you'redownloading those because if you
delay trying to, you know, getyour LPC associate license, if
you want to get licensed inanother state, eventually they
may want to see your time logsto prove that you have met the
(15:22):
requirements.
And if you don't have those,sometimes they say, well, then
you have to redo.
And that's the last thing youwant to have to do is have to go
back into school and redo aninternship semester in order to
become licensed.
So really make sure you'rekeeping track of your time logs,
making sure that you are savingthose and keeping those in your
(15:46):
records.
You know, it would be a travestyto have to repeat anything due
to misplaced logs.
SPEAKER_01 (15:53):
And I know you and I both we pay attention to the
board.
And one of the things that arestill open to the public are
application issues, right?
Folks who are coming from othercountries or they're coming from
other states and they have acounseling-related degree or
they think they do.
And the board staff always says,We reviewed the syllabi.
(16:15):
We reviewed the syllabi.
And I mean, like a course titlecan make all the difference in
the world.
If you know, Texas isn't in thecompact.
So if you're listening to thisand you're in Texas and you want
to go to another state, you'regonna have to look for a state
where you can get licensed orthey have some sort of a
portability option becauseTexas, we don't have that.
(16:36):
So making sure you've got thoserecords of your courses and the
hours and the practicum, all ofthose white sheets of paper that
with your practicum site and thesignatures.
Yeah, keep those records.
SPEAKER_02 (16:49):
Absolutely.
And I know we touched on thefact that faculty can be
mentors, but just havingprofessional mentors outside of
your education, connecting withcounselors who are in the field,
maybe in your local area, andfinding mentors that way is also
really important.
I cannot stress enough theimportance of mentoring, being a
(17:12):
mentee so that you learn how toone day be a mentor.
And then last but not least,study.
I know that's not the funanswer, right?
But study, study for thenational counselor examination,
study for the national clinicalmental health counselor
examination, whichever oneyou're taking, study.
If you have free time, study,you know, just keeping it fresh.
(17:34):
Because what happens is it couldbe a year since you've been in
career when you come to test.
And career is typically prettybig on those exams.
And so sometimes it's classesyou haven't been thinking about
for a while, you haven'treviewed any notes.
So study, make sure that you arekeeping it fresh.
(17:56):
That's so important.
SPEAKER_01 (17:57):
I want to pause, and you may you may address this
later, but I see a lot of newgraduates who become NBCC
certified, and then they carrythat certification like it's a
license, right?
Because I mean you have thechoice, you can take either one
of these exams.
So they take the NCE, and I'msure there's a box to check
(18:19):
somewhere.
Like, do you want it to becertified?
And I mean, they don't know.
So they check the box, and thenthey're having to pay money to
keep the certificate up.
Can you talk a little bit aboutthat?
Absolutely.
This is so funny.
SPEAKER_02 (18:31):
Right before this, I was in supervision with one of
my associates, and she actuallybrought this up and said, you
know, I have to renew my NCC andwhat is it really doing for me?
And I just was honest with her.
I said, you know, I'm not NCC.
I don't know that it's kept mefrom anything.
I really couldn't tell you otherthan it looks really cool behind
(18:54):
your name.
I don't know what it does foryou.
But this is a thing thateveryone needs to be able to
make a decision for themselvesof if they want to do that.
So some people really do wantNCC.
They really want it.
Of course, you can't do itunless you come from a K-Crep
program.
So that is something to keep inmind is if you are not
(19:15):
graduating from a K-Crepprogram, you cannot go forward
with the NCC.
So that's something to keep inmind.
But, you know, it's entirely onyou.
No judgment at all.
If if someone wants NCC ordoesn't want NCC, it's not going
to be a determining factor ofwhether or not you're licensed
with an LPC associate license.
(19:37):
Those things are not connected.
Since Texas is not in thecounseling compact, it also
doesn't mean we getgrandfathered into other states
if you have an NCC.
Unfortunately, that's not thecase either.
And so I would just say do yourresearch, see if you want
something else to keep up with,if you want something else that
(19:59):
you have to log continuingeducation hours in, because even
as an LPC associate, you do haveto put in those continuing
education in even as an LPCassociate for the NCC.
So that's something to keep inmind.
Whereas when you're an LPCassociate, you aren't having to
do any continuing educationbecause you're in supervision.
(20:19):
You're getting plenty ofcontinuing education.
But that's just something tokeep in mind.
I know that's not a black andwhite answer of like you should
do this, you shouldn't do this,because it's a very personal
decision.
But it's not going to help youbecome an LPC associate in
Texas.
It's also not going to hurt youif you do have that NCC
designation.
SPEAKER_01 (20:39):
Unless you use it as your license.
And I see that sometimes.
So I'm just going to throw itout there.
If you are using your NCCcredential and saying, well,
that enables me to practice, itdoes not.
Yeah.
SPEAKER_02 (20:52):
Because it isn't a license.
Correct.
And that also doesn't enable youto practice in a different
state.
So even if you're a Texas LPCassociate and you are NCC, that
doesn't mean that you can seeanyone in any state.
So if you have even your ownclients, if they're Texas based,
but they're on vacation inKansas and they're not, they're
(21:15):
in Kansas and you're in Texas,you can't see them.
You know, if you want to arrangesomething like that, you have to
contact the board and you haveto do that way ahead of time
because the board takes time torespond to you.
You're not going to get a 48 to72 hour response.
Like it's going to take a while.
And so if you need to makearrangements like that, and
again, it's not always going towork out.
(21:38):
Not every state's going to allowit.
So that's something to keep inmind too.
An NCC does not mean you canseize clients nationwide.
Nope.
SPEAKER_01 (21:47):
Okay, good.
Thank you.
SPEAKER_02 (21:49):
So I do have resources to study.
So those those of you who arehere, it's a PDF that's in the
platform.
So you have access to this.
I'm not going to really go overit, but I have resources.
This is in your profile,everybody.
So yeah.
In the profile, whether you'retaking the NCE or the NCMHCE,
(22:09):
there are resources there.
I do also want to touch onaccommodations.
So you can get examaccommodations, but it takes a
long time.
And so you want to make surethat you are putting in for
accommodations way ahead oftime, not if you want to try to
take the exam within the nextmonth or two, really like four
(22:31):
to five months ahead of the timeyou want to take the exam, you
need to start contacting themabout accommodations and getting
that set up.
I do also want to talk aboutthat there are different ways to
take the exam.
So there are certainuniversities that are still
doing like the pen and paper,you know, come to university,
come to campus and take the examthe old school way.
(22:54):
I mean, that's how I took it thefirst time.
But then there's also you can goto like a Pearson view, you can
go to a testing site and take iton the computer.
You can even now do it in yourown home, but you do have to
have a camera that allows themto see what is around you.
You have to show yourenvironment.
And I will say, if anythinghappens, like if they feel like
(23:17):
you are cheating in any way, ifyour camera cuts off and cuts
back on, if your internet goesout, they deem it a failed test
and you have to reapply to takeit.
So that is just things to keepin mind when you're thinking
about scheduling these exams.
If you're like, I would love totake it from home, just
understand that if you haveinternet issues, if anything
(23:39):
goes wrong and you're not at thetesting center, it's going to be
logged as a failed and you'regoing to have to reapply to take
the exam.
So that's just a cautionary tellto make sure, like really think
about do you want to take it athome or would you rather take it
as a testing center?
So that's something to consider.
So how to find an LPCsupervisor?
(24:00):
Well, of course, the Kate WalkerTraining LPC Supervisor
Directory.
That's gonna be my firstsuggestion there.
And the reason why is because Iget to know you, like an
information for everyone listedon that directory.
Whereas if you go through thefind a supervisor through BHEC,
you're just getting name andlocation and contact
(24:20):
information.
You're not getting anything elseinformation-wise.
That's why I really love Katethat you did this supervisor
directory because I do feel likeit helps so many people make a
more informed decision, which isso important.
And I think that would be mygo-to resource.
But of course, you can gothrough BHEC and see who's in
(24:41):
your area if you're looking forsomeone more local.
But remember, you can dosupervision on Zoom.
I do 98% of my supervision onZoom.
I have done in person a coupletimes, but we do it for special
occasions.
But supervision on Zoom isgreat.
But I'm also used to teaching onZoom, so it's not that big of a
(25:04):
deal for me.
But whatever is your preference,if you want to go in person, if
you want Zoom, that is alsosomething to be asking when
you're interviewing your LPCsupervisors of what is their
modality for supervision?
