Research in Counseling
Welcome to Week IV, where we delve into the critical aspects of **research in counseling**. This section showcases key artifacts and reflections on the importance of **evidence-based practice** in this crucial area of counseling.
Professional Identity
How do I understand and represent my role as a professional. What skills do I possess and what skills do I intend to develop over time. How do I interact with my peers, my clients and my mentors. What work ethic do I possess that will help me as I develop. These are all questions that shape my professional identity.
Research is just as much about how you interpret the data as it is about the method you use
Reflection
I feel this is the area I have grown the most in my journey as a mental health professional. I remember walking into my first practicum and thinking "am I really ready for this". Since then there have been countless times that I have been sitting with clients and I hear words come out of my mouth that were just for that moment and were exactly what the client needed to hear. Some times I just feel like pinching myself to make sure we are here at this place. Then again I am reminded of the years of hard work and hours and hours of research that goes into one, forty-five minute session.
ACA Code of Ethics and CACREP Common Core Area Standards for Research
C.1. Knowledge of and Compliance with Standards: Counselors must understand and adhere to the ethical standards of the profession, state and local laws, and organizational policies. Ignorance of ethical responsibilities is not a valid defense.
C.2.e. Consultations of Ethical Obligations: When unsure of ethical guidelines or legal obligations, counselors seek consultation from colleagues, supervisors, or ethics committees to resolve dilemmas and ensure safety.
C.2.f. Continuing Education: Counselors are required to maintain competency in their practice by completing continuing education, attending trainings, and staying updated on current research and clinical practices.
C.4.f. Promotion of Public Good: Counselors make conscious efforts to contribute to public good by avoiding discrimination, addressing systematic barriers, and providing pro Bono on reduced-fee services when appropriate.
2.F.1. (Foundational Overview): This standard outlines the core curricular experiences and studies designed to instill a strong professional counselor identity and understanding of the profession's history and structure.
2.F.1.f. Advocacy Processes: Students learn how to utilize advocacy processes to address institutional and social barriers that prevent clients from accessing proper mental health care, equity and success.
2.F.1.i Ethical Standards: Students must master the ethical the ethical standards and principles of professional counseling organizations (such as the ACA and NBCC), as well as the rules governing credentialing bodies, learning how to practically apply legal and Ethical Considerations real-world scenarios.