The Beginning Counselors Survival Guide Workbook

The Beginning Counselor’s

Survival

Guide Workbook

by

Stephanie Ann Adams

© 2011 by Beginnings Counseling & Consulting and Stephanie Ann Adams All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise, ex-cept as permitted under Section 107 or 108 of the United States Copyright Act, without either the prior written permission of the Author. Limit of Liability/Disclaimer of Warranty: While the author has used their best efforts in preparing this book, the author makes no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or com-pleteness of the contents of this workbook and specifically disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. No warranty may be created or extended by sales representatives or written sales materials. The advice and strategies herein may not be suitable for your situation. You should consult with a professional where appropriate. Neither the publisher nor the authors shall be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages. This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the sub-ject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher and author are not engaged in rendering professional services. If legal, accounting, medical, psychological, or any other expert assistance is required; the services of a competent professional person should be sought. This workbook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This workbook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this workbook with another person, please pur-chase an additional copy for each recipient. If you're reading this workbook and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to stephanieadamslpc.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of the author.

iii

Preface

This workbook is designed to be a companion to the book The Beginning Counselor’s Sur-

vival Guide: The New Counselor’s Plan for Success from Practicum to Licensure. That is to

say, each worksheet or exercise accompanies a specific chapter in the book. However, you

don’t have to have the book to get great use out of the workbook! Each workbook page con-

tains all the instructions you will need. My hope is that this workbook will be another

resource that can help ease your journey towards becoming a fully-licensed counselor.

I believe in you!

Acknowledgements

This workbook is dedicated to the members of the BeginningCounselor social networking site and mailing list. You guys are the reason I do this.

1

Site Search Worksheets

Contains:

Essential Site Requirements

Site brainstorming sheet

Master List

Phone Call SCript

Site Interview questions

© 2011 Stephanie Ann Adams

Essential Site Requirements

What does your site need to have in order to grow you into the counselor you’re meant to be? This worksheet will help you to begin defining what that is and start forming criteria for elimination of unsuitable sites.

Am I looking for a practicum or internship? PRACTICUM INTERNSHIP

Do I need a site that pays me? YES NO

How much time do I have available to work? FULL-TIME PART-TIME

Do I need a supervisor on-site? YES NO

How many hours do I need from this site? (Minimum) _____________

Do I require any specialty equipment? (Such as a play therapy room) YES NO

If yes, what do I need? _____________________________________________

Am I willing to find my own clients? YES NO

What group of people do I eventually want to work with?

_____________________________________________________________!

Will this site allow me to work with this group? YES NO

What skills would I like to acquire during this internship?

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________!

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Site Brainstorming Sheet

What sites might be already right at your fingertips?

Do I already know anyone in the counseling business? YES NO

If yes, write down their name and number.

_____________________________________________________________

What people do you know that might help you find a nontraditional site (not private

practice)? Examples: People at schools, churches, parenting centers…

Name Potential Site Connection

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

What unique experiences can you bring to an internship to set you apart from other appli-

cants? (For example, being an adoptive parent and applying to work with adoption

counseling services.)

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

The point here is to dig deep. You never know what kind of connections you have! When you find someone who might be a good resource, be careful to treat them kindly. Ask them first for advice, and if they are receptive, move on to a direct request to recommend you for a position. A handwritten note afterwards is a nice way to show your appreciation for their help.


Master List

Who you gonna call? You will want to make multiple copies of the following sheet, because the

more potential sites you have to call the better your chances of finding the per-fect one for you!

Name of Site: ____________________________________________________

Type of Site:_____________________________________________________

Phone Number: __________________________________________________

Director/Contact Person Name: _______________________________________

Date Called: ___/____ Result of Call:__________________________________

Notes:

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

Name of Site: ____________________________________________________

Type of Site:_____________________________________________________

Phone Number: __________________________________________________

Director/Contact Person Name: _______________________________________

Date Called: ___/____ Result of Call:__________________________________

Notes:

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________


Phone call Script

Don’t be lost for words on that all-important phone call! Fill in the blanks be-low and add your own style!

Receptionist/Counselor/Machine: Thank you for calling __________________.

You: Hi, my name is ________________________, and I’m a [counseling practicum

student] or [counselor intern] at ________________ University. I’m looking for a practi-

cum/internship and I wondered if your office was accepting any new interns/practicum

students at this time?

1. You are? Could I possibly set up a time to speak to the counseling director about the

internship opportunity?

2. Well, I’m sorry it won’t work out, but thank you so much for your time. Have a great

day.

o Make sure you ask to speak with the clinical director. This person makes the decisions.

o Get the name of the person you have spoken with and an idea of where you stand be-

fore you leave. Firm no/firm yes/call back later/I don’t know. If there’s any wiggle

room, wait a few days to a week and try again. (Make notes on your master list!)

o Be clear about what you’re asking for! You don’t want to miss an opportunity because

they think you’re looking for an internship and all you need are a few practicum hours.

Notes:

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________


Site Interview Questions

Your cheat sheet for the essential questions you must ask your site before you accept. Feel free to bring it in to the interview with you, but be discreet! You don’t want it to appear like you’re grilling your potential site before they have officially offered you a position. !

How many hours can you offer your students/interns?

