Beyond Microskills: Toward a Model of Counseling Competence

This article addresses the call for counselor training reform by developing a model of counseling competence. Relevant key terms are also defined that have had unclear definitions in mental health professions.

• Summarize the rationale for developing a model of counseling competence.

• Define key terms integral to microskills and counseling competence.

• Critically evaluate the model of counseling competence.

Charles R. Ridley, PhD, is a Professor in the Counseling Psychology program at Texas A & M University, and Director of the Integrated Research, Education, and Training Core for the Center for the Study of Health Disparities.

Shannon Kelly, MS, served as a counselor at the Indiana University GLBT Student Support Services Office and as a therapist at the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago.

Debra Mollen, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Counseling Psychology program at Texas Woman's University.

This Continuing Education program is in partnership with the Division 17 (Society of Counseling Psychology).