Is it in person?
Is it hybrid?
Is it on telehealth platform?
That's part of the process, andwe will definitely get more into
(25:25):
that.
But you can also rely on word ofmouth.
I love a word of mouth referral.
That's also how I like to get myassociates as well, is word of
mouth and people sending peopleto me.
So talk to the counselingcommunity in your area, speak
with your graduate faculty tosee if they know anyone, any LPC
(25:46):
supervisor contacts that theyhave that they've worked with
before.
And of course, the Class toCouch Facebook group.
That's also a great resource forit.
So, how to approach an LPCsupervisor to inquire about
supervision?
First and foremost, do not emailthem like you're sending a text
message.
(26:07):
I would say use a veryprofessional email.
This is your first impressionthat you're giving this person.
And it is a professionalrelationship.
So if you are approaching themvery casually, then they may
think you're not taking itserious.
(26:28):
And you may approach thesupervisory relationship very
casually, and that could be ared flag for a supervisor.
And so they may not even want tointerview you based on how you
approach them in an email.
So make sure you're sending aprofessionally worded email.
Introduce yourself, give somebackground about your clinical
(26:50):
experience thus far, attach yourresume, and you always want to
ask if they have any open spacefor taking on an additional
associate.
Don't just assume that they havespace for you because they
should be wanting to interviewyou.
It should not be, yes, I havespace, come on, let's go, with
no interview.
(27:12):
You want to interview them andthey should want to interview
you because it needs to be amutual match.
So if the LPC supervisor hasspace available to take on an
additional associate, reallypush for that interview, whether
it's phone, Zoom, or in person,but make sure you get that
interview so that it helps youin your decision-making process.
(27:34):
Remember, it needs to be mutual,like we said.
And the majority of the timeyou're paying for this service.
So you want to make sure thatyou're getting your money's
worth and getting what you want,and that it's a good fit for
both the associate and thesupervisor.
So have questions to ask the LPCsupervisor regarding their
supervision style, how theyapproach supervision, and really
(27:59):
make sure you know what you'relooking for and create questions
based on what you haveidentified as important to you.
It's kind of like when you go tothe grocery store but you don't
have a list and you end upcoming out with, you know,$200
worth of things that you didn'tneed but sounded great at the
time.
So have your list.
(28:20):
Make your grocery list of itemsyou're looking for in an LPC
supervisor so that you don't getlost in the sauce.
SPEAKER_01 (28:34):
Quick break.
If you haven't grabbedDecember's bonus yet, go get it.
I put together the practicereset cheat sheet to help you
clean up your systems, tightenyour HIPAA basics, and walk into
2026 without dragging thisyear's mess behind you.
It's totally free for podcastlisteners.
Just go toKateWalkertraining.com slash
(28:56):
bonus.
So I'm going to throw out somequestions based on just the
issues that that are popping up.
And this has been going on foryears.
(29:17):
But one thing I would ask,actually, I have about five
things I would ask a supervisor.
Number one is what is yourflexibility?
Because you may have a wonderfulsupervisor, but they can only
meet you at three o'clock onTuesdays, and that's it.
And if you've got kids, if youhave family members depending on
you, or if your job goes tofour, it's just never going to
(29:40):
work.
You're going to have times thatyou have to miss.
So if they are inflexible, redmarker, cross them off.
Ask them if they have acontract.
You guys are going to think I'mcrazy, but there are supervisors
out there who will not provideyou with a contract.
How do you know what fees are?
(30:02):
How do you know what the latecancel no-show policy is?
How do you know what theevaluation schedule is if you
don't have it in writing?
And a lot of what we're seeingabout associates who are upset
and rightly so, we havesupervisors who are changing fee
structures or fees and justlike, oh, well, you know, if you
(30:23):
want to continue with me, I'mnow$100 more a month.
I mean, that's I couldn't dothat.
I mean, that's a that's a hugeincrease.
So a contract, it's not binding,it's protecting.
And it's something that can bemodified and changed over time.
But if your supervisor to bedoes not have a contract, get
(30:44):
your red marker, cross them off.
You know, a little trickquestion you might want to ask
them is what was the last rulesthat dropped?
See if they know when the thenewest, latest rules were.
And it was July 2025.
So if they look at you and go,Oh yeah, 2024, or ask them like
(31:04):
how long should records be held?
I don't know.
There are the just ask them sothat you get a feel for how well
they know the rules, because ifthey don't, how are they gonna
teach you?
And uh last but not least, lookat their schedule for group
offering.
A lot of supervisors in Texasdon't understand that only half
(31:28):
of supervision can be in agroup, and that's three or more.
So they might put you in asupervision with one other
person and call that individual.
That's okay.
But if you look at the schedulefor supervising and every week,
it's five to ten people and it'sgroup, group, group, group.
That's reportable, actually.
(31:48):
So if you have questions aboutthat, post them in the from
class to couch group, go intoTexas Counselors Creating Badass
Businesses, tag somebody, asksomebody.
There are so many people whowould be happy to help you with
questions to ask so that youfind folks who are competent.
SPEAKER_02 (32:06):
Yeah.
My personal structure of how Ido it is I do a two-hour group
because it feels like class.
And a lot of times my associateslove it.
They love transitioning into acohort, an associate cohort.
So I do a two-hour group everymonth, and I do a two-hour
individual for all of myassociates.
(32:26):
And I really feel like that'sthe best of both worlds to where
they get the cohort feel, butthey're also getting that
individual attention everymonth.
I love that.
So possible interview questions.
I have more as well.
Theoretical framework.
You know, you may need to talkabout your theoretical
framework.
Again, you could talk about yourtheory meal.
(32:48):
That's theoretical frameworkthere.
Deficits from graduate program.
I always ask, what do you feellike you did not get enough of
in grad school?
Because that helps me to knowwhere I would need to fill the
gap.
Is it theory?
Is it diagnosis?
Is it treatment planning?
Is it progress noting?
Where do you feel the deficitsare?
(33:09):
How do you want to receivefeedback?
Do you prefer written feedback?
Do you like verbal feedback?
Would you prefer it be overZoomed so you can see my face?
Like having this information,again, that's the RCT approach
about connection, but reallyunderstanding how I can best
meet you so that the goal isgrowth.
And so, how do you like toreceive feedback?
(33:31):
That's a really important thing.
Do you have a mentor and talkingabout that?
Case conceptualizations.
How are your caseconceptualization skills?
Some supervisors will provide acase and want you to provide a
case conceptualization for themin the interview.
So that's a possibility as well.
(33:51):
Ethics.
Do you have an ethicaldecision-making model you
follow?
Are you aware of the code ofethics?
Are you aware of our licensureethics and our codes?
And, you know, understandingthat we are bound by these
things and it's not just one orthe other, it's both.
And so really having a goodunderstanding of that.
(34:12):
And of course, clinicalbackground.
What sites were you at forpracticum and internship?
What populations did you see?
And again, going back to thattheoretical framework of what do
you have experience using inpracticum and internship?
And where would you like to seethat grow?
What would you like to get into?
I always like to ask thatbecause there are trainings that
(34:35):
people can do for DBT, CBT,EMDR.
And so if I know that an andthat a potential associate wants
to get trained in those, thatcan be part of their growth plan
of finding appropriate trainingsand get them geared up for that.
And so that by the time they aredone with their hours, they're
ready to roll to get thatcertification cashed in.
(34:58):
Because many of thosecertifications, DBT, EMDR, don't
fully go into play until oncethey upgrade into an LPC.
And so understanding timing,like if an associate does all
that training the first sixmonths, then they're sitting on
it for at least a year and theycan't do anything with it
certification-wise.
But so just keeping that inmind, and and I have a growth
(35:22):
plan for every single one of myLPC associates.
And I move it from I have at thetop strengths, currently working
on lack of exposure andchallenges.
And the first session we do ofindividual, we we go through it.
And the goal is to migrateeverything up into strengths one
(35:42):
day, right?
And so it really, and I and Ireview it quarterly, and it's
it's a wonderful process to goback through and and see things
being moved from lack ofexposure or challenges into
working on, and then eventuallystrength.
It's such a wonderful process tobe a witness to.
(36:06):
Yeah, I absolutely can talkabout that.
So there are a couple ofdifferent ways that you may have
interacted with your LPCsupervisor.
So, in some regards, you maywork in a agency or group
practice where there's an LPCsupervisor built in, and you may
(36:26):
get supervision through that.
And in that regard, you may notpay for that supervision.
