Graduating with a master’s in counseling does not guarantee you will be automatically eligible for licensure and credentialing. Although, most states recognize what a Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), degree contains, an individual will still have to satisfy the state’s licensure exam and complete the post-graduate supervised hours in order to be fully licensed (CACREP, 2014). The licensure process can be a long and tedious process. To be discussed in this paper are the requirements for licensure and credentialing in the state of California. In addition, potential challenges while obtaining licensure is discussed as well.
Explain your understanding of the scope of practice of …show more content…
Discuss how professional counseling organizations germane to counseling with an expertise in marriage, couple, and family counseling might support your professional practice pursuits.
Professional counseling organizations offer support to individuals pursing counseling careers in a variety of ways, as well as individuals already in the field of counseling. Organizations such as the International Association for Marriage and Family Counselors (IAMFC), the American Counseling Association (ACA) offer support that ranges from listings about job opportunities, resources, counseling benefits, credentialing, publications, feature articles and publications. These organizations offer information to keep you informed with the professional and counseling trends.
Describe licensure requirements you intend on seeking in the state or locale in which you intend to …show more content…
The potential challenges I foresee in obtaining licensure in the state of California is completing my post-masters clinical experience hours. I work 40 plus hours per week, and it will be difficult for me to obtain those hours. I am hoping that when that time arrives, I will be able to adjust my schedule to accommodate the time needed to dedicate to completing my post-masters clinical hours. Fortunately, I work for a company which encourages continuing one’s education. During my undergraduate work, I was able to adjust my hours for the three ten week internships at different intervals that were required.
It was not easy attending college and working full-time, while completing my internships. There were times when I was mentally exhausted, however, somehow I prevailed. Due to the high number of hours required for the post-masters clinical hours it will require much more flexibility in my work schedule. I am cautiously optimistic that I will be able to complete my hours. It will be challenging but