Clinical Supervision for Licensure Candidates with Megan Garza
The path to therapist licensure can be daunting, but congratulations for making it to this part in the journey! Hopefully I can pass along some points of wisdom that I learned along the way that might make your journey a little easier.
In Missouri, LMFT's can supervise MFT candidates for licensure as well as providing general clinical supervision for staff, interns, and students. Potential supervisees from other states and licenses should check with their licensure board to see if an MFT supervisor is acceptable for their training. I am only available to supervise individuals in Missouri, the state in which I am licensed.
MFT Licensure Supervision & Consultation
I am available to provide clinical supervision for MFT licensure candidates as an AAMFT Approved Supervisor. I can provide clinical supervision for licensure candidates and those wishing to gain knowledge of marriage and family therapy or treatment from a Systems perspective. As a certified Trauma Care Supervisor, I am specially trained at supervising trauma related client work and can provide supervision and consultation around treating these concerns. Both group and individual supervision formats are available. Distance learning methods via telehealth are also available. I can contract with external sites for paid supervision (either by you or by the site) if you are w-2 employee. In some cases, opportunities for w-2 employment and supervision may be available at Healing Reflections Therapy on a limited basis. Interested candidates should send in a CV/resume along with their request for an interview.
MFT Graduate Student Intern supervision
I am available as a site supervisor for MFT graduate students/Interns on a limited basis if they are doing an internship at our site, but not external sites. Training spots are limited. Supervision is provided free of cost. Interested candidates should send in a CV/resume and program requirements along with their request for an interview.
MFT Supervision Mentorship
I may be available for supervision mentorship, for MFTs who wish to become an AAMFT approved supervisor. There is a two year minimum training process for MFTs who wish to become fully AAMFT accredited and Missouri board Approved Supervisors which includes coursework, written work, and supervision mentoring. Note: This is a much more stringent supervision process than comparative licenses and ideally affords the supervisor with more training and skills going into the supervision process. This is an extensive training process and requires multiple steps and preparation to train. You can find info here. https://www.aamft.org/AAMFT/Membership/Approved_Supervisors/Supervision/Supervision.aspx?hkey=79f01af6-6412-4eb5-9d75-9909aca18b1a
Fees
My fee for Licensure Supervisees (SMFT or PLMFT) is $75/hour
or $70/ 2 hours for group Supervision currently held every other Thursday from 1-3pm.
Contact me for Consultation fees
HOURS
I currently have afternoon & evening hours available for supervision
Supervision Style
With me as your supervisor, the goal of supervision will be to help provide the supervisee with a safe place to share information in a collaborative process; to enhance and develop your skills as a clinician; to help integrate theory with clinical practice, ethics, technical skills, and personal warmth/genuineness, as well as to increase your feelings of competence as a Marriage and Family Therapist. My supervisees can expect that I will provide clear structure and boundaries, but also the flexibility to discuss any concerns that arise within the relationship to best meet their needs. I emphasize a balance of case discussion, legal and ethical discussion, self-care, and processing self-of therapist concerns as it relates to clinical and professional development. I genuinely enjoy the opportunity to train and share in our collective knowledge of the field.
In general, the Humanistic orientation I use with clients is similar to that which I use with Supervisees, emphasizing genuineness, empathy, and warmth. With regard to treatment methods, I tend to value the skills and tools utilized with evidenced-based therapies (Socratic questioning, thought records, coping skills cards) and encourage use of modeling and role playing such techniques. When conceptualizing cases, I feel it is important to examine the generational transmission of beliefs and experiences, which may be aided by use of genograms or family maps. I also believe in the benefits of a client centered approach to therapy as opposed to a one-size-fits-all method, and likewise encourage flexibility and adaptability within the supervisees approach. It is my belief that by fostering independent thinking appropriate to the level of clinical development of the therapist, the supervisee is allowed to develop his/her own sense of therapeutic style as well as gain competence in their own skills. My hope is to train good, knowledgeable, and ethical clinicians that can serve our clients and our field in the best way it was intended.
I've provided a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the road to licensure below. Be sure to check with the board for changes and other steps.
Important Steps to getting licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in Missouri (or similar):
In Missouri, LMFT's can supervise MFT candidates for licensure as well as providing general clinical supervision for staff, interns, and students. Potential supervisees from other states and licenses should check with their licensure board to see if an MFT supervisor is acceptable for their training. I am only available to supervise individuals in Missouri, the state in which I am licensed.
