Mentorship and Supervision: Compare the similarities and differences between mentorship and supervision. 

In counseling, mentorship, and supervision, both help support growth, but they feel different in practice. Supervision is more structured and required, focusing on clinical skills, ethical practice, and making sure clients are receiving appropriate care. It often includes feedback and evaluation. Mentorship, on the other hand, feels more personal and supportive. A mentor provides encouragement, shares their experiences, and helps guide long-term professional and personal development. While a supervisor helps me become competent and accountable as a counselor, a mentor helps me feel more confident and understood. Both are important, but mentorship feels more relational, while supervision is more focused on responsibility and clinical growth.

Mentorship Characteristics and Skills: Discuss the characteristics and skills important for selecting a professional mentor (e.g., experience/professional background, mentorship style, availability).

When I think about choosing a professional mentor in counseling, I realize how important it is to find someone who really fits both my goals and personality. I would want a mentor who has experience in the area I’m interested in, so their advice actually feels relevant to what I hope to do in the future. Their mentorship style also matters a lot to me. I’d look for someone who is kind, supportive, and easy to talk to, but also honest and willing to challenge me to grow. I think feeling comfortable is really important. Lastly, availability is a big factor, because I’d want someone who can consistently check in and be present. Overall, I’d want a mentor who feels genuinely invested in helping me grow as a counselor.

Professional Mentor Support Goals: Describe the goals (SMART) the CIT aims to achieve with professional mentor’s support.

As a counselor-in-training (CIT), my goals with a professional mentor would follow the SMART format so they feel clear and realistic. One goal is to improve my confidence in clinical skills by challenging clients in each session each week over the next two months. Another goal is to strengthen my use of therapeutic techniques, like active listening and reflection, by asking for feedback from my mentor after each session. I also want to work on managing my self-doubt by checking in with my mentor biweekly about my growth. Overall, having a mentor helps keep my goals focused, supported, and meaningful to my development.