A descriptive exploration of practicum supervision in Jamaica.

摘要

A marked increase in the number counseling programs in Jamaica and the concomitant need for practicum supervision warrants an exploration of the practice of supervision within the context. Besides, the multicultural literature within counseling supervision focuses predominantly on diverse identities within the United States and other developed societies. Thus, there is the need for research on the practice of supervision in a context of a small developing society where the strategies and models utilized originate externally. The exploratory mixed methods study examined the current state of the practice of practicum supervision in the four master's-level counseling programs in Jamaica. A descriptive survey provided information on the supervisors' (a) demographic characteristics, (b) professional development, (c) conceptualization of supervision, and (d) practice of supervision. The supervisors' perceived requirements for further development of counseling supervision in Jamaica were also explored. Further, phenomenological qualitative explorations focused on five counseling supervisors' experiences and perceptions of the practice and needs of practicum supervision in Jamaica. The study provides important data with respect to the practice of supervision and the requirement for its development in the context of a small developing society. Congruent with the findings, the researcher made recommendations for enhancing the practice of supervision in Jamaica. Suggestions for training and development and direction for further research were also provided.