Counseling Articles, Interviews, & Tips
In a rapidly evolving field, staying at the forefront of professional development is crucial for counselors. For those looking to elevate their practice, a CEO and an Assistant Professor of Psychology and Counseling share invaluable insights. The discussion kicks off with leveraging ACA for professional growth and wraps up with incorporating S.T.E.A.R. Cycle Methodology, totaling five expert recommendations. These insights promise to provide practical strategies and guidance for any counselor committed to their career advancement.
5 in this session: Dragos Badea · Dr. Amber Samuels · Ashley Hudson · Ana Salido · Jason Plevell
Dragos BadeaCEO, Yarooms
Sounds basic, I know, but one resource I highly recommend is the American Counseling Association (ACA). The ACA offers webinars, workshops, and certifications that provide counselors with cutting-edge insights and tools to enhance their skills, and I rarely see anyone mention them. For instance, their continuing education programs cover diverse topics like trauma-informed care and multicultural counseling, which are essential in today's environment. The ACA also facilitates networking opportunities through events, enabling counselors to learn from peers and industry leaders. Leveraging these resources can significantly enhance professional growth and keep practitioners informed about evolving methodologies.
Dr. Amber SamuelsAssistant Professor of Psychology and Counseling, Hood College
As a counselor and counselor-educator, I highly recommend the American Counseling Association (ACA) as a resource for professional development. The ACA offers a wealth of benefits, from continuing education and ethical consultations to advocacy opportunities and networking events. What makes the ACA particularly valuable is its commitment to supporting counselors at all stages of their careers, from counselors-in-training to seasoned professionals. I encourage my students, who are emerging counselors, to find their professional home, and I think ACA is a great start. By engaging with ACA's resources, counselors can stay current with best practices as well as nurture their professional networks.
Ashley HudsonTeen Therapist, Ashley Hudson Therapy
One resource I recommend for school counselors to enhance their professional development is suicide-prevention training. It's important for school counselors to feel confident and comfortable assessing and managing suicidality in children, teens, and college students. School counselors need yearly training in building rapport quickly with their students, asking directly about suicidality, assessing the severity and intensity of their suicide ideation, safety planning, and linking the student and family with supportive resources to help reduce and manage their suicidality so they can thrive in school. Lastly, strategies and activities to increase school connectedness in students can prevent suicide and reduce mental health issues. Students wanting to attend school, feeling supported at school, and knowing they have school counselors who see, understand, and value them.
Ana SalidoCounsellor / Mentor / Coach, Ana Salido
Some of the best growth for counselors comes not just from formal training, but from those moments when we're nudged out of our comfort zones. Here are a few ways counselors can challenge their perspectives, grow, and inspire each other:
1. Peer Supervision Circles 🌍
Imagine sitting down with a handful of other counselors who share your passion but may have different specialties, like trauma or art therapy. By sharing case studies, discussing ethical dilemmas, or even just talking through the 'gray areas,' you get to see how others approach similar challenges. You'll pick up new insights, question old habits, and sometimes even walk away rethinking your approach.
2. Letting Clients Be Teachers 🌱
Sometimes clients can be our greatest teachers. If a client challenges a method or technique, lean into the feedback. Ask them what works, what doesn't, and how they feel about the process. Their insights can reshape how you work with others and give you valuable perspective on creating a truly collaborative relationshi
Jason PlevellPersonal Coach, The Obstacle Remover
I'm a life-and-change coach focusing on personal growth and authenticity, particularly for men navigating life's tough transitions. One resource I recommend for counselors aiming to improve their professional development is incorporating techniques from the S.T.E.A.R. Cycle methodology. This involves guiding clients through Stories, Thoughts, Emotions, Actions, and Results, which I use to help men dismantle limiting beliefs and form empowering habits.
In my practice, I've seen the power of understanding and shifting self-talk. Using the Source Coaching Model, I help clients flip their negative narratives, changing mental barriers into opportunities for growth. Counselors can adopt this by teaching clients to become more aware of their self-talk and enabling them to reframe those narratives effectively. This approach not only aids in emotional resilience but fosters sustainable personal change.
Additionally, focusing on mindset and self-discipline has proven transformative. By training clients on building consistency and self-worth through practical self-development exercises, I equip them with tools for lasting change. Counselors incorporating similar discipline techniques can see significant improvements in their clients' wellness and fulfillment, equipping them to face challenges with unwavering resolve.
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