Philippine E-Journals

Counseling Supervision for Counselor Development in Malaysia

Rafidah Aga Mohd Jaladin | Noh Amit | Melati Sumari

Discipline: Social Science

 

Abstract:

A mounting body of research confirms the clinical wisdom that supervision is a critical component of counselor development. Recent supervision research has unraveled some of the important elements of supervision that can contribute to the effectiveness of and satisfaction with counseling supervision. The process and characteristics of counseling supervision have been extensively studied in the western countries and many theoretical approaches and models of supervision have been developed. Notwithstanding the broad acceptance of supervision, there has been little empirical investigation in the local context that explores this topic. This lack of normative information makes it difficult for Malaysia to develop its own model of counseling supervision that is agreed upon by most institutions. Encouraging news for the supervisors is that the Malaysian Board of Counselors or Lembaga Kaunselor Malaysia has taken the initial step in training supervisors suggesting an awareness of the importance of quality supervision. This paper draws on recent literature to illustrate the need for quality research in counseling supervision to contribute to counselor development. Some issues and challenges in developing the Malaysian model of supervision are also discussed. Suggestions for future research are also presented to tie-up the whole discussion.