Specifying Counseling Psychology
Competencies
Cindy Juntunen and Margo Jackson, Co-Chairs
SCP/CCPTP Joint Special Task Group
Report to CCPTP, Midwinter Conference, Lost Pines, TX
February 8, 2013
SCP/CCPTP Joint STG on Counseling
Psychology Competencies
Cindy Juntunen, PhD, Co-Chair for SCP, Univ. of North Dakota
Margo Jackson, PhD, Co-Chair for CCPTP , Fordham University
Mary Ann Covey, PhD, Texas A&M University
ACCTA/Assn. of Counseling Center Training Agencies
Nadya Fouad, PhD, University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee
Benchmark Competencies Chair
Eric Sauer, PhD, Western Michigan University, CCPTP Board
Sally Stabb, PhD, Texas Women’s University, CCPTP Board
Femina Varghese, PhD, University of Central Arkansas, new TD
Emily Voelkel, MA , University of Houston
SAS/Student Affiliates of Seventeen Rep
Mission/Charge
• Review existing competencies documents to
determine if adequately address the training
needs in counseling psychology.
• Adapt Benchmark Competencies (APA, 2011;
Fouad et al., 2009) to specify counseling
psychology competencies, shared with and
distinct from those of general professional
psychology.
Initial Focus
3 areas of distinct strengths in
counseling psychology:
 Prevention
 Social Justice
 Vocational
STG Progress to Date:
Re 6 (I-VI) Benchmark Clusters &
17 Core Competencies (APA, 2012)
Move Professional Identity to #1, & include Scientific
Knowledge and Methods as Foundational:
I.
II.
Professionalism
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Professional Identity
Professional Values and Attitudes
Individual and Cultural Diversity
Ethical, Legal Standards and Policy
Reflective Practice/Self-Assessment/Self-Care
Relational
6. Relationships
III. Science
7. Scientific Knowledge and Methods
STG Progress to Date:
Re 6 (I-IV) Benchmark Clusters &
17 Core Competencies (APA, 2012)
Functional Competencies to be evaluated and further specified:
8. Research/Evaluation
IV. Application
9. Evidence-based Practice
10. Assessment
11. Intervention
12. Consultation
V. Education
13. Teaching
14. Supervision
VI. Systems
15. Interdisciplinary Systems
16. Management/Administration
17. Advocacy
STG Progress to Date:
Specifying Competencies in CPY
Professional Identity

STG Progress to Date:
Specifying Competencies in CPY
Relationship Expressive Skills
Next Steps
 Fine-tuning Foundational competencies for CPY
 Evaluating and developing the Functional
 Target: March 15 distribute for public comment
 May: Revise and post for final review
 June: submit draft and recommendations to SCP
and CCPTP Boards for review
Questions, Comments
 Thanks!
 Contact:
 Cindy Juntunen,
cindy.juntunen@email.und.edu
 Margo Jackson,
mjackson@fordham.edu
References
American Psychological Association (2012, May). Benchmarks Clusters and Core Competencies.
http://www.apa.org/ed/graduate/revised-competency-benchmarks.aspx
American Psychological Association (2011, June). Benchmarks Rating Form Appendix.
http://www.apa.org/ed/graduate/revised-competency-benchmarks.aspx
Fouad, N.A., Grus, C.L., Hatcher, R.L., Kaslow, N.J. Hutchings, P.S., Madson, M.,
Collins, F.L., Jr. & Crossman, R.E. (2009). Competency benchmarks: A
developmental model for understanding and measuring competence in
professional psychology. Training and Education in Professional Psychology.
Vol 3(4, Suppl), Nov 2009, S5-S26. doi: 10.1037/a0015832
Packard, T. (2009). The 2008 Leona Tyler Award Address: Core values that
distinguish counseling psychology: Personal and professional
perspectives. The Counseling Psychologist, 37, 610-624. doi:
10.1177/0011000009333986