Measuring Changes in Counselor Self-Efficacy: Further Validation and Implications for Training and Supervision

Abstract

This study examines the changes in counselor self-efficacy beliefs during training. For this purpose, the Counseling Self-Estimate Inventory (COSE), based on Bandura's self-efficacy theory (1986), was employed (Larson et al.,1992). Both global counselor self-efficacy measures as well as specific measures related to five areas of counseling (i.e., micro skills, process, handling difficult client behaviors, cultural competence, and awareness of values) were analyzed. A total of 20 first-year MA students in counseling psychology completed the COSE at two time intervals 8 weeks apart. Results show a significant increase in the overall measure of self-efficacy skills. We also found a significant increase in one of the factors, micro skills. Implications for training and supervision are discussed.

Exploring the Relationships Between Counseling Students’ Cultural Factors, Academic Aptitude, and Self‐Efficacy

“…Additionally, Tang et al (2004) reported that more coursework and internship experience were significantly correlated with higher levels of CSE. Similarly, Kozina, Grabovari, De Stefano, and Drapeau (2010) reported an increase in master's-level counseling students' CSE during their initial clinical work with clients. Regarding the relationship between CSE and supervision, Cashwell and Dooley (2001) reported higher levels of CSE in counseling students who received supervision as compared with those who did not.…”

The Relationship Between Counseling Trainee Perfectionism and the Working Alliance With Supervisor and Client

“…Counselor self-efficacy has been given a great deal of attention in the counseling training literature (e.g., Kozina, Grabovari, De Stefano, & Drapeau, 2010), with varied results relating counselor self-efficacy to counselor performance. Although Heppner, Multon, Gysbers, Ellis, and Zook (1998) noted that the relationship between counselor self-efficacy and counseling process and outcome appears to be more complex than a simple "more self-efficacy is better philosophy" (p. 393), a number of studies associated counselor self-efficacy with variables related to counseling success (e.g., Lent, Hoffman, Hill, Treistman, Mount, & Singley, 2006).…”

Therapists’ Self-Efficacy for CBT Dissemination: is Supervision the Key?

“…Counselor self-efficacy generally tends to improve with repeated practice [28]. However, in this sample, number of patients treated with CBT did not predict self-efficacy.…”