Counseling Commons^™

Expert Supervisors' Priorities When Working With Easy And Challenging Supervisees, Gulsah Kemer, L. Dianne Borders, Nedim Yel

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

Using Kemer, Borders, and Willse's ( 2014) concept map as a conceptual model, the authors aimed to understand expert supervisors' priorities with their easy and challenging supervisees. Experts' priorities with easy and challenging supervisees were represented in different parts of the concept map, and they seemed to individualize their work with challenging supervisees.

Black And Latino Fathers Of Students With Autism: Culturally Responsive Support, Michael D. Hannon, Kaprea F. Johnson, Nicole A. Christian, Lachan V. Hannon

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

Perspectives from five Black and Latino fathers of students with autism are shared from this qualitative pilot study. The fathers were asked to describe the most helpful forms of support from school counselors. One-time, semi-structured interviews were conducted and interpreted with the thematic analysis method. Results suggest support from other parents, and specifically from other fathers, with shared experiences is most helpful. Recommendations for school counseling practice and research are shared.

Inclusion Of "Human Service Professional" In The Standard Classification Occupation System, Narketta Sparkman-Key, Edward S. Neukrug

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

The human services field has continued to grow, and today, it is considered one of the major social services professions. Despite its establishment, the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) continues to exclude the term “human service professional” from its classification system. This manuscript encourages advocacy for such inclusion.

Culturally Competant Pedagogy: Inclusiveness That Extends Beyond Diversity, Shuntay Z. Mccoy, Narketta M. Sparkman-Key

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

Institutional practices that go beyond merely securing the presence of diverse students are vital to enhancing the university experience of underrepresented populations. Consequently, this workshop will draw from empirical findings that emphasize cultural inclusivity as a method of cultural competence that extends beyond traditional institutional diversity. Presenters will provide various strategies for engaging in culturally competent pedagogy that will enhance the university experience of all students, including diverse populations.

School Counseling Faculty Perceptions And Experiences Preparing Elementary School Counselors, Emily Goodman-Scott, Jennifer S. Watkinson, Ian Martin, Kathy Biles

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

School counselors’ job roles and preferences reportedly vary by educational level (i.e., elementary, middle and high school); however, several organizations, such as the American School Counselor Association, conceptualize and recommend school counseling practice and preparation through a K–12 lens. Little is known about how or if school counseling faculty members vary their preparation for specific educational levels. In this article, we discuss a national, mixed methods study of school counseling faculty (N = 132) experiences and perceptions regarding school counselor preparation for the elementary level. We focused on elementary school counselors due to their unique roles. Findings included faculty’s varied …

Gaining Understanding Of Human Services Professionals: A Survey Of Nohs Membership, Narketta Sparkman-Key, Alyssa Reiter

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

Through a survey of the National Organization for Human Services (NOHS), this article examines the demographics, credentials, and interest in becoming involved in the human services profession as well as in advocacy efforts for human services issues. It is hoped that the findings will be used to further define the nature of the human services professional, to expand recruitment efforts by NOHS, to assist in conference planning, and to help define curriculum standards within human services accreditation.

Integrating A Multi-Tiered System Of Supports With Comprehensive School Counseling Programs, Jolie Ziomek-Daigle, Emily Goodman-Scott, Jason Cavin, Peg Donohue

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

A multi-tiered system of supports, including Response to Intervention and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, is a widely utilized framework implemented in K–12 schools to address the academic and behavioral needs of all students. School counselors are leaders who facilitate comprehensive school counseling programs and demonstrate their relevance to school initiatives and centrality to the school’s mission. The purpose of this article is to discuss both a multi-tiered system of supports and comprehensive school counseling programs, demonstrating the overlap between the two frameworks. Specific similarities include: leadership team and collaboration, coordinated services, school counselor roles, data collection, evidence-based practices, equity, …

Career Experiences Of Women With Major Financial Barriers, Madeline E. Clark, Jaime D. Bower

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

The career experiences of women facing major financial barriers are unique and varied. To better understand and assist such women, the authors interviewed 10 women twice to explore their lived career experiences, using photographs in one interview as stimuli to increase participants' voice and triangulate data. Participants' responses were grouped into 20 themes across 4 domains: career as privilege, reasons for engaging in work, supports, and barriers. Women with major financial barriers appear to understand career as a privilege while experiencing significant obstacles to successfully obtaining work. Participants expressed resiliency and self-motivation to transcend and mitigate these obstacles. This study …

Reflections On Black Lives Matter In The Context Of Human Rights And Family Science, Shuntay Z. Mccoy, Anthony James

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

- While all lives do matter, the humanity of all lives is not collectively