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Developing A Competency System for Counseling Children: A Delphi Study

ABSTRACT This mixed method study addresses the dearth of competencies required for child counseling. A framework is introduced from which to base a child counseling competency system. A mixed methods classical Delphi study was employed to engage a panel of 37 child counseling experts about child counseling competencies. Initial items for a comprehensive child counseling competency system were highlighted. The study resulted in 57 items that encompass child counseling competencies in the core domains of child counseling attitudes, knowledge, skills, and actions. Participants ranked items for a final list of most important competencies in child counseling including the following: (attitudes) meet children where they are; viewing the child holistically with congruence, empathy and nonjudgment; passion for children; child counseling is a separate and distinct process from that applied to counseling adults; (knowledge) laws and ethical standards pertaining to children; multicultural and social justice concepts relating to children; (skills) evidence-based treatments; developing comprehensive treatment plans; (actions) self-reflection; and advocating for children’s rights and health. These competencies are arranged in a figure that shows both the final list of competencies and those deemed most important. Discussion includes how competencies can inform future counselor training and licensure.