Core Competencies for Direct Practice:
A Three Part Training Series
Part I: Foundational Counseling Skills
Part II: Navigating Complexity & Urgency
Part III: Boundaries, Balance, and Burnout Prevention
About This Training
This is a three-part training series designed to equip early-career social workers, social service professionals, and therapists with the essential skills needed for confident, grounded clinical work. Whether you're just starting out or seeking to strengthen your foundation, this series offers practical guidance on what truly matters in the therapy room.
If you're a group practice owner or clinical supervisor, this series can offer new hires and supervisees the essential training for direct clinical practice. Part One focuses on foundational counseling skills; Part Two dives into navigating complexity and clinical urgency; and Part Three addresses boundaries, balance, and preventing burnout. Join us to build competence, clarity, and resilience as a therapist.
THREE PART TRAINING SERIES
part I
foundational counseling skills
This session lays the groundwork for effective clinical practice by focusing on the core communication and counseling skills every new therapist needs. You'll learn to use active listening, empathic responding, and open-ended questions with intention and clarity. We’ll explore how to engage clients in ways that are culturally responsive and trauma-informed. Expect practical tools, real-world examples, and space to practice the skills that set the stage for meaningful therapeutic work.
part II
navigating complexity & urgency
Therapy doesn’t always unfold in a straight line, clients bring layered stories, shifting needs, and moments of crisis. In this session, we’ll focus on how to navigate clinical complexity with steadiness and skill. Learn how to assess risk, manage crisis situations, and respond to urgent concerns while maintaining a therapeutic stance. We'll also explore how to prioritize care, manage uncertainty, and stay grounded when the work gets intense.
part III
boundaries, balance, and preventing burnout
Sustainable practice requires more than clinical skill; it demands clarity around your limits, values, and wellbeing. In this final session, we’ll explore how to set and maintain healthy boundaries with clients, colleagues, and within systems. We’ll also examine signs of burnout and compassion fatigue, and offer strategies for maintaining balance and preserving your sense of purpose. This training invites you to build a reflective, resilient practice that supports both your clients and your longevity in the field.
Core Competencies Training
Want to bring this training to your team—or be the first to know when it’s offered again?
Whether you're an individual therapist looking to join the next cohort or a group practice interested in bringing this training to your team, we’d love to hear from you.
Complete the interest form to stay in the loop or to explore options for bringing this series directly to your organization.
We’ll follow up with more details and next steps.