Education Commons^™

Promoting Resilience In Inner City Youth : Implications For Counselors, Anthony D. Lymus

Graduate Research Papers

The strain and difficulties that plague the inner city continue to mount. As a result, youth who grow up in this environment are exposed to violence, substance abuse, inadequate education, and poverty. Although some youth become a part of the cycle that produces these unfortunate events, some are able to make it out and become assets to society. This occurrence has been termed resilience. The study of resilience continues to grow as researchers attempt to provide information for school officials, communities, and mental health practitioners about how to promote resilience in inner city youth.

Sandplay With Children In The School Setting, Sophie I. Banwarth

Graduate Research Papers

Sandplay therapy, developed by Margaret Lowenfeld, is a technique where children choose miniature objects to place in a sand tray to create a concrete representation of their internal struggles. The counselor's role is to create a safe and protected environment and does not impose personal suggestions or ideas. The counselor can choose to facilitate different types of sandplay with a child: directed, nondirected, static, moving, or interactive. Sandplay therapy offers techniques such as hide and seek, family sand trays, mazes, and self-figures. Sandplay therapy is effective with children in the school setting. Teachers report that students return to class more …

Crisis Management In Education, Jamie L. Cusick

Graduate Research Papers

A crisis management team and crisis management plan is essential when a traumatic event or crisis occurs. The roles of professionals, including superintendent, principal, school counselor, and teacher should be outlined within the crisis management plan. A crisis management team helps the school community remain calm and exert appropriate activities. A crisis management plan allows the crisis management team to effectively help students, faculty and staff, and the community.

"Feelin' Blue, Oh What To Do?": Coping With Negative Emotions, Jana L. Brinkman

Graduate Research Papers

Over the past five years I have had the opportunity to work with children and youth, ages birth to eighteen, in a variety of environments. The settings in which I have interacted with children include nonprofit agency environments, after school programs, church environments, parks and recreation programs, individual and small group counseling sessions, classroom guidance settings, and home environments. My own observations and experiences along with those of parents, school staff, university faculty, fellow undergraduate and graduate students, and co-workers have supported my conclusion that children from early childhood to high school youth struggle with knowing how to appropriately respond …

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder In Children And Adolescents, Mary R. Driscoll

Graduate Research Papers

Post-traumatic stress disorder in children and adolescents has only been researched for the past fifteen to twenty years. Despite the estimates from state and local child protective services that approximately 896,000 children were victims of child abuse or neglect in 2002 (National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect, 2002), the vast majority of research and techniques used in the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents has stemmed from research focused on adults. This report will provide a summary of current perspectives on the definition, assessment, and treatment of PTSD in adolescents.

The Effects Of Bullying On Elementary Students, Renee E. Bullerman

Graduate Research Papers

Bullying is an ever-present problem occurring within elementary schools across the world. Bullying creates personal, social and emotional, as well as academic problems for the victim. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the various interventions that are implemented in elementary schools in order to combat the effects of bullying. Internal and external characteristics of victims, bullies, and bystanders will be identified. Gender differences related to bullying will be described, as well the effects bullying has on elementary students. Finally, numerous interventions aimed at reducing the effects of bullying will be discussed.

Child Sexual Abuse, Anna Maria Opperman

Graduate Research Papers

Reports of child sexual abuse are increasing in the nation and the state of Iowa. Negative effects of child sexual abuse include low self-esteem, contracting sexually transmitted diseases, promiscuity, pregnancy, psychological disorders, eating disorders, and suicide. According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (2006), two out of every one thousand children in the country have experienced sexual abuse. The author will describe the types of sexual abuse, the abuse process, characteristics of offenders, and manifestations of child sexual abuse. Possible treatment for victims will also be addressed.

Spirituality And Counseling : An Integration Into Practice, Nikole D. Paulie

Graduate Research Papers

Mental health counselors have traditionally practiced the idea of separation, not integration, in regards to the exploration and use of spirituality in the counseling setting. Research and shifting trends have shown spirituality is not only important to clientele, but these clients also express a desire to incorporate their spirituality into counseling. Through enforcing appropriate competencies and guidelines, incorporating spirituality has proven effective within clinical settings. Counselors who do desire to integrate spirituality into counseling have limited resources available for guidance.

