Graduate training and consulting psychology: A content analysis of doctoral-level programs.

Abstract

The practice of consulting psychology is associated with a definable set of professional activities; however, the vast majority of consulting psychologists are trained in non-consulting~oriented doctoral programs. The present study examined existing programs, in light of Robinson Kurpius et al.'s (1995) occupational analysis, to determine (a) the extent to which various types of doctorallevel programs prepare students to assume these roles and (b) the skill gaps that graduates from each program type would need to address. Results of these analyses are discussed, and recommendations for those interested in respecialization are provided. MethodThe review process involved the defining and synthesizing of two elements: the professional roles or tasks most relevant to CP and the courses

New directions for graduate training in consulting psychology.

“…A third relevant study, by Garman, Zlatoper, and Whiston (1998), extended Robinson Kurpius et al’s (1996) research by examining existing curricula in the specialty areas of clinical, counseling, I/O, and school psychology and in the nonpsychology disciplines of social work and organizational behavior. These authors concluded that certain programs, particularly I/O psychology programs, appear to be more exemplary than others in the training of these presumably core competencies.…”

Content analysis of Consulting psychology journal: Practice and research (Volumes 44-59).

“…The mission of the CPJ is “to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and ideas regarding the field of consultation to the community of psychologists and others interested in consultation.” In service of this mission, the journal publishes conceptual articles with practical implications, original research focused on consultation, reviews of specific consultation arenas, innovative case studies or ones that relate to critical or overlooked elements of consultation, articles to aid consultants in developing their practice, and articles addressing how consultants apply their skill to solve clients' problems (Instructions to Authors, 2008, citing, www.apa.org/journals/cpb/submission.html). In addition, research in the journal has attempted to clarify what consulting psychologists are and what they do, through histories, surveys, or other means (Garman, Zlatoper & Whiston, 1998; Hellkamp, 1993; Hellkamp, Zins, Ferguson, & Hodge, 1998; Rigby, 1992; Robinson Kurpius, et al, 1995). Perhaps a reason for these reflective endeavors is to foster the development of an identity for consulting psychology.…”

“…A year later, Hellkamp (1993) followed suit with a more contemporary history (1972–1992). Robinson Kurpius, Fuqua, and Gibson (1995) surveyed consulting psychologists to identify the tasks they performed and Garman, Zlatoper, and Whiston's (1998) content analysis attempted to identify the extent to which different doctoral programs prepared students for these tasks. More recently, two major efforts have attempted to specify the competencies required of consulting psychologists.…”