Encouraging Cognitive Complexity in the Counseling Profession

---

How to Take This Course:

• 1 View Course Worksheet -  View the course worksheet or print it out to review later
• 2 Read the Course Material -  As you read through, mark your answers on the course worksheet to be prepared for the exam
• 3 Take Exam -  You must achieve a score of 75% or higher in order to earn credit for the course.
• You don't need to pay for an exam until AFTER you pass it. If you have any questions or need more information, please click here.

---

CE Course Description

Cognitive complexity is the ability to take in and incorporate diverse perspectives, and such abilities have been positively correlated with beneficial influences on counseling skills such as empathy and clinical interventions. This brief intermediate continuing education course, developed using information from The Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision, provides a systematic and critical review of the cognitive complexity literature and discusses future implications of cultivating cognitive complexity in the counseling profession. 

Author: Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

CE Course Objectives

1. Define the term cognitive complexity and explore how it can positively influence counseling skills.
2. Analyze cognitive complexity literature within the counseling field and counselor education, including how to cultivate these abilities.
3. Identify specific clinical skills that are demonstrated by counselors who exhibiit cognitive complexity.
4. Describe the cognitive-developmental theoretical frameworks that enable individuals to move across rigid stages of cognitive development into more flexible, integrative thinking.
5. Discuss how problem-based learning can be utilized to foster cognitive complexity in counselor training programs.

CE Course Outline

Introduction (5 mins)

1. Abstract overview (3 mins)
2. Explanation of keywords and relevance to the course (2 mins)

Section 1: Cognitive-Developmental Frameworks (10 mins)

1. Three Cognitive-Developmental Theoretical Frameworks (10 mins)

Section 2: Cognitive Complexity and Counseling Skills (15 mins)

1. Influence on Empathy (7 mins)
2. Clinical Interactions (8 mins)

Section 3: Counselor Characteristics in Predicting Cognitive Complexity (7 mins)

1. Personal and professional characteristics that predict an individual’s level of cognitive complexity (7 mins)

Section 4: Critique and Limitations (5 mins)

1. Mixed Results and Limitations (5 mins)

Section 5: Promoting Cognitive Complexity: Implications for Counselor Educators (10 mins)

1. Cognitive Growth and Constructivism (10 mins)

Section 6: Future Avenues of Research (5 mins)

1. Expanding Knowledge (5 mins)

Conclusion (3 mins)

1. Summary of key insights (3 mins)

Total Time: 60 minutes (1 hour)
Course Level: Introductory

Course Date: 2019-01-02

Content License

Our courseware includes the text content found on our websites as well as video, audio, and exam questions that make up our courses. You can link to and access our courseware free of charge for personal use. You may not modify or redistribute our courseware under any circumstances.

Although we allow free access for personal use, you may not use our courseware for any commercial purposes without an agreement in place. This includes (but is not limited to) using our courseware for internal training, redistributing our courseware for sale, and copying all or parts of any of our courseware.

If you're interested in licensing our content for commercial purposes or have any other questions, please contact legal@edcompassedu.com.

Proprietary Interest Policy

We will disclose, in advance, any proprietary interest in any product, instrument, device, service, or material to be discussed during the learning event, as well as the source of any third-party compensation related to the presentation. This policy applies to both our organization and contractors. If such proprietary/financial interests exist, we will publish a disclaimer in marketing or instructional materials for a course.

No conflict of interest or relevant financial relationship was identified for this learning activity for individuals in a position to control content.

System Requirements

In order to view this course, you will need to be able to view a PDF document for the course material. If your device doesn't have the capability to view a PDF, you can click here to download Adobe Acrobat for free.

Special Needs

If you require ADA or other special needs accommodations, please contact us by email: support@mindfulceus.com or by phone 1-800-413-3797, so arrangements can be made.

‹ Return to Courses