Working with a Supervised Therapist or Colleague in Tampa, Florida

So, you’re looking for affordable QUALITY therapy options in TAMPA, FLORIDA…

WELL, YOU HAVE FOUND IT!! You know it would be helpful to see a therapist, but the typical private pay fees seem difficult to manage. You find a sliding scale therapy option and decide to schedule. It’s with a “supervised therapist”, and although you’re relieved to have finally taken the step toward the change you want, you feel a bit apprehensive.

What does it mean exactly to see a Supervised therapist or Registered intern?

Let me tell you!

Working with a supervised therapist means your counselor is currently under supervision to receive licensure as either a licensed mental health counselor, licensed professional counselor, licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed clinical social worker or licensed psychologist. In the Tampa Bay area and anywhere in Florida, our supervised therapists working with our SOUTH TAMPA THERAPY TEAM or ONLINE COUNSELING FLORIDA are graduates from very prestigious universities. Each therapist also has a unique passion or niche that he or she specializes in.

We know it can feel a bit uncertain to see a counselor “in training”, but there can be many benefits that may go unnoticed. We want to provide you the lowdown on what it actually means to see a supervised therapist.

Benefits to Working with a Supervised Counselor

Benefit #1: Reduced Rate Therapy

It goes with out saying- therapy can be pricey. It’s an investment, for sure. One that we believe is well worth the resources, however, everyone’s resources look a bit different.

In Tampa, many therapy centers are private pay, which means you likely are not using insurance to pay for therapy or have to use out of network benefits if you have them.

There is a lot that goes into consideration when setting the fee for therapy, like office rent, taxes (being self employed in South Tampa isn’t cheap), licensure maintenance, business insurance, CEU training needs etc. And, that’s not even mentioning being sure there is enough to take home to pay the family bills. The great thing about a supervised therapist is that they are not having to take as many of these factors into consideration yet, so they are able to offer reduced rate therapy for those seeking more affordable therapy options. At South Tampa Therapy, supervised interns sliding scale fees are between $50-$170 per session.

A supervised therapist is not running their own practice yet- that means a lower cost for you!

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Benefit #2: You Get the Expertise of Multiple Therapists

Ok, so sliding scale therapy is nice, but what’s the BENEFIT of working with a novice psychotherapist in Tampa, really?

When you are working with your supervised therapist, you are actually being supported by a LINEAGE of more seasoned therapists.

Every intern is actively engaged in multiple forms of supervision. Not only are they receiving weekly individual supervision with a psychology professor at school along with group supervision with a professor and fellow therapists-in-training, but they are also receiving weekly individual supervision from a seasoned therapist at the practice. And, here at South Tampa Therapy, supervisor Elizabeth Mahaney, is a Board Qualified Supervisor of mental health counselors, marriage and family therapist, and clinical social workers. Elizabeth Mahaney is also receiving her own consultation of supervision from other colleagues in the community. That’s a whole lot of therapist wisdom!

This is what the layers of support look like!

In supervision, your supervised therapist is receiving support and training on how to best serve your needs.

This breadth of consultation, which is all HIPPA compliant and confidential, of course, means you are firmly supported in your journey of growth and healing. During supervision and consultation all identifying information is held in confidence. So, although it may be just you and your therapist in the physical space together or virtual, your work is held and supported to the maximum. There is the foundation of knowledge, theories and interventions, the wrap around support of the clinical team and fellow therapists- in- training and the oversight and guidance of your therapist’s board qualified supervisors and consultants of supervisors.

Honestly, there is never really another time that a therapist has quite as much clinical support as they do during their SUPERVISED internship. It’s a truly unique and enriching experience for both intern and client.

LET'S GET STARTED!

Benefit #3: Beginner’s mind

Have you ever expressed a feeling or experience to your friend or family member or maybe even another therapist and felt like they weren’t even really interested in your lived experience of that feeling? Maybe they said something like, “Oh sure, I know what you mean” or “Yeah, I feel that way all the time” or just went into advice giving or problem solving and you’re left feeling unheard? What’s usually lacking in these scenarios is a sense of curiosity and beginner’s mind.

Beginner’s mind is a term that simply means attending to something as if you had no expectations of what it “should" be~ Attunement.

And, who would be better at beginner’s mind then a therapist-in-training?!

In therapy, being “green" comes in handy because it motivates the therapist to learn about a feeling or experience through your lived perspective. Once a therapist is able to understand how it feels through you, not only can they offer genuine validation, but also, they can add their fresh clinical knowledge to then create solutions collaboratively with you to assist in growth and change.

It’s a win-win… you are the expert of your own experience and the intern is implementing the expertise of clinical wisdom from graduate training, supervision and their own therapeutic intuition, fostering a creative atmosphere for problem solving, validation and healing.

