Professional Preparation and Credentials:
Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
Nataly Gomez
Walden University
Abstract
Professional counselors with the expertise in marriage, couple, and family counseling have certain standards to go by in order to become a licensure counselor. The CACREP is both a process and a status, it is a guide with specific standards to help with the preparation of becoming a licensure counselor. In order to become a counselor, there are certain levels of education and training to become professionally prepared. There are certain requirements depending on the state in which the counselor intends to practice. There might be some challenges in obtaining licensure but with the guidelines and procedures in the CACREP, it is going to help prepare counselors to learn how to reflect the needs of society. Additional professional credentials are going to help increase their credibility. This paper is to analyze the professional preparation and credentials in becoming a professional counselor with an expertise in marriage, couple, and family counseling.
Professional Preparation and Credentials “Counseling is a collaborative effort between the counselor and client. Professional counselors help clients identify goals and potential solutions to problems to improve communication and coping skills; strengthen self-esteem; and promote behavior change and ideal mental health” (American Counseling Association, 2013). In
The purpose of this paper is to review my professional identity as a Marriage and Family Therapist and to reflect on my developing beliefs within my selection of the counseling profession. My professional identity is beginning to be developed throughout my education with Liberty University. I will address the Marriage and Family Therapist professional counselor role and how this position differs from social workers, clinical psychologists, and professional counselors. By reviewing the differences in counseling positions, I will be able to express the differences from my previous experiences with pastoral counseling, and outline what my
The American Counseling Association website defines professional counseling as “a professional relationship that empowers diverse individuals, families, and groups to accomplish mental health, wellness, education, and career goals.” As the counseling profession has grown and the demand has increased over the years there has been some confusion of what the difference is between counseling and psychotherapy. Sharf (2012) reports, often times
I understand counselling to be a helping practice that differs from other helping activities, such as teaching for example. Counselling requires professional training and is specifically contracted or explicitly agreed. It has a theoretical base and uses specific methods within an ethical framework. The relationship between the counsellor and the client is built upon mutual expectation and is central to the process of the client under-going significant change in their lives.
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Counseling is a tool that is widely used by many people. Merriam Webster’s Learner’s Dictionary defines counseling as advice and support that is given to people to help them deal with problems, and make important decisions. This paper examines the career of a Licensed Professional Counselor, the education requirements, certification and licensure levels or requirements, salary, and the future of this profession.
Counseling others is a difficult job that requires people to listen, take notes, and respond in ways that are positive and helpful. It is important that trust be built between the counselor and the patient so that the patient will feel comfortable speaking about issues that are private or embarrassing. There are many different types of counselors including drug counselors; marriage counselors, grief counselors, job counselors, diet and exercise counselors, and others that can help people improve their lives in different ways. Counselors are trained to offer advice and listen to issues that may be bothering other people. They are not allowed to prescribe medication or expected to provide
As a counselor in training, I believe that counseling is a collaborative process between you and I. Counseling is a personal and safe process that deeply respects and honors each individual’s unique life experiences. Here are some aspects of counseling and therapy as I perceive and practive it: Therapeutic counseling
Professional counselors have to meet distinct requirements set by individual states. This work focuses on the requirements counselors have to meet in the state of Alabama. The difference between licensure, certification, and accreditation will be highlighted. The state has two levels of counseling license; the associate licensed counselor, and the licensed professional counselor (LPC). Licensed counselors in other states can apply for licensure through endorsement.
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