Share your answer and rationale in the comments section below and check back in tomorrow for an explanation of the correct answer!
Scope of Competence
Last month we have discussed the concept of scope of practice. This month, we talk about the concept of scope of competence. If scope of practice is a legal issue, scope of competence is an ethical one. If scope of practice is what we are permitted to do, then the scope of competence is what we are good at doing.
Remember that feeling when you were a trainee and you felt barely competent to fill out an intake form, let alone help someone who is struggling with an eating disorder? I know I certainly did. We all start out with a barely existent level of competence. Yet look at you now! You know how to sit with someone, conduct a proper assessment and figure out whether you can be of help to them or not. You probably even have a specialty and feel rather competent working with a particular population or two. Do you remember how you got here? All the courses you had to take, supervision you had to sit through, and all the hours of nearly free labor you had to put in? I bet those are still fresh in your memory. Well, that is exactly how one increases their scope of competence and finds themselves basking in the glory of their expertise. Just kidding. There is never really any arriving to full competency, but one can hope and strive for it.
Having said all this let us take a look at this months’ question.
Question:
A therapist in private practice has received a referral of a middle school girl. According to a referral source, the youngster is struggling with low self-esteem, social anxiety and low academic performance. The therapist feels comfortable working with children since she has worked with both elementary and high school kids for several years. The therapist has no experience, however, working with middle school population. In deciding to take this client on, the therapist can increase her scope of competence by doing which of the following:
- Obtaining supervision from a supervisor who is highly competent in working with middle school population
- Attending a workshop that is focused on tips and strategies of working with middle school population
- Familiarizing herself with literature that discusses the specifics of working with middle school population
- Securing ongoing consultation from a colleague who is experienced in working with middle school population.
Comments
Commenter Name
February 27, 2018
I'm guessing Answer A. Since she is taking the client on with minimal experience. I think she'd be best served by ongoing supervision.
Commenter Name
February 19, 2018
D: The therapist would increase her competence through consultation with therapist who has expertise with middle school aged youth
Commenter Name
March 12, 2018
I say A, as she does have some experience working with elementary and high school children
Commenter Name
March 16, 2018
I think it is all of the above I think the therapist can increase her scope of competence by doing from each option
A.Obtaining supervision from a supervisor who is highly competent in working with middle school population (if she is in private price she might have a supervisor to go to or the therapist might not be familiar with someone with this as a background)
B. Attending a workshop that is focused on tips and strategies of working with middle school population (because she has worked in the schools with other grade levels)
C. Familiarizing herself with literature that discusses the specifics of working with middle school population
(If she is in a rural area she might not have other close to consult with easily)
D. Securing ongoing consultation from a colleague who is experienced in working with middle school population. (This is usually the norm)
Commenter Name
March 7, 2019
I chose "D" as the therapist is in private practice; receiving some consultation from colleagues with experience in this area would be very helpful.