Rural Counseling Competencies: A Delphi Study

Abstract

This study utilized expert consensus to develop counseling competencies for rural practicing counselors, acknowledging the unique challenges of rural counseling. Employing the Delphi method, the study engaged 15 expert panelists across three rounds to identify and refine essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes and beliefs necessary for effective practice in rural settings. The initial round gathered qualitative input on necessary competencies, which informed the development of 96 competency statements evaluated for their essentialness in subsequent rounds. The consensus reached on these statements highlights key competencies crucial for rural counseling practice. The findings offer valuable insights for counselor educators, clinicians, and supervisors, providing a foundation for improving counselor preparation and practice in rural areas. The article concludes with discussions on limitations and recommendations for future research to further enhance rural counseling practices.