What is the Purpose of the Capstone Conference?
The Capstone Conference showcases our counselors-in-training at the end of their graduate program. The project encompasses a written scholarly paper and a 45-minute professional presentation that provides a comprehensive demonstration of the knowledge and skills needed to practice competently in the counseling profession. In addition to presenting their area of passion in clinical mental health counseling (CMHC), counselors-in-training are expected to demonstrate key elements of counseling competency, including ethical principles, cultural competency, theoretical considerations, applications defined by counselor identity, and other similar factors. The conference aims to support our counselors-in-training as they communicate their areas of passion by highlighting their scholarly development.
The Capstone Conference is a celebration of the rigor and excellence our counselors-in-training represent as we welcome them from the role of the graduate student to the role of professional clinical mental health counselor.
What is the Capstone Conference Schedule?
The Capstone Conference begins with an Opening Ceremony celebrating our Counselors-in-Training. We use virtual conference rooms where multiple students are assigned to present to their peers, professors, and mentors. We are honored to invite family and friends to this virtual celebration as they share in the success of their soon-to-be professional clinical mental health counselors.
Each presentation is 45 minutes long and consists of an introduction to the topic, a literature review, a discussion of the impact on the counseling field, a Q&A, and private evaluation.
There are two 15-minute breaks and one lunch break during this full-day event.
During each presentation, audience members will enjoy hearing the language of the profession as each presenter demonstrates scholarly communication skills and provides ideas for research and clinical advancement related to their chosen topic.
When is the Capstone Conference?
Our counselors-in-training present at the Capstone Conference during their last quarter in the program. Counseling@Northwestern hosts a Capstone Conference each quarter.