It may be a perk of the job.
Now understand that freesupervision is wonderful if it's
also in a supervisor that alignswith you.
So I do know some people whohave been offered free
supervision through somethinglike that and have still chosen
(36:47):
their own LPC supervisor to paybecause it better aligns with
them.
And then there may be whereyou're in a group practice with
your LPC supervisor, you'reworking for them and you're
receiving supervision from them.
And so that's more of aninteresting situation because
then it comes into how are weclassifying?
(37:10):
How are we doing this?
And I know Kate, you know alittle bit more about this, like
the whole 1099 W-2 contract.
SPEAKER_01 (37:19):
Honestly, at this point, after the the webinars
that we've hosted with KateWalker Training, I get a lawyer.
Absolutely.
Somebody offers you a 1099position, you take that contract
to an attorney and you verifyit.
I yeah.
Yeah.
SPEAKER_02 (37:34):
And so there are a lot of different ways you can
have an LPC supervisor who's notconnected to your job at all.
You know, in practicum andinternship, your site supervisor
had to be on site, it had to beaffiliated with where you were
on site and placed.
LPC supervision is not the same.
If, you know, Jane Doe is placedin this agency over here, but
(37:58):
she's my LPC associate.
I don't have to have anyaffiliation with that facility
in order to be the LPCsupervisor.
And so there's a lot ofdifferent ways they can
manifest, but you do want tomake sure it's a good fit
because when you are working foryour LPC supervisor, that can
sometimes be a little bit ofdual relationship if it's not
(38:21):
done correctly.
And also there can be that powerdynamic.
And so you can feel like maybeyou can't speak up as much.
Is there anything more youwanted me to say about that
dynamic, Kate?
SPEAKER_01 (38:33):
I would just also make sure that you have a policy
and procedures or a job contractthat's separate from your
supervision contract and makesure you understand how you will
pay for supervision.
I see a lot of wonky ways thatsupervisors want to get paid
when their supervisees work forthem.
(38:55):
So just make sure you're veryclear about how that works.
SPEAKER_02 (38:59):
And again, the importance of that contract.
I put in my supervision contractgood faith estimates and I let
them know whatever price it isthat you sign off on is your
price until you're done.
And so I give good faithestimates.
This is what it's gonna cost youif you do it for 18 months, this
is what it's gonna cost you ifyou do it for 24 months, this is
(39:21):
what it's gonna cost you if youdo it for 36 months.
And I give those estimates, andthat's a contract.
That I think that should be abest practice.
I think of course.
That's great.
Yeah, if you signed at thisprice, I am not changing on you.
You start me at this price.
SPEAKER_01 (39:37):
So it might make people change their minds about
how they accrue their hours.
I know a lot of supervisees theygo slow, but if they had that
good face faith estimate, youknow, they might change their
minds.
Absolutely.
SPEAKER_02 (39:51):
And I've had supervisees who have done, you
know, 18 months, 19 months, 20months, you know, two years is
about average.
And then I've also had sometaking three years or a little
over three years.
And it just depends what is thebest way to do it, because you
do not have to do it full timein order to get your hours.
(40:12):
I have several associates whoare part-time counselors and
they are working another jobthat's gonna be their retirement
and they're counseling nightsand weekends and they're making
it work.
And so picking what's gonna bethe best for you and your family
and your lifestyle, that's soimportant to find a good fit.
(40:32):
And if that's not full-time, butthat's still part-time, it is
doable.
It is doable to do that.
So, of course, how do I apply totake the NCE or the NCMHCE?
You can go through NBCC, PearsonView, State Licensure Exam
Registrations, the CCE Global,NCMHCE.
(40:54):
That one is always a mouthfulfor me, registration.
So there's a lot of links there,and that's in your handout.
So I won't spend too much timeon that.
But how do I apply to be an LPCassociate in Texas?
So you have to pass the examfirst.
So that is criteria number one.
You have to pass the exam.
But once you pass the exam, youcan go on into apply for
(41:16):
licensure on BHEC.
You can utilize the onlinesystem in order to submit that
application.
You must have an LPC supervisoron record before you apply for
licensure.
So they will not grant you anLPC associate license without an
LPC supervisor on record.
So that is something to keep inmind.
(41:37):
All the forms and publicationsof BHEC are right there.
And I always recommend, I knowKate you'd say this all the time
too, sign up for those emailupdates.
Stay informed.
BHEC is always sending outupdates.
You can attend meetings, getinvolved, look at what's
changing, possible rule changes,give feedback.
(41:59):
There's so much advocacy in ourprofession that I think goes
untalked about that we reallyneed to remember to pass on is
that we are also alwaysadvocating to make the
profession better.
And part of that is stayingreally on top of the rules and
regulations and trying to makebetter environments for future
(42:19):
counselors.
SPEAKER_01 (42:20):
And the how-to user guides, BHAC has some great,
just if you go to it's it's anFAQ page, basically, but it
answers everything in suchdetail.
And I think it's, you know, itgosh, I wish they'd had that.
Well, a lot of stuff I wishthey'd had when I was going
through.
But I think it's so helpful forassociates, especially because
(42:43):
things can change quickly.
I mean, at first, I I know therewas a you had to get
fingerprinted before you couldapply, or no, you applied, then
you got the code to getfingerprinted, and then you had
to get fingerprinted again whenyou upgraded, but then that
changed.
I mean, it changes fast.
SPEAKER_02 (43:00):
So you really do have to check the website.
Absolutely check the website.
And I mean, I still remembersending my application for
licensure certified mail.
You know, I still remember doingit that way.
So the online system is amazing.
You know, I feel like we'rewe're way ahead of the times
now.
Absolutely.
So, how can I renew or obtain myown liability insurance?
(43:23):
So, hopefully, your graduateprogram has spoken to you about
the importance of liabilityinsurance, and you've had
liability insurance during yourpracticum and internship
semesters, but you need yourown.
That is not for a studentcounselor, not for a graduate
student liability insurance.
It's gotta be for aprofessional.
(43:45):
You are now licensed.
You need your own liabilityinsurance with your name on it.
I know some jobs, that's a perk.
They will say you're under anumbrella liability insurance.
I know, Kate, I see you shakingyour head.
I'm the same way.
I don't ever trust that.
I've always had my own liabilityinsurance with my own name
(44:08):
because that is protecting me,whereas an umbrella policy is
protecting the agency or thesite.
And so I want something that'sgonna protect me.
So here's my nice rule of threereferrals of liability
insurance.
I personally have CPH, andthat's one that I've had for
(44:31):
over a decade now.
So that is the one that I have.
So you can take that informationand do with it what you will.
And it's cheap.
Get it.
There's no reason not to.
Absolutely.
It's well worth it.
It's better to have it and notneed it than need it and not
have it.
So, what are the ins and outs ofsupervision?
Once you've been approved by thestate with your LPC associate
(44:54):
license, you will begin gainingyour 3,000 hours under the
supervision of your LPCsupervisor.
You must meet with your LPCsupervisor four hours a month.
50% of this supervision can begroup supervision, as Kate was
saying.
And individual supervision canbe one-on-one or one-on-two,
which we call triadic.
(45:15):
Unless you are at a job thatprovides LPC supervision for
you, you will have to pay foryour LPC supervision every
month.
Prices vary based off location,but you can plan on anywhere
from$250 to$500 a month.
And it really depends on whereyou're at.
And so, for some people, if youare looking for not paying$500 a
(45:40):
month, I would encourage you toexplore LPC supervisors not in
your area who would have to beover telehealth platform, over
Zoom, over something like that,and really make a decision that
is best for you, evenfinancially best for you.
So keep that in mind as you'researching for an LPC supervisor
(46:00):
as well.
LPC supervision can take placein person via telehealth or a
mixture of both.
And the state does not approvesites, the LPC supervisor
approves your sites.
So if you are in a scenariowhere you are going to have
multiple sites, the statedoesn't keep record of that.
That is something that yours LPCsupervisor will keep record of,
(46:23):
and that is a conversation withthem.
Now, previously, this the statedid keep record of that, and
that was quite the thing to keeptrack of.
So how can you contact me?
My website ischoosingchangewellness.com.
My sacred heart email is there,my work gmail is there,
drtererafox at gmail.com.
(46:45):
Very easy to remember.
I am happy to answer questionsif you have any questions.
I am happy to assist you, guideyou.
If it's not me, I'm happy todirect you in a different
direction if you're looking forsomething else or if I can't
answer your questions.
