Competencies
a. Scholarly examination of theories relevant to counseling
b. Integration of theories relevant to counseling
c. Conceptualization of clients from multiple theoretical perspectives
d. Evidence-based counseling practices
e. Methods for evaluating counseling effectiveness
f. Ethical and culturally relevant counseling in multiple settings
Capstone Paper (part 1 and 2)
This paper was written in fulfillment of COUC 715 and is a summary of my counseling theory and application of that theory to a case study. Theory, treatment, assessment, case conceptualization, and outcome measures are all detailed.
Meets criteria
a. b. c. d. e. f.
Practicum Case Presentation
This presentation was completed in fulfillment of COUC 998 (Practicum). This is a detailed report from an actual client worked with during the Practicum course. The complete psycho-social-spiritual assessment is given along with diagnosis and treatment plan. Assessment and multicultural considerations are given as well.
Meets criteria
b. c. d. e. f.
Practicum Verbatim
This written account from a 10 minute section of a session was completed in fulfillment of COUC 998 (Practicum). This was presented in class and feedback was given on counseling practices and case conceptualization.
Meets criteria
b. c. d. e. f.
Counseling Integration
The attached paper was written in fulfillment for the requirement for COUC 730 Issues in Integration. The paper details a personal and professional model for integration of spirituality and counseling. Additionally, the instructor feedback is provided as well.
Meets criteria
a. b. c. d. e. f.
Practicum Self Reflection
This self reflection was written in fulfillment of COUC 998 (Practicum). It was a summary of my work during practicum and a self evaluation of my work in integration of theories, effectiveness of counseling skills, lessons learned, and areas in which to grow.
Meets criteria
a. e. f.
Counseling Theory Presentation
This presentation was written in fulfillment of COUC 715 (Applied Counseling Theories). This was a group presentation which presented on interpersonal neurobiology and its clinical application.
Meets criteria
a. b. c. d. e. f.
Standards for Group Training
This presentation was given as part of COUC 710 Advanced Group. The presentation covers the standard of training for group counselors and gives an overview of implications for group workers.
Meets criteria
a. b. d. e. f.
Group Work Paper
The attached paper was written for COUC 710 Advanced Group and covers the standards for group training as assigned by the professor. The feedback artifact is a peer review from a fellow classmate, followed by the edits made for the final submission.
Meets criteria
a. b. d. e. f.
Red Cross Crisis Training
The attached certificate shows completion of the American Red Cross Disaster Mental Health: Introduction Disaster Cycle Services in fulfillment of requirements for COUC 997 Crisis and Trauma. The training was an initial first step in becoming a volunteer crisis counselor for a local Red Cross chapter.
Meets criteria
b. d. e. f.
Reflection
Reflecting upon the competency of counseling has been one of development and growth. I remember saying in my leadership and advocacy course that I believe I finally know who I am as a counselor and what we do as counselors. Being able to distinguish the field of counseling from other disciplines was critical in my development and growth as a counselor. I have come to love using the term “counselor” rather than “therapist” as a way to highlight the person-centered nature of my involvement in this field.
Evaluation of my strengths in this area center on my ability to know my identity as a counselor and be able to help my clients reach their goals. There was a great process to develop my theoretical perspective, record sessions, receive feedback, and see the value of continual education in multiple areas. Having not counseled professionally during my coursework for my Master’s degree, it was developmentally beneficial to apply knowledge from each course and assignment to the work I do weekly with my clients. The work through the program allowed a practical application through my counseling work.
As with any developmental perspective on a skill such as counseling, there is always room for improvement. One area in which I want to continue to focus for growth is to broaden my experience in working with clients dealing with crisis and trauma. Having nearly all my experience in an outpatient private practice, there is a gap in my experience with other types of settings. I want to work on continued supervision, collaboration, and even volunteer work to increase my levels of experience.
My faith in Christ is critical to this competency. It could be argued that this competency of counseling is the most important as all the others center on this discipline. Therefore, I greatly appreciated the emphasis on integration. I believe that God created us and knows how we best need to function. Additionally, I believe an individual is not just physical and emotional, but also spiritual. Therefore, addressing this aspect of the individual for the client is imperative for holistic counseling.