Across the different models, there are some key skills of consultation that can be identified.
Effective Communication
It is crucial that information is accurately conveyed between consultant and consultee. Consultants have to be sensitive in their verbal and non-verbal communication. This requires consultants to be familiar with the context and setting that their consultee belongs to.
Interpersonal Skills
Interpersonal skills are essential to building strong rapport between a consultant and consultee. The strength and impact of this relationship will determine how open the consultee is to the consultant’s suggestions, and to effect change.
Problem Solving Skills
A consultant needs to be highly skilled in problem-solving to bring about change that is meaningful and long-lasting. A consultant should also nurture strong problem-solving skills in their consultee, so that the consultee will independently be able to resolve future issues that arise.
Here are some ideas and resources:
BOOKS
Mental Health model
Scoot, D. A., Royal, C. W., & Kissinge, D. B. (2015). Counselor as consultant. | Source: Sage Publications, Ltd..
https://sk.sagepub.com/books/counselor-as-consultant
This book provides counselling professionals with a solid grounding in the primary theories, skills, and models used by professional consultants that explicitly addresses the new CACREP core standards for consultation. There are abundant exercises and case illustrations to help counsellors-in-training translate theory into practice and learn the essential skills needed for consultation positions.
Behavioural Consultation model
Bergan, J. R., & Kratochwill, T.R. (1990). Behavioral consultation and therapy. | Source: Plenum Press.
https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1990-98136-000
This book identifies the procedures for developing consultation skills to assist parents, teachers, and other socialisation agents to solve mental health and educational problems of children and youths. The book is a basic text to be used in developing consultation skills in which consultation techniques are applied.
Organisational Consultation model
Sears, R. W., Rudisill, J., & Mason-Sears, C.. (2006). Consultation skills for mental health professionals. | Source: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
https://www.wiley.com/en-ie/Consultation+Skills+for+Mental+Health+Professionals-p-9781118428993
This book contains a wealth of information for working with a diverse clientele in a variety of settings, discussing both the traditional mental health models and the emerging field of organisational consultation. This guide is broken into four parts looking at individual-level consulting issues, consulting to small systems, consulting to large systems, and special consulting topics.
VIDEOS
Mental Health model
Consultee centered consultation training video spring 2016 | Source: Jayna Mitchell. (2016, April 21).
The video reviews the Dos’ and Don’ts’ of consultee centred consultation as part of mental health consultation.
Behavioral Consultation model
Communication with primary care providers| Source: Primarycareshrink.com (2013, Nov 7).
The Access Community Health Center’s BHC team discusses communication with primary care providers.
Effective primary care consults| Source: Primarycareshrink.com (2012, Oct 4).
This video details the methods by which experienced Behavioural Health Consultants provide efficient and effective primary care consults.
Practice habits of the highly effective behavioral health consultant| Source: Primarycareshrink.com (2012, Sep 1).
This video discusses hey practice habits of highly effective behavioral health consultants.
Organisational Consultation model
Organisational psychology| Source: SACS Consulting (2006, Oct 21).
This channel provides a series of podcasts that connects you with the most contemporary evidence-based approaches to human resource management, and provides evidence-based methods to enable the psychologist to maximise the organization’s strengths. This channel is hosted by SACS Consulting.
OTHER RESOURCES
Mental Health model
Fanibanda, D. K.. Ethical issues of mental health consultants.| Source: Professional Psychology , 74(4), 547-552.
https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1977-13499-001
This article highlights important questions for mental health consultants to ponder upon and lists the basic principles to consider as a consultant.
Liebowitz, B., & Blattner, J. (2015). On becoming a consultant: The transition for a clinical psychologist. |Source: Consulting Psychology Journal: Practice and Research, 67(2), 144-161.
https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/features/cpb-0000037.pdf
This article reviews the process undertaken for a clinical psychologist to transition to becoming a consultant. It highlights the differences between both roles and the necessary steps undertaken to prepare for becoming a consultant.
Behavioural Consultation model
Primary care behavioral health toolkit. |Source: www.pcpi.org
https://www.pcpci.org/sites/default/files/resources/PCBH%20Implementation%20Kit_FINAL.pdf
This toolkit comprises an organisational readiness tool, PCBH sample manual, assessment and screeners, brochures and programmes etc. These resources allow one to begin to set-up PCBH into one’s current settings.
Sheridan, S. M., Salmon, D., Kratochwill, T. R., & Rottoe, P.J. C. (1992). A conceptual model for the expansion of behavioral consultation training. |Source: Journal of educational and psychological consultation, 3(3), 193-218.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1026&context=edpsychpapers
This article describes a general model and specific programme that expand traditional behavioural consultation training. The training programme involves five interrelated components: (a) procedural and content skills, (b) role and relationship considerations,(c) entry systems issues, (d) field-based experience, and (e) peer supervision. A theoretical rationale, model for implementation, and future training and research directions are also presented.
Organisational Consultation Model
American Psychological Association. (2007). Guidelines for education and training at the doctoral and postdoctoral levels in consulting psychology/ organizational consulting psychology. |Source: American Psychologist, 62(9), 980-992.
The purpose of these guidelines is to provide a common framework for use in the development, evaluation, and review of education and training in consulting psychology/organisational consulting psychology (CP/OCP). The intent of these guidelines is to improve the quality of teaching and learning in the area of the practice of CP, especially OCP, within the scientific discipline and profession of psychology.