Ethics in LPC Supervision: What New Texas Supervisors Need to Know

Stepping into the role of a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor in Texas is both an honor and a significant responsibility. Supervisors not only shape the next generation of counselors but also serve as ethical gatekeepers for the profession. For new supervisors, understanding the ethical landscape is essential to protect clients, support supervisees, and safeguard your own license.

Core Ethical Principles in Supervision

Ethics in LPC supervision is grounded in several foundational principles:

• Autonomy: Respect supervisees’ ability to make their own decisions, while providing guidance and support. Encourage independent thinking and professional development.

• Beneficence: Actively promote the well-being and competence of supervisees. This includes providing constructive feedback and learning opportunities.

• Nonmaleficence: Avoid causing harm to supervisees or their clients. Maintain professional boundaries and address any signs of impairment or incompetence promptly.

• Justice and Fidelity: Treat supervisees fairly, uphold commitments, and ensure transparency in all supervisory dealings.

Key Ethical Responsibilities for Supervisors

• Documentation and Remediation: Supervisors must maintain thorough records of supervision sessions and supervisee progress. If a supervisee struggles to meet professional standards, supervisors are required to implement and document a remediation plan before considering termination of supervision. This plan should include specific, measurable steps for improvement, such as targeted assignments or additional training.

• Boundary Management: Avoid dual relationships that could impair objectivity—such as supervising someone with whom you have a close personal or business relationship.

• Informed Consent: Ensure supervisees understand the scope and expectations of supervision, including confidentiality, evaluation criteria, and the process for addressing concerns.

• Financial Transparency: Be clear about supervision fees, payment arrangements, and business models. Ethical concerns can arise with prepaid packages or sliding fee scales, especially if a supervisee leaves before completing the package.

Teaching and Modeling Ethical Decision-Making

New supervisors should actively teach ethical decision-making models to their supervisees. One widely used approach is the Four-Step Ethical Decision-Making Model:

1. Identify the Problem: Clearly define the ethical dilemma, considering all relevant factors.

2. Apply Ethical Codes: Consult state and national codes of ethics to determine applicable standards.

3. Consider Stakeholders: Reflect on how various actions will impact all parties involved.

4. Implement and Evaluate: Make a decision, take action, and assess the outcome over time.

Modeling this process in supervision helps foster ethical competence and reduces liability for both supervisor and supervisee.

Common Pitfalls for New Supervisors

• Insufficient Documentation: Failing to document supervision sessions, remediation plans, or supervisee progress can lead to board complaints and legal issues.

• Blurring Roles: Supervisors who are also employers must be cautious not to confuse remediation (an educational process) with disciplinary actions (an employment matter), as this dual role can create ethical conflicts.

• Neglecting Ongoing Learning: Ethics is not static. Supervisors must stay informed about changes in laws, best practices, and cultural competence through continuing education and peer consultation.

Supervision in Texas is more than a regulatory requirement—it is a professional commitment to uphold the highest ethical standards in counseling. New LPC Supervisors must:

• Understand and apply core ethical principles.

• Maintain rigorous documentation and clear boundaries.

• Teach ethical decision-making and model professional conduct.

• Engage in continuous learning and seek support when facing complex ethical dilemmas.

By embracing these responsibilities, supervisors not only protect their licenses but also elevate the counseling profession for future generations.

For further guidance, consult the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors, ACA Code of Ethics, and seek out supervision-specific training and peer support networks to stay current and confident in your ethical practice.

…supervision matters!