Do you supply clients for your students/interns?

Do you have a supervisor on-site?

(If yes) what are the supervisor’s credentials?

(If yes) How much is the supervision fee?

Will there be any financial compensation for my work?

What kind of counseling is done here?

What kind of clients will I see?

What’s the ratio of counseling to case management?

Can I observe sessions or groups here?

Can I conduct/create groups here?

What would my hours be?

Do any of your students stay on as interns after they graduate?

What length of time (if any) do you take interns/students for?

How many interns do you take at one time?

What will be discussed in supervision?

How much group counseling will I do in relation to individual counseling?

How much group supervision will there be in relation to individual supervision?

How do we stay in contact outside of the office?

2

Sites Unlimited

Contains:

Site comparisons


Site comparisons

Not sure which site to pick? Use the lists below to evaluate criteria!

Best Sites for earning income

Private Counseling Centers

Community Mental Health Services

Vocational Rehab Counseling

Career Counseling

Residential Treatment

Psych Tech Work

Best Sites for Regular Hours


Individual LPC Offices

Drug & Alcohol Counseling

School Counseling

Vocational Rehab Counseling

Career Counseling

Most Agencies


Best Sites for Crisis Work

Suicide Hotlines

Rape Crisis Centers

Crisis Pregnancy Centers

Residential Treatment Centers

Some Drug & Alcohol Rehab Centers

Best Sites for obtaining client Contact Hours


Individual LPC Offices

Drug & Alcohol Counseling

Residential Treatment Centers

University Counseling Centers

3

Supervisor Savvy

Contains:

Supervisor Comparison

Questions to ask Your supervisor

Tips for Talking with a difficult supervisor


Supervisor Comparison

If your supervisor doesn’t “come with” your site you may need to sort through other potential options. Even if you only have one option, you can use this worksheet to make sure you have gotten all your ducks in a row. Copy as needed.

Supervisor #1 Name: _______________________________________________

Rate:_________________ No. of Interns He/She Is Currently Working With: ______

Background: ____________________________________________________

“Vibe” During Interview Good? YES NO

Can I Contact Supervisor’s Previous Interns for References? YES NO

Previous Intern Contact Info: _________________________________________

Decision: DEFINITE YES DEFINITE NO DEFINITE MAYBE !

Supervisor #2 Name: _______________________________________________

Rate:_________________ No. of Interns He/She Is Currently Working With: ______

Background: ____________________________________________________

“Vibe” During Interview Good? YES NO

Can I Contact Supervisor’s Previous Interns for References? YES NO

Previous Intern Contact Info: _________________________________________

Decision: DEFINITE YES DEFINITE NO DEFINITE MAYBE !


Questions to Ask Your supervisor

It can be really easy to panic and take the first supervisor you find. But I can-not discourage you enough from that path. You will be with this person for anywhere from 1 ! to 5 years. It will be on their say-so that you earn your counseling license. As hard as it is (and I sympathize!!) it’s better to pass on a bad supervisor up front and get started a little later than to pay for it down the line.

1. Are you licensed/certified as a supervisor in this state?

2. How long have you been providing supervision?

3. How long have you been a counselor?

4. What’s your theoretical orientation?

5. Do you have a “theory of supervision”?

6. What do you consider to be the most important thing you teach your interns?

7. How can you be reached in an emergency? (And does it cost extra?)

8. What do you expect your interns to do?

9. How do you monitor my counseling skills? (tape recording, one-way mirrors, etc.)

10. How soon do you allow your interns to see clients?1

11. How often do you meet for supervision?2

12. How much group supervision is there in relation to individual supervision?

13. How many interns do you take on at a time?

1 As odd as it sounds, some supervisors can be really strange about when they will begin allowing their interns to see clients, so be careful you have SPECIFICS on how often/soon you can see clients. 2 The following questions cross over from the site questions, because they’re important for both lists!


Tips for talking with a difficult supervisor

I hope you have an incredibly positive relationship with your counselor su-pervisor. However, I’ve heard enough stories to know that doesn’t always happen. In case you and your supervisor come into conflict, here are some tips to help you get out of it with your career intact. (P.S. These tips will also work if you have to have a difficult talk with a professor at school!)

1. Know what you’re upset about. Is it a personality conflict, a supervision issue, or a difference in counseling methods?

2. Don’t mix up issues. Once you’ve decided what you need to discuss with your supervisor, fo-cus on the major issue. If you’re drawing from multiple grievances, it will weaken your main point.

3. Go into any meeting with an open mind. The worst situations can sometimes work themselves out when two rational people sit down determined to understand one another.

4. Use your counseling skills. Really! Counselor supervisors are people too, and they get their feelings hurt and have egos. A little active listening, reflection, and empathy can go a looong way.

5. Play dumb if you bring up wrongdoing on their part. When people get defensive, you get no-where. Ask, “Aren’t I supposed to be seeing clients by the sixth month of my training?” Then let them try to defend their wrong rather than your explaining what they did wrong. If they

still don’t get it, then you can spell it out in terms of the conflict: “I really can’t keep pay-

ing for supervision if you won’t allow me to see clients. That’s the only way I can really

learn how to do counseling.” 6. Ask about their perspective. If they’re hesitant to let you do something, or if they’re practicing

questionable behavior, ask them why. Then you can either volunteer to make up the difference (How can I earn your trust to do _________?) or gently clue them in. (I understand why you think that _________ is a good idea, but from what I’ve read _________ can mean you lose your license.)