The purpose of this paper is three fold, to provide rationale for the integration of spirituality in counseling, discuss important …

Online Counseling : Effectiveness, Benefits, Roadblocks, And Ethical Dilemmas, Julia Aguilar Reyes

Graduate Research Papers

This paper provides an overview of online counseling and new technologies in the counseling field. Online counseling is defined. Forms of online counseling are analyzed finding that email and instant messaging have become the most widely used methods for counseling purposes. A review of computer technologies and counseling history from the 1950s to today is also examined. Finally, the author presents an overview of the current literature regarding effectiveness studies and the ethical and moral dilemmas that new technologies pose for the future.

Sufficient research is lacking, but a variety of studies provide evidence of the effectiveness of online counseling. …

The High Cost Of Bullying, Ramona J. Schmidt

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to understand there are not simple solutions towards prevention of bullying. Anti-bullying programs are being implemented throughout the world, and their effectiveness will depend on the commitment of those involved. Bullying is about power; an imbalance of power. Bullying occurs when an individual intentionally inflicts pain on someone else through physical, verbal, or social aggression. Characteristics of the victim and the bully are reviewed along with consequences of each role. Interventions, such as Social Skills Training (SST) as well as empowerment strategies targeting the victims of bullying are useful. But the most effective method …

The Role Of Emotional Intelligence In Counseling Bilingual Latinos Who Avoid Expressing Or Experiencing Emotions, Mayra A. Montalvo

Graduate Research Papers

A review of literature on the role of emotional intelligence in counseling bilingual Latinos who avoid expressing or experiencing emotions reveals that language, gender, ethnicity, religion, and family structure influence emotion usage. The two constructs, emotional intelligence and multiculturalism, offered a framework for understanding cultural and contextual factors in cross-cultural client-counselor relationships, redefining resistance from a multicultural standpoint, and possible therapeutic interventions that take into account the cultural influences and beliefs of Latinos on the mental health system.

Understanding The Mind-Body Connection For Optimal Health And Healing, Molly M. Cretsinger

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of the research paper is to understand how a person's attitudes and beliefs shape their life and influence their health and healing. It is fundamental for someone in the helping profession to gain insight into the role of love, faith, hope, and forgiveness in overall health and healing. The key to health and healing is to understand, accept, and believe in the notion of control over one's thinking and the ability to be who one chooses to be. Every day and every thought is a choice. It is crucial for health and overall wellness that individuals take responsibility …

Cyberbullying: A Workshop For Parents, Erin Jackson

Graduate Research Papers

There are many advantages to the new technology that is flooding the American way of life. However, with the good also comes the bad. Cyber-bullying is one example of the negative side of our ever-changing technology. Cyber-bullying can be very devastating for all people involved (Campbell, 2005). it affects the victim, the bully, family, and friends. With cyber-bullying on the rise, even more children will be affected in the future and the effects of this type of bullying will become more widespread.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder And The Benefits Of Guided Mental Imagery In Treatment, Lisa A. Langstraat

Graduate Research Papers

Seventy percent of adults in the United States will experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. Out of these individuals, 25% will develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This disorder is characterized by distinct physiological changes as well as notable psychological symptoms. If left untreated or improperly treated, PTSD exacts significant costs in individual suffering, quality of life, interpersonal relationships, productivity, and increased use of medical and psychiatric services.

The purpose of this paper is to present comprehensive information about PTSD and its impact on those who suffer from the disorder. This paper will also provide a brief synopsis …

Role-Play And Counselor Education : Bridging The Practice-Theory Gap In Prepracticum Clinical Training, Brian T. Merrick

Graduate Research Papers

Fictitious or imaginary roles within the role-playing paradigm are discussed. The concept of using this model as a method in counselor education is emphasized. Ethical boundaries, diversity, and historical precedents are used to make an argument in favor of role-play. Guidelines for students to create fictitious roles for use in role-play are outlined.

