115 – How to Grow as a Counsellor

Summary

In this episode, the hosts of the Counseling Tutor Podcast discuss key strategies for enhancing counseling training. They emphasize the importance of prior study to avoid confusion during CPD courses, ensuring greater engagement and knowledge retention. The conversation also touches on the upcoming academic break and the introduction of a summer school initiative designed to help students stay connected and continue their learning. By filling the gap between courses, students can maintain their confidence and readiness for the next phase of their studies, all while staying grounded in their professional growth.

Takeaways

• 😀 Consistent self-study and preparation before attending CPD courses help you engage with the material more effectively and fill knowledge gaps.
• 😀 Being familiar with terms and concepts before attending training can prevent distractions and allow you to focus on deepening your understanding.
• 😀 It's beneficial to keep learning and growing as a counselor, even between formal courses, to ensure you stay confident and informed.
• 😀 Engaging with key resources and discussions on platforms like Facebook groups can enhance your learning outside formal education settings.
• 😀 Dipping into knowledge before taking formal training sessions prepares you to better engage with the content and apply it in practice.
• 😀 The idea of summer school offers an opportunity to stay connected with learning during the long academic breaks, avoiding a knowledge gap.
• 😀 Counseling students should look for opportunities to engage with essential topics even when not actively attending courses, ensuring continuous professional development.
• 😀 An essential part of growth in counseling is to value yourself as a professional and stay grounded, allowing you to navigate challenges with confidence.
• 😀 It's important to be proactive in preparing for upcoming courses by filling in gaps in knowledge, so you're ready to apply it when the courses begin.
• 😀 Staying engaged with your studies during academic breaks (like summer) ensures you're not starting from scratch when you return to your courses.

Q & A

Why is it important to study and familiarize yourself with terms before attending a CPD course?

Studying the terms beforehand allows you to focus on the core content of the course, rather than getting stuck on unfamiliar vocabulary. This approach helps you to build on your existing knowledge and engage more meaningfully with the material.

What is the benefit of engaging in learning activities between training courses?

Engaging in learning activities during breaks between courses helps maintain knowledge retention, preventing a loss of continuity. It also prepares you to return to your studies with confidence, avoiding the feeling of starting from scratch after a break.

What do the speakers mean by the metaphor of being 'dipped in the vat of knowledge'?

The metaphor suggests immersing yourself in learning, absorbing as much information as possible, similar to how something would be immersed in a vat to soak up everything around it.

How does prior knowledge help students during their training courses?

Having prior knowledge allows students to engage more deeply with the course material, focusing on the application of concepts rather than struggling to understand basic terms or concepts, making the learning process more efficient and less stressful.

Why do the speakers recommend a 'summer school' for counseling students?

The summer school offers a way to continue learning during academic breaks. It provides students with key knowledge and topics they need to know before progressing with their courses, allowing them to stay engaged and confident in their studies.

What is the potential downside of taking a long break between courses without engaging in learning?

Taking a long break without engaging in learning can lead to a loss of momentum, making it harder to get back into the swing of things when classes resume. It can feel like restarting a cold engine, rather than picking up where you left off.

What role does continuous professional development (CPD) play in a counselor's education?

CPD helps counselors to stay updated with new information, refine their skills, and grow as professionals. It allows them to bridge gaps in their knowledge and ensures that they remain effective in their practice.

How can online resources and community groups benefit students during their studies?

Online resources and community groups, such as those on Facebook, offer access to valuable information and support from peers and professionals. They help students stay informed and connected, which can enhance their learning and provide guidance between formal training courses.

What is the significance of valuing yourself as a professional, as mentioned in the episode?

Valuing yourself as a professional boosts confidence, helps maintain a strong sense of self-worth, and encourages a positive attitude toward growth and learning. It is essential for counselors to recognize their value in their practice and professional development.

What does the phrase 'keep the engine running in the background' mean in the context of learning?

The phrase refers to maintaining an ongoing engagement with learning, even during breaks, so that knowledge stays fresh. It emphasizes the importance of continuous learning without the pressure of deadlines or assignments, which helps students stay prepared and confident.