MFT Licensure Supervision & Consultation
I am available to provide clinical supervision for MFT licensure candidates as an AAMFT Approved Supervisor. I can provide clinical supervision for licensure candidates and those wishing to gain knowledge of marriage and family therapy or treatment from a Systems perspective. As a certified Trauma Care Supervisor, I am specially trained at supervising trauma related client work and can provide supervision and consultation around treating these concerns. Both group and individual supervision formats are available. Distance learning methods via telehealth are also available. I can contract with external sites for paid supervision (either by you or by the site) if you are w-2 employee. In some cases, opportunities for w-2 employment and supervision may be available at Healing Reflections Therapy on a limited basis. Interested candidates should send in a CV/resume along with their request for an interview.
MFT Graduate Student Intern supervision
I am available as a site supervisor for MFT graduate students/Interns on a limited basis if they are doing an internship at our site, but not external sites. Training spots are limited. Supervision is provided free of cost. Interested candidates should send in a CV/resume and program requirements along with their request for an interview.
MFT Supervision Mentorship
I may be available for supervision mentorship, for MFTs who wish to become an AAMFT approved supervisor. There is a two year minimum training process for MFTs who wish to become fully AAMFT accredited and Missouri board Approved Supervisors which includes coursework, written work, and supervision mentoring. Note: This is a much more stringent supervision process than comparative licenses and ideally affords the supervisor with more training and skills going into the supervision process. This is an extensive training process and requires multiple steps and preparation to train. You can find info here. https://www.aamft.org/AAMFT/Membership/Approved_Supervisors/Supervision/Supervision.aspx?hkey=79f01af6-6412-4eb5-9d75-9909aca18b1a
Fees
My fee for Licensure Supervisees (SMFT or PLMFT) is $75/hour
or $70/ 2 hours for group Supervision currently held every other Thursday from 1-3pm.
Contact me for Consultation fees
HOURS
I currently have afternoon & evening hours available for supervision
Supervision Style
With me as your supervisor, the goal of supervision will be to help provide the supervisee with a safe place to share information in a collaborative process; to enhance and develop your skills as a clinician; to help integrate theory with clinical practice, ethics, technical skills, and personal warmth/genuineness, as well as to increase your feelings of competence as a Marriage and Family Therapist. My supervisees can expect that I will provide clear structure and boundaries, but also the flexibility to discuss any concerns that arise within the relationship to best meet their needs. I emphasize a balance of case discussion, legal and ethical discussion, self-care, and processing self-of therapist concerns as it relates to clinical and professional development. I genuinely enjoy the opportunity to train and share in our collective knowledge of the field.
In general, the Humanistic orientation I use with clients is similar to that which I use with Supervisees, emphasizing genuineness, empathy, and warmth. With regard to treatment methods, I tend to value the skills and tools utilized with evidenced-based therapies (Socratic questioning, thought records, coping skills cards) and encourage use of modeling and role playing such techniques. When conceptualizing cases, I feel it is important to examine the generational transmission of beliefs and experiences, which may be aided by use of genograms or family maps. I also believe in the benefits of a client centered approach to therapy as opposed to a one-size-fits-all method, and likewise encourage flexibility and adaptability within the supervisees approach. It is my belief that by fostering independent thinking appropriate to the level of clinical development of the therapist, the supervisee is allowed to develop his/her own sense of therapeutic style as well as gain competence in their own skills. My hope is to train good, knowledgeable, and ethical clinicians that can serve our clients and our field in the best way it was intended.
I've provided a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the road to licensure below. Be sure to check with the board for changes and other steps.
Important Steps to getting licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in Missouri (or similar):
- Start your Research here to understand the licensure process: Missouri Division of Professional Registration http://pr.mo.gov/marital-related-links.asp
- Complete all Required Graduate Coursework
- Join Your National Board: American Association for Marriage and Family Therapists www.aamft.org
- Join your Local Board: Missouri Association of Marriage and Family Therapists http://www.moamft.org/
- Check out your State Licensure Requirements: Missouri State Committee of Marriage and Family Therapists Licensure Regulations http://www.sos.mo.gov/
- Study for your Licensure Exam: Study courses and materials can be found here http://www.mftlicense.com/main/default.aspx
- Take the Exam: $295 AAMFT Regulatory Boards for National MFT Exam http://www.amftrb.org/
- Complete your background check: $44.80 http://pr.mo.gov/boards/marital/applicationinstructions.pdf
- Research supervision requirements: Responsibilities and Guidelines for AAMFT Approved Supervisors and Supervisors Candidates http://www.aamft.org/imis15/Content/Supervision/Responsibilities.aspx
- Find a Clinical Supervisor http://www.moamft.org/approved-supervisors/
- Apply for Supervisor Approval: http://pr.mo.gov/boards/marital/supervisorcredentialverificationform.pdf
- Complete a Supervision contract http://www.aamft.org/imis15/Documents/Sample_Supervision_Contract.pdf
- Register your supervisor: Missouri Division of Professional Registration http://pr.mo.gov/boards/marital/registrationofsupervisionform.pdf
- Purchase Liability Insurance prior to seeing clients, discounts are available for AAMFT members https://www.cphins.com/
- Complete the 3000 hours of Supervised experience (1500 direct client contact, 1500 indirect)
- Apply for State Licensure: $100 (may also be done prior to completion of hours when registering supervision) http://pr.mo.gov/boards/marital/applicationforlicensure.pdf
- Complete Verification of Supervision form after 3000 hours are completed and send into your Board within 30 days of end of supervision: http://pr.mo.gov/boards/marital/verficiationofsupervisionform.
