Important Information for Future, Current, and Graduating Counselling Students Considering Certification with CCPA
By Monika Gal, M.Ed., C.C.C. CCPA Certification Registrar
Spring is a significant time of the year for CCPA’s Certification program, reflecting the transitions that counselling students are un- dergoing in their training. For future students, spring is when they receive their acceptance letters and begin forming their identities as future counsellors and psychotherapists. For some current counselling students, spring- time marks the end of their first year of stud- ies and their preparations for the hands-on practicum training that typically marks the final year of graduate programs. Finally, there are the graduating students, who are com- pleting their programs and preparing to em- bark on their professional careers in the field. Each of these moments of transition requires considerations and thoughtful decision-mak- ing in preparation for professional practice. In this article, I hope to provide guidance for students in each of these points of transition who may consider seeking CCPA certification upon graduation.
New Counselling Students
Congratulations on your acceptance into a graduate-level counselling program! This can be an exciting time, full of hope and expecta- tions for a fulfilling career. In my experience, many students who are about to embark on a new education and career path are well- informed. There are a number of such stu- dents who apply and select their graduate program based upon CCPA’s list of graduate programs on our website. Students who have accepted their offers of admission should browse the course offerings and compare them to sample course descriptions available on CCPA’s website in order to ensure that they select a framework of solid courses in
counselling and are informed when they meet with their academic advisor and select their coursework. Some of these students choose to complete a Pre-Evaluation Application, in order to ensure that their program of study will contain foundational counselling courses, which satisfy CCPA’s certification require- ments upon graduation.
As the largest national association for coun- sellors and psychotherapists, CCPA can offer a wealth of important information to help new students in counselling to familiarize them- selves with the professional landscape and assist in making informed decisions about their professional training. I would encourage new graduate students to explore CCPA’s website, and specifically become familiar with the laws regulating the practice of counsel- ling and psychotherapy in the province where they intend to practice, as well as the certi- fication requirements with CCPA, in order to ensure that they are informed and prepared to embark on their professional journey.
Current Counselling Students – Preparing for Practicum Placements
Students preparing for their second year of studies tend to be familiar with CCPA and often begin to consider the value membership and certification can offer. CCPA’s incentive program for students is an excellent way to get to know the value of belonging to a pro- fessional association. Membership for CCPA students is half-price, at $85, and comes with many benefits including discounts on liability insurance and webinars! If you are a student member for one year before applying for cer- tification, you will also get free membership
WWW.CCPA-ACCP.CA
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