Journal of Psychology & Psychotherapy
Open Access

Training the next generation counseling psychologists-organizing first practicum class

International Conference on Positive Psychology and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

June 13-14, 2016 Philadelphia, USA

Hung Chiao

Asia University, Taiwan

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Psychol Psychother

Abstract :

Since Taiwan passed the Psychologist Act in 2001, counseling and clinical psychology licensure systems were established. Training programs have grown fast and young people are eager to involve into the profession. People who received a master degree from a government-accredited counseling and/or clinical psychology program for at least 2 years plus one year full-time internship can be qualified to seat in the national licensure examination. After passing the examination, they can be recognized as licensed psychologists. While the licensure examination serves as a gate keeper of the profession, the practicum classes and internship training are the keys to control and to shape the quality the professional practices. Thus, by having more innovative training strategies being shared, we can improve the professional field and move forward. The presentation aims to provide the participants a dynamic model of counseling and psychotherapy practicum class. The presenter first provides an analysis of novice trainees� learning struggles and corresponding tasks from the developmental perspective. Then, the presenter demonstrates a series of topics (e.g., counselors� self-care, termination, ethical concerns, etc.) and in-class activities (e.g., role plays, psychodrama, case presentations, etc.) that help trainees to improve their awareness, knowledge, and skills. In addition, the presenter describes various mentoring strategies (e.g., weekly reflection papers, 3-way meetings) and explain their educational mechanisms in training counseling psychologists. Lastly, the presenter shares her lessons learned from her past teaching experiences. The presenter hopes to use her own training practices to encourage more trainers to share their unique and effective training modules.

Biography :

Email: chiao@asia.edu.tw