Practicum in Counseling

This is designed as the culminating experience in the counseling program as it provides 150 clock hours of counseling experience under the supervision of experienced personnel.  This course is required for the student seeking certification as a school counselor or licensure as a professional counselor.  Prerequisites:  COUN 5273 and COUN 5283 PLUS PERMISSION OF Department Chair and relevant faculty.  The course is designed to:

1. Provide opportunities to observe and consult with a successful counselor at a site where services are delivered.
2. Provide 150 (200 school counselors) clock hours of experience performing counseling services under the supervision of both a qualified on-site professional and a faculty supervisor.  Counseling services will include:  individual counseling, group counseling, consulting, and no more than 15 hours test administration
3. Provide shared insights with peer practicum students and professor regarding case conceptualizations, client reactions, and effective use of interventions and counseling style.
4. If a student’s place of employment qualifies as a Practicum site, the student must complete 25 hours at another site.

Students are required to:

1. Demonstrate mastery of counseling skills and techniques
2. Successfully complete 150 hours (100 Indirect hours, 50 Direct hours for General counselors and 100 each Indirect and Direct hours for School Counselors)
3. Present audio &/or video tapes for review in class, if allowed by site
4. Apply ethical standards through all practicum experiences
5. Purchase required liability insurance ($14.50 annually)
6. Document counseling services; provide an overall summary of practicum experience and comply with agency requirements for client notes
7. Deliver to faculty supervisor evaluation forms signed by on-site supervisor/s.

CACREP Standards:

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) provides criteria for clinical instruction (Standards, 2001, Section III).  Among the requirements are:

1. A site supervisor must have Masters Degree, 2 years experience, and knowledge of the program’s expectations, requirements and evaluation procedures for practicum students.
2. Site settings for individual counseling and small-group work have assured privacy and sufficient space.
3. Sites have procedures that insure the client’s confidentiality and legal rights are protected.

Course Objectives:

Students will be evaluated on their demonstration of the following behavior and skills.

The Practicum Counselor:

1. Organizes duties in a clearly methodical manner.
2. Demonstrated adequate knowledge of counseling skills.
3. Clearly demonstrates empathic understanding for clients.
4. Demonstrates ability to vary counseling strategies.
5. Demonstrates ability to analyze and synthesize.
6. Can identify and allow for individual differences.
7. Administers tests with adequate skill.
8. Uses and interprets tests and records appropriately.
9. Writes client reports according to professional standards.
10. Is punctual and reliable in attendance.
11. Demonstrates a high degree of resourcefulness.
12. Performs administrative duties and procedures responsibly.

The Practicum Counselor:

1. Appreciates the philosophy and process of counseling.
2. Respects each client.
3. Benefits from learning experiences.
4. Evaluates self honestly and effectively.
5. Exhibits high degree of awareness of self and others.
6. Respects attitudes and opinions of co-corkers.
7. Accepts and applies suggestions of supervisors.
8. Is open to peer feedback regarding clinical work.
9. Reflects on the impact of self in relationships.
10. Reflects on and articulates theoretical and ethical issues.

Class Requirements:

• .Students will complete and submit 2 SOAPS.  Specific instructions will be available in class.
• Students will, on an ongoing basis, come to class prepared to discuss the progression of their clinical experience
• Students are required to compose two (2) case studies.  Formatting and specific details will be discussed in class.  This assignment is to be turned in typed, APA format
• Attendance is mandatory for each class.  If a student is unable to attend a class, he/she must contact the instructor prior to the absence.  In the event of an emergency, contact must be made as soon as feasible.

Please note:  The expectation for the class is that the student will complete the required 150 (200 for school counselors) hours during the semester.  A grade of Incomplete will be given under only the most extenuating circumstances, and only, if the student has completed 115 hours by Week 15.  Any student who receives a grade of Incomplete must attend the Practicum class offered the followed semester while complete the required hours.  A student must complete Practicum I before enrolling in Practicum II.

Grading:

Attendance and Participation             150 pts.

Case Study                                          100 pts.

SOAPS                                               100 pts..

Total points                                         350 pts.

350 – 300 pts. =          A

299 – 250  pts.=          B

249 – 199 pts. =          C

198 – 150 pts. =          D

150 and below            =          F

Students are expected to attend each class meeting.   Any absence must be approved by the instructor, and failure to obtain approval will negatively affect the student’s final grade.  Two unexcused absences will result in a lowering of the final grade by one letter.  More than two absences will require a meeting with the instructor. While it is imperative Practicum students complete their hours, class attendance is mandatory.