Topic 4 DQ1: Describe three to five different ways in which a psychologist or counselor may acquire or maintain competence in a specific area of practice. Does supervision play a role in any of the ways you described? Explain.

Psychologist and counselors must always maintain a code of ethics in their therapeutic approach to serve others.
They must stay well-informed to the guidelines that governs their professions. Psychologist and counselors
should continue to pursue more education in their professional careers (Fisher, 2012). This is a continuous state
of professional development. Their knowledge base will provide opportunities to gain new insights and skills as
they work with more clients.
Psychologist and counselors may obtain competence by working with individuals from different cultures. This
will also include variations; in geographic location, religion/spirituality, gender, sexual orientation, age and
maturity, family history, and even socioeconomic class. Recognizing and being sensitive to cultural differences
is essential for establishing the trust necessary to conduct effective counseling sessions.

Psychologist and counselors can use self-reflection in becoming more successful and competent clinicians.
Becoming self-aware is an ongoing practice, and accepting multiple information to play a part in developing
your professional identity is an important tool to maintaining your competent.

Psychologist and counselors can offer professional help and potential solutions. They can demonstrate
transparency by; openly acknowledging any differences, developing rapport with their clients, expressing a
genuine concern to their clients’ issues, having a willingness to learn more about their culture, and showing
respect for their worldview, belief systems, and means of problem-solving.
Psychologist and counselors can use self-reflection in becoming more successful and competent clinicians.
Becoming self-aware is an ongoing practice, and accepting multiple information to play a part in developing
your professional identity is an important tool to maintaining your competent (Sumerall, S, Lopez, J, & Oehlert,
M, 2000). 

In order to maintain competency as a psychologist/counselor throughout your career, there will be a great and
important need for supervision. I believe it will offer reassurance to skills that new psychologists are hesitant to
use. Supervisors can encourage and enlighten your skillset by developing trust.
Reference:
Fisher, C. (2012). Decoding the ethics code: A practical guide for psychologist. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage
publications.
Section 1. Understanding Culture and Diversity in Building Communities. (n.d.). Retrieved January 27, 2017,
from http://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/culture/cultural-competence/culture-and-diversity/main
Sumerall, S., Lopez, S. J., & Oehlert, M. E. (2000). Competency-based education and training in psychology: a
primer. Springfield, IL: C.C. Thomas.