How to Choose an LCSW Supervisor in Texas (Questions to Ask)

Written By Brandi Washington

Becoming an LCSW in Texas is a whole growth season. You’re learning who you are as a clinician, navigating systems, and trying not to lose yourself in the process. The supervisor you choose will shape not just your hours—but your confidence, your boundaries, and your voice as a social worker.

So let’s talk about how to choose the right LCSW Supervisor in Texas… and what to ask before you commit.

1. Ask About Their Supervision Style (Because Fit Matters)

Supervision is both a relationship and a safeguard, so you need to know how this person actually shows up.

Ask:

  • “How would you describe your supervision style?”

  • “What do you see as the primary purpose of supervision?”

  • “How do you give feedback, especially when something needs to change?”

  • “What does a typical supervision session with you look like?”

Listen for: clarity + warmth, some kind of structure (agenda, templates, framework), and space for reflection on feelings, identity, and values—not just productivity and paperwork. You’re looking for a mix of coach, consultant, and ethical anchor, not just a signature.

2. Clarify Expectations: Frequency, Format, and Boundaries

Supervision without clear expectations is a recipe for frustration.

Ask:

  • “How often do we meet, and is it individual, group, virtual, in-person?”

  • “What’s your policy on cancellations or rescheduling?”

  • “When and how can I contact you between sessions for quick consults or risk questions?”

  • “What do you expect from me in terms of prep or documentation?”

Healthy supervision has clear attendance policies, respects both of your time, names communication boundaries, and offers predictable structure. You’re not just learning therapy, you’re learning how to function ethically and sustainably.

3. Explore Their Clinical Lens & Populations

You don’t need a twin, but you do want someone who understands your world.

Ask:

  • “What populations do you have the most experience with?”

  • “What approaches do you lean on (CBT, EMDR, ACT, DBT, play therapy, etc.)?”

  • “Have you supervised clinicians in settings like mine?”

  • “What do you do when a supervisee’s population or setting is outside your expertise?”

You’re not just collecting hours—you’re building a toolbox and a clinical identity. Alignment here makes supervision much more useful.

4. Talk About Risk, Ethics, and the “Scary Stuff”

One of supervision’s biggest jobs is helping you handle risk and ethics without feeling like you’re free-falling.

Ask:

  • “How do you support supervisees with high-risk cases (suicidality, self-harm, abuse, duty to warn/report)?”

  • “How do you approach ethical gray areas?”

  • “What’s your stance on documentation for risk and safety planning?”

You want someone who takes risk seriously, helps you build scripts and documentation habits, keeps you in scope, and makes it safe to say, “I’m not sure.” School teaches theory; supervision helps you sleep at night.

5. How Do They Support You as a Human?

You’re not a note robot. You’re a human in complex systems.

Ask:

  • “How do you bring in burnout, boundaries, and vicarious trauma?”

  • “What’s your view on work–life balance and sustainable caseloads?”

  • “How do you respond when supervisees feel overwhelmed or discouraged?”

Look for someone who normalizes imposter syndrome, stuck points, and the emotional impact of this work—and who values rest and boundaries as much as productivity.

6. Fees, Contracts, and Logistics

Money and logistics are part of ethical practice.

Ask:

  • “What is your fee structure for individual and/or group supervision?”

  • “Do you use a written supervision contract? Can I review it before committing?”

  • “When is payment due, and how do you handle job changes, leave, or pausing supervision?”

A professional supervisor has a clear contract, transparent fees, and simple, respectful policies. Asking these questions is you practicing the same clarity you’ll offer your own clients.

7. Check In With Your Nervous System

After the consult, pause and notice:

  • Did I feel heard or rushed?

  • Did they answer my questions clearly?

  • Did I feel shamed or minimized—or respected and grounded?

  • Do I feel more hopeful or more confused?

Your body often knows before your brain catches up. You deserve supervision where you feel respected, supported, and challenged in a healthy, sustainable way.

If you’re an LMSW in Texas working toward your LCSW and you’re craving supervision that’s structured, kind, and practical, this is the heart of my work now.

My supervision style is:

  • Ethics-forward and realistic – we talk about what the Code says and what your agency expects, and we find grounded ways to navigate both.

  • Growth-oriented – we make clear goals, track your progress, and support your growth in clinical skill, confidence, and professional identity.

  • Trauma-aware and human – we name burnout, boundaries, values, and the emotional weight of this work.

We’ll look at your cases, your documentation, your decision-making, and your whole self as a clinician—and ask, “How do we grow from here?”

If you’d like to explore LCSW supervision with me, and we’ll see if we’re a good fit for your blooming season, click below and let’s plan a time to meet!

Brandi Washington