7. If it comes to the point where you have to get out of the situation, try your best to smooth things over before you leave. Be diplomatic. Unfortunately, this person is in a position of power, and you have to be careful. Exception: If they have an ethical violation, you must

choose whether or not you will report this to the proper authorities. Keep in mind: as

awkward as it is, we have an obligation to protect clients from potentially dangerous

people. 8. If you leave (before you leave) take proper documentation of your hours in supervision and in

counseling, signed by your supervisor. You may not want to talk to this person now, but think how much worse it will be later if they hold up your application for licensure by being un-available or refusing to sign. Your new supervisor will actually recommend you for licensure, but if you want to keep hours earned with your former supervisor, they have to sign off on them.

4

Applying for Licensure

Contains:

Applying for Licensure checklist

NCE & NCMHCE prep bibliography

Tracking Hours

Professional liability insurance providers

Tips for professional liability insurance


Applying for licensure Checklist

Before you can successfully earn your temporary license, you have to have a few things in place! Make sure you’re on track to start earning those hours.

State of Residence:________________________________________

(Mark through items on the list your state does not require.)

Transcript(s):____________________________________________

(How many? Sealed? With degree stamp? Directly from the school?)

Proof of Passing Scores on Tests:_______________________________

(NCE? NCMHCE?)

Record of supervised practicum experience:________________________

(How many hours allowed towards internship? Signature of supervisor/professor required?)

Signed Supervisor Contract:____________________________________

Additional Test(s):___________________________________________

(Jurisprudence exam?)

Additional Classes:___________________________________________

(Human sexuality? AIDS health & safety?)

Letters of Recommendation:______________________________________

(From whom? Specific forms to fill out?)

Essays/Letters of Intent:_________________________________________

(Topics? Length?)

Miscellaneous Requirements:________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________


NCE & NCMHCE Prep Bibliography

I have included all the major NCE/NCMHCE prep materials I know of, but I haven’t sampled all of them. I have marked the ones I can personally recommend with an *, the rest are simply there for your reference!

Books:

Study Guide for the National Counselor Examination and the CPCE. 6th Edition. An-

drew A. Helwig. 2011.

NCE Practice Questions: Practice Tests & Exam Review for the National Counselor

Examination. Mometrix Media LLC: NCE Exam Secrets Prep Team. 2010.

Mastering the National Counselor Examination and the Counselor Preparation

Comprehensive Examination. Prentice Hall: Erford, Hays, Crockett and Miller. 2010.

Encyclopedia of Counseling: Master Review and Tutorial for the National Counselor

Examination and State Exams. 3rd Edition. Routledge: Howard Rosenthal, 2007.*

How to Pass the National Counselor Exam...The very first time! Savvy Impressions

Publishers: Julie Maurant-Brown, 2011.*

NCMHCE Secrets Study Guide: NCMHCE Exam Review for the National Clinical

Mental Health Counseling Exam. Mometric Media LLC: NCMHCE Exam Secrets Test Prep

Team, 2011.

Study Guide for the NCMHCE Exam. Dr. Linton Hutchinson, 2011.

Websites:

Free Online NCE Tests. http://www.testprepreview.com/nce_practice.htm

NBCC’s Official Study Guides for the NCE & NCMHCE. http://www.nbcc.org/study

NCE Exam Prep: Pass the National Counselor Exam® Guaranteed!

http://www.nceexam.com*

Misc:

AATBS NCE National Counselor Exam Color-Coded Flashcards. Association for Advanced

Training in the Behavioral Sciences.

Golden Test Preparation: Exam Preparation for the NCE and CPCE. Workshop and/or Study

Guide CD. http://nancygoldencounselor.com


Tracking Hours

This is one option you may choose to use to keep up with your hours. Copy as many times as you need!

Date Contact Hours

Non-Contact Hours

Description/Notes

Total This Sheet:

Running Total:


Professional Liability Insurance Providers3

During or after your practicum you will have to start thinking about which professional liability provider you will use. I had a lot of trouble finding out which insurance company would offer the coverage I needed. I hope that having these places will help you avoid that trouble! I have noted below the insurance providers only those factors that are unique; aspects each policy have in com-mon I have left off the list.

Mental Health Counselors CPH & Associates Professional Liability Insurance. http://www.cphins.com Newly licensed discount, (50% off in first year, 25% off in second year) risk management course (10% off) and internet discounts possible. (5% for completing application online) Total dis-count cannot exceed 50%. Occurrence-based rather than claims-based insurance provider. Endorsed by the AAMFT, AMHCA, and CSWA (Clinical Social Work Association) among others. Healthcare Providers Service Organization. http://www.hpso.com ACA members get 10% off. Risk management course (10% off) and 50% discount for first year graduates. Recently added sexual misconduct & information privacy coverage. Sponsored by the ACA Insurance Trust. HPSO is also known as CNA HealthProin some circles. American Professional Agency, Inc. http://www.americanprofessional.com/ 5% discount for risk management courses, 35% discount if part-time. Retroactive coverage is available. Endorsed by the NASW, IACT (International Association of Counselors and Therapists) among others. Addiction Counselors The Van Wagner Group. http://insure-addictioncounselor.com/ Only open to members of the NAADAC. Social Workers NASW Assurance Services. http://www.naswassurance.org/ Must be a member of the NASW. School Counselors American School Counselor Association. http://www.schoolcounselor.org (Member Benefits & Info) Must be a member of the ASCA, but members are automatically covered for $1 million. Addi-tional options available. Marriage & Family Therapists See Mental Health Counselors.

