Professional and Personal Growth (45 hours).

This course will explore issues related to the professional and personal growth of addiction counselors. Topics include counselor burnout, strengths, limitations, certification requirements, consultation and professional development, and application of the ethics code to professional situations.

Course Content

Counselor burnout; signs and symptoms; early warning signs; unique needs of the recovering counselor; prevention techniques.

Personal and Professional Growth: recognizing personal strengths, limitations and knowledge to promote professional growth; the importance of stress management; relaxation techniques; leisure skills, exercise; proper nutrition; time management, etc.

The recovering counselor: "two hats" and limitations and liability. (Include ethical situations.)

Professional Growth: Ethics and professional conduct/standards; consultations, counselor support and performance; the skills of a successful helper; ongoing education and training; translation of the code of ethics into professional behavior.

Certification requirements: Outline and review the California Certification Board of Alcohol/Drug Counselors (CCAPP Credentialing) career path. Review the State of California Counselor Regulations and code of conduct. Professional contacts and organizations.