Licensure Comparison Chart for Missouri
FAQS
Q:I am interested in seeking supervision with you, what is the next step?
A: I ask that anyone interested in pursuing internship or supervision opportunities send me their CV/Resume. I would require that you be employed in a W2 position and not be listed as an independent contractor (which the department of labor views as independent practice). If you are not living in the St. Louis region, I ask that you attempt to contact any local supervisors first prior to connecting with me. If appropriate, we would set up an interview to guarantee a good fit for us both.
Q: Can MFTs see individuals?
A: Yes, a majority of the work that many of us do is working with individuals, but we have a "systems perspective" for understanding the individual, meaning that when trying to understand someone, we take into consideration the influence of their family-of-origin and previous generations. Unlike other licenses, we are also specially trained in working with couples and families.
Q: Are there any MFT programs in the St. Louis area?
A: Yes, St. Louis University has a medical MFT degree program
Q: Are there limitations to being an MFT in Missouri, I have not heard much about it?
A: In many other states the MFT license is more predominant in the counseling field, however in Missouri the LCSW and LPC license are more well established. MFT's are now able to accept to medicaid in Missouri which was previously a hindrance.
Q: Are there advantages to being an LMFT?
A: In addition to specialized training with families, the LMFT has flexibility with being able to work with individuals, couple's, or families, and has the knowledge and expertise to work competently with them all. Places like the VA are recognizing the special skills inherent in the degree and are specifically recruiting MFTs to work with military personnel. The MFT license is also available in almost all US states, so if you move your license is very likely transferable with little difficulty. By contrast, some have argued the LPC license is more geographically restricted. MFTs are also legally permitted to diagnose mental health concerns and have it permissible in court.
Q: I moved from a state with mostly MFTs to Missouri, should I get my LPC or my LMFT?
A: Either degree will allow you to do counseling. If you came from am MFT degree program, you may have to take a career counseling course in Missouri to meet the licensure requirements for LPCs if you have not already taken one. The LPC degree may give you more flexibility with employers and it is more recognizable in Missouri. By contrast, if you are going to move to another state, the LPC license may be limiting and non-transferable. The LMFT license will grant you more recognition in your ability to work with kids and families. The median income for MFTs across the US is slightly higher than LCSWs or LPCs.
Q: I get supervision from my agency supervisor who is not an MFT, can I count those hours of supervision?
A: It is always good to double check with the MO MFT regulatory board to be sure, but generally if you have not registered a supervisor with the state, hours accrued while working with them cannot count toward your supervision hours for licensure. This may mean that you can be receiving supervision at your agency (LCSW, LPC, Ph.D) and supervision from an outside registered MFT supervisor, but only the supervision hours accrued from the registered supervisor will count toward licensure without getting extra permission from your state board. Sometimes the board will approve non-MFTs to provide licensure supervision so long as they have a background and coursework in MFT and are approved as a registered supervisor by them. Any questions about what is allowed and not allowed should be directed to your state regulatory board.
Q: How long will it take to get my supervision hours for licensure?
A: This varies by how long you have already been registered or have been accruing hours for supervision, how frequently you are meeting with your supervisor, and if you have changed sites. In general, it will take a minimum of weekly meetings for 2 years or 200 hours of supervision (group or individual) with a supervisor. Specific questions about your requirements should be directed to you regulatory board.
Q: I want to change Licensure Supervisors, is there anything I need to do?
A: It is always good to have a conversation with your current supervisor about your concerns and thoughts about changing supervisors, prior to making any changes, similar to how we would encourage a client to have a discussion about concerns with their therapist. Once the decision has been made to change supervisors and a new supervisor has been secured, the supervisee and supervisor must submit a Change in Supervision form to the Board. If the Supervisor has never been approved, the supervisor may have to apply to be an approved supervisor. Make sure you are familiar with the AAMFT and MO state requirements for supervision. There is a fee associated with a change of supervision to the State Board. It may take several months for your application for change of supervisor and/or site to be reviewed by the board, depending on how frequently they are meeting, but it is very important to be proactive, keep copies of everything you send in, document your conversations, keep everything the board sends you, and do not be shy about calling and asking questions. You do not want to get stuck too far down the process after paying for supervision or accruing hours and then discover your supervisor was not approved by the board. You will know when your supervisor is approved, because you will receive a formal letter from the state approving your start of supervision and your supervisor.
Q: Do you participate in student interviews?
A: I regularly get contacted by students as part of their coursework or research who are planning to become counselors. I often try to accommodate them, but I expect students to plan ahead for the interview and meet in person to practice your interviewing skills, whenever possible.
A: I ask that anyone interested in pursuing internship or supervision opportunities send me their CV/Resume. I would require that you be employed in a W2 position and not be listed as an independent contractor (which the department of labor views as independent practice). If you are not living in the St. Louis region, I ask that you attempt to contact any local supervisors first prior to connecting with me. If appropriate, we would set up an interview to guarantee a good fit for us both.
Q: Can MFTs see individuals?
A: Yes, a majority of the work that many of us do is working with individuals, but we have a "systems perspective" for understanding the individual, meaning that when trying to understand someone, we take into consideration the influence of their family-of-origin and previous generations. Unlike other licenses, we are also specially trained in working with couples and families.
Q: Are there any MFT programs in the St. Louis area?
A: Yes, St. Louis University has a medical MFT degree program
Q: Are there limitations to being an MFT in Missouri, I have not heard much about it?
A: In many other states the MFT license is more predominant in the counseling field, however in Missouri the LCSW and LPC license are more well established. MFT's are now able to accept to medicaid in Missouri which was previously a hindrance.
Q: Are there advantages to being an LMFT?
A: In addition to specialized training with families, the LMFT has flexibility with being able to work with individuals, couple's, or families, and has the knowledge and expertise to work competently with them all. Places like the VA are recognizing the special skills inherent in the degree and are specifically recruiting MFTs to work with military personnel. The MFT license is also available in almost all US states, so if you move your license is very likely transferable with little difficulty. By contrast, some have argued the LPC license is more geographically restricted. MFTs are also legally permitted to diagnose mental health concerns and have it permissible in court.
Q: I moved from a state with mostly MFTs to Missouri, should I get my LPC or my LMFT?
A: Either degree will allow you to do counseling. If you came from am MFT degree program, you may have to take a career counseling course in Missouri to meet the licensure requirements for LPCs if you have not already taken one. The LPC degree may give you more flexibility with employers and it is more recognizable in Missouri. By contrast, if you are going to move to another state, the LPC license may be limiting and non-transferable. The LMFT license will grant you more recognition in your ability to work with kids and families. The median income for MFTs across the US is slightly higher than LCSWs or LPCs.
Q: I get supervision from my agency supervisor who is not an MFT, can I count those hours of supervision?
A: It is always good to double check with the MO MFT regulatory board to be sure, but generally if you have not registered a supervisor with the state, hours accrued while working with them cannot count toward your supervision hours for licensure. This may mean that you can be receiving supervision at your agency (LCSW, LPC, Ph.D) and supervision from an outside registered MFT supervisor, but only the supervision hours accrued from the registered supervisor will count toward licensure without getting extra permission from your state board. Sometimes the board will approve non-MFTs to provide licensure supervision so long as they have a background and coursework in MFT and are approved as a registered supervisor by them. Any questions about what is allowed and not allowed should be directed to your state regulatory board.
Q: How long will it take to get my supervision hours for licensure?
A: This varies by how long you have already been registered or have been accruing hours for supervision, how frequently you are meeting with your supervisor, and if you have changed sites. In general, it will take a minimum of weekly meetings for 2 years or 200 hours of supervision (group or individual) with a supervisor. Specific questions about your requirements should be directed to you regulatory board.
Q: I want to change Licensure Supervisors, is there anything I need to do?
A: It is always good to have a conversation with your current supervisor about your concerns and thoughts about changing supervisors, prior to making any changes, similar to how we would encourage a client to have a discussion about concerns with their therapist. Once the decision has been made to change supervisors and a new supervisor has been secured, the supervisee and supervisor must submit a Change in Supervision form to the Board. If the Supervisor has never been approved, the supervisor may have to apply to be an approved supervisor. Make sure you are familiar with the AAMFT and MO state requirements for supervision. There is a fee associated with a change of supervision to the State Board. It may take several months for your application for change of supervisor and/or site to be reviewed by the board, depending on how frequently they are meeting, but it is very important to be proactive, keep copies of everything you send in, document your conversations, keep everything the board sends you, and do not be shy about calling and asking questions. You do not want to get stuck too far down the process after paying for supervision or accruing hours and then discover your supervisor was not approved by the board. You will know when your supervisor is approved, because you will receive a formal letter from the state approving your start of supervision and your supervisor.
Q: Do you participate in student interviews?
A: I regularly get contacted by students as part of their coursework or research who are planning to become counselors. I often try to accommodate them, but I expect students to plan ahead for the interview and meet in person to practice your interviewing skills, whenever possible.
