Cognitive Methods in Counselor Training

Abstract

With the renewed interest in the role of cognition in counselor training, numerous studies examining this phenomenon have emerged. This article reviews existing literature relevant to cognitive issues in training. The effects of various cognitive attributes such as conceptual level and cognitive style are discussed. Similarly, the impact of various cognitive training strategies on trainee performance are examined, such as modification of trainee cognitions to enhance skill generalization and cognitive restructuring techniques to alter maladaptive cognitions of trainees. In addition, methodological issues that have served to limit research activity are addressed. Brief recommendations are offered for future research and training efforts. Dale R . Fuqua i s an associate professor in the Department of Counseling, Universaty of North Dakota, Grand Forks. A1 W . Johnson, Mark W . Anderson, and Jody L. Newman are graduate assistants in the same department. SEPTEMBER 1984 U5

Relationship of counselor self-talk and hypothesis formulation to performance level.

“…The major finding of the study was a positive relationship between higher quality clinical hypothesis formulation and higher levels of facilitative performance during counseling sessions.Counselor training research has increasingly emphasized cognitive processes during the past decade. This trend is reflective of a more global movement toward cognitive approaches in the behavioral sciences (Mahoney, 1974;Meichenbaum, 1977) and is viewed by many counselor educators and researchers as a positive stimulus for moving toward more comprehensive training models (Fuqua, Johnson, Anderson, & Newman, 1984; Kurpius, Benjamin, & Morran, 4985;Schmidt, 1979;Stone, 1980). They contend that traditional models have narrowly focused on behavioral skills and must be expanded to account for complex interrelationships between counselor trainee cognitive and behavioral processes.Within the counselor education field, cognitive-behavioral studies initially focused upon the relationship of trainee cognitive attributes to counseling performance.…”

Counselor Training: Empirical Findings and Current Approaches

“…Hence, the scales did not address whether these skills were used in an effective manner. Indeed, authors have long critiqued the research on counselor training for its sole focus on skill acquisition and, therefore, lack of attention to the quality of counseling responses and contextual features of counseling sessions (Brendel et al, 2002;Cunningham & Stewart, 1983;Eriksen & McAuliffe, 2003;Fuqua, Johnson, Anderson, & Newman, 1984;Morran et al, 1995). The literature concerning the SCTM could be improved with future assessments of the appropriateness or effectiveness of counseling skills demonstrated by trainees in counseling sessions.…”

A Format for Case Conceptualization

“…1988;Borders & Leddlck, 1987;Ellis. 1988;Fuqua et al .. 1984;Ronnestad & Skovholt, 1993;Stoltenberg & Delworth, 1987). the format cannot be applied rigidly or uniformly as a pedagogical tool.…”

“…boredom. or threats to personal integrity (Fuqua et al .. 1984;Glickauf-Hughes & Campbell. 1991;Ronnestad & Skovholt, 1993;Stoltenberg & Delworth, 1987).…”