The Importance Of Research In The Field Of Counseling

The Importance of Research in the Field of Counseling
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Introduction
Counseling profession needs to pay close attention to the efficacy of their practice. Efficacy can be achieved by providing proof that the counseling interventions are well –researched and empirically sound. Evidenced-based counseling therapy is the main focus of counseling training and practice (Everson & Weinstein, 2013).
Scientific-practitioner model is appropriate because it incorporates clinical skills and research training to develop a comprehensive counseling therapy. Even though the scientific-practitioner model is used in clinical practices, this model has become a crucial component for preparing competent counselors (Everson & Weinstein, 2013).
Scientific practitioner model
Scientific practitioner model encourages counselors to approach patients with confidence using empirical evidence as part of their daily practice. Counselors develop the best practice processes derived from theories generated from research. SP model play three key roles in counseling, SP model makes counselors producers of new information, counselors also become consumers of research. SP model helps counselors evaluate the effectiveness of skills (Erford, 2014).
According to Erford., (2014), SP model aims at bringing together two distinct roles that of a scientist and practitioner to improve client’s health outcomes. Counseling profession depends on information from both clinical practices and research evidence. Counselors should be involved in constant research and also incorporate research findings into their practice.
Counseling profession is complex based on time limits; counselors are required to develop goals, implement suitable interventions and obtain proof of the outcome within a specified timeframe. A counselor can use the SP model by utilizing research data to develop an effective treatment plan at the same time evaluate the outcomes (Erford, 2014). Currently, counseling profession is focusing more on evidence-based practices and data-based models; hence research is an important aspect counseling profession.
In counseling, years of experience do not necessarily translate to increased knowledge, instead cognitive complexity increase competency. Counselors need to acquire additional skills to relate to clients by blending analytical skills, interventional skills, and communication skills to produce desirable outcomes. All these skills can be acquired by engaging in research (Wolgemuth et al., 2015).
Why research is important in counseling
Research involves a systematic review, interpretation, and documentation of information to increase knowledge. Research is important counseling because counselors become inquisitive to gather more information about specific topics of interest. Research answers several questions through its systematic processes and generates new insights (Wolgemuth et al., 2015). Research is about finding the truth; research systematically questions certain claims. Accordingly...