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Expert: - 12/17/2011


Question
Joel,

I am about to start my MEd in School Counseling, and am worried about gaining the experience I will need in order to become licensed. How would I go about gaining this experience once I've completed my Masters? I need 2 years full time experience teaching or in school counseling, but how can I get this experience if Im not licensed? Are there internships out there that could lead to employment? Or are there other opportunities Im not thinking of?

Thank you for any help you can give me!
Nikki

Answer
Nikki, I need to start by saying that I am by training, and education a social worker not a school counselor so this question is somewhat out of my area of expertise.  However, having said that, given that you are in New York State (my state of residence as well), I did go to the education department's website and learned that there are several tracks that can be taken toward permanent certification.  You don't need to have permanent certification in order to work as a school counselor.  There are also provisional, and internship certificates which will allow you to work toward permanent certification.  Take a look at http://eservices.nysed.gov/teach/certhelp/CertRequirementHelp.do  for further information.  Hope this helps.  Joel

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Joel Simon

Expertise

General questions about counseling, psychotherapy and mental health.

Experience

Over 30 years as a therapist, clinical supervisor and solution-focused trainer. I've worked in a variety of settings including adolescent day treatment, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, community mental health clinics, and hospice. Further information is available on my website: www.0to10.net

Organizations
A founding member of the Solution Focused Brief Therapy Association, Academy of Certified Social Workers, Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in New York State.

Publications
Co-authored "Solution-Focused Brief Practice With Long-Term Clients in Mental Health Services: I'm More Than My Label." Authored: "Solution-Focused Practice in End-of-Life and Grief Counseling" Several articles published in professional journals including 2 with Insoo Kim Berg. Further details are available at www.0to10.net

Education/Credentials
Masters of Social Work (Yeshiva University 1978). 5 years training in Transactional Analysis, certified in Advanced Ericksonian Psychotherapy and Hypnosis with the New York Society (NYSEPH), Advanced training and advanced supervision seminar in solution-focused brief therapy with the co-developers of the approach, Insoo Kim Berg and Steve de Shazer

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