Jill Thorngren, PHD, LCPC, MFT

Working with counselors-in-training at both the pre- and post- graduate stages is one of the most rewarding aspects of my professional life. We need as many unique counselors as there are unique clients and I love helping you identify and strengthen what you will offer to the counseling profession.  We can embrace your inner Carl Rogers, Alfred Adler, Virginia Satir, Murray Bowen, or even Sigmund Freud, but it’s your best therapeutic self that is most needed today. 

In ‘jargony’ terms, I use a blend of the Discrimination and Developmental Models of Supervision*.  The Discrimination Model focuses on what is happening between counselor and client in relation to process, conceptualization, and personalization. No matter what theory or approach you are using, these Big Three are in play and as a supervisor, I can help you work through them and use them to strengthen your therapeutic alliance. The Developmental Model emphasizes the stages we each go through in our process of becoming counselors. Within this model, we’ll focus on motivation, self/other awareness,  and autonomy  at the beginning, intermediate, advanced, and integrated levels of counselor development. These, by the way, are not necessarily linear…when we take on new challenges or dive into new areas, our beginning and intermediate selves pop right back up…supervision is an ongoing process!

My training and background include a PhD in Counseling and Counselor Education and 25+ (gulp) years of experience in teaching, supervision, clinical practice, and leadership. While I specialize in the application of Family Systems Theory, I have taught and integrated theoretical approaches across the board from psychodynamic to Cognitive Behavioral, from Narrative Therapy to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I can help you draw from the theoretical approach(es) of your choice and help you make them uniquely your own. 

In more personal terms, I pride myself on both challenging and supporting supervisees. We don’t learn if we aren’t appropriately challenged, and at the same time, learning is a vulnerable process. A supportive environment is key to success. Also, we must have fun! We give a lot of ourselves as counselors, and we face (and  hold space for) a lot of serious challenges. We also have to find time to connect with the less serious sides of life as well.