The competence constellation model: A communitarian approach to support professional competence.

Abstract

Professional competence in psychology and other health care professions is fluid, contextual, and vulnerable to degradation over time. Moreover, psychologists-üke all human beings-are often notably ineffective in self-evaluating competence. We introduce the competence constellation model (CCM) as a communitarian strategy for ensuring optimal functioning and protecting psychologists from unintended and unrecognized problems of professional competence. A competence constellation is defmed as a cluster of relationships with people who take an active interest in and engage in action to advance a professional's well-being and professional competence. Salient characteristics of a competence con.stellation include diversity, strength of ties, and intentional effort toward its development. Key structural elements include the inner core, collégial community, coUegial acquaintances, and the professional culture. We conclude with several implications of the CCM, as well as recommendations for the training of psychologists, credentiaHng and regulatory bodies, and modification of the protession's ethical principles and stajidards.

Preparing trainees for lifelong competence: Creating a communitarian training culture.

“…Johnson and colleagues proposed several structural layers in the CCM, most important being the inner core, a relatively small nucleus of primary relational mentors and colleagues (Johnson et al, 2013b). Inner core relationships are characterized by high levels of mutuality, reciprocity, intimacy, self-disclosure, and en gagement.…”

“…As Berger (1995) noted, psychologists must show trainees how to nourish and replenish themselves through a visible network of colleagueship with other psychologists. It is one thing to encourage trainees to construct a competence constellation (Johnson et al, 2013a(Johnson et al, , 2013b; it is another for trainers to model effective utili zation of their own constellations. Where transparency and care define program culture, trainees should feel better prepared for difficult conversations about problems of competence with peers and trainers (Jacobs et al, 2011).…”

“…Composition of a competence con stellation is identified from the perspective of the trainee or psy chologist at the center of the constellation and is generally limited to individuals who are instrumental to the trainee/psychologist's ongoing development, adaptive functioning, and professional com petence. Effective constellation members are able and willing to monitor each other's professional competence specifically, and emotional health and wellness generally (Johnson et al, 2013b).…”

Creating a peer-led acceptance and commitment therapy consultation group: The Portland model

“…Development of the Portland Model was linked to a vision of a group that fostered both professional ACT skill development and a strong sense of community among those seeking to build ACT skills (e.g., Johnson et al, 2013). Through years of trial and error, this growing community was able to develop a structure that has allowed us to more fully accomplish these aims.…”

“…Consultation groups serve many functions for the clinician, including the development and refinement of therapeutic skills, assistance with case conceptualization and treatment, maintenance of ethical standards, and emotional support for the difficult work of therapy. Johnson, Barnett, Elman, Forrest, and Kaslow (2013) identify 6 core competencies that promote strong relationships among colleagues. These include (a) authenticity and self-awareness; (b) the ability to understand others' perspectives; (c) being able to feel vulnerable and accept feedback; (d) self-care; (e) being able to shift between expert and learner among colleagues; (f) the ability to talk about difficult issues in ways that deepens relationships and encourages competence.…”