I'M READY TO BEGIN

So, these sound great, but are there any down sides to working with a supervised therapist?

I actually don’t believe there are. Sure, a supervised therapist is not yet a specialist in psychotherapy yet, but when engaging fully in an internship experience, they are deeply supported and guided by a family of counseling experts, meaning you are too.

Is there a catch?

In the spirit of transparency, there are a few things to be aware of when working with supervised therapists. We don’t believe these are a “catch”, but they are a natural part of the process.

Sessions may randomly be requested to audio/ video record and/or be co-counseled by Elizabeth Mahaney (If… you consent to any of this). These recordings and co-counseling sessions are held to the utmost standards of confidentiality. The purpose of the recordings are for the supervisors to witness the work of your therapist and for the therapist-in-training to prepare and practice to better serve you. Usually the audio/video recording device is placed in an inconspicuous place, so as not to distract you or your therapist. You also sign a waiver for this, so you have full right to deny these recordings. At South Tampa Therapy, we require our interns to tape their sessions, so that we can ensure you are receiving the best care possible. Recordings are deleted immediately following review. Rest assured, you will NEVER be recorded without your full consent and knowledge.

At some point, your supervised therapist will successfully create a private practice of their own. Although a very exciting time, this usually means there may be a transition depending on the interns decision to continue supervision with South Tampa Therapy. You will be well aware of when any changes would happen, and if you are still interested in receiving therapy services, you will be given the choice of continuity of care with your therapist. You will not be left without a plan. At South Tampa Therapy, we start this plan for potential changes well in advance so as to have the least impact on you. There are so many options to work together. Let’s continue to find the best way to work with your needs.

We deeply value our supervision program at South Tampa Therapy.

I feel grateful to be able to provide a supportive space for supervised therapists to learn the meaningful work of therapy and also to be able to offer a reduced rate therapy option. We’re excited to have several interns on our South Tampa Therapy Team, offering sliding scale adjustable therapy fees in South Tampa and virtually in the state of Florida!

Contact us today to discuss if working with a supervised therapist would be a good fit for you!

Consult/ Triage/ Waitlist/ Discovery Call Form

Meet Our Supervised Team of Therapists

2022-2024:

Hailey Oliver, MA, MHCI

Hailey is dedicated to nurturing healthy relationships. With years of experience in the behavioral health field, Hailey blends empathy and compassion to lead individuals, couples and families towards positive communication and emotional well-being. Hailey embraces a person-centered therapeutic approach facilitating healing and growth for all ages, couples, and families.

IN-PERSON: Tues, Wed, Thur (425 S. Orleans Ave., Tampa, FL 33606)

VIRTUAL: Tues, Wed, Thur

Book with Hailey: 813-240-3237

https://SouthTampaTherapyBOOKAPPT.as.me/HaileyOliver

Consult/ Triage/ Waitlist/ Discovery Call Form

Ari Leal, MA, MPA, CMHCI

Ari integrates empathy, authenticity, and unconditional positive regard. He specializes in anxiety, depression, relationships, and trauma, empowering adults, couples, and minorities. He provides a nurturing space for personal growth, emphasizing reflection and self-awareness. He creates a respectful, safe, and confidential environment where individuals and couples can confront issues and pursue meaningful change using Pragmatic Psychodynamic, multicultural, innovative, evidence-based approaches. Ari Speaks: English, Spanish, Italian

IN-PERSON: M-F (425 S. Orleans Ave., Tampa, FL 33606)

VIRTUAL: M-F

Book with Ari: 813-240-3237

https://SouthTampaTherapyBOOKAPPT.as.me/AriLeal

Consult/ Triage/ Waitlist/ Discovery Call Form

Brianna Roskamp, MA, MHCI

Brianna is a compassionate therapist dedicated to guiding individuals, parents, children, teens, and families on their journey to well-being. In her counseling sessions, she creates a supportive and safe environment for exploration, self-discovery, and building resilience. Brianna's expertise spans diverse individuals of all ages, with a particular focus on parents or guardians navigating the complexities of child development, adopted persons, and those seeking support in the challenges of daily life.

With over a decade of experience in education, Brianna specializes in assisting families in navigating these unique challenges, placing a strong emphasis on improved communication and fostering a united front. Whether you're seeking support as an individual adult, a parent, or in prioritizing your child's development, her holistic approach aims to empower individuals and families to overcome obstacles and achieve a more fulfilling life. Brianna offers both in-person and virtual sessions.

IN-PERSON: Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun (425 S. Orleans Ave., Tampa, FL 33606)

VIRTUAL: Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun

Book with Brianna: 813-240-3237 https://SouthTampaTherapyBOOKAPPT.as.me/BriannaRoskamp

Consult/ Triage/ Waitlist/ Discovery Call Form