Counselors, both those in training and those qualified, are expected to be in supervision, although consultation is the term often used to designate supervision with a qualified counselor. There is some evidence for caution, however. In addition, countries are at various stages in the development of supervision. In some countries counseling is still without formal professional standards, while others have progressed to devising ethical codes and formal training programs. Counseling and counseling psychology become more professionalized.
Supervision is seen as an important part of counselor training and on-going counseling work.
Experienced counselors take on the roles, tasks, and functions of supervisors. Codes of ethics for supervisors are outlined. Formal training in supervision is set up and required. Supervision training, practice, and research are viewed as an essential component in counseling work. There is an increasing amount of contact between counseling supervisors throughout the world.