3 This list includes all companies I could find with websites explicitly stating that they provide cover-age for mental health counselors. You may also be able to find coverage under other organizations as well by calling the company directly.


Tips for success with professional liability insurance

1. Check your state counselor (or social worker or marriage & family therapist) association,

as they often have policies available to counselors who practice in your state.

2. Coverage as a life coach or general consultant is not good enough. Make sure your pol-

icy is for a counselor. [Or social worker, or marriage and family therapist…]

3. Do NOT practice outside your scope of licensure. Your insurance provider will not cover

you for this.

4. Professional Liability Insurance is also known as Errors & Omissions Insurance, but

usually only for professionals like lawyers & brokers.

5. You still need your own insurance even if your employer is insured.

5

Marketing Yourself as a beginning Coun-

selor

Contains:

My target population

My unique skills

My platform

Client attraction methods

Marketing ethics checklist

Recommended reading: marketing Books


My Target population

In chapter five of The Beginning Counselor’s Survival Guide, I talk to you a little about developing your target market with some key questions: “Who, What, When, Where, Why and How.” Now, we’re going to start answering some of those questions!

Who: ___________________________________________________________

Answer the questions: What ages do I want to see? What gender, ethnicity, family struc-

ture, profession, what types of problems do they have?

What:___________________________________________________________

Answer the question: LPCC, LMFT, LADC….?

When:___________________________________________________________

Answer the question: What time of day or week will my target market be available?

Where: __________________________________________________________

Answer the questions: What kind of setting do I work in? (And later…) What kind of place

do I want to work in?

Why:____________________________________________________________

Answer the question: Why do I care about working with this people group?

How: ___________________________________________________________

Answer the question: What kind of counseling will I be doing?


My Unique Skills

Look backwards to plan for your future!

What prior jobs and careers have you had? _________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

What kind of training did you receive at these jobs? ____________________________

_______________________________________________________________

Include any relevant awards or certifications:________________________________

How can you use these skills to advance your counseling? ________________________

_______________________________________________________________

How can you use these skills to advance your business? _________________________

_______________________________________________________________

What personal qualities do you have that will make you a great counselor? ____________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________


My Platform

Not just about world peace anymore… "Platform" is what you bring to the profession. Now share yours!

Let’s recap:

Who’s your target population?

Ex: New counselors

_______________________________________________________________

Now, in a nutshell, what does this group of people want?

Ex: Practical answers to get started in their careers.

_______________________________________________________________

What do they want from you or your service specifically?

Ex: Encouragement, hope, support.

_______________________________________________________________

How are you going to give it to them?

Ex: A fabulous website, how-to book, practical workbook & killer social networking!

_______________________________________________________________

Now, you need a hook:

What words sum up best what you have to offer? Feel free to brainstorm here, it may take a

little work to develop just the right name or slogan for yourself.4

Ex: Beginning Counselor

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

4 Even if you haven’t started marketing in earnest, you need to know what you have to offer. Coming up with a catchphrase is an essential aspect of this!


Client Attraction Methods

How are you going to use your platform to reach your target population?

Let’s Review:

Your population:___________________ Their desires: _____________________

What you have to offer them:__________________________________________

Your essential message:__________________________________________

How can you use the following to reach them?

Print (Published articles, paid print ads, etc.): _____________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Social Networking (Twitter, Facebook): _________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Public Speaking (Community events, groups): _____________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

Writing (Blogging, Books, Workbooks, etc.): ______________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Online Marketing (Online ads, webinars, groups etc.): _______________________

_____________________________________________________________

Networking (Other healthcare professionals, joint ventures): ___________________

_____________________________________________________________

Now, go back and rank each of these methods in order of importance. Which ideas stand

out as the most promising? Which fit best into your budget right now? Which ideas best

capture your message?


Marketing ethics checklist

Make sure your advertising efforts meet ethical standards!

From the ACA Code of Ethics…

! Accurate? ! Exclude any testimonials from current clients or those who might be especially vul-

nerable? ! Include only true statements about you as a counselor or the profession of counsel-

ing? ! Refrain from recruiting clients for private practice through another place of em-

ployment? ! Disclose adequate information for the consumer to make an informed decision? ! Refrain from unduly pressuring a supervisee or client to purchase your product? ! Differentiate between an earned and an honorary degree? ! Clarify highest counseling-related degree earned only, even if you possess a higher

degree in another field? ! Disclose accreditation status of schools attended at time of attendance, if this in-

formation is included? ! Distinguish between current and past professional memberships?

From the AAMFT Code of Ethics…

! Conveys information that is necessary for the public to select professional services,

such as office location, languages spoken, description of practice, etc? (See point 8.2 for full description.)

