Although not a stand-alone text, this book supplements course texts, lectures, and class practice sessions. It provides what texts can't.

Instructors need not only a scholarly text, but something that provides the fundamentals of in vivo clinical practice and clinical supervision as well. What must students know about the reality of counseling, therapy, and psychotherapy? What is a competent supervisee? What is a competent supervisor? It's not a full catalog, but it's enough for a "practitioner profile” to transition students into the field in a straightforward and convenient package.

Most CACREP-accredited graduate programs are roughly 60 credits. While those with master's degrees are more likely than those with doctorates to be supervisors, supervision is not required in the plan of study. The primary reason is that additional courses may tip an already burdened curriculum. This book doesn't enter this debate, but it does provide the basics so supervisees and supervisors can meet the spirit and material demands of their roles. It also provides helpful samples to illustrate what students learn during the first field experience – how the field diverges from the classroom.