Did you know that your graduate education is really just a foundation for your clinical knowledge? In this post, I will discuss ways in which you will need to educate yourself in order to counsel effectively.
You may have started graduate school thinking that your program would teach you all you need to know about counseling. I know I thought that. However, after being in the field for 10 years, I can tell you that my graduate education was more of a primary foundation rather than an ending point.
You are probably aware that we are required to complete a certain number of CEUs (Continuing Education Units), which varies by state. What you may be tempted to do in the beginning of your career is to select a random hodgepodge of whatever happens to appeal to you in the moment. Truly, with all of the brochures you will be inundated with, there is no shortage of opportunity!
So, what to choose? First, I encourage you to think about finding a niche, if you haven’t already. Think about a specific problem or a specific population that really interests you. Something you are passionate about. Something not too esoteric (i.e. Hispanic males with Erectile Dysfunction), or too common (i.e. couples). Something that other practitioners in your area typically don’t work with.
After you choose a niche, start looking for training opportunities. Read articles. Start talking about your specialty when you are networking and follow up on any educational leads you may receive (e.g. “Check out this website”).
But be discerning. Check the qualifications of the person giving the training or writing the article:
- Do they have sufficient knowledge and experience with this topic or population?
- How long have they been practicing?
- Do they have experience presenting material to a clinical audience?
- Have others taken training from this person, and if so, did they find it helpful?
- How expensive is this training? Is the pricing in line with other training programs or is it outrageously priced?
- Will the originators of the technique be presenting, or will they send a substitute (e.g. “Gottman training” is not always done by the Gottmans themselves)?
Remember networking? Well, here is a great example of how to leverage your contacts. Ask them these questions! Not only can you quickly get information, you can start to declare yourself as “interested in _____” so they are aware that this is a niche for you.
Still in school? It’s not too early to think about your niche. Google your professors and find out what their research or clinical interests are. Then, either drop by their office or ask for an appointment to discuss your interest. As professors, we love to help students! And perhaps even more, we love to talk about what we do! Even if you have already graduated, email them!
Although they were originally written for counseling students asking to interview a practitioner, they also apply here.
Yours in the Joy of Knowledge,
Dr. Barbara LoFrisco