But if nothing else, I'm happyto be a resource to assist you
(47:07):
in navigating this process thatcomes with such high stress and
uncertainty at times.
SPEAKER_01 (47:13):
I I have a question.
All right.
If it's taken, oh, I don't know,a month between graduation and
my associate license.
If it's taken a month to getthat associate license, can I
call myself a coach and seeclients or even my old practicum
clients?
Can I just see them under thecoach name?
(47:34):
Because anybody can be a coach,right?
SPEAKER_02 (47:37):
So I like to say just because we can doesn't mean
we should.
I like to use that analogy of intheory, can you do that?
Yes.
Should you do that?
Absolutely not.
No, absolutely not.
You should not do that.
And the reason is is becauseit's very confusing.
(47:57):
Coaching is there's noregulation, there's no
certification, there's nothingto protect you, there's nothing
to protect the client.
It's very messy.
You may open yourself up to youknow lawsuits coming towards you
and legal issues.
Oftentimes you're not going tobe set up correctly.
And then when you transitionback, then it's very confusing.
(48:21):
No, as soon as your lastinternship semester ends, you
are done seeing clientsclinically until you receive
your LPC associate license fromBHEC.
Really, you do not want to muddythat water, you do not want to
start your career with a boardcomplaint.
That is not something that youwant.
(48:44):
Because even if a boardcomplaint doesn't really have
much to stand on, it takes weeksto resolve a board complaint.
And that is not something youwant to mess with.
So, no, I do not recommendanyone trying to be a coach in
the interim.
That is not the way you want tostart your professional career.
SPEAKER_01 (49:06):
I can think of a board complaint, a couple right
now, where the client wasconfused because they were a
counselor, then they were acoach, and then so the complaint
was filed.
So but once you become licensed,yeah, you can be a coach.
You can be a coach and alicensed person.
Absolutely okay.
But it's in that interim.
So I think we covered all thequestions I could think of.
(49:34):
Before you go, grab December'sbonus, the practice reset cheat
sheet.
It's your quick guide tostarting 2026 with clearer
systems and less chaos.
Get it at KateWalkerTraining.comslash bonus.
See you next week.
(49:54):
If you love today's episode, besure to leave a five-star
review.
It helps other badass therapistsfind the show and build
practices that thrive.
Big thanks to Ridgley Walker forour original fun facts and
podcast intro, and to CarlGuyanella for editing this
episode and making us soundamazing.
See you next week.
Have questions to ask the LPC supervisor regarding
their supervision style.
Really make sure you know whatyou're looking for and create
questions based on what you haveidentified as important to you.
Make your grocery list of itemsyou're looking for in an LPC
supervisor so that you don't getlost in the sauce.
SPEAKER_01 (00:45):
Today we're digging into one of the biggest pain
points for future Texascounselors: how to navigate the
supervisor search and licensureprocess without getting tripped
up by confusing rules,especially if you're a grad
student.
Dr.
Tara Fox is taking the lead onthis one, guiding you through
what you need, what to avoid,and how to actually get licensed
(01:08):
in Texas without the usualchaos.
I'll share how to grab thismonth's bonus later in the
episode.
Now, let's get to work.
(01:29):
So this is in Texas.
So if you're listening to this,you're going to get the
information as of 2025.
So it's September 2025.
And Dr.
Tara Fox is going to present itto us because she knows way more
about this stuff than I do.
So, Dr.
Fox, tell us where you are rightnow and what you're doing and
(01:50):
how do you know all this?
SPEAKER_02 (01:52):
Well, welcome tonight to Bridge the Gap, your
path to LPC Associate, or I liketo call it, you know, from class
to couch, because that's justfun.
But yes, my name is Dr.
Tara Fox, and I am currently theclinical director and an
assistant clinical professor atSacred Heart University, which
is based out of Connecticut.
(02:12):
But prior to that, I was thedirector, program director,
program coordinator, graduatecoordinator, clinical experience
coordinator for a program inTexas.
So I'm very well versed in whatit takes to transition from
being a graduate student tobeing an LPC associate in Texas.
(02:33):
So that's exactly what we'regoing to be talking about here
tonight.
SPEAKER_01 (02:38):
And um, I'm going to ask you questions because I know
for me, I teach the 40-hourtraining to become a supervisor
in Texas and other states.
So I've got questions.
I'm always going to havequestions about how folks get
from grad school toprovisionally licensed or what
we have in Texas, the associatelicense, and then on to fully
(03:01):
upgrading.
So yeah, where do you want tostart?
SPEAKER_02 (03:04):
I think I can start a little bit background more
about me of um, you know, whatled me to want to become a
supervisor.
Because I think that's always aninteresting story, is what leads
us to want to becomesupervisors.
And honestly, for me, I was agrad student in a rural.
(03:26):
I started working in a ruralarea, and I realized how
important it is to feed backinto rural areas.
And I wanted to do that to thebest of my ability.
And that started with becoming asupervisor.
And so rural mental health hasalways been a passion of mine.
I've been a rural provider since2009.
(03:48):
And I've always wanted to giveback and mentor the future
generation of students.
And that's why I wanted to goback and get my PhD as well, is
because I feel like that is thebest way that I can pay it
forward professionally, is togive back to this profession and
to the future generation ofcounselors.
(04:09):
So that's just kind of a littlebit about me and what led me to
want to be a supervisor and tobe a counselor educator.
SPEAKER_01 (04:16):
And you've always been passionate about, you know,
students and making sure they'resuccessful and making sure they
transition and find a goodsupervisor.
And you and I've done thistogether for years now, just
trying to get people connectedwith good information because
there's so much bad informationout there.
Yeah.
SPEAKER_02 (04:36):
I think when you hear horror stories, it really
makes you understand howimportant it is for to connect
students with the information toset them up for as much success
as they can possibly have.
And finding an LPC supervisorthat aligns with what they need
and what they want to challengethemselves is such a big part of
(04:58):
that.
That I love to mentor studentsand help them to make good
decisions.
I feel like we are similar inthe fact that we learned a lot
of trial by fire and trial anderror and what not to do or what
we didn't want because weexperienced it.
And so if I can save someone,heartbreak, I really like to do
(05:22):
that.
SPEAKER_01 (05:23):
Yeah, because I mean this is something where, you
know, you are in the sameFacebook group I'm in, the Texas
Supervisor Coalition.
And we know there are somereally unhappy associates out
there.
We know that there are somereally bad situations.
I just did three podcastepisodes about toxic
supervision, how to empowerassociates to speak up and
(05:46):
advocate for themselves insupervision.
And a lot of supervisors, if Iflip it, they think, oh, if I
just have the perfect interview,then I'm going to be able to
have this wonderful bunch ofassociates.
And it it just doesn't work likethat.
I mean, it's part of it, but itreally is about the ability to
(06:07):
have a conversation and theability to have a relationship
with someone.
Yeah.
SPEAKER_02 (06:13):
I completely agree.
And I always like to explaintheoretical orientation as a
theory meal.
And I haven't really heardanyone else talk about it like
this, but this is how I teachit.
And this is how I like toexplain it of your main theory
is your protein.
Like this is the tried and truetheory that you feel the most
(06:36):
comfortable in that feels themost natural to you.
And then you have your sidetheories that supplement your
main theory, what it may not beproviding to clients, so that
you can try to have top-down,bottom-up theories, type A, type
B theories, a well-roundedtheoretical orientation.
(06:57):
But then I also like to talkabout how an approach is
different than a theory.
And the approach in the meal isthe napkin.
Because if anyone has ever had ameal with me, they know I cannot
have a meal without at leastfive napkins with me, right?
And so I love to talk about theapproach being like a napkin
(07:19):
where it doesn't matter whatyou're eating, you always have
your napkin.
And so I like to explain howyour approach is what's always
turned on.
It's always on.
It never shuts off.
So for a lot of people, that'sgonna be person-centered,
feminist theory, multicultural,strength-based.
Like it's gonna be a lot oftheories like that.
(07:41):
But for me, it's RCT, it'srelational cultural theory.
That is my napkin.
And I really do approachteaching supervision and
everything really.
It's very much who I am as aperson that I bring into that.
And RCT is all aboutunderstanding that there has to
(08:01):
be a connection in order forgrowth to happen.
And we do not do that on ourown.
We are not on an island.
And so making connectionspersonally, professionally, and
making them about equity.
Like, I'm not the expert of you.
Like, we don't think we're theexperts of our clients, but
we're not the experts of ourassociates or our students
(08:22):
either.