The Effects Of Divorce In A Society With Ever-Changing Family Structures, Rebecca L. Ahlstrom

Graduate Research Papers

Divorce rates have doubled since the 1970s, this has influenced both the structure and the impact of the family. It is imperative not to overlook the large and growing population of children affected by divorce. This paper will discuss the differences of important variables involved, such as age, gender and cultural background. In addition, it will discuss in detail outreach ideas and intervention strategies including small groups, mentoring programs, and bibliotherapy that have all been effective in supporting these children and their families in this crucial change of family structure. Children in single parent and blended families are considered "at-risk" …

Working With Children Suffering From Abuse And Neglect, Shalon L. Frye

Graduate Research Papers

This paper examines the history of advocacy for the rights and safety of children suffering from abuse and neglect in the United States and more specifically in the state of Iowa. It looks at statistical data concerning the incidence of child abuse and its correlation to age and ability level. It addresses the developmental, psychological, emotional, and physical effects of child abuse. This paper also outlines the role of the school counselor in helping children who are victims of abuse and neglect, as well as gives interventions that may be used to assist this population.

Play Therapy With Victims Of Child Abuse, Annie E. Jessen

Graduate Research Papers

Child abuse is a very serious issue around the world. An estimated 906,000 children were determined to be victims of child abuse or neglect in the United States in 2003. Child fatalities are the most tragic consequence of maltreatment. Play therapy provides children with the ideal environment where they feel safe and they may experience their feelings without restriction.

Oftentimes play allows children to distance themselves from experiences that are quite painful if expressed directly to a therapist. When assessing the needs of children, it is important for play therapists to assess the phenomenological impact of the abuse, the family's …

The Factors Preventing The Successful Implementation Of A Middle Level Advisory Program At One Middle School, Gina Grasso Leonard

Graduate Research Papers

This study investigated the feelings and conceptualizations about Advisory Programs of the teachers at one middle school in Southeast Iowa. Interviews were conducted to uncover the teachers' thoughts and perceptions on Advisory Programs at their middle school. The collected data was then evaluated and recommendations were made.

Providing Appropriate Social Interventions For Preschool-Age Children With Mild Autism Spectrum Disorders, Angela M. Riesberg

Graduate Research Papers

This paper provides a variety of appropriate social interventions to use with preschool-age children with mild Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Regardless of his or her diagnostic label, each individual child requires an individualized approach to treatment. Typically, multiple interventions are necessary for a successful program.

The questions this project will address include: (a) What are some possible social interventions to use with preschool-age children who have mild autism spectrum disorders, (b) what research supports current successful social interventions, ( c) which social interventions could provide the most benefits and success, and (d) how can inclusion and interacting with typically developing …

The Effects Of Emotional Intelligence In Everyday Life : What Counselors Can Do To Reinforce E.I. In Couples Counselings, Bridget M. Bencke

Graduate Research Papers

This paper will explore the aspects that make up emotional intelligence, compare IQ to EQ, and explain how emotional intelligence plays a role in the schools and in the workplace. This paper will identify how counselors can guide and support couples to recognize their feelings and develop healthy relationships with their spouses. Although techniques involving emotional intelligence skills are important for clients in individual sessions, there has been further research done with couples regarding therapy work and EI (Goleman, 1995). Therefore, this paper will focus on "emotional intelligence in couples" counselors, but will touch on EI in the schools and …

A Solution-Focused Approach To School Counseling, Holly Dawn Honey

Graduate Research Papers

Solution-focused brief therapy has only recently been discovered as an effective counseling strategy in a school setting based on its time-limited, positive approach to work with students. Though this approach has not been researched in depth, there have been several studies documenting its effectiveness with school age children. This paper will provide an overall view of solution-focused brief therapy as well as some specific techniques for all levels of school counseling.

Understanding The Plight Of The Terminally Ill Population, Richelle C. Bouska

Graduate Research Papers

The emotional, physical, social, and relational experiences of the terminally ill population were investigated. The literature strongly stated that the dying process, though physically and psychologically taxing, need not be devoid of meaning. It was also discovered that though patient disease trajectories and emotional experiences are highly individualized many helpful generalizations can be made. The research findings support the belief that mental health practitioners have much to offer the dying person as he or she wrestles with impending death.

