The Counseling Practicum and Internship Manual, Second Edition

Praise for the First Edition:

"I highly recommend The Counseling Practicum and Internship Manual. It is the single best all-in-one resource I've read for all things practicum and internship."

óRyan Thomas Neace, LPC, NCC, CCMHC, Blogger, American Counseling Association; Founder, CounselingInternships.com and Change, Inc.

This best-selling guide to the practicum and internship experience, written expressly for graduate counseling students by a seasoned counselor and educator, is now substantially revised with updated and expanded content including the 2014 ACA Code of Ethics. With a strong focus on counseling as a specific professional identity, the book includes new information on developing one's own approach to counseling and supervision, maintaining satisfactory working relationships with supervisors and colleagues, developing good writing skills and record keeping, and managing crisis and trauma. The second edition also reflects such developments as DSM-5 and CACREP/CORE standards.

With a concise, accessible writing style, the book describes everything students need to know as they enter and progress through the practicum and internship process. Replete with plentiful case examples and sample forms and templates, this supportive manual encompasses information addressing how to select and apply for practicum/internships in all settings, including mental health, rehabilitation, schools, and addictions. It examines such ethical and legal issues as informed consent, confidentiality, client records, boundary issues, and liability insurance. Multicultural considerations that impact counseling along with the importance of self-care, including stress management and dealing with aggressive client behaviors, are also discussed in detail. This "mentor in a book" gives counseling students invaluable assistance in preparing for their first experiences working with clients, and eases the journey toward developing into a self-confident, skilled, and ethical practitioner.

New to the Second Edition:

• Updated to include content on 2014 ACA Code of Ethics, CACREP/CORE developments, legal issues, DSM-5, and social media
• Expanded content on developing an individual approach to counseling
• Provides new information on crisis intervention
• Increased content on supervision styles and models
• Expanded information on student safety at field sites
• Augmented discussion of careers
• Includes expanded self-reflection exercises for the intern
• Provides downloadable versions of student forms and templates

Key Features:

• Focuses on counseling as a specific professional identity
• Covers everything students need to know as they enter and progress through the practicum/internship process
• Mentors students in a supportive, user-friendly style
• Includes abundant case examples

Shannon Hodges, PhD, LMHC, NCC, ACS, is professor and coordinator of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Niagara University with over 30 years of counseling experience in community agencies, university counseling centers, and overseas. As a former director of a university counseling center and clinical director of a county mental health clinic, he has taught school counselors, mental health counselors, and undergraduate psychology students, including numerous international academic appointments. Dr. Hodges has authored numerous professional publications and has also served on the editorial review boards of several journals including the Journal of Counseling and Development, Journal of Counseling and Values, Journal of Mental Health Counseling, and Journal of College Counseling. He is a longtime member of the American Counseling Association (ACA), the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA), and several ACA affiliate divisions. His previous books include the first edition of 101 Careers in Counseling (2012), The Counseling Practicum and Internship Manual, Second Edition (2015), and The College and University Counseling Manual (2016).

CONTENTS

Preface

Acknowledgments

1. Introduction to the Counseling Profession and the Practicum/Internship

Identity

Professional Counseling Organizations

Counselor Licensure

Occupational Outlook for Counselors

Practicum Versus Internship

Practicum/Internship Requirements

2. Selecting and Applying for a Practicum/Internship

Selecting a Practicum/Internship

The Informational Interview

Applying for the Practicum/Internship

The Practicum/Internship Contract

Final Issues to Consider

3. Ethical and Legal Issues

Competent Ethical Practice for Counselors

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

Informed Consent

Confidentiality and Privileged Communication

Technology and Client Records

Boundary Issues: Dual Relationships in Counseling

Sexual Intimacy With Clients

Liability Insurance

4. Clinical Issues in Practicum/Internship

Building the Therapeutic Alliance

Initial Intake Form

Initial Assessment

Counseling Techniques

The Clinical Record

Closing the Session

Final Suggestions

Conclusion

5. Clinical Writing and Documentation in Counseling Records

Client Records and the Standard of Care

Documenting Complicated End-of-Life Issues

Case Notes

Recommendations for Record Keeping

General Recommendations for Writing Case Notes

SOAP Format

6. Models of Supervision: Classroom and Site Supervision

Practicum/Internship Class

Models of Supervision and Critique

Written Feedback

Offering Feedback to Peers

7. Multicultural Issues and Considerations

Self-Awareness: The First Step

Multicultural Competencies

Developing Culturally Appropriate Skills

Ethics and Multicultural Counseling

Final Thoughts

8. Managing Stress During Your Practicum/Internship

Developing and Maintaining a Healthy and Mindful Lifestyle

Conflict Management Skills

The Counseling Student as Client

Final Suggestions for Self-Care

Conclusion

9. Crisis Intervention in Practicum/Internship

The Duty to Warn

Suicidal Clients

Assessing Danger to Others

Child Abuse and Neglect

Recommended Resources for Suicide Prevention

Organizations for the Prevention of Suicide

Suicide Hotlines

Conclusion

10. Protecting Yourself During the Practicum/Internship Experience

Predictors of Client Violence

Dealing With Aggressive Behaviors

Defusing Violence

Self-Defense Training

Workplace Violence Prevention Plan

What to Do After an Assault

Conclusion

11. Termination in Counseling: How to Say Goodbye

When to Terminate a Counseling Relationship

Discussing Termination With the Client

The Termination Plan

Client’s Resistance to Termination

Counselor Resistance to Termination

Referrals and Follow-Up

Abandonment

Conclusion

12. Completing the Practicum/Internship and Preparing for the Future as a Professional Counselor

Terminating the Field Supervisor–Intern Relationship

Preparing for the Job Search

The Visioning Process: Creating Your Dream Career

The Career Center

Professional Networking Sites

Requesting References

Developing a Résumé or Curriculum Vitae

Writing a Cover Letter

The Job Interview

Dealing With Rejection

Evaluating a Job Offer

Final Thoughts on Concluding Your Practicum/Internship and Beginning Your Career

Appendix A: List of Professional Counseling Organizations

Appendix B: State Licensure Boards and Requirements

Appendix C: Documents for Practicum and Internship

Index