Counseling Specialization Standards

• State for at least three major theoretical approaches to group counseling the distinguishing characteristics of each and the commonalities shared by all.
• Identify specific ethical problems and considerations unique to group counseling.
• List advantages and disadvantages of group counseling and the circumstances for which it is indicated or contra-indicated.
• Describe interpersonal dynamics in group counseling.
• Describe group problem-solving approaches in relation to group counseling.
• Discuss interpersonal assessment in group counseling.
• Identify referral sources and procedures in group counseling.
• Describe group formation principles in group counseling.

• Recruit and screen prospective counseling group members.
• Recognize self-defeating behaviors of counseling group members.
• Conduct a personally selected group counseling model appropriate to the age and clientele of the group leader's specialty area(s) (e.g., community counseling).
• Develop reasonable hypotheses about nonverbal behavior among counseling group members.
• Exhibit appropriate pacing skills involved in stages of a counseling group's development.
• Intervene effectively at critical incidents in the counseling group process.
• Work appropriately with disruptive counseling group members.
• Make use of the major strategies, techniques, and procedures of group counseling.
• Use procedures to assist transfer and support of changes by group counseling members in the natural environment.
• Use adjunct group counseling structures such as homework (e.g., goal setting).
• Work cooperatively and effectively with a counseling group co- leader.
• Use assessment procedures in evaluating effects and contributions of group counseling.

• Minimum: 3 courses in human development, health promotion, and methods of group counseling.
• Recommended: Coursework should be taken in the broad areas of human development, health promotion, and group counseling.

• Minimum: 45 clock hours supervised practice.
• Recommended: 60 clock hours supervised practice.

• Conduct a counseling group appropriate to the age and clientele of the group leader's specialty area(s) (e.g., community counseling, mental health counseling).