New Techniques for Counselors

I had the privilege of writing Counseling Today's July 2012 cover story, exploring the various ways counselors are using their continuing education dollars to expand their skillsets and really help a variety of clients who cross their paths. Continuing education is such an innocuous phrase, that is, until you are pressed up against a licensing deadline and searching for online CEU credits. But for those who plan ahead and consider the scope of their caseloads when deciding how to spend their time and money, the CE experience can lead to new insights about yourself and how to best reach your clients. I was struck by how committed my sources are to their specific approaches (EMDR, EFT, neuroscience), but also by how open they are to trying new things. Modern counseling is not for purists. I think our eclecticism is our greatest strength. 

Adding Imago Relationship Therapy to my skillset was a very big, pricey, long-term commitment to becoming a counselor who specializes in relationship work. And it didn't stop when my training was complete - ongoing supervision, case consultation, and continuing education within MAIT and the larger Imago International organization have been significant responsibilities. But the act of stretching into new understanding, of devoting time and money to new learning, and of exposing myself to new perspectives has made me a better counselor. A good question for anyone shopping for a therapist is, what have you been reading lately? How are you spending your CE time this year?