Counseling Skills Development
The development of counseling skills is at the heart of the counseling program. While knowledge is required, it is that application of knowledge through effective use of skills that allows someone to be an effective counselor. This process follows a developmental path throughout the program. While skills are presented briefly in all courses, the systematic acquisition of them begins in this counseling skills class and continues through internship in the following way:
A. Counseling Skills (CO 630 Counseling Skills)
Beginning or Entry Level Skills, Attitudes, and Behaviors (to be mastered as a condition for placement in Practicum in Counseling)
Attending behavior
Open invitations to speak
Genuineness
Congruence
Non-judgmental respect
Concreteness
Empathy
Encouragers
Paraphrasing content
Reflection of feeling
Summarization
Probes and questions
Immediacy
Recognizing patterns
Client awareness
Focusing
Advanced level empathy
Encouragement
Pointing out client conflicts
Confrontation
Self-disclosure
Interpretation
B. Practicum in Counseling (CO 670 Counseling Practicum)
Intermediate Skills and Behaviors (to be mastered as a condition for placement in Internship in Counseling)
Theoretical Orientation Development
Strategy planning for behavior change & goal setting
Contracting
Reinforcement and support
Demonstrate ethical behavior
Theme awareness
Role conflicts
Conceptualization
Child protection
Crisis/emergency plans
Focusing
C. Internship in Counseling (1st internship)
Development of expertise in a single model (e.g., Reality Therapy) or in several closely related models (e.g., R.E.T. - Adlerian) under the direction of a supervisor with the appropriate interest and skills. In addition, the student is expected to present case studies in the Group Supervision Seminar including written and tape recordings of the case. All previous skills are expected to be continually demonstrated and improved upon.
D. Internship in Counseling (subsequent internship(s))
Practical Experience in a field setting consistent with professional goals. This includes skills from all previous field experiences and case presentations in the Group Supervision Seminar which demonstrates the student’s level of integration of one’s program of study.