Counseling Training in Communication Disorders: A Survey of Clinical Fellows

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether current speech-language pathology and audiology graduates felt prepared and comfortable in conducting counseling activities upon initiation of their clinical fellowships. The study also examined how much training in counseling was offered at the graduate level. A 20-item questionnaire was mailed to 28 individuals who were completing their clinical fellowships. Analysis of returns indicated that a strong majority felt that it was within the speech-language pathologist's/audiologist's role to provide counseling services, but most did not feel comfortable or prepared to provide this service after graduation. Significant correlations were reported between (a) hours of counseling provided in a work week and comfort levels in providing counseling to clients and caregivers, (b) hours of counseling provided in respective work settings and comfort levels in providing counseling, (c) hours of coursework provided and preparedness to conduct counseling, and (d) comfort levels in providing counseling and preparedness to conduct counseling. Eighty percent of the respondents reported that no counseling courses were offered in their degree program. Suggestions for incorporating counseling into graduate training programs are discussed.