That is still them.
And so understanding that it's acollaboration, we come together.
There's trying to get rid ofthat, that hierarchy, that power
dynamic that can really skewsome relationships and really
trying to empower our studentsand our associates to teach them
(08:43):
how to go through an ethicaldecision-making model instead of
just telling them the answers.
And so RCT is very muchunderstanding that there has to
be a really good connectionbetween the teacher or educator
and the student or thesupervisor and the supervisee in
order for that relationship tonavigate through the necessary
(09:04):
growth process.
SPEAKER_01 (09:05):
Yeah, I love that.
I mean, it is.
It's all about the relationship.
All right.
So where do we start?
Where do you start your studentson this journey?
SPEAKER_02 (09:15):
Well, part of that is what can I do while I'm still
a graduate student?
I think that's a lot of whatstudents think is okay, I know
once I graduate, I'm gonna haveto do this, this, and this.
But what do I do until then?
Well, the first thing you can dois build community.
You know, join that grad tocouch Facebook group, you know,
(09:37):
get involved, find an onlinecommunity or an in-person
community, or find your people,find, you know, professional
connections because you will notstay in the field long term if
you do not have community, theability to consult and things
like that.
So it's super important to havethat community, to have those
(10:00):
connections, to have people youknow you can you can ask
questions to so you don't feellike you're just by yourself.
Another one is get to know yourprofessors and your classmates.
I used to always have mystudents create a group me
between themselves.
And I told them I do not want tobe in the group me.
Please do not put me in thegroup me.
But I wanted my classes to havetheir own group me so that they
(10:21):
could remain a supportthroughout the semester.
And I've had former studentstell me, we still use the group
me.
And so no longer when they'restill staying in touch, they're
updating each other.
But yes, as a student, get toknow your professors.
These can be faculty mentorslong term for you.
(10:42):
And so get to know them.
What are their researchinterests?
What are their specialty areas?
What would you want to learnfrom them?
Like it's one thing to be intheir class and learn from them,
but what do you want to learnfrom them professionally?
And then, you know, if you'retowards the end of your clinical
semesters, what do you need tobe looking for in an LPC
(11:03):
supervisor?
If you're towards the end ofyour graduate semesters and
you're in your clinicals,practicum, internship,
internship two, then you kind ofknow what kind of supervision
aligns with you and helps yougrow and what maybe doesn't.
So take that knowledge from theclassroom, from your clinical
(11:23):
placement sites, and think toyourself, what am I looking for
in an LPC supervisor?
What am I looking for someonewith a specific certification?
Am I looking for someone whowith a specific theory or
theoretical orientation?
Am I looking for someone who Itrust that they're never going
to ask me to do something thatthey wouldn't do themselves?
(11:44):
Like, what is the most valuablething for you and seek out a
supervisor who's going tofulfill that?
Because you can have the bestsupervisor, but if you don't
align, if you can't talk tothem, then it's it's not as
effective.
SPEAKER_01 (12:01):
You know, you bring up a really good point because
using that practicum experienceto trust yourself, right?
I mean, a lot of times I thinkstudents think, oh, it must be
me.
This the site doesn't feel good,or I don't like this boss, or I
don't like it's gotta be mebecause I'm the new person here.
But yeah, what I hear you sayingis use that to find the next
(12:24):
supervisor and really trust yourfeelings about the experience
there.
And I wonder if a lot of the thetimes that associates and
supervisors get crossways, atleast from the associate point
of view, is that they're justlooking for somebody to sign
their paperwork instead ofreally looking for that
(12:44):
experience that will enrichthem, you know.
And I get that.
I get that.
I mean, they you don't know whatyou don't know, right?
SPEAKER_02 (12:52):
Absolutely.
I heard a quote the other daythat overthinking is when you
ignore your intuition.
Ah and uh it stopped me dead inmy tracks as someone who has
anxiety, ADHD, and is anoverthinker.
You know, it's because we oftenintellectualize things and give
(13:13):
the benefit of the doubt sooften as counselors, that's just
part of our nature.
But the problem with that is wehave those intuition feelings
for a reason.
And sometimes we train ourselvesto ignore them for professional
reasons, but personally, westill need to listen to our
intuitions there.
And so if you are having adecision about, let's say you
(13:37):
have three LPC supervisorsyou're considering, and
intellectually you're feelingone way, but your intuition is
seeing another.
You know, the things that youare stressing about in the
beginning are probably going tobe the things that lead you to
make a change later.
And so we really need toremember that when we're
(13:58):
navigating the process oflistening to how am I, how is my
body feeling about this?
Like, am I feeling anxious or amI feeling calm about this?
You know, if you are making thisdecision and you're really
activated and triggered, and youmay not make the decision that's
going to be best for you.
So really listening to yourselfof what you want and what you
(14:20):
need is so important when makingthat big decision.
SPEAKER_01 (14:24):
When you said that I had a flashback to couple
counseling, you know, I thinkone of the questions I always
ask is did you have concernswhen you first got together?
It's like, well, yeah, but itwas cute back then.
So yeah, pay attention.
Pay attention to that.
Yeah.
SPEAKER_02 (14:41):
And I think another thing to remember is we don't
want it to get lost, is keepmeticulous records.
I think that's easy to say forme as someone who's type A.
But I imagine being type B, thatmay not be a strong suit of
keeping those meticulousrecords.
But make sure you have access toyour time logs.
(15:01):
If your university is using somesort of program that you track
your logs on, make sure you'redownloading those because if you
delay trying to, you know, getyour LPC associate license, if
you want to get licensed inanother state, eventually they
may want to see your time logsto prove that you have met the
(15:22):
requirements.
And if you don't have those,sometimes they say, well, then
you have to redo.
And that's the last thing youwant to have to do is have to go
back into school and redo aninternship semester in order to
become licensed.
So really make sure you'rekeeping track of your time logs,
making sure that you are savingthose and keeping those in your
(15:46):
records.
You know, it would be a travestyto have to repeat anything due
to misplaced logs.
SPEAKER_01 (15:53):
And I know you and I both we pay attention to the
board.
And one of the things that arestill open to the public are
application issues, right?
Folks who are coming from othercountries or they're coming from
other states and they have acounseling-related degree or
they think they do.
And the board staff always says,We reviewed the syllabi.
(16:15):
We reviewed the syllabi.
And I mean, like a course titlecan make all the difference in
the world.
If you know, Texas isn't in thecompact.
So if you're listening to thisand you're in Texas and you want
to go to another state, you'regonna have to look for a state
where you can get licensed orthey have some sort of a
portability option becauseTexas, we don't have that.
(16:36):
So making sure you've got thoserecords of your courses and the
hours and the practicum, all ofthose white sheets of paper that
with your practicum site and thesignatures.
Yeah, keep those records.
SPEAKER_02 (16:49):
Absolutely.
And I know we touched on thefact that faculty can be
mentors, but just havingprofessional mentors outside of
your education, connecting withcounselors who are in the field,
maybe in your local area, andfinding mentors that way is also
really important.
I cannot stress enough theimportance of mentoring, being a
(17:12):
mentee so that you learn how toone day be a mentor.
And then last but not least,study.
I know that's not the funanswer, right?
But study, study for thenational counselor examination,
study for the national clinicalmental health counselor
examination, whichever oneyou're taking, study.
If you have free time, study,you know, just keeping it fresh.
(17:34):
Because what happens is it couldbe a year since you've been in
career when you come to test.
And career is typically prettybig on those exams.
And so sometimes it's classesyou haven't been thinking about
for a while, you haven'treviewed any notes.
So study, make sure that you arekeeping it fresh.
(17:56):
That's so important.
SPEAKER_01 (17:57):
I want to pause, and you may you may address this
later, but I see a lot of newgraduates who become NBCC
certified, and then they carrythat certification like it's a
license, right?
Because I mean you have thechoice, you can take either one
of these exams.
So they take the NCE, and I'msure there's a box to check
(18:19):
somewhere.
Like, do you want it to becertified?
And I mean, they don't know.
So they check the box, and thenthey're having to pay money to
keep the certificate up.
Can you talk a little bit aboutthat?
Absolutely.
This is so funny.
SPEAKER_02 (18:31):
Right before this, I was in supervision with one of
my associates, and she actuallybrought this up and said, you
know, I have to renew my NCC andwhat is it really doing for me?
And I just was honest with her.
I said, you know, I'm not NCC.
I don't know that it's kept mefrom anything.
