Research & Publications
Advancing Clinical Supervision Through Research
At From Spark to Fire Counseling & Supervision, we believe that effective clinical supervision is foundational to developing confident, competent, and ethical mental health professionals.
Dr. Jaime Telfeyan earned her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of the Cumberlands. Her doctoral research reflects her commitment to improving the supervisory experience for counselors-in-training and supporting their professional growth.
Published Doctoral Dissertation
A Grounded Theory Study: What Clinical Directors Who Teach in CACREP-Accredited Counseling Programs Recommend for Counselors-in-Training Seeking Supervision
Jaime Fern Telfeyan, Ph.D. | University of the Cumberlands | 2023
Published through ProQuest in 2025.
About the Research
Dr. Telfeyan’s qualitative grounded theory study explored how counselors-in-training can make informed decisions when selecting a clinical supervisor and establishing a successful supervisory relationship.
Through interviews with 10 clinical directors who teach in CACREP-accredited counseling programs, the research examined the factors that contribute to effective supervision, professional development, and positive supervisory experiences.
The study identified several interconnected elements of successful clinical supervision, including:
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The Supervisory Relationship: Establishing a strong, supportive professional connection between supervisor and supervisee that provides the foundation for effective supervision.
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Counselor Identity: Supporting developing counselors as they build confidence, competence, self-awareness, and their unique professional identities.
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Pragmatics (Nuts & Bolts): Understanding the practical aspects of supervision, including expectations, responsibilities, supervision agreements, fees, and professional requirements.
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Open Communication: Creating an environment that encourages honest dialogue, transparency, and the ability to discuss questions, challenges, and concerns.
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Honest & Formative Feedback: Providing constructive, meaningful feedback that supports learning, self-reflection, and continued professional development.
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Foundational Skills: Strengthening essential counseling skills and developing the clinical competencies necessary for ethical and effective practice.
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Scope of Knowledge: Recognizing the importance of a supervisor’s clinical knowledge, experience, and ability to support a counselor’s professional development.
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Theoretical Orientation: Understanding how theoretical perspectives influence clinical practice and supervision while considering the importance of compatibility and professional growth.
The research also examined harmful and inadequate supervision, highlighting the importance of ethical practices, professional accountability, and selecting a supervisor who is genuinely invested in the counselor’s development.
The Flower of Successful Supervision
One of the central contributions of Dr. Telfeyan’s research is the Flower of Successful Supervision, an original grounded theory framework illustrating the interconnected elements of a successful supervisory experience.
The framework places the supervisory relationship at its center, emphasizing its importance as the foundation of effective supervision. Each surrounding petal represents an additional element that contributes to the balance, growth, and development necessary for a successful supervisory experience.
Together, these elements demonstrate that effective supervision requires more than a positive professional relationship. It also depends on intentional attention to clinical development, communication, practical considerations, and the individual needs of the developing counselor.
Figure 1. The Flower of Successful Supervision.
Original grounded theory framework developed by Jaime Fern Telfeyan, Ph.D. (2023).
Research Into Practice
Dr. Telfeyan’s research continues to inform her philosophy and approach to clinical supervision at From Spark to Fire Counseling & Supervision.
Her work emphasizes that successful supervision requires more than meeting licensure requirements. It involves building meaningful professional relationships, fostering clinical competence, encouraging self-reflection, maintaining ethical standards, and supporting each counselor’s individual development.
Through her supervision practice, Dr. Telfeyan strives to create an environment where emerging counselors feel supported, appropriately challenged, and empowered to develop their own professional identities.