! Does not contain a claim you are a partner or associate of a firm if you are not? ! Does not claim to be a provider of specialized services without having the proper

education, training and supervision?


Recommended reading

My favorite marketing and business books!

Atkin, Douglas. The Culting of Brands. Get this book if you want to turn your brand into a movement! Diana, David P. Marketing For the Mental Health Professional. Get this book if you want to find innovative marketing ideas for the mental health profes-sional. Eager, William. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Online Marketing. Get this book if you want a clear basic overview of your options in online advertising. Godin, Seth. Free Prize Inside!

Get this book if you want to learn how to make your business exciting and relevant.

Grodzky, Lynn. Building Your Ideal Private Practice: How to Love What You Do And Be Highly

Profitable Too!

Get this book if you want to makeover your existing private practice or start off on the right foot! Meerman, Scott David. The New Rules of Marketing and PR. Get this book to learn how to make good use of social media, press releases, podcasts, and much more! Walker, June. Self-Employed Tax Solutions. Get this book if you’re going to have a sole proprietorship or work as an independent contrac-tor and want to make sure your taxes are “audit-proof!”

6

Choices in counseling

Contains:

Types & Limits of Licensure


Types and Limits of licensure

Considering which licensing option you’d like to pursue? Look no further!

Licensed Professional Counselor5 (LPC) Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, (LPCC)

Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health, (LPCMH) Licensed Mental Health Coun-

selor, (LMHC) Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, (LCPC) Certified Professional

Counselor6, (CPC) Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, (LCMHC) and Licensed Pro-

fessional Counselor-Mental Health. (LPC-MH): Conducts individual & group therapy, must

have a master’s degree and state licensure to practice. Helps people express themselves,

identify non-helpful behaviors, clarify client goals, teaches coping skills, maintains confiden-

tiality, intervenes in crisis situations, provides homework when appropriate, and otherwise

practices therapeutic skills within their theoretical orientation.

School Counselor/Guidance Counselor: Works within elementary and secondary education

to create a school counseling program that enhances student's academic, social and personal

development, as well as counseling individual students. Responsible for preventative and re-

sponsive implementation of health and wellness treatment. Can also work as district

supervisors. Must create and/or ensure compliance with goals for the school and for student

development. Will consult with parents and teachers to provide unified treatment goals.

Must have a master’s degree and state licensure.

Career Counselor: Requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree to practice. Helps others find

the right career path for them, including administering certain vocational aptitude tests. Of-

ten works with graduating students to help them locate a good job for them. May liaise with

businesspeople in the community to help their clients find jobs or training. May also work

through negative work experiences with the client to better prepare them for future work life.

5 There are currently 120,429 LPC providers in the United States according to "2011 Statistics on Mental Health Professionals," a report by the American Counseling Association. 6 This term is mostly extinct.


Types and Limits of licensure Continued

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist7 (LMFT) Licensed Clinical Marriage & Family Thera-

pist, (LCMFT) Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner, (LIMHP): MFTs receive

additional training in family systems as well as traditional psychotherapy methods. What

that means is though they may treat the individual, they treat him or her in the context of the

family system.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker8 (LCSW) Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker,

(LICSW) Licensed Independent Social Worker, (LISW) Private Independent Practitioner,

(PIP) Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical, (LCSW-C) and Licensed Master Social

Worker (LMSW): While a clinical social worker who specializes in counseling will have most

or all of the same skills as a professional counselor, LCSW counselors are generally oriented

towards promoting social and group welfare. In contrast to LPCs, they may focus less on in-

dividual self-exploration. As compared to LMFTs, they are likely to place less emphasis on

the family system and more on the family's function in society. However, among all of these

professional divisions, the social work counselor is the most difficult to describe. The defini-

tion is so elastic, the best way to say it may be that it is up to the person holding the license to

create their role.

Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC), Certified Alcohol and other Drugs of

Addiction Counselor, (CADC) Certified Addiction Professional, (CAP) Addiction Treatment

Counselor, (ATC) Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, (LCDC): Counsels individuals,

families and groups. Responsible for mediation among patients, families and agencies, and

encouraging treatment compliance. Expected to perform routine screenings and assessments

as well as case management. Needs a minimum of a bachelor’s degree to practice, along with

experience and state certification. Different levels of certification available.

7 Licensed Marriage & Family Therapists in the U.S. in 2011 numbered 54,785 according to ACA re-port. 8 Clinical Social Workers in the U.S. in 2011 numbered 202,924 according to ACA report.


7

A day in the life of a beginning counselor

Contains:

Office supply list

Public Privacy notice

Example of Counseling Notes


Office supply list Ready to set up your first office? Here’s all you need to get started!

• Seating for at least three people (you & a couple, you and a parent/child) with room

for extra seats if needed.

• Desk and desk chair if possible.

• 2-3 end tables

• At least 2 clocks, one in your line of sight and one in the client’s.

• A lamp with several light levels.

• 1-2 Kleenex boxes.

• 2 trash cans, one by your desk and one by the client.

• Coasters, if you’re worried about your end tables.

• Crayons/markers and a drawing pad, for kids.

• Notepads and pens.

• A stand for your business cards.

• Public Privacy Notice (Print your own on the next page!)

• Your temporary license.

• Your diploma. (Optional)

• The DSM-IV.