I really couldn't tell you otherthan it looks really cool behind
(18:54):
your name.
I don't know what it does foryou.
But this is a thing thateveryone needs to be able to
make a decision for themselvesof if they want to do that.
So some people really do wantNCC.
They really want it.
Of course, you can't do itunless you come from a K-Crep
program.
So that is something to keep inmind is if you are not
(19:15):
graduating from a K-Crepprogram, you cannot go forward
with the NCC.
So that's something to keep inmind.
But, you know, it's entirely onyou.
No judgment at all.
If if someone wants NCC ordoesn't want NCC, it's not going
to be a determining factor ofwhether or not you're licensed
with an LPC associate license.
(19:37):
Those things are not connected.
Since Texas is not in thecounseling compact, it also
doesn't mean we getgrandfathered into other states
if you have an NCC.
Unfortunately, that's not thecase either.
And so I would just say do yourresearch, see if you want
something else to keep up with,if you want something else that
(19:59):
you have to log continuingeducation hours in, because even
as an LPC associate, you do haveto put in those continuing
education in even as an LPCassociate for the NCC.
So that's something to keep inmind.
Whereas when you're an LPCassociate, you aren't having to
do any continuing educationbecause you're in supervision.
(20:19):
You're getting plenty ofcontinuing education.
But that's just something tokeep in mind.
I know that's not a black andwhite answer of like you should
do this, you shouldn't do this,because it's a very personal
decision.
But it's not going to help youbecome an LPC associate in
Texas.
It's also not going to hurt youif you do have that NCC
designation.
SPEAKER_01 (20:39):
Unless you use it as your license.
And I see that sometimes.
So I'm just going to throw itout there.
If you are using your NCCcredential and saying, well,
that enables me to practice, itdoes not.
Yeah.
SPEAKER_02 (20:52):
Because it isn't a license.
Correct.
And that also doesn't enable youto practice in a different
state.
So even if you're a Texas LPCassociate and you are NCC, that
doesn't mean that you can seeanyone in any state.
So if you have even your ownclients, if they're Texas based,
but they're on vacation inKansas and they're not, they're
(21:15):
in Kansas and you're in Texas,you can't see them.
You know, if you want to arrangesomething like that, you have to
contact the board and you haveto do that way ahead of time
because the board takes time torespond to you.
You're not going to get a 48 to72 hour response.
Like it's going to take a while.
And so if you need to makearrangements like that, and
again, it's not always going towork out.
(21:38):
Not every state's going to allowit.
So that's something to keep inmind too.
An NCC does not mean you canseize clients nationwide.
Nope.
SPEAKER_01 (21:47):
Okay, good.
Thank you.
SPEAKER_02 (21:49):
So I do have resources to study.
So those those of you who arehere, it's a PDF that's in the
platform.
So you have access to this.
I'm not going to really go overit, but I have resources.
This is in your profile,everybody.
So yeah.
In the profile, whether you'retaking the NCE or the NCMHCE,
(22:09):
there are resources there.
I do also want to touch onaccommodations.
So you can get examaccommodations, but it takes a
long time.
And so you want to make surethat you are putting in for
accommodations way ahead oftime, not if you want to try to
take the exam within the nextmonth or two, really like four
(22:31):
to five months ahead of the timeyou want to take the exam, you
need to start contacting themabout accommodations and getting
that set up.
I do also want to talk aboutthat there are different ways to
take the exam.
So there are certainuniversities that are still
doing like the pen and paper,you know, come to university,
come to campus and take the examthe old school way.
(22:54):
I mean, that's how I took it thefirst time.
But then there's also you can goto like a Pearson view, you can
go to a testing site and take iton the computer.
You can even now do it in yourown home, but you do have to
have a camera that allows themto see what is around you.
You have to show yourenvironment.
And I will say, if anythinghappens, like if they feel like
(23:17):
you are cheating in any way, ifyour camera cuts off and cuts
back on, if your internet goesout, they deem it a failed test
and you have to reapply to takeit.
So that is just things to keepin mind when you're thinking
about scheduling these exams.
If you're like, I would love totake it from home, just
understand that if you haveinternet issues, if anything
(23:39):
goes wrong and you're not at thetesting center, it's going to be
logged as a failed and you'regoing to have to reapply to take
the exam.
So that's just a cautionary tellto make sure, like really think
about do you want to take it athome or would you rather take it
as a testing center?
So that's something to consider.
So how to find an LPCsupervisor?
(24:00):
Well, of course, the Kate WalkerTraining LPC Supervisor
Directory.
That's gonna be my firstsuggestion there.
And the reason why is because Iget to know you, like an
information for everyone listedon that directory.
Whereas if you go through thefind a supervisor through BHEC,
you're just getting name andlocation and contact
(24:20):
information.
You're not getting anything elseinformation-wise.
That's why I really love Katethat you did this supervisor
directory because I do feel likeit helps so many people make a
more informed decision, which isso important.
And I think that would be mygo-to resource.
But of course, you can gothrough BHEC and see who's in
(24:41):
your area if you're looking forsomeone more local.
But remember, you can dosupervision on Zoom.
I do 98% of my supervision onZoom.
I have done in person a coupletimes, but we do it for special
occasions.
But supervision on Zoom isgreat.
But I'm also used to teaching onZoom, so it's not that big of a
(25:04):
deal for me.
But whatever is your preference,if you want to go in person, if
you want Zoom, that is alsosomething to be asking when
you're interviewing your LPCsupervisors of what is their
modality for supervision?
Is it in person?
Is it hybrid?
Is it on telehealth platform?
That's part of the process, andwe will definitely get more into
(25:25):
that.
But you can also rely on word ofmouth.
I love a word of mouth referral.
That's also how I like to get myassociates as well, is word of
mouth and people sending peopleto me.
So talk to the counselingcommunity in your area, speak
with your graduate faculty tosee if they know anyone, any LPC
(25:46):
supervisor contacts that theyhave that they've worked with
before.
And of course, the Class toCouch Facebook group.
That's also a great resource forit.
So, how to approach an LPCsupervisor to inquire about
supervision?
First and foremost, do not emailthem like you're sending a text
message.
(26:07):
I would say use a veryprofessional email.
This is your first impressionthat you're giving this person.
And it is a professionalrelationship.
So if you are approaching themvery casually, then they may
think you're not taking itserious.
(26:28):
And you may approach thesupervisory relationship very
casually, and that could be ared flag for a supervisor.
And so they may not even want tointerview you based on how you
approach them in an email.
So make sure you're sending aprofessionally worded email.
Introduce yourself, give somebackground about your clinical
(26:50):
experience thus far, attach yourresume, and you always want to
ask if they have any open spacefor taking on an additional
associate.
Don't just assume that they havespace for you because they
should be wanting to interviewyou.
It should not be, yes, I havespace, come on, let's go, with
no interview.
(27:12):
You want to interview them andthey should want to interview
you because it needs to be amutual match.
So if the LPC supervisor hasspace available to take on an
additional associate, reallypush for that interview, whether
it's phone, Zoom, or in person,but make sure you get that
interview so that it helps youin your decision-making process.
(27:34):
Remember, it needs to be mutual,like we said.
And the majority of the timeyou're paying for this service.
So you want to make sure thatyou're getting your money's
worth and getting what you want,and that it's a good fit for
both the associate and thesupervisor.
So have questions to ask the LPCsupervisor regarding their
supervision style, how theyapproach supervision, and really
(27:59):
make sure you know what you'relooking for and create questions
based on what you haveidentified as important to you.
It's kind of like when you go tothe grocery store but you don't
have a list and you end upcoming out with, you know,$200
worth of things that you didn'tneed but sounded great at the
time.
So have your list.
(28:20):
Make your grocery list of itemsyou're looking for in an LPC
supervisor so that you don't getlost in the sauce.
SPEAKER_01 (28:34):
Quick break.
If you haven't grabbedDecember's bonus yet, go get it.
I put together the practicereset cheat sheet to help you
clean up your systems, tightenyour HIPAA basics, and walk into
2026 without dragging thisyear's mess behind you.
It's totally free for podcastlisteners.
Just go toKateWalkertraining.com slash
(28:56):
bonus.
So I'm going to throw out somequestions based on just the
issues that that are popping up.
And this has been going on foryears.
(29:17):
But one thing I would ask,actually, I have about five
things I would ask a supervisor.
Number one is what is yourflexibility?
Because you may have a wonderfulsupervisor, but they can only
meet you at three o'clock onTuesdays, and that's it.