Children Of Incarcerated Parents And The Role Of The Elementary School Counselor, Megan A. Petersen

Graduate Research Papers

Of the 72 million minor children in the United States, 2 million of those have a parent who is currently incarcerated. The dynamics of a child's life are greatly altered when a parent is incarcerated, and many children struggle as a result. Without some form of support or intervention, they are five times more likely than other children to become incarcerated themselves. Elementary school counselors must be aware of the characteristics of children of incarcerated parents, while working to address their needs across numerous levels and contexts.

A Narrative Group Model To Reduce Gender Role Conflict In Adult Males, Dennis K. Smithe

Graduate Research Papers

This manuscript provides a therapeutic group model to address gender role conflict in males based on a narrative approach. The use of story telling and metaphor are central to the process because they are reflective of how men tend to communicate. This approach reflects a shift away from traditional counseling approach often seen as the antithesis of a masculine ideology. This process provides group members the opportunities to co-create and re-author socially constructed stories of masculinity and maleness that have taught males to abuse and neglect their bodies while at the same time not seek help. Unique to this model …

Integrating Spirituality Into The Counseling Session : Facilitating Positive Changes, Bruce A. Gregory

Graduate Research Papers

Spirituality and religion can be very important and influential aspects of an individual's life, however the counseling process seems to lack a framework that addresses these two important areas. Although the literature continues to grow, this topic seems to lack a sense of congruence between therapeutic approaches and integrating spirituality and religion into this approach.

This paper briefly examines some of the existing literature on this integration and also incorporates some personal view points. It is hoped that the reader will, at the very least, begin to get a sense of importance in regards to his/her own spirituality and religion …

Grief And Loss Associated With Divorce : A Counseling Perspective, Lisa A. Lydon

Graduate Research Papers

Based on grief and loss literature, as well as literature on divorce, this paper examines divorce as a loss that evokes grief in various individuals. A brief definition of grief and loss is first articulated. An emphasis is,placed on the classifications of loss, such as major, physical, psychological, primary, and secondary loss. Divorce is discussed as a major and primary loss with multiple secondary losses associated with it. The perspectives of various professionals as they relate to divorce as a loss are examined. This paper also considers implications to counselors when divorce is viewed as a grief and loss issue.

The Impact Of Sexual Abuse On Student Performance, Denelle M. Mcwherter

Graduate Research Papers

Child sexual abuse is a prevalent societal problem. Up to twenty five percent of children have been abused by the age of eighteen. Victims are significantly impacted academically, socially, and behaviorally. School counselors assume counseling, consulting, and coordinating roles as they assist victims, present prevention curriculum, and act as a referral source.

This paper addresses how sexual abuse affects victims and how counselors can assist victims in developing coping skills and increasing self esteem. In addition, how counselors can help foster a sense of belonging and safety for victims in the school setting will be described, with emphasis on how …

Providing Effective Counseling To Substance Abusers Through The Use Of Biopsychosocialspiritual Strategies, Rachel Phillips

Graduate Research Papers

The field of substance abuse has had a history of relapse. Both In-Patient and Out-Patient Treatment facilities have experienced the "revolving door" effect (Walton, Blow, and Booth, 2001). D.R. Laws found in research he conducted that 80% of the patients treated, relapsed 12 months after treatment and two-thirds of the relapses were within 90 days of treatment (Laws, 1999). The federal government has begun questioning the validity of these programs in light of skyrocketing costs for substance abuse treatment (Craig, 2004). Clinicians have begun to examine the cost effectiveness of their current treatment modalities. This paper will provide an overview …

Oppositional Defiant Disorder : Using Family Therapy And Parent Training Techniques For Effective Treatment Outcomes, Caroline S. Dieken

Graduate Research Papers

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) clinically affects children and adolescents through the display of unwanted disruptive, hostile, defiant, and oppositional behaviors. Development of these can be linked to parental psychopathology, family and marital dysfunction, poor parent-child interaction, atypical parenting, maternal age, substance abuse, poor supervision, and inconsistent or harsh discipline. The effects of ODD lead to impaired social functioning, depression, low self-esteem, academic failure, substance abuse, delinquency, and family discord. Compared to other treatments ( e.g., medication, behavior modification, punishment, or removal from the home) the most effective course of treatment for ODD is the use of family therapy and parent …