Acculturation & Competence

Monitoring Our Professional Acculturation & Creating a Competent Community

We are ethically and professionally responsible for developing and maintaining a certain level of competence in our clinical work.  One aspect of this development involves “acculturation”  —  acceptance of our professional culture and its ethical standards.  This workshop is about developing a professional identity and making professional connections that help us learn and provide ongoing support. Co-leaders are Michael Stutts, former vice-chair of the Virginia Board of Psychology and Mary Alice Fisher, Director of the Center for Ethical Practice.

Michael L. Stutts, Ph.D.

Mary Alice Fisher, Ph.D.

Introductory Comments (Stutts & Fisher)

I.  CREATING A COMPETENT COMMUNITY (Stutts)

Why Do Clinicians Need Colleagues?

Using the Competence Constellation Model in Clinical Training & Practice

Professional Culture – Values & Standards
Collegial Acquaintances – Professional Friendships
Collegial Community – Network for Mutual Support
Inner Core – Closest Colleagues & Mentors

II. MONITORING OUR LEVEL OF PROFESSIONAL ACCULTURATION (Fisher)

Reflecting on Personal Ethics vs. Professional Ethics
Using the Acculturation Model of Ethical Development
Ways of Using the Acculturation Model in Clinical Practice
Ways of Using the Acculturation Model for Training and Supervision

III. HELPING EACH OTHER DEVELOP & MAINTAIN PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE (Stutts & Fisher)

Helping Each Other Within Our Own Local Professional “Community”

Individual Peer Consultation: Offering and Receiving Support as Colleagues
Peer Consultation Groups: Learning to Monitor Boundaries and Confidentiality

Participating in Wider Professional Circles for Maintaining Professional Standards

Role of Professional Organizations
Role of Licensing Boards