Melissa Smith, MSCP, LICDC, LPCC, NCC

Counseling

Counseling CACREP Competencies:

a. Scholarly examination of theories relevant to counseling

b. Integration of theories relevant to counseling

c. Conceptualization of clients from multiple theoretical perspectives

d. Evidence-based counseling practices

e. Methods for evaluating counseling effectiveness

f. Ethical and culturally relevant counseling in multiple settings

Counseling Competency

In COUC 850 Career Development Counseling, the knowledge and skills I gained was profound. Having a previous negative experience with a Master’s-level Career Class, I entered this course with signifcant amount of hesistaiton. However, in this course we were introduced to various career self-assessments, explored theories related to counseling, and reviewed ethical and culturally relevant counseling tools for multiple settings. An artifact that showcases competency from this course is a PowerPoint completed with peers titled, Super Groovy Career Developmental Model. This presentation defined Donald Super’s career model in a way that was clear and provided tips for practical application. My portion of the presentation focused on ways to apply this model to clients.

  • These artifacts provide evidence of mastery level competency for competencies: a, b, d, e, and f.

The experiential learning attained in COUC 998 Practicum contributed greatly to the mastery of the CACREP competency counseling. In this course, I was provided the opportunity to receive feedback on two sessions that I had with two current clients. From these sessions, we completed analyses from the sessions and case conceptualizations. Here is one of the two case conceptualizations that was completed: Case Conceptualization of HH. The feedback from my professor, Dr. Joy Mwendwa and my peers was very helpful and contributed to increasing my counseling skills. In a Self-Reflection, I outlined how the course made a professional impact on my development personally and professionally.

  • These artifacts provide evidence of mastery level competency for competencies: a, b, c, d, e, and f.

Artifacts of Counseling Competency

Additional Counseling Artifacts

CACREP-Aligned Syllabi for Counseling Competencies:

COUC 850 Advanced Career Counseling: Syllabus

COUC 998 Practicum: Syllabus

Counseling Reflection:

  1. Reflect on the process of developing leadership level knowledge, skills, and practices in this competency. What has been especially impactful/meaningful/important to you personally and professionally?

    • The process of developing leadership level knowledge, skills, and practices in this competency began prior to entering Liberty’s PhD program. In 2011, I completed my Master’s degree and entered the field of counseling immediately. Although I had ten years of experience counseling prior to entering this program, I continued to extend my previous knowledge and gained a significant amount from this program. The relationships with colleagues and faculty while in this program have been the most impactful to me personally and professionally.

  2. Describe an area of strength that you have developed while in the program in this area of competency. What is one way you plan to utilize this strength in your vocation?

    • An area of strength that I have developed while in this program is the ability to connect with peers and consult on various counseling skills and concepts. While in this program, I met peers that encouraged and prompted me to extend my knowledge which led to the completion of a training on Transactional Analysis and Gottman. I intend to continue seeking out trainings that can serve as a benefit to the clients that I serve.

  3. Describe an area of challenge/growth opportunity in this area of competency. What is your plan to develop excellence in this area?

    • An area that I intend to grow further in order to develop excellence in counseling is experience working with various diagnoses and needs. Additionally, I would like to return to leading group sessions and work with families. The plan to develop excellence in this area is to complete this degree program and open up a physical location to provide clinical services.

  4. Reflect on how faith in Christ relates to this competency.

    • Christ is the ultimate counselor. Following in his lead, counselors can serve as a reflection of Him for individuals that they meet along their way.