Professional Mentorship and Consultation

Throughout my time in academia, I have found that there are certain gaps in how students are being trained; academic and clinical training environments can only do so much to foster development and confidence as a therapist. Students have expressed to me that they often have greater needs than what their programs can provide. 

I hear my students wanting more regarding personal development, putting theory into action, clinical decision making, professional development, and garnering their counselor identity.

My consultation services are a way to fill that gap in training and learning. I view myself as a facilitator to your goals and, in the realm of counseling, I often see those goals be a blend of two counterparts – the personal and the professional. 

I believe in the idea that the carpenter has the hammer, the surgeon has the scalpel, and the therapist has the self. Cultivating a counselor identity that is sustainable and effective often requires more attention than what can be provided in a training environment.

My Views on Professional Mentorship & Consultation

My services are open to any mental health professional who is in training, prelicensed, or fully licensed and immersed in their career. Most importantly I work with folks who are interested in growing and solidifying their counselor identity.  If you have the sense that you are wanting more for yourself in terms of personal and professional development, thinking about trying something new in your business or career, or looking for that next step for yourself, I can assist in your process of doing so.

Much like how I view the counseling relationship, I value the intimate and unique relationship I have with the clients I work with in consultation and mentorship settings. I hope to provide an open space for you to explore options, ground into your intuition, and ultimately move to an inner place of knowing. In my consultation and mentorship services, I model the same relational aspects of counseling in regard to confidentiality, unconditional positive regard, safety, and trust. Our relationship is critical to the impact and effectiveness of our work together. 

We will work together on what you want for yourself, and often the work becomes organic, evolving, and fluid over time. Some common themes and topics that I see arise in mentorship and consultation sessions are as follows:

  • Job Search: Interviewing, Cover Letter & Resume/CV Development, Job Offers and Negotiation

  • Imposter Syndrome

  • Managing a Caseload

  • Self-Care & Burnout

  • Higher Education: Applying for PhD Programs and Life as a Doctoral Student

  • Counselor Identity Development

  • State Licensure Processes & Counseling Examinations

  • Private Practice Start Up & Maintenance

  • Work/Life Balance

  • Professional Development: Continued Education, Specialized Trainings, Research Engagement, and Writing

  • Adopting and Applying a Theoretical Orientation

  • Managing Transference and Countertransference

  • Supervisor/Supervisee Dynamics

Individual Services

There are many ways this working relationship can look and we can certainly collaborate on what type of relationship would work best for your aims and goals.

I offer a free 15 minute phone or zoom consultation meeting to discuss your needs and develop ideas on how we could work together. Typically, my clients and I discuss the needs, wants, and goals of our working relationship and we co-construct an individualized plan for moving through these goals.

My clients and I arrange meetings on a regular basis and move from there.

Group Services

Consultation Groups

Folks who need less individual focus and are interested in peer to peer learning with a facilitator may be interested in participating in a consultation group. These group settings provide an environment where we can discuss clinical work, professional endeavors, personal processes of working as a counselor, case studies on clients, etc. My intention for these groups, and the tone that I set in the formation of these groups, is that this is a community where members feel safe to land. I maintain responsibility for holding space for the group and providing an atmosphere of both challenge and support.  Peer to peer learning is integral in these groups as well, which speaks to the collaborative energy these groups can create.

Special Topic Group Presentations

I present on specific topics to groups who have a special interest. These groups have included private practices, mental health conferences, and academic settings. I have also participated in panels related to professional development, supervision, and counselor identity. The following topics are typically of interest with groups that I present to, however topics are not limited to these.

  • Counselor Identity - The Blend of the Personal and the Professional

  • Gestalt Theory and Practice

  • Private Practice Development

  • Graduation, Licensure, and Professional Development

  • Quality University Supervision Practices

If your group is interested in learning more about my services, please fill out of the contact form to discuss availability and pricing.

Testimonials

Testimonials

I was referred to Kathleen by a friend when I was at a point in my business where clarity for strong, forward movement was needed. I am so grateful I took my friend's recommendation and reached out to her. Kathleen is a powerful listener with a keen ability to reflect back her observations in a way that is absolutely on point with what I needed to know to move the needle forward. She is empathic, intuitive, challenging and dynamic, delivering what I needed in the space of growth I was in.


— Heidi B., Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Meeting with Kathleen for consultations has truly been invaluable - I have grown not only as a professional but as a person. I am indebted to Kathleen for sharing her wisdom and gentle guidance. I don’t know how I would have navigated through the early years of my career without her. I highly recommend Kathleen for any mental health professional looking for transformative support and consultation.

— Emily M., Prelicensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor

Kathleen’s creative and interactive presentation was not only engaging but thoughtfully challenging, promoting self-reflection while enhancing group cohesion. Kathleen is a fantastic presenter and captivates her audience by challenging them to be more self-aware and evaluate their areas of strengths and weaknesses as mental health professionals. Leaving us with both new perspectives and a renewed sense of purpose, we highly recommend Kathleen as a presenter!

— Irenic Therapy Team

Fees

Individual Mentorship & Consultation Services

Counseling Graduate Students: $100/hr

Counseling Professionals: $150/hr

Group Mentorship & Consultation Services

Consultation Groups: $50/per person/group session

Group Presentations: Please Inquire

Please note all professional mentorship and consultation services will be provided online via Zoom

Kathleen H. Driscoll, PhD, LCMHC, NCC, ACS, BC-TMH

khdcounseling@gmail.com

703.851.1009