Practicum in Counseling: A Developmental Guide

Practicum in Counseling: A Developmental Guide is designed to guide counselors-in-training through a meaningful practicum experience. The text utilizes a developmental approach to empower students and encourage them to commit to professional growth and the development of their counselor identity. The text is divided into four sections. In Section One, students learn their role in practicum, how to establish a working relationship with their site supervisor, what to expect onsite during the first week, and more. In Section Two, they learn how to make contact with their first client, review basic helping skills, consider ethical and legal issues, explore the role of diversity in counseling work, and learn how to handle critical incidents. Section Three addresses the importance of supervision, self-advocacy, wellbeing, and personal agency in becoming an effective counselor. Practicum assessment and evaluation are also explored. The final section focuses on the conclusion of practicum and the beginning of an internship. Students learn how to transition their responsibilities and terminate work with their clients. They are encouraged to assess their knowledge, skills, and values to shape their goals for their internship. Featuring voices from students who've completed practicum, as well as valuable and highly applicable information from the authors, Practicum in Counseling is a winning resource for counselors-in-training enrolled in a practicum course.