Translating Theory into Practice
A Student Guide to Counseling Practicum and Internship
Practicum and internship courses are the most challenging and exciting components of a counselor’s academic preparation. This hands-on text is the ideal resource for such students as they begin the process of translating counseling theory into effective clinical practice. The authors’ clear, conversational approach not only orients students to the challenges of clinical training but also enhances their ability to learn from these experiences.
Translating Theory into Practice covers all aspects of counselor training, from the core relationships that are essential to professional development to workable suggestions on selecting a field site, managing cases, terminating with clients, and networking with other mental health professionals. Vignettes and sample dialogues highlight real-world ethical issues and counseling concerns. The text also includes relevant information on state licensing requirements and national standards as well as several major codes of ethics. With insights gleaned from years of both teaching and professional counseling practice, the authors equip students with the skills they need to reap the full benefits that practicum and internship afford.
“This is an important book for students completing their training and entering the field.” — Robert Witchel, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
“The text is well organized and well written. It covers the basic review necessary for internship.” — Brett Newcomb, Webster University
“The section on ethics addresses common concerns for new interns in a clear manner. Including Codes of Ethics as appendices seems valuable. Chapter 5 on supervision is thorough and yet practical. Well done. The self-evaluation chapter is rich and practical.” — Keith Willis, Wayne State College
"This appears to be one of the best texts that can be used for Practicum and Internship courses. I like the inclusion and emphasis on ethics and supervision rights and responsibilities. The chapter on forming an alliance is excellent for all to remind interns of the critical need to develop the helping relationship. I also particularly like the chapter on termination—an often neglected topic." — Fred Ziegler, University of Akron
1. The Challenge of Translating Theory into Practice
Introduction / Relationships / Counselor Formation / Counseling: Art and Science / Counseling Theory / Personal Risk / Professional Community
Part 1: PLANNING FOR CLINICAL TRAINING
2. Ethics of Clinical Practice for Student Interns
Introduction / Codes of Ethics / Making Ethical Decisions
3. Self and Program Evaluation: Formative and Summative Assessment
Introduction / Institutional Effectiveness and Outcomes Assessment / Total Quality Management / Sources of Evaluation Information
4. Choosing a Client Population, Site, and Site Supervisor
Introduction / Site Selection Criteria / Interviewing at Potential Field Sites
5. Clinical Supervision: Rights and Responsibilities
Introduction / Counselor Supervision / Supervision Processes / Maximizing Supervision Effectiveness
Part 2: COUNSELING CLIENTS: Boundaries, Goals, Emergencies, and Caveats
6. Client Intake: First Steps in Forming the Alliance
The Importance of First Contact / First Meeting and the Purpose of Paperwork / Basic Elements of Alliance Formation / Questions / A Word about Premature Terminations
7. Assessment, Pattern Search, and Goal Setting
Assessment and Diagnosis / Making Sense of It All: The Process of Pattern Search / Goal Setting
8. Helping Clients Change
Basic Considerations in Change / Changes in Cognition, Affect, and Behavior / A Model Tying It All Together
9. Termination
Facilitating Termination: When Does It Begin? / Client Reactions and Counselor Responses / Stages and Issues of Successful Referral / Saying Good-Bye to Clients / Terminating with a Supervisor
Part 3: ENTERING THE COUNSELING PROFESSION
10. Post-Master's Supervised Clinical Experience, Licensure, and Employment
Professional Associations and Organizations / National Certification / State Licensing / Obtaining State Licensure Requirements / Supervised Clinical Experience / Employment / Professional Network
11. Managing the Personal Challenges of Counseling Clients
Issues of Competency / Issues of Intimacy / Issues of Empathy Poisoning / Issues of Burnout
Appendix A: ACA Code of Ethics
Appendix B: APA Code of Ethics
Appendix C: CACREP Standards for Clinical Instruction
Appendix D: NBCC Code of Ethics