ABSTRACT
Careful planning and personal preparation for advanced clinical experiences dramatically improve outcomes. Historically, counselor training programs exhibited a wide distribution of positions regarding clinical training. Because the counseling process relies so heavily upon the counselor-client relationship, each counselor must develop a clinical style that not only honors the counselor’s individual character but also meets the multiple requirements of a healthy and effective clinical relationship. Unlike content courses, clinical courses produce a constellation of personal and professional responsibilities for which students must carefully prepare. It is essential that professional relationships and mentorships be constructed upon a solid foundation formed from honesty, trust, respect, understanding, knowledge, and a shared commitment to personal and professional development. Counseling is both an art and a science. As a science it relies heavily upon a growing body of research and theory to guide decision-making and to encourage the proper use of counseling strategies.
