Posted July 16, 2025

Becoming a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) is a rewarding journey, but before you get there, one of the most critical decisions you’ll make is choosing the right Qualified Supervisor. This professional will shape your clinical voice, guide your development, and help you translate theory into real-world, ethical practice. But not all supervision is created equal.

If you're starting your internship in Florida or seeking a new supervisor to complete your hours, here's what to look for in a Qualified Supervisor who will help you grow into the well-rounded professional you aspire to be.

1. Experience That Aligns With Your Goals

Look for a supervisor who has solid clinical experience in the areas that interest you. Whether it's trauma, family therapy, immigration evaluations, substance use, or community mental health, your supervisor should offer practical insights and real-world strategies relevant to your desired path.

💡 At Breathe Counseling, our supervision is led by seasoned clinicians with 20+ years of experience across diverse settings—including private practice, agency work, and specialized evaluations.

2. Commitment to Ethical and Culturally Competent Practice

A good supervisor doesn't just teach you how to be a counselor—they teach you how to be an ethical, culturally responsive one. Make sure your supervisor values inclusion, advocacy, and sensitivity to diverse client needs.

3. Supportive, Structured, and Transparent Supervision

Your supervision should feel like a safe space for learning, asking questions, and even making mistakes. The best supervisors provide structure and guidance while empowering you to develop your own clinical style.

✔️ Clear goals
✔️ Consistent feedback
✔️ Case consultation
✔️ Tools to manage difficult sessions

4. Strong Communication and Mentorship Style

Choose a supervisor who communicates clearly and with compassion. You’ll want someone who challenges you constructively and celebrates your growth—not someone who just signs off your hours. Mentorship matters.

🧭 Ask about their supervision style, how they provide feedback, and how accessible they are outside of scheduled meetings.

5. A Supervisor Who Treats You Like a Professional

You’re not “just an intern” (you’re a future colleague). Look for a supervisor who respects your contributions, encourages autonomy, and helps you see your value in the mental health field.

6. Opportunities for Growth and Employment

Some supervisors offer more than just hours (they offer opportunities). Ask whether supervision comes with clinical opportunities, co-facilitation, case exposure, or even employment.

🚀 At Breathe Counseling & Consulting, supervision is part of your compensation when you join our team. We offer a nurturing environment where interns are treated as emerging professionals—and some even stay on to grow their private practice with us after licensure.

Ready to Start Your Supervision Journey?

At Breathe Counseling & Consulting, LLC, we believe in investing in the next generation of mental health professionals. As a proud alumna of Capella University, our founder, Glenny Trejos, LCMHC, QS, offers individualized supervision rooted in compassion, real-world experience, and your personal and professional development.

👉 Interested in joining us as a registered mental health counseling intern in Florida?

📞 Call: 305-519-7146
🌐 Visit: www.breathecounseling.us
📧 Email: [email protected]

Let’s grow your future—together.