• Bookshelf. (Optional)

• Demographic or specialty-specific tools. Example: If you regularly see kids, you’ll

probably want to invest in board games, modeling clay and a play therapy kit.


To protect their privacy, I do not ac-

knowledge clients I see in public. If you

choose to speak with me, I’d be glad to

talk to you!


!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

Example of Notes

The next two pages contain reproducible notes you can print on your com-puter and copy as many times as you like to hand-write your notes in the provided spaces. Or, you can type a similar structure into your word processor and use it as a template! Be aware that your site may require you include more information than is listed on my example notes.

!


Client Name: _____________________________

Date: _____________________

Counselor Name: __________________________

Subjective: ______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

Objective: ______________________________________________________

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Assessment: _____________________________________________________

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Plan: __________________________________________________________

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Client Name: _____________________________

Date: _____________________

Counselor Name: __________________________

______________________________________________________________

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8

The First Session

Contains:

Example Professional disclosure statement


Stephanie A. Adams, M.A., LPC-Intern Family Counseling Center Counselor-In-Training

<Email Address> <Phone Number>

Professional Disclosure Statement <Example>

Counseling Relationship: Please feel free to call me Stephanie. Your child is welcome to call

me Stephanie, Miss Stephanie, or Mrs. Adams. I do not believe in “one-up” counseling; I view myself as on the same level as each and every one of my clients. I simply am here to offer the benefit of my training to help your life however I can. My job is to be objective; therefore I cannot accept invitations to social events, gifts or services or write references for you. I care about all of my clients, but in order to provide you with the best service possible, ours must be a professional relationship only.

Effects of Counseling: At any time, feel free to talk to me about possible positive or negative effects of continue or discontinuing counseling. Of course, I expect you to benefit from counseling, but I cannot guarantee any specific results. My commitment to you is to work with you towards the best possible outcome for your goals. Some clients achieve their goals in only a few counseling ses-sions, whereas others may require months or even years of counseling. As the client, you are in complete control and may end our counseling relationship at any time. However, I would request that if you do decide to end counseling that you participate in a terminations session in order that our rela-tionship receives closure.

You have the right to ask questions about the basis for suggestions I might make concerning your problem, and also the right to refuse to follow these suggestions. If this situation becomes com-mon, I may begin a discussion with you about referring to another counselor who might be better suited to you personally.

Since counseling deals with difficult issues, at times it may bring up painful feelings, including guilt, discomfort, anxiety, anger or frustration. Since you are changing, your relationships with other people are likely to change as result of your growth. Such occurrences are normal and will usually pass, however, please let me know if these feelings become significantly more troubling, and I will be happy to work with you to minimize the impact whenever possible.

Payment: A fee will be agreed upon at the first session and due at the beginning of each ses-sion. We require 24 hours notice in order to cancel an appointment in order to give me a chance to fill your spot with someone else. If we have less than 24 hours notice for a cancellation or no-show, you will be responsible for the full session fee. Certain unavoidable circumstances will provide an excep-tion to this rule, however, the fee should be considered due unless I have stated otherwise.

Confidentiality: Discussions between you and I, and even the fact that you are in counseling with me, are confidential. For this reason, if I see you in public, I will protect your confidentiality by greeting you only if you greet me first. Though I enjoy interacting with my clients, if I come across you in public and introduce myself to other people that you or I may be with as your counselor, that will violate your privacy. If you don’t have a problem with people around us knowing our relation-ship, please feel free to greet me!

I may only break your confidentiality without your consent if you reveal abuse of an elder, child or disabled person, or in order to protect you in the case of suicidality. If you are suicidal, I am bound by law to report the situation in order that your life be protected. If I feel this is necessary, I will inform you of my intent to do so as the situation is occurring. I cannot contact anyone but the po-


lice under these circumstances. If you would wish me to also contact a family member or friend, please provide their name and number at the end of the form.

Couples in counseling together have confidentiality in individual sessions unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Please do not request or subpoena me to testify in court on your behalf. In a court room, confi-dentiality is effectually non-existent and I will be subject to answering any question I am asked by either side with no opportunity to put it in context or defend you in any way. This destroys the rela-tionship of trust necessary for counseling to succeed. If you are looking for someone to testify on your behalf, I request that you look elsewhere for that purpose. In the occasion that testifying becomes unavoidable, my hourly rate applies for each hour spent in court.

Client Rights: I render counseling services in a professional manner consistent with accepted ethical standards. If at any time for any reason you are dissatisfied with my services, please let me know. I would like to have a chance to see if the complaint can be resolved to your satisfaction. If I am not able to resolve your concerns, you may report your complaints to my supervisor, Dr. Carol Doss. Emergency Contact Information* Name Telephone Number

I consent for Stephanie A. Adams, M.A., LPC-Intern, to contact this person if she believes me to be in imminent danger to myself or others. _______________________________________________________ Date: _____________________ * If this space is left blank no one will be contacted in case of emergency outside of legal authorities. I have read and agree to the terms set out in the professional disclosure statement of the preceding two pages, and understand the conditions outlined for me. Client Signature Date __________________________________________________________________________________

9

Boundaries in the Therapeutic Relationship

Contains:

Defining your Boundaries

Is my client ready to terminate?

