Professional Competence Issues
Introduction
It is important for a professional counselor to study theories to develop competency in organizing and understanding counseling approaches and develop a well rounded theory based philosophy in their counseling practice. It is also important to study counseling theories to provide the best due care for clients based on proven methodology, individualization of techniques and a personal yet professional innovative approach that is effective. Because theories give counselors a “road map” to provide services, it is imperative that counselors understand how to “read the map” and execute the path to recovery with their clients effectively.
Developing Competency: The American Counseling Association Code of Ethics states that the counselor must have competency in the area in which they intend to practice, (APA Code of Ethics C.2). Being new to the profession, I currently have no knowledge based experience in counseling professionally. However, recognizing that I’m gifted in providing guidance, encouragement and support has led me to pursue higher education to gain that knowledge and build skills to assist those who come to me in need. Counseling theories are essentially complex plans of data gathered by experts that directly address particular dysfunctional human behaviors. These theories are used to categorize client’s issues, help develop an approach in how to assist the client in developing appropriate decision making skills. Understanding theories will assist counselors in identifying common client behaviors and determine what is healthy and dysfunctional, (Murdock pg 26). In studying counseling theories, counselors also gain insight on how the profession is practiced in 400 different methodologies, (Murdock, pg 3).
By learning these different characteristics of counseling theories, that are the core ingredient in providing effective counseling services; counselors are confident that their ability to address the needs of their diverse clientele
It is important for a professional counselor to study theories to develop competency in organizing and understanding counseling approaches and develop a well rounded theory based philosophy in their counseling practice. It is also important to study counseling theories to provide the best due care for clients based on proven methodology, individualization of techniques and a personal yet professional innovative approach that is effective. Because theories give counselors a “road map” to provide services, it is imperative that counselors understand how to “read the map” and execute the path to recovery with their clients effectively.
Developing Competency: The American Counseling Association Code of Ethics states that the counselor must have competency in the area in which they intend to practice, (APA Code of Ethics C.2). Being new to the profession, I currently have no knowledge based experience in counseling professionally. However, recognizing that I’m gifted in providing guidance, encouragement and support has led me to pursue higher education to gain that knowledge and build skills to assist those who come to me in need. Counseling theories are essentially complex plans of data gathered by experts that directly address particular dysfunctional human behaviors. These theories are used to categorize client’s issues, help develop an approach in how to assist the client in developing appropriate decision making skills. Understanding theories will assist counselors in identifying common client behaviors and determine what is healthy and dysfunctional, (Murdock pg 26). In studying counseling theories, counselors also gain insight on how the profession is practiced in 400 different methodologies, (Murdock, pg 3).
By learning these different characteristics of counseling theories, that are the core ingredient in providing effective counseling services; counselors are confident that their ability to address the needs of their diverse clientele
References: Murdock, Nancy L. (2009). Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy, A Case Approach. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson American Counseling Association Code of Ethics