And if you've got kids, if youhave family members depending on
you, or if your job goes tofour, it's just never going to
(29:40):
work.
You're going to have times thatyou have to miss.
So if they are inflexible, redmarker, cross them off.
Ask them if they have acontract.
You guys are going to think I'mcrazy, but there are supervisors
out there who will not provideyou with a contract.
How do you know what fees are?
(30:02):
How do you know what the latecancel no-show policy is?
How do you know what theevaluation schedule is if you
don't have it in writing?
And a lot of what we're seeingabout associates who are upset
and rightly so, we havesupervisors who are changing fee
structures or fees and justlike, oh, well, you know, if you
(30:23):
want to continue with me, I'mnow$100 more a month.
I mean, that's I couldn't dothat.
I mean, that's a that's a hugeincrease.
So a contract, it's not binding,it's protecting.
And it's something that can bemodified and changed over time.
But if your supervisor to bedoes not have a contract, get
(30:44):
your red marker, cross them off.
You know, a little trickquestion you might want to ask
them is what was the last rulesthat dropped?
See if they know when the thenewest, latest rules were.
And it was July 2025.
So if they look at you and go,Oh yeah, 2024, or ask them like
(31:04):
how long should records be held?
I don't know.
There are the just ask them sothat you get a feel for how well
they know the rules, because ifthey don't, how are they gonna
teach you?
And uh last but not least, lookat their schedule for group
offering.
A lot of supervisors in Texasdon't understand that only half
(31:28):
of supervision can be in agroup, and that's three or more.
So they might put you in asupervision with one other
person and call that individual.
That's okay.
But if you look at the schedulefor supervising and every week,
it's five to ten people and it'sgroup, group, group, group.
That's reportable, actually.
(31:48):
So if you have questions aboutthat, post them in the from
class to couch group, go intoTexas Counselors Creating Badass
Businesses, tag somebody, asksomebody.
There are so many people whowould be happy to help you with
questions to ask so that youfind folks who are competent.
SPEAKER_02 (32:06):
Yeah.
My personal structure of how Ido it is I do a two-hour group
because it feels like class.
And a lot of times my associateslove it.
They love transitioning into acohort, an associate cohort.
So I do a two-hour group everymonth, and I do a two-hour
individual for all of myassociates.
(32:26):
And I really feel like that'sthe best of both worlds to where
they get the cohort feel, butthey're also getting that
individual attention everymonth.
I love that.
So possible interview questions.
I have more as well.
Theoretical framework.
You know, you may need to talkabout your theoretical
framework.
Again, you could talk about yourtheory meal.
(32:48):
That's theoretical frameworkthere.
Deficits from graduate program.
I always ask, what do you feellike you did not get enough of
in grad school?
Because that helps me to knowwhere I would need to fill the
gap.
Is it theory?
Is it diagnosis?
Is it treatment planning?
Is it progress noting?
Where do you feel the deficitsare?
(33:09):
How do you want to receivefeedback?
Do you prefer written feedback?
Do you like verbal feedback?
Would you prefer it be overZoomed so you can see my face?
Like having this information,again, that's the RCT approach
about connection, but reallyunderstanding how I can best
meet you so that the goal isgrowth.
And so, how do you like toreceive feedback?
(33:31):
That's a really important thing.
Do you have a mentor and talkingabout that?
Case conceptualizations.
How are your caseconceptualization skills?
Some supervisors will provide acase and want you to provide a
case conceptualization for themin the interview.
So that's a possibility as well.
(33:51):
Ethics.
Do you have an ethicaldecision-making model you
follow?
Are you aware of the code ofethics?
Are you aware of our licensureethics and our codes?
And, you know, understandingthat we are bound by these
things and it's not just one orthe other, it's both.
And so really having a goodunderstanding of that.
(34:12):
And of course, clinicalbackground.
What sites were you at forpracticum and internship?
What populations did you see?
And again, going back to thattheoretical framework of what do
you have experience using inpracticum and internship?
And where would you like to seethat grow?
What would you like to get into?
I always like to ask thatbecause there are trainings that
(34:35):
people can do for DBT, CBT,EMDR.
And so if I know that an andthat a potential associate wants
to get trained in those, thatcan be part of their growth plan
of finding appropriate trainingsand get them geared up for that.
And so that by the time they aredone with their hours, they're
ready to roll to get thatcertification cashed in.
(34:58):
Because many of thosecertifications, DBT, EMDR, don't
fully go into play until oncethey upgrade into an LPC.
And so understanding timing,like if an associate does all
that training the first sixmonths, then they're sitting on
it for at least a year and theycan't do anything with it
certification-wise.
But so just keeping that inmind, and and I have a growth
(35:22):
plan for every single one of myLPC associates.
And I move it from I have at thetop strengths, currently working
on lack of exposure andchallenges.
And the first session we do ofindividual, we we go through it.
And the goal is to migrateeverything up into strengths one
(35:42):
day, right?
And so it really, and I and Ireview it quarterly, and it's
it's a wonderful process to goback through and and see things
being moved from lack ofexposure or challenges into
working on, and then eventuallystrength.
It's such a wonderful process tobe a witness to.
(36:06):
Yeah, I absolutely can talkabout that.
So there are a couple ofdifferent ways that you may have
interacted with your LPCsupervisor.
So, in some regards, you maywork in a agency or group
practice where there's an LPCsupervisor built in, and you may
(36:26):
get supervision through that.
And in that regard, you may notpay for that supervision.
It may be a perk of the job.
Now understand that freesupervision is wonderful if it's
also in a supervisor that alignswith you.
So I do know some people whohave been offered free
supervision through somethinglike that and have still chosen
(36:47):
their own LPC supervisor to paybecause it better aligns with
them.
And then there may be whereyou're in a group practice with
your LPC supervisor, you'reworking for them and you're
receiving supervision from them.
And so that's more of aninteresting situation because
then it comes into how are weclassifying?
(37:10):
How are we doing this?
And I know Kate, you know alittle bit more about this, like
the whole 1099 W-2 contract.
SPEAKER_01 (37:19):
Honestly, at this point, after the the webinars
that we've hosted with KateWalker Training, I get a lawyer.
Absolutely.
Somebody offers you a 1099position, you take that contract
to an attorney and you verifyit.
I yeah.
Yeah.
SPEAKER_02 (37:34):
And so there are a lot of different ways you can
have an LPC supervisor who's notconnected to your job at all.
You know, in practicum andinternship, your site supervisor
had to be on site, it had to beaffiliated with where you were
on site and placed.
LPC supervision is not the same.
If, you know, Jane Doe is placedin this agency over here, but
(37:58):
she's my LPC associate.
I don't have to have anyaffiliation with that facility
in order to be the LPCsupervisor.
And so there's a lot ofdifferent ways they can
manifest, but you do want tomake sure it's a good fit
because when you are working foryour LPC supervisor, that can
sometimes be a little bit ofdual relationship if it's not
(38:21):
done correctly.
And also there can be that powerdynamic.
And so you can feel like maybeyou can't speak up as much.
Is there anything more youwanted me to say about that
dynamic, Kate?
SPEAKER_01 (38:33):
I would just also make sure that you have a policy
and procedures or a job contractthat's separate from your
supervision contract and makesure you understand how you will
pay for supervision.
I see a lot of wonky ways thatsupervisors want to get paid
when their supervisees work forthem.
(38:55):
So just make sure you're veryclear about how that works.
SPEAKER_02 (38:59):
And again, the importance of that contract.
I put in my supervision contractgood faith estimates and I let
them know whatever price it isthat you sign off on is your
price until you're done.
And so I give good faithestimates.
This is what it's gonna cost youif you do it for 18 months, this
is what it's gonna cost you ifyou do it for 24 months, this is
(39:21):
what it's gonna cost you if youdo it for 36 months.
And I give those estimates, andthat's a contract.
That I think that should be abest practice.
I think of course.
That's great.
Yeah, if you signed at thisprice, I am not changing on you.
You start me at this price.
SPEAKER_01 (39:37):
So it might make people change their minds about
how they accrue their hours.
I know a lot of supervisees theygo slow, but if they had that
good face faith estimate, youknow, they might change their
minds.
Absolutely.
SPEAKER_02 (39:51):
And I've had supervisees who have done, you
know, 18 months, 19 months, 20months, you know, two years is
about average.
And then I've also had sometaking three years or a little
over three years.
And it just depends what is thebest way to do it, because you
do not have to do it full timein order to get your hours.
