The field of wilderness therapy has grown and matured tremendously over the past two decades. With the help of new research, it is now proven to be an effective modality for treating many types of at-risk populations. However, the main practitioners of wilderness therapy, the direct care staff, still struggle for legitimacy of their profession.
One of the goals of NATWC, as stated in our bylaws, is to "actively promote and support the development of standards which validate and promote direct care staff professionalism". Direct care staff will only receive the training, support, and recognition they need and deserve if they are accepted as professionals. This is the purpose of our Counselor Certification Program.
The certification program is divided into three levels, not unlike level systems found throughout our member programs. Counselors move through them as they gain training and experience. Everyone begins at the basic "Counselor" level, then moves to "Senior Counselor" and finally "Master Counselor". A candidate who comes to the program with a number of years' experience may apply for more than one level at a time.
Each member program is asked when they join to provide NATWC with verification that the requirements of the certification are covered in the program's training. Once this process is complete, employees of that program are encouraged to apply for certification.
For each level, fill in the correct record sheet and check-off sheet, as well as the application. Send this in to NATWC along with supporting documents and the application fee. The Certification Committee will review and approve.
You will be able to use your certification as validation of your training and experience, as well as proof to any future employers of your experience and training. As recognition of this program increases nationally, you will be able to more easily move between programs without having to start at the bottom, thus enabling you to continue your growth in the field wherever you are.
NATWC recognizes and respects the challenging and crucial work you do in the field, the most important part of our journey with our kids. We intend that through the counselor certification program, a greater audience will appreciate you as professionals
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