The mentor/supervisor relationship will be the foundation of your poetry therapy training. Your program will be a guided independent study, with your NFBPT-approved mentor/supervisor providing both didactic training and oversight of your practicum and peer group work. Mentoring is teaching and guiding the didactic process; supervision is directing and observing facilitation practice.

The mentor/supervisor serves as an academic advisor and facilitation supervisor for your training. A mentor/supervisor is a CAPF, CPT or PTR who has applied for and received authorization from NFBPT to assume overall responsibility for a trainee's program. The mentor/supervisor is a source and teacher in the training process and works with the credentials committee. The credentials committee is the evaluator of the total process and ultimately decides which hours will be approved for certification and registration.

NFBPT strongly recommends that you interview more than one mentor/supervisor before making your choice of trainer. Working with a mentor/supervisor in your geographic area is usually preferable to working from a distance. An exception may be if there is a mentor/supervisor who specializes in a particular modality that is of interest to you. Many primary mentors will refer their students to workshops, consultation or additional supervision offered by other trainers for specialized, creditable work.

The Mentor/Supervisor Directory is your guide to selecting a mentor/supervisor. The Directory includes a list of mentor/supervisors who are currently accepting new trainees.

As a trainee, you may work with any approved mentor/supervisor who agrees to work with you. Fees for supervision vary and are discussed when arrangements to work together are formulated. You and your mentor/supervisor will sign a document delineating the fees, forms, and requirements of your learning agreement. A sample document is in Appendix D of the downloadable Training Guide Your selected mentor/supervisor may have his/her own form.