(40:12):
I have several associates whoare part-time counselors and
they are working another jobthat's gonna be their retirement
and they're counseling nightsand weekends and they're making
it work.
And so picking what's gonna bethe best for you and your family
and your lifestyle, that's soimportant to find a good fit.
(40:32):
And if that's not full-time, butthat's still part-time, it is
doable.
It is doable to do that.
So, of course, how do I apply totake the NCE or the NCMHCE?
You can go through NBCC, PearsonView, State Licensure Exam
Registrations, the CCE Global,NCMHCE.
(40:54):
That one is always a mouthfulfor me, registration.
So there's a lot of links there,and that's in your handout.
So I won't spend too much timeon that.
But how do I apply to be an LPCassociate in Texas?
So you have to pass the examfirst.
So that is criteria number one.
You have to pass the exam.
But once you pass the exam, youcan go on into apply for
(41:16):
licensure on BHEC.
You can utilize the onlinesystem in order to submit that
application.
You must have an LPC supervisoron record before you apply for
licensure.
So they will not grant you anLPC associate license without an
LPC supervisor on record.
So that is something to keep inmind.
(41:37):
All the forms and publicationsof BHEC are right there.
And I always recommend, I knowKate you'd say this all the time
too, sign up for those emailupdates.
Stay informed.
BHEC is always sending outupdates.
You can attend meetings, getinvolved, look at what's
changing, possible rule changes,give feedback.
(41:59):
There's so much advocacy in ourprofession that I think goes
untalked about that we reallyneed to remember to pass on is
that we are also alwaysadvocating to make the
profession better.
And part of that is stayingreally on top of the rules and
regulations and trying to makebetter environments for future
(42:19):
counselors.
SPEAKER_01 (42:20):
And the how-to user guides, BHAC has some great,
just if you go to it's it's anFAQ page, basically, but it
answers everything in suchdetail.
And I think it's, you know, itgosh, I wish they'd had that.
Well, a lot of stuff I wishthey'd had when I was going
through.
But I think it's so helpful forassociates, especially because
(42:43):
things can change quickly.
I mean, at first, I I know therewas a you had to get
fingerprinted before you couldapply, or no, you applied, then
you got the code to getfingerprinted, and then you had
to get fingerprinted again whenyou upgraded, but then that
changed.
I mean, it changes fast.
SPEAKER_02 (43:00):
So you really do have to check the website.
Absolutely check the website.
And I mean, I still remembersending my application for
licensure certified mail.
You know, I still remember doingit that way.
So the online system is amazing.
You know, I feel like we'rewe're way ahead of the times
now.
Absolutely.
So, how can I renew or obtain myown liability insurance?
(43:23):
So, hopefully, your graduateprogram has spoken to you about
the importance of liabilityinsurance, and you've had
liability insurance during yourpracticum and internship
semesters, but you need yourown.
That is not for a studentcounselor, not for a graduate
student liability insurance.
It's gotta be for aprofessional.
(43:45):
You are now licensed.
You need your own liabilityinsurance with your name on it.
I know some jobs, that's a perk.
They will say you're under anumbrella liability insurance.
I know, Kate, I see you shakingyour head.
I'm the same way.
I don't ever trust that.
I've always had my own liabilityinsurance with my own name
(44:08):
because that is protecting me,whereas an umbrella policy is
protecting the agency or thesite.
And so I want something that'sgonna protect me.
So here's my nice rule of threereferrals of liability
insurance.
I personally have CPH, andthat's one that I've had for
(44:31):
over a decade now.
So that is the one that I have.
So you can take that informationand do with it what you will.
And it's cheap.
Get it.
There's no reason not to.
Absolutely.
It's well worth it.
It's better to have it and notneed it than need it and not
have it.
So, what are the ins and outs ofsupervision?
Once you've been approved by thestate with your LPC associate
(44:54):
license, you will begin gainingyour 3,000 hours under the
supervision of your LPCsupervisor.
You must meet with your LPCsupervisor four hours a month.
50% of this supervision can begroup supervision, as Kate was
saying.
And individual supervision canbe one-on-one or one-on-two,
which we call triadic.
(45:15):
Unless you are at a job thatprovides LPC supervision for
you, you will have to pay foryour LPC supervision every
month.
Prices vary based off location,but you can plan on anywhere
from$250 to$500 a month.
And it really depends on whereyou're at.
And so, for some people, if youare looking for not paying$500 a
(45:40):
month, I would encourage you toexplore LPC supervisors not in
your area who would have to beover telehealth platform, over
Zoom, over something like that,and really make a decision that
is best for you, evenfinancially best for you.
So keep that in mind as you'researching for an LPC supervisor
(46:00):
as well.
LPC supervision can take placein person via telehealth or a
mixture of both.
And the state does not approvesites, the LPC supervisor
approves your sites.
So if you are in a scenariowhere you are going to have
multiple sites, the statedoesn't keep record of that.
That is something that yours LPCsupervisor will keep record of,
(46:23):
and that is a conversation withthem.
Now, previously, this the statedid keep record of that, and
that was quite the thing to keeptrack of.
So how can you contact me?
My website ischoosingchangewellness.com.
My sacred heart email is there,my work gmail is there,
drtererafox at gmail.com.
(46:45):
Very easy to remember.
I am happy to answer questionsif you have any questions.
I am happy to assist you, guideyou.
If it's not me, I'm happy todirect you in a different
direction if you're looking forsomething else or if I can't
answer your questions.
But if nothing else, I'm happyto be a resource to assist you
(47:07):
in navigating this process thatcomes with such high stress and
uncertainty at times.
SPEAKER_01 (47:13):
I I have a question.
All right.
If it's taken, oh, I don't know,a month between graduation and
my associate license.
If it's taken a month to getthat associate license, can I
call myself a coach and seeclients or even my old practicum
clients?
Can I just see them under thecoach name?
(47:34):
Because anybody can be a coach,right?
SPEAKER_02 (47:37):
So I like to say just because we can doesn't mean
we should.
I like to use that analogy of intheory, can you do that?
Yes.
Should you do that?
Absolutely not.
No, absolutely not.
You should not do that.
And the reason is is becauseit's very confusing.
(47:57):
Coaching is there's noregulation, there's no
certification, there's nothingto protect you, there's nothing
to protect the client.
It's very messy.
You may open yourself up to youknow lawsuits coming towards you
and legal issues.
Oftentimes you're not going tobe set up correctly.
And then when you transitionback, then it's very confusing.
(48:21):
No, as soon as your lastinternship semester ends, you
are done seeing clientsclinically until you receive
your LPC associate license fromBHEC.
Really, you do not want to muddythat water, you do not want to
start your career with a boardcomplaint.
That is not something that youwant.
(48:44):
Because even if a boardcomplaint doesn't really have
much to stand on, it takes weeksto resolve a board complaint.
And that is not something youwant to mess with.
So, no, I do not recommendanyone trying to be a coach in
the interim.
That is not the way you want tostart your professional career.
SPEAKER_01 (49:06):
I can think of a board complaint, a couple right
now, where the client wasconfused because they were a
counselor, then they were acoach, and then so the complaint
was filed.
So but once you become licensed,yeah, you can be a coach.
You can be a coach and alicensed person.
Absolutely okay.
But it's in that interim.
So I think we covered all thequestions I could think of.
(49:34):
Before you go, grab December'sbonus, the practice reset cheat
sheet.
It's your quick guide tostarting 2026 with clearer
systems and less chaos.
Get it at KateWalkerTraining.comslash bonus.
See you next week.
(49:54):
If you love today's episode, besure to leave a five-star
review.
It helps other badass therapistsfind the show and build
practices that thrive.
Big thanks to Ridgley Walker forour original fun facts and
podcast intro, and to CarlGuyanella for editing this
episode and making us soundamazing.
See you next week.
Popular Podcasts
Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang
Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by Audiochuck Media Company.
The Brothers Ortiz
The Brothers Ortiz is the story of two brothers–both successful, but in very different ways. Gabe Ortiz becomes a third-highest ranking officer in all of Texas while his younger brother Larry climbs the ranks in Puro Tango Blast, a notorious Texas Prison gang. Gabe doesn’t know all the details of his brother’s nefarious dealings, and he’s made a point not to ask, to protect their relationship. But when Larry is murdered during a home invasion in a rented beach house, Gabe has no choice but to look into what happened that night. To solve Larry’s murder, Gabe, and the whole Ortiz family, must ask each other tough questions.