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Abstract
Supervision is a process in which an experienced person (supervisor) advises a less experienced person (supervisee) (Bradley & Kottler, 2001). Supervision is most successful when it follows a supervision model. When Choice Theory is the theoretical model for supervision, the supervisor is able to understand the supervisee's behavior in counseling and in supervision sessions. The Reality Therapy process in supervision is used to establish goals, evaluate the counseling and supervisory process, and to make plans for continued growth for both the supervisee and supervisor. This article explores the use of Choice Theory and Reality Therapy in counselor supervision, including reviews of prior articles by Appel (1985), and Peterson and Parr (1989). A case study demonstrates how these practices could be used in supervision with a counselor-in-training. More research is needed to evaluate the efficacy of these processes in counselor supervision.
The purpose of supervision is to facilitate the supervisee's professional and personal development, enhance the supervisee's competencies, and promote accountable counseling services and programs (Bradley & Kottler, 2001). This occurs when supervisees open themselves to the supervisor's challenges, as well as the supervisor's encouragement. Utilizing a supervision model allows for a supervisor to provide the best supervision possible because it provides a framework on which to make sense of a process that might otherwise be overwhelming (Bernard & Goodyear, 2009).
Viewing the supervision process through the lens of Choice Theory explains what is occurring at multiple levels: (1) Choice Theory explains the intrapersonal struggles of supervisees as they struggle through the developmental process; (2) Choice Theory explains client process; and (3) Choice Theory explains what is occurring in the supervisor/supervisee relationship. The Reality Therapy process is used as the delivery method for building the supervisory relationship, facilitating goals, identifying behaviors, evaluating learning, and making plans for maintenance of successful skills or for behavioral change.
Key Concepts
Choice Theory explains human behavior and motivation (Glasser, 1998; Wubbolding, 2011). It is based on the idea that human behaviors originate within individuals and are not forced on them from people or events outside themselves. According to Choice Theory, we are motivated by five basic needs: love and belonging, power, freedom, fun, and survival. These needs drive human behavior. The needs are general, universal, and innate....