Defining your boundaries

What’s allowed in your office? There is no one right answer to any of these questions. There is only what you are comfortable with and what allows you to be the healthiest therapist.

What will you do if a client arrives late to their session? ____________________________________ (Keep the session, just start it later; Keep only the remaining session time; Reschedule, etc.)

_________________________________________________________________________________ Under what circumstances will you waive/lower fees? _____________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

Will you allow guests of the client into your session? ______________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________ Can your clients talk on the cell phone during your session? ________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________

Are non-client children allowed in your office during parent’s sessions? ______________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ Which of your phone numbers will your clients have access to? _____________________________ How long is too long to talk to a client on the phone (outside of a phone session?)_______________ ________________________________________________________________________________ Which hours will you keep unavailable to clients (outside of emergencies?)____________________ ________________________________________________________________________________

What’s your policy about contact with clients over Facebook? ______________________________ Over personal email addresses? ______________________________________________________ Over Twitter? ____________________________________________________________________ Under what circumstances would you visit a client in their homes? __________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________

IS My client ready to terminate?

It can be difficult when you’re starting out to determine whether or not you and your client are “finished” with your work together. And of course, different theories promote different ideas of wellness. My interpretation of readiness to terminate is based primarily on cognitive-behavioral therapy. Adapt my ques-tions below to meet your needs.

Have my client and I accomplished the goals the client came into counseling with?

If yes If no " "

#

If yes If no

$ % #

& If therapeutic

& If conversational

"

Has my client cancelled or no-showed more often recently?

If yes If no

$ %

If yes If no " "

Remember termination is an emotional and stressful time for a client. Be patient and be

available while you’re moving them out of a counseling relationship. Affirm the great strides

they’ve made to get to this point!

Are there any further goals the client has stated?

Re-focus on goals.

Continue work on new goals.

Is the content of your sessions currently more therapeutic or conversational?

Say, “We’ve been meeting for a while now. Is there something else you want to accomplish in therapy?”

Call your client and ask (in a non-threatening manner) if there is any reason for this pattern.

Not a sign of time for termination.

Work on that. Discuss termination with your client.

10

Population Primer

Contains:

Overcoming Population Challenges

Overcoming Population challenges

Ideally, we would be equally comfortable and competent with all populations. In reality, though, no one is perfectly at ease with every group of people. That’s why it’s important to identify any vulnerabilities you may have in this area so that you can begin to work to improve them.

Of the following populations mentioned in the text, which do you think will be the most chal-

lenging for you to work with? (Circle 1-3 of the following groups.)

Play Therapy Game Therapy Adolescent College Student

Middle-Aged Elderly Different Ethnic/Cultural Spiritual

GLBTQI Suicidal

Of the groups you have circled, would you define anything more specifically about what

exactly is difficult for you more clearly? (Example: Perhaps you are comfortable with mid-

dle-school boys but don’t know what to do with middle-school girls.) If so, write below.

Group #1: _______________________________________________________

Group #2: _______________________________________________________

Group #3: _______________________________________________________

What about these particular groups are challenging for you? _____________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

(Is it just because they are different? Do you feel untrained? Do you have bad memories associated with any

certain group of people?)

Are the challenges you have with this something you believe you should overcome?9 YES NO If no, why not? ____________________________________________________________________ Are these challenges something you can overcome? YES NO

9 For example, in the scenario we discussed with middle-school girls, there is nothing unethical or overly problematic with focusing your treatment on boys instead of girls.

Overcoming Population challenges Page 2

If no, why not? ____________________________________________________________________ Are you in a position where it is unethical10 for you to not treat a member of one of these groups of people? YES NO Which of the following broad options might you take to improve your comfort and competency levels with a group or groups you are challenged by? (Circle one.) READ/RESEARCH VOLUNTEER SPEND TIME WITH PEOPLE IN GROUP SEEK THE ADVICE OF ANOTHER COUNSELOR SEEK COUNSELING OTHER:______________________________ What specific action steps based on the broader options above might you take to improve your capa-bility with populations that are problematic for you? Group #1 Name: __________________________________________

Action Step #1: _________________________________________

Action Step #2: _________________________________________

Group #2 Name: __________________________________________

Action Step #1: _________________________________________

Action Step #2: _________________________________________

Group #3 Name: __________________________________________

Action Step #1: _________________________________________

Action Step #2: _________________________________________

10 If you’re not sure, check with your supervisor and/or professor. And if it is unethical for you to re-fuse to treat them, take appropriate actions to overcome your challenges with them or remove yourself from the situation immediately.

11

Counselor, Heal Thyself!

Contains:

Countertransference

Do I give too much?

Countertransference

Sometimes it is difficult to identify countertransference in ourselves. We may have a vague feeling of uneasiness around a certain person or situation, but not a clear idea of why. If you have a situation that has been challenging for you, walk through the questions below to see if you might be dealing with counter-transference.

Have you already identified any triggers you have that related to past problems in your life? YES NO If yes, what are those triggers? _________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ If no, have you noticed yourself feeling any of the following emotional responses during a counseling session? FEAR INTENSE DISLIKE INTENSE LIKE RAGE LOSS ANXIETY HOPELESSNESS REPULSION DESIRE TO ESCAPE Or, has something a client said or done triggered a flashback-like response? YES NO

Any response is likely countertransference. No response is likely not countertransference.

What was the trigger for the flashback or emotional response? _______________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ Do you know why you had that response? YES NO

If yes, continue, if no, seek counseling and supervision to discover why you had that reaction.

Why did you have the response you did? _________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ Is this response likely to repeat itself? YES NO

If yes, consult your supervisor: you may need to refer your client to another counselor.

Only you can decide what to do about a potential countertransference situation. But keep in mind it is your ethical and moral responsibility not to allow it to impact the client. Whether that's getting coun-seling for yourself, referring the client out, seeking supervision, or all of the above, don't hesitate to do it. You owe it to your client, and to yourself, to be a healthy counselor.

Do I give Too Much?

A quick questionnaire.

1. When you give additional services to your clients (being available after-hours, last-minute

appointments) is this decision thought out before hand or made on the spur of the moment?

a. Before b. Spur-of-the-moment

2. When a client complains about an aspect of your counseling (lack of immediate results, cost of

sessions, etc.) do you shrug it off or feel guilty about their disappointment?

a. Shrug it off b. Feel guilty

3. Do you find yourself often thinking about work when you are off the clock?

a. Not often b. All the time

4. Do you think that your actions directly control the outcome for the client?

a. I play a part. b. If I screw up, I could ruin their lives forever

5. How often do you set boundaries with clients and/or with your agency?

a. When I need to b. I can't say no, they need me

6. Do you have a resource that feeds you spiritually, emotionally, interpersonally and/or physically?

a. I have great friends, meditate and run every morning b. No

Mostly a: You feel fairly in control of your boundaries and rarely feel overwhelmed by client needs. Mostly b: You frequently feel overwhelmed by client needs and are on a path to burnout. Note from Stephanie: It may feel selfish to balance how much you give to others, especially your cli-

ents. But when you give too much, you dramatically shorten the time you can counsel before

experiencing burnout. Healthy give-and-take with your client helps extend your career so you can

help more people longer.

12

Refining Your Counseling Style

Contains:

My myers-briggs counselor profile

My Myers-Briggs counselor Profile What does your personality say about your skills as a counselor? Under-

line the term in bold that corresponds to your results, and then circle the characteristics following that you identify with. When you're done write the cir-cled characteristics in the space provided at the bottom of the page, and you will have your Myers-Briggs Counselor Profile.

Introverted: Best one-on-one Needs time to "recharge" after excessive interpersonal contact

Observes first, then talks Process things internally

Extroverted: Gains energy the more people they interact with Jumps into a conversation easily

Can talk more than the client Process things externally (with other people)

Intuitive: Strength in insight Enjoys theories "Big-picture" More abstract

Enjoys inspiring others Future-oriented Innovative

Sensing: Strength in concrete examples Reality-based Experiential Black-and-

white thinkers Detail-oriented Present-oriented Step-by-step

Thinking: Logical Can be perceived as harsh Clear and easy-to-understand Good

boundaries Likes guidelines

Feeling: Emotional Can have trouble with emotional boundaries Empathetic Perceptive

Perceiving: Spontaneous Interactions Favors less structure "In-the-moment" May

dislike note-taking & record-keeping Easy-going Last-minute

Judging: Reliable Favors more structure Organized Dislikes feeling out of control

Your Profile: (The combination of characteristics circled) ___________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ What does this tell you about your strengths & weaknesses as a counselor? ____________________ _________________________________________________________________________________

13

Preventing Burnout

Contains:

Why I became a counselor

Why I Became A Counselor

What is it that made you choose to become a counselor? What motivation do you have to continue growing in the field? This may seem a silly question right now, as you’re just starting out, but before long knowing the answer to this question may be the very thing that helps you prevent burnout in your career.

Storytime! In a book, the inciting incident is the occurrence that gets the story going.

Think when John Hammond showed up at the dig to invite Dr. Alan Grant to review his

new project in Jurassic Park. If that hadn’t happened, neither would anything else that

had followed. Describe for me your own inciting incident.

_____________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

After that, was there any other option for you but to become a counselor?

_______________________________________________________________________________

If there was, why didn’t you take it?

_______________________________________________________________________________

What idea keeps you going when you don’t feel like studying anymore?

______________________________________________________________

What’s your mission in being a counselor?

______________________________________________________________

14

Your Future as a Professional Counselor

Contains:

My Dreams for the Future

My dreams for the future

What do you want to do with your counseling career? How do you want to see it grow and change as you gain more experience? What new developments would you like to get on board with?

What is it you want to accomplish in the counseling field?

______________________________________________________________

Which areas of counseling have you not yet explored that you would someday like to?

Coaching Consulting Giving Workshops Supervision Webinars

Books E-books Teaching Audio Courses Training Programs

Group Counseling Animal-assisted Therapy Art Therapy

Play Therapy Family Therapy Career Guidance College Counseling

School Counseling Telemental Health Research Legislation

Other:

______________________________________________________________

How is it you would like to impact your clients’ lives?

_______________________________________________________________________________

When someday you retire, what would you like for people to say about the time you spent

as a counselor?

_______________________________________________________________________________

Documents

The Beginning Counselors Survival Guide Workbook