Supervision & Practice
My counseling theoretical approach is an integration of the Adlerian and feminist perspectives, and therefore it seemed logical to work towards applying this perspective to my supervision style. Since beginning my work as a supervisor in 2007, I have been practicing from an integrated Feminist and Discrimination model framework; with some core philosophical components of Adlerian theory pertaining to purposeful behavior, belongingness, and emphasis on awareness through challenge.
Attention to the supervisee’s developmental process is a core component of both the Feminist and Discrimination models. Part of Feminist supervision is attending to the supervisee’s professional needs and comfort level appropriately (Worell and Remer, 2003). Therefore, assessment of supervisee skill level and understanding is continuously infused through the process. Societal issues and personal biases are also explored collaboratively during supervision. The Discrimination model addresses four areas of focus for supervisory need and development (Borders and Brown, 2005). Those areas are counseling performance skills, cognitive counseling skills, self awareness, and professional behaviors. Knowing where your supervisee lies within these four areas will help the supervisor determine what role is necessary within the supervisory relationship.
Within the role assumed by the supervisor, the four stages of Feminist supervision can be applied as outlined by Porter (1994). By doing this, the supervisor will be “assisting supervisees in developing culturally responsive therapy approaches that… include introducing a culturally sensitive, cross-cultural perspective, a socio-cultural framework and an analysis of oppression; exploring the supervisee's own biases, stereotypes, and racism; and including a collective, social-action perspective in healing” (p. 43).
When assuming as supervisory role, I make sure to address the supervisee focus area through the Feminist lens and using Feminist interventions. In essence, I attempt to apply the Discrimination Model in supervision from a Feminist foundation using some Adlerian techniques in order to facilitate this process. This unique approach is catered to my personal style in relationship to other professionals/supervisees and my beliefs about learning and professional identity development. If you are interested in licensure supervision, please contact me. For former students, I charge $80 per hour and for LPC's in Ohio with whom I am unfamiliar, I charge $160 per hour.
Clinical Practice and Consultation Service
In my Counseling Practice I attempt to create an empowering environment where clients feel safe to challenge themselves and feel encouraged to accept their own imperfections while embracing their strengths and accomplishments. I hope clients will feel as though they have space to discuss how they think about themselves, the relationships they have with the people in their life, and how they view their role in the world. I hope clients will utilize the counseling relationship to develop goals, engage in reflection about the beliefs and values that may influence the achievement of goals, and work towards attitudinal and behavioral change.
I work from an Adlerian-Feminist theoretical perspective. Having this perspective means that I believe people need to feel a sense of belongingness, purpose, and value in various areas of life (e.g., work, school, family) in order to be mentally healthy. I have worked in a variety of mental health outpatient and inpatient settings since 1999. Following the completion of my bachelor’s degree, I worked with families who had children at risk for placement into the custody of the state. I coordinated care with other mental health professionals, provided individual counsel to adolescents and children, assisted in parenting interventions, and managed mental health treatment in the home. Following the completion of my master’s degree, I worked as an inpatient expressive group counselor, adolescent substance abuse group counselor (Seven Challenges) and an in-home family counselor. As an in-home family counselor, I worked with foster families and the biological families of children placed into the custody of the state. I provided intensive mental health treatment for these families, ran adolescent substance abuse groups, parenting groups, and conducted family and individual counseling sessions. I also coordinated client care with other mental health professionals, state officials, and professionals associated with the court system. Following the completion of my doctorate, I supervised counselors who were training to become licensed practitioners. Currently, I provide workshops to train other counselors, supervise counselor interns, and provide individual/family counseling in the state of Ohio (E.1600038-SUPV). I specialize in the treatment of depression, anxiety, trauma, self-injurious behaviors, addressing family crisis, and family violence. If you are interested in TeleHealth counseling services, please contact me at Redshift80@yahoo.com or leave a message at 513-556-8462.
I currently practice in Cincinnati, OH. My practice is in no way affiliated with my role as an assistant professor at The University of Cincinnati. I primarily work with families, couples, groups, and adolescents/young adults. If you would like an appointment make sure to leave a voicemail when calling or e-mail me at: Redshift80@yahoo.com or amanda.laguardia@uc.edu.
My Consulting Practice focuses on providing supervised intervention and workshops to community agencies, professional organizations, and school districts. I provide workshops and training related to the following topics: Adolescent Non-Suicidal Self-Injury, Family Crisis and Trauma Interventions, Theoretical Practice and Technical Integration, Trauma-Related Groups Services, and Crisis Interventions. I have previously provided workshops for The Greater Cincinnati Counseling Association, and several organizations in Texas: Montgomery County Youth Services, Crosby ISD, Klein ISD, Rosenburg ISD, and Midland ISD. I have also given multiple workshops for the Permian Basin Counseling Association in Texas. If you would like to contact references associated with my consultation work, please e-mail me and I would be glad to provide you with information. I provide 1-hour, 3-hour, and 6-hour workshops at a reasonable hourly rate the includes fees for preparation and travel.
