The Directory’s foremost function is to facilitate the search for supervision. We’re set up to support both the supervisor and those seeking to fulfill supervision hours.
Today we feature our Founder, Dr. Amy Parks, a long-time LPC, Ph.D., and enthusiastic advocate for all things mental health and clinical supervision. Based in Virginia, she’s also a licensed school counselor, school psychologist, and clinical supervisor at Dominion Psychiatric Hospital about 20 minutes west of Washington, D.C. Her selfless devotion inspires many and transcends our field through her creation of the CSD, a platform designed to promote supervision, collaboration, and clinical techniques that lead to effective treatment for patients all across the country.
She’s an ambitious businesswoman keen on building connections among mental health professionals and soon-to-be therapists. She explains that the supervision environment should be, “a safe place to express yourself and to share your concerns, thoughts, and feelings…and a space to allow for the unexpected to emerge.” Supervision is an ongoing, communicative process where trainees feel accomplished and move in the right direction toward growth and success.
When she’s not operating her own group practice, counseling young children, adolescents, and families, and supervising the next generation of clinical therapists, Amy participates in industry podcasts, gives informative interviews, and conducts seminars and workshops to benefit the future of mental health treatment.
Find Dr. Amy on Instagram (@wisefamilies) and follow the CSD for industry updates, media buzz, professional
podcasts, Continuing Education courses, and tips and tools to find a supervisor, fulfill state-specific requirements, and get licensed to practice quickly and effectively!
While much of the rise in mental health illness revolves around the younger generation facing anxiety, depression, addiction, and social bullying, older adults are dealing with their own health, behavioral, and social challenges. Awareness and acceptance to seek professional help are growing, but many adults often go untreated and feel misinformed, past the age to find healing, and reluctant to dive into therapy.
According to this article and the World Health Organization, 15% of adults 60 and older have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder. Those that live in assisted-living settings and long-term healthcare facilities tend to suffer more than
those living on their own within a comfortable community. The older population is often more dependent, pessimistic, and vulnerable; therefore, it’s vital that mental health providers pay attention to this sector and offer advice and techniques that support resilience and reinforce the ability to make positive changes to their lifestyle and mindset.
Parents will do anything to ensure the safety and well-being of their children. And as time evolves, this generation will be tasked to care for and support the elderly as well as the youth. No matter their age or circumstance, our loved ones deserve a fair shake and professional treatment if they opt for it. Caregivers and counselors should be commended for helping those who struggle with mental health, happiness, and securing a network of friends, family, and health providers they trust and respect.
If you’re licensed and practicing in today’s environment, be proud of your work and the patients you’re healing.
And while our industry is action-packed, it’s important to practice self-care and a work/life balance. How do you manage your week-to-week workflow? When do
you find time to conduct supervision in addition to your 9-5 responsibilities?
Supervision has rewarding results that sometimes lead to lifelong relationships. It’s more than a full-time job and we salute the supervisors helping to bridge the gap between therapist and patient.
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