Why do we attend Continuing Education Programs?

While pondering this question I came up with this list:

To improve on current skills and knowledge. We gain considerable knowledge through education and through experience that knowledge is either reinforced or challenged.  By attending training we can further refine what we know (or think we know) to improve our professional abilities.

To meet state or employer minimum employment requirements. Some jobs have specific training requirements imposed by the employer or a state oversight organization.  For example, we were required to complete ASI and ASAM training prior to administering these tools.

To improve your professional skills vital to success in your field.  Whether we are wanting to expand our skills to increase our client base, learn a new technique to better care for our current clients, or meet new employment requirements, there always seems to be a new program, technique or curriculum to meet our clients needs.

To receive up-to-the-minute training for our field of expertise and update ourselves on the latest research.  It seems researchers study everything.  The number of organizations conducting the research and periodicals reporting the results provide a mountain of documents detailing information about the new discoveries and updates to old concepts. Often conferences and trainings provide opportunities to learn first hand the newest information about some of the research outcomes.

To meet state credentialing board minimum requirements each year.  These requirements evoke a variety of reactions. Some people perceive the requirements as a hassle to be met with as little effort and expense as possible and often postpone until the last moment. Some people look at the training as an opportunity to get out of the office and away from work stressors. Some employers value the training and agree to pay for employee training. Some employers provide the training to their employees in house and expect their staff to attend those trainings or pay for the training on their own. Some perceive the requirement as an incentive to stay current in their field and appreciate the push to attend training.  Some have discovered a favorite conference and will attend every year.

To meet or catch up with other professionals. For some attending a favorite conference is an opportunity to reconnect with friends or make new connections in our field.  The social aspect is the focus and attending the required training is endured.

For intellectual stimulation.  For some attending training is an opportunity to discuss a relevant topic, technique, perspective or theory with colleagues with the hope of gaining a new perspective or understanding of complex issues or perplexing clients.

To prepare for licensure and examinations.  In addition to trainings designed to keep one current regarding professional advancements, there are benchmark activities required to gain recognition of "expertise." This can include state or national examinations.  To assist in preparing for these exams, books have been written and trainings have been developed.

Does it really matter where we go for training?

Just as there are a variety of reasons to attend continuing education, there is a wide variety of training formats.  Some formats are more suitable than others depending on the attendee's goals.

The large group settings are suitable when the goal is to disseminate a great deal of information such as research, provide updates to assessment tools, or to introduce a new theory or technique but does not tend to encourage discussion. Some presenters will attempt to overcome this in the large group by dividing participants in smaller groups to help them feel more comfortable talking or practicing a new technique. At best a few people will feel comfortable asking questions of the presenter.  A medium sized group (about 30 - 50) is more ideal for training participants to learn and practice a new technique or tool.  A small group (less than 30) tends to promote intellectually stimulating discussion between participants and draws on the knowledge and experiences of the participants as well as the presenter.

Introducing The Envision Counseling Associate Membership Program.

Envision Counseling Associates LLC offers continuing education training for Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs), Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors (LADCs), Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors (CADCs), Licensed Marriage and Family Counselors (LMFTs) and Certified Behavioral Health Case Managers (CBHCMs).  The trainings are designed to promote intellectually stimulating discussion and provide interactive opportunities for shared learning.  We do not pretend to think the trainings we host are for everyone, nor do we expect anyone to exclusively attend our training programs.  We do believe what we offer is different and many of our past participants agree.

To make it easier to afford our training we are offering an Associate Membership Program.

For only $35/month or $360/year (if paid annually)

Benefits of membership:
Up to 21 hours/year of free CEUs ($525 value)
Additional hours @ 1/2 full price ($12.50/hour value)
Free ad on our website with click through link to your website or your Facebook page for one year. (You provide a business card sized picture.) ($120 value)
25% Discount with BLR Designs towards developing your personal web page.
More Discounts to be added when available.

Go to: www.EnvisionOK.com  for more details.