Graduate Program of Study in Counseling
Orientation
The following areas have been discussed with me by the Counseling faculty. I understand the items below and agree to abide by the rules and policies of Loyola University and of the Counseling Program.
Loyola University New Orleans Counseling Program Orientation Outline Informed Consent Statement
Because Loyola’s Counseling Program is a professional school, faculty and student expectations differ somewhat from what would be expected in other more common types of academic programs. The following outline/informed consent statement makes these expectations explicit and it outlines appropriate courses of action should students encounter difficulty achieving the personal level of functioning necessary for carrying out safe and effective counseling services.
1. In order to successfully complete the Counseling Program at Loyola University New Orleans, I will be expected to demonstrate academic competence and counseling skills appropriate for a counseling intern, including conducting appropriate interviews and sessions with clients, practicing in a professional and ethical manner, and establishing appropriate relationships with clients to facilitate client progress. Failure to attain such skills may result in my being required to repeat coursework or my dismissal from the program.
2. The subject matter to be covered in the Counseling Program is contained in the Counseling Student Handbook, including course sequence, projected course offerings, prerequisites, and program requirements.
3. I understand that my performance in the Counseling Program will be evaluated based on both academic and skills components. Method of evaluation for each individual course will be covered by the instructor of that course.
4. I understand that the Counseling Program encourages self-growth and requires participation in experientially-based courses. Courses which require a self-growth/experiential component include but may not be limited to: Counseling Theories, Counseling Practice, Multicultural Counseling, Practicum and Internship. In addition, the Group Counseling course requires participation in a six-week personal growth laboratory group facilitated by a Licensed Professional Counselor. Self-disclosures will not be used as a basis for grading in these courses; however, should I disclose information indicating impairment or the potential for harm to clients, I may be required to repeat coursework, to obtain assistance or remediation, and/or terminate my enrollment in the program.
5. I am aware that I must complete a Practicum and off-campus Internship(s). Supervision is provided by Loyola faculty and, in the case of Internship, by a site supervisor as well. Requirements for Internship sites and supervisors are contained in the Counseling Student Handbook.
6. Proficiency as a Counseling intern is expected for the successful completion of the Counseling Program at Loyola University New Orleans. Regular evaluations of my progress will be provided during Practicum and Internship. If I fail to meet performance standards in these courses or behave in an unprofessional or unethical manner, I may be required to repeat coursework or may be dismissed from the program.
7. Employment prospects for the field of Counseling are rapidly changing. Licensed Professional Counselors work in a variety of settings including public and private agencies, in-patient settings, and college or university counseling centers and advisement offices. Due to managed care and other health care issues, employment prospects and earning potential are decreasing somewhat. Certified School Counselors often find employment in public or private school settings. Schools typically employ one to three counselors, depending on the grade level. The job turnover rate is relatively low, and job security, relatively high.
Informed Consent
I, ________________________, have read the Loyola University Graduate Counseling Handbook and understand the requirements of the program. In addition, I have read the information in the Loyola University Graduate Catalog relating to the M. S. in Counseling. I understand the student retention policy and procedures which indicate that my cognitive and psychological capacity to perform the minimal competencies of a professional counselor will be continually evaluated by the counseling faculty and that the completion of coursework does not guarantee practice in the profession of counseling. I also understand that some experiential components of the counseling program may cause psychological discomfort and/or may reveal to me patterns or problem areas in my life that need to be addressed in professional counseling. I agree that if I experience discomfort that negatively affects my performance in the program or my overall well-being, I will schedule a professional counseling appointment with the University Counseling Center or an off-campus mental health professional and make every effort to address these personal issues.
I understand all of the foregoing information and agree to abide by the rules and policies of Loyola University New Orleans and of the Counseling Program.
Date: ______________________Student Signature: ______________________