Oakland Counseling Association

December 2023 Newsletter

The Oakland Counseling Association is a not-for-profit, professional and educational organization that is dedicated to the growth and enhancement of the counseling profession.

Mission

The mission of the Oakland Counseling Association is to enhance the quality of life in

Oakland County by promoting the development of professional counselors, advancing the

counseling profession and using the profession and practice of counseling to promote respect for human dignity and diversity.

December Highlights

2023 - 24 Membership Renewal - It's not too late!!
2023 - 24 OCA Counselor Awards - Nominations are OPEN!
Access to Advanced Placement Courses
December 8 Virtual Event - Registration is open through Wednesday, December 6
Professional Learning through Oakland University

OCA Membership

RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP OR BECOME A MEMBER NOW!

COST

Individual counselor - $25
Graduate school student - $10
Retired counselor - $10

**Please note that we no longer have department memberships. Only Individual Memberships.**

Step 1: Complete the Membership Google Form

Step 2: Pay for Membership through PayPal (credit card accepted) or by Mail

BENEFITS OF OCA MEMBERSHIP

FREE or reduced price professional learning opportunities (min. four in-person events)
All online professional learning events are FREE for members (min. one half day and one full day event)
FREE SCECH processing for all events (approx. 20 SCECHs for 23 -24 school year)
Identify as a professional counselor (solidarity)
Opportunities to network and connect with other mental health professionals
Advocacy and support for counselors
Eligible for mini-grant opportunities
Monthly prize drawings

OTHER NOTES

Membership is valid from September 1 through August 31 each school year
Membership is open to all school and private practice counselors
Membership is welcome for counselors outside of Oakland County

2023 - 24 OCA Counselor Awards

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Terry Hood Lifetime Achievement Award

Deadline: March 8, 2024
Nominate a counseling colleague that is upon completion of their career (or recently retired) and has made a positive impact on their school/agency, students or clients, staff, and/or community. This Award recognizes and promotes individuals who have made a significant contribution as a counselor throughout their career.

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Counselor of the Year Award

Deadline: March 8, 2024

Nominate a counseling colleague that has been in the counseling field for any length of time that has made a positive impact on their school, students, parents, staff and/or community.

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What are we looking for?

This document explains the criteria we are looking for. Please review to help you prepare your nomination. The more information you are able to provide, the better.

Access to Advanced Placement Courses

Written by Amanda Gohl

There has been a lot of research conducted over the last decade, and especially since the Covid-19 Pandemic, regarding enrollment in upper level courses, specifically Advanced Placement courses in high school. From overall enrollment to equity and accessibility in enrollment, the topic seems to be on the top of the list for many. There is no doubt that the disruption of education caused by the pandemic had an impact on student’s learning as well as the ability to take advantage of upper level courses.

However, we are seeing an increase in the number of students taking AP exams as well as the number of students scoring a 3, 4, or 5 on their exams, getting closer to pre-pandemic numbers. The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) announced in September that we had a higher increase in both areas in Michigan Public Schools compared to national percentages (full article linked below).

So as we take a step back from “Early Admission Season” and head into “Scheduling Season”, how many AP courses are offered in your school and how do you promote those opportunities to students and families?

School Survey: https://bit.ly/MI-APinfo

Reference:

https://www.michigan.gov/mde/news-and-information/press-releases/2023/09/25/greater-numbers-of-michigan-students--taking-and-achieving-in-ap-courses

December 8th Virtual Event: College Admissions Updates

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Registration is still available and FREE to members!!

Professional Learning through Oakland University

Written by Elizabeth Germaine

As counselors, we are always seeking to add to our toolbelt. Now more than ever, the need for mental health professionals grows and many school counselors have developed moonlight practices providing direct counseling services and/or supervision services. This increased need for services means that counselors will be considering adding specializations and credentials to support expanded practice opportunities.

While there are many options to obtain certifications and specializations online through CEU and SCECH providers, for direct clinical skill development, these distance learning options can leave something to be desired. If you are interested in a more experiential training opportunity, consider masters-level coursework focused on advanced training. As a refresher, MOECS states, regarding college credit: 1-semester credit = 25 professional learning hours. Therefore, a four-credit course earns 100 professional learning hours.

For Oakland County counselors, one such coursework resource is Oakland University (OU). OU offers experiential coursework in supervision. In the supervision seminar course, students learn about supervision theory and practice and importantly have the opportunity to supervise practicum students and receive direct feedback on their practice. The supervision course also satisfies training requirements to supervise LLCs in the State of Michigan or to pursue a national credential such as an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) for more information about the supervision seminar, contact Dept. Chair, Dr. Lisa Hawley at Hawley@oakland.edu.

Similarly, Oakland will be offering a graduate certificate in play therapy beginning in Summer 2024. This certificate is flexible and can be used in several ways. Any person from a mental health background can come back and take the course. For instance, Social Workers, School Counselors, etc. For more information about the play therapy certificate, contact Dr. Rebecca Vannest, at Rvannest@oakland.edu.

A final tip, if you supervise OU masters students as a site supervisor, you can earn 2 credits per intern graduate, which may be redeemed towards the coursework described above!

Happy professional learning!