Counselor Training: Empirical Findings and Current Approaches

Abstract

The literature on counselor training has included attention to cognitive and interpersonal skill development and has reported on empirical findings regarding the relationship of training with client outcomes. This article reviews the literature on each of these topics and discusses empirical and theoretical underpinnings of recently developed approaches to counselor training: the Skilled Group Counselor Training Model (M. H. Smaby, C. D. Maddux, E. Torres‐Rivera, & R. Zimmick, 1999) and the Skilled Counselor Training Model (S. Urbani et al., 2002). Critique of this literature includes suggestions for further research on the effectiveness of counselor training.

The Human Factor: Student Reactions to the Integration of Personal Dispositions Into a Counseling Program

“…Students reported that they made progress in the development of the dispositions within themselves through the challenges of counseling experiences under supervision, even when they may have seen the dispositions as qualities they already possessed. Buser (2008) noted the importance of field training related to interpersonal skill development as well.…”

Using Song Lyrics to Enhance Counselor Trainee Perceptions of their Reflective Listening Skills

“…The discussions in the literature focused on pedagogy for counselors-in-training suggest that student counselor competency is enhanced in environments wherein counselor trainees are guided in developing critical thinking and therapeutic skills that are related to real-world counseling activities (Buser, 2008;Furr & Carroll, 2003;Iarussi et al, 2014;Tang, et. al., 2004).…”

Untitled

“…The discussions in the literature focused on pedagogy for counselors-in-training suggest that student counselor competency is enhanced in environments wherein counselor trainees are guided in developing critical thinking and therapeutic skills that are related to real-world counseling activities (Buser, 2008;Furr & Carroll, 2003;Iarussi et al, 2014;.…”