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LPC.0014031, CO

Dr. Bonna Machlan, PhD, LPC, CAS - Clinical Supervisor in Colorado

Candidates Apply

About Dr. Bonna

As a seasoned therapist now, I still find it amazing to be doing the work I do in mental health and addictions. I literally started by, 'the seat of my pants' and 'learning on the fly' many years ago. I attribute all that I have learned about this field and about those that I work with to the wonderful supervisors I have had over the years. I know how daunting and yet exhilarating it can be to work in this field and would love to help you find your own path in providing therapy as well as increasing your knowledge and understanding of populations you may work with in the future.  I have been working in the field of behavioral health for 16 years in both Illinois and Colorado and I have developed strong clinical abilities in both mental health and substance use disorders. Of those many years, eight were as a Clinical Supervisor where I directed, supervised, and evaluated work activities of clinical staff that provided both mental health and substance use disorder treatment services. Since moving to Colorado, I have spent two years in supervising LPCC's and CAC candidates. I am passionate and committed to first-rate client care and in supervising others to do the same. I am trained and/or certified in the following areas: Trained as an  EMDR therapist. Proficient in providing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapist Solution Focused Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and in the use of Motivational Interviewing and the Stage of Change models.  Trained in Matrix and Driving with Care curriculums. Certified in Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) and Strategies for Self-Improvement and Change (SSIC). I am also a Colorado Department of Corrections Approved Treatment Provider (ATP).

Education

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
PhD

Graduated 2005

Certifications

Supervisor Qualifications

  • Doctorate in Rehabilitation, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale 2005
  • Licensed Professional Counselor-0014031
  • Certified Addiction Counselor III-0020814
  • Trained EMDR Therapist
  • Two years of experience providing supervision for LPCC's and CAC applicants

Nature of Supervision

The purpose of clinical supervision is to monitor and ensure the welfare of clients, promote the development of supervisees' clinical and professional identity, evaluate the competence of supervisees and fulfill requirements for licensure. It is my belief that as a supervisor I must meet the developmental needs of the supervisee. I often alternate between roles based on the needs of the supervisee. In the beginning, I may take a more direct feedback approach, and as the supervisee gains more experience, my role may change into a more collaborative approach.

In my supervision, I require that students are directly observed by myself while providing counseling services to clients (known as "tele-supervision"). This is to occur one time every three months on a date agreed upon between the supervisor and the supervisee. Tele-supervision is to occur a total of eight times during the span of the two-year supervision experience. The supervisee is required to obtain written permission from their client prior to the tele-supervision taking place and have the signed document uploaded into the client's file.

During the course of completing 100 supervision hours there are two formats that can be implemented (upon availability):

  1. Individual Clinical Supervision: A primary supervisory relationship where the clinical work of the supervisee is under the direct, ongoing, and careful supervision of the supervisor. This will take place either in person or virtually as agreed upon by the supervisor and supervisee.
  2. Group Clinical Supervision: An adjunctive supervisory relationship where the clinical work of the supervisee is discussed in a group setting. The focus of group supervision is to provide additional support, direction, and feedback within the context of a group of professionals practicing similar types of clinical work. This will take place either in person or virtually as agreed upon by the supervisor and the supervisees.
FAQs

FAQs about Clinical Supervision

Does Overcomers Counseling provide clinical supervision for LPCCs working toward LPC licensure in Colorado?

Yes — Overcomers Counseling offers structured clinical supervision for Licensed Professional Counselor Candidates (LPCCs) pursuing full LPC licensure, with supervisors available across our Colorado Springs, Aurora, Pueblo, and Fort Collins locations. Supervision is provided by licensed LPCs who meet Colorado's supervisor qualification standards, and caseloads are built to support both your clinical growth and your hour requirements.

What are Colorado's clinical supervision requirements to go from LPCC to LPC?

Colorado requires LPCCs to complete 2,000 post-degree supervised practice hours (including at least 1,500 hours of face-to-face client contact) along with 100 total supervision hours — a minimum of 50 individual, with the remainder allowed in group or triadic format at up to a 1:10 supervisor-to-supervisee ratio. Requirements are set by DORA's Division of Professions and Occupations and are worth confirming directly with the board, since rules can be updated.

Are there LPCC jobs available at Overcomers Counseling in Colorado Springs, Aurora, Pueblo, or Fort Collins?

Overcomers Counseling regularly hires LPCCs across its Colorado Springs, Aurora, Pueblo, and Fort Collins offices, as well as for statewide teletherapy roles. As part of a nearly 100-provider practice, LPCCs join a built-in referral network, steady client flow through major insurance panels and Medicaid, and consistent access to a supervising LPC from day one.

How long does it take to go from LPCC to LPC in Colorado?

Most clinicians take a minimum of 24 months to complete the required 2,000 supervised practice hours, since Colorado does not allow that experience to be compressed into a shorter timeframe. After hours and supervision requirements are met, candidates must also pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE) before applying for full LPC licensure.

What should I look for in a practice that offers strong clinical supervision toward licensure?

Look for a practice with licensed, qualified supervisors, manageable caseloads that let you actually reach your face-to-face hour minimums, and a mix of individual and group supervision format options. At Overcomers Counseling, LPCCs and LSWs get individual supervision paired with peer consultation, mentorship from experienced clinicians, and support navigating Colorado's specific documentation requirements.

Does Overcomers Counseling provide clinical supervision for LSWs or Clinical Social Worker Candidates (SWCs) working toward LCSW licensure in Colorado?

Yes — Overcomers Counseling supervises Licensed Social Workers (LSWs) and Clinical Social Worker Candidates (SWCs) pursuing full LCSW licensure, with supervision provided by Colorado-licensed LCSWs across our Colorado Springs, Aurora, Pueblo, and Fort Collins locations. Our supervisors provide the direct, individual supervision hours needed to keep your path to independent practice on track.

What are Colorado's supervision requirements to become an LCSW?

Colorado requires 3,360 post-degree supervised clinical hours over a minimum of 24 months, including at least 96 hours of supervision — with a minimum of 48 hours as face-to-face individual supervision — provided by a Colorado-licensed LCSW. Candidates must register as a Clinical Social Worker Candidate (SWC) with DORA before those hours begin counting, and must pass the ASWB Clinical exam before applying for full licensure.

How do I apply to be supervised by Overcomers Counseling?

Overcomers Counseling only provides clinical supervision to employed clinicians on our team — we don't offer supervision-only arrangements for candidates working elsewhere. If you're an LPCC or LSW/SWC looking for both a clinical position and a path to licensure, you can apply here.