Leadership & Advocacy
My personal philosophy when discussing leadership is the “I do, we do, you do” strategy. The “I Do” strategy (An Instructional strategy created by Doug Fisher and Nancy Frey, 2007) it is also known as the Gradual Release or The Gradual Release Responsibility created by Pearson and Gullaghan) to show graduate-level students the power of observation.
Theories and skills of leadership
Leadership in counselor education programs
Leadership, management, and administration in counseling organizations and other institutions
Leadership and leadership development in professional organizations
Knowledge of accreditation standards and processes
Leadership roles and strategies for responding to crises and disasters
Strategies of leadership in consultation
Role of counselors and counselor educators advocating on behalf of the profession and professional identity
Strategies of leadership in relation to current multicultural and social justice issues
Current topical and political issues in counseling and how those issues affect the daily work of counselors and the counseling profession
Models and competencies for advocating for clients at the individual, system, and policy levels
Ethical and culturally relevant leadership and advocacy practices
Reflection Questions for Leadership & Advocacy:
1. Reflect on developing leadership-level knowledge, skills, and practices in this competency. What has been especially impactful/meaningful/important to you personally and professionally?
Answer: The reason I am pursuing a doctorate in Counseling Education and Supervision is to pave the way for others. The counseling profession is fairly young in the mental health profession and being a part of a growing circle of counselors and counselor educators allows me the opportunity to lead, guide, serve, and advocate for other counselors who are entering the profession after me. What was impactful for me as a leader and an advocate was being a mentor and trainer for new counselors in training, counseling students, and colleagues. It gave me a voice to impact others with my guidance and a voice to advocate for the underdog and support social justice issues and concerns.
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2. Describe an area of strength that you have developed while in the program in this area of competence. What is one way you plan to utilize this strength in your vocation?
Answer: My passion is leading and guiding others as counselors and counselors in training. As a leader and an advocate in the counseling profession, I have the knowledge and expertise to support others as they join the counseling journey. I stand for what I believe even if it is not popular. I plan to use my skills and knowledge as an advocate and leader to support students, colleagues, and community stakeholders.
3. Describe an area of challenge/growth opportunity in this area of competence. What is your plan to develop excellence in this area?
Answer: As a former school counselor and now utilizing my license as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor, the barriers and challenges I face are feeling as though the counseling profession is not being taken seriously by other mental health professionals (i.e. social workers, psychologists) and our importance in the schools and the profession was taking longer to get the respect we deserve. By becoming a counselor educator, I now have the tools I need to advocate for counselors when dealing with legislation, social justice issues, and political issues that may surface in the future.
4. Reflect on how faith in Christ relates to this competency.
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Answer: These scriptures resonate for me as a leader and an advocate for others. James 4:10 (NIV) “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” Proverbs 31: 8-9 “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute, Speak Up and judge fairly: Defend the rights of the poor and needy”.