“Therapy should not be theory driven, but relationship driven”.
-Yalom
CACREP Competencies
a) scholarly examination of the evidence base for counseling processes and theories
b) integration of theories relevant to counseling
c) conceptualization of clients from multiple theoretical perspectives
d) scholarly examination of culturally sustaining counseling practice across multiple settings, contexts, and across service delivery modalities
e) methods for evaluating counseling effectiveness
f) legal and ethical issues and responsibilities in counseling across multiple settings and across service delivery modalities
Counseling Artifacts
Theoretical Framework for Ethical and Effective Counseling Journeys
Meets Criteria A, B, C, D, E, F
This paper from COUC 715 reflects my personal approach to counseling and my rationale for my theoretical orientation. It includes theory, case conceptualization model, diagnostic process, treatment plan, and aftercare plan for a specific case study .
Discussion Thread: Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders
Meets Criteria A, B, C, D, E, F
This discussion post from COUC 715 illustrates my examination and conceptualization of effectively treating a client ethically in a given case study.
Issues in Integration Course Synthesis Paper
Meets Criteria A, B, C, D, E, F
This paper from COUC 730 represents my personal and professional model for integrating spirituality into my counseling practice using a family case study.
Applied Theory Paper (Theory and Practice)
Meets Criteria B, C, F
This assignment in COUC 870 illustrates the combination of theory and practice in a meaningful way and includes the tenets of Krumboltz’s Social Learning Theory.
Discussion Board- The Group Counselor
Meets Criteria B, C, D, E, F
This discussion post in COUC 710 allows for reflection of various theories and approaches to effective group counseling utilizing the text from Yalom & Leszcz (2005).
Supervision Reflection Paper
Meets Criteria D, F
During COUC 710, I was able to virtually lead a group of master’s counseling students with Dr. Cheyne during her COUC 512 class. This paper reflects on my counseling and supervision skills.
Practicum: Self-Evaluation Paper
Meets Criteria A, E, F
This paper from COUC 998 demonstrates my self-awareness, self-evaluation, and my ability to develop an action plan that aids in my professional development.
Presentation Case Conceptualization Assignment
Meets Criteria B, C, D, E, F
This case presentation is a comprehensive integration of all the skills learned in the practicum class and demonstrated during a filmed client session.
Video and Verbatim Client Assignment
Meets Criteria B, C, D, E, F
This presentation in COUC 999 shows a detailed report of the client transcript and offers insight throughout the session.
Reflections
1. Reflect on the process of developing leadership level knowledge, skills, and practices in this competency. What has been especially impactful/meaningful/important to you personally and professionally?
God has given me a lifetime of experience as a leader, educator, wife, and mom that have led me to this season of my life as a clinician and now, counselor educator. I completed my master’s degree in 2022, and prayerfully considered furthering my education in the counseling world. I find great purpose in being a clinician, and am also motivated to help the profession that I love by educating and equipping future counselors. I have the engagement with faculty and my cohort members to be most impactful for me both personally and professionally.
2. Describe an area of strength that you have developed while in the program in this area of competency. What is one way you plan to utilize this strength in your vocation?
An area of strength that I have developed in this program is the ability to curate my identity as a counselor and a counselor educator. Through my naturally curious nature, I have been able to attend various trainings and certifications that have fostered growth in my counseling skills and practice that I will continue to carry with me in the next chapter of my vocation.
3. Describe an area of challenge/growth opportunity in this area of competency. What is your plan to develop excellence in this area?
One exciting growth opportunity that I have discovered is the connection between mental health and physical health. Not only have I seen the benefits of this awareness personally, I plan to expand my knowledge in this area while continuing my work in a multi-disciplinary medical setting.
4. Reflect on how faith in Christ relates to this competency.
The integration of my faith into my counseling is not just something I practice, it is part of my identity. Immersing myself in scripture to better understand God’s heart and purpose for my life helps grow my empathy and desire to help the patients that I serve.
Suzy Vaile, MA, LCMHC, LCAS 
