Consultation, like continuing education, is an integral part of being a psychotherapist or counselor, no matter what our license or our level of experience. More than any aspect of our clinical training, it is our personhood, our life experience, our core beliefs, the lens through which we see ourselves and others that are the primary tools of our trade. I have made consistent use of professional and peer consultation, both individually and in groups, for the duration of my thirty-year career. I see consultation as a collaborative relationship founded on mutual respect, curiosity, the willingness to be vulnerable, and an honoring of our unique gifts as individuals. I offer individual and group consultation to psychotherapists and counselors of all licenses and levels of expertise, either in an ongoing format or on an as-needed basis.
Focus Areas
Development of Trust in the Consultant-Consultee (or Consultee Group) Relationship
To make the most of our consultation, whether individual or group, we have to be able to be vulnerable, to admit to what we don’t yet know, to reveal mistakes we think we’ve made, and to air uncomfortable feelings we might be having. Consultation offers the greatest benefit when consultees feel respected, accepted, and emotionally safe. To this end, attention will be given to the cultivation and maintenance of an emotionally safe space, whether amongst a group of consultees or with an individual.
Development of Professional Presence
I believe our most important tool as counselors, therapists, and social workers is our personhood. Therefore, consultation sometimes focuses on the cultivation of a professional demeanor that is authentic, professional, self-aware, client-centered, confident, receptive, compassionate, and well-boundaried. Consultees will be encouraged and supported in investing in the personal growth that leads to well-developed professional presence.
Development of Skill
How we conceptualize a case is determined by our theoretical base, personal history, and professional experience as well as the interventions we choose when working with clients. Consultation is an opportunity to compare and contrast various case conceptualizations and the interventions that might flow from them. My aim is provide a space in which consultees and consultee groups can be validated for their strengths while exploring and developing their weak areas through curious exploration of thoughts and feelings about a case, sharing of ideas, respectful feedback, and modeling of interventions.
Development of Ethical Practice
The very nature of the helper role invites multiple ethical risks. Consultation is an opportunity to develop awareness of the many subtle and not-so-subtle ways being in a position of power can be used helpfully or harmfully. We can also look more deeply at decisions we are thinking of making that might have ethical ramifications before we formally make them. We can also consult and apply the code of ethics of our license to a situation using an ethical decision-making model.
Board Inquiry, Complaint, or Disciplinary Action
We all dread being contacted by our licensing board. However, if it happens, support is needed. This might be support in navigating the legal consultation and malpractice insurance interface, emotional support, stress reduction, self-reflection, case-review and reflection, or follow-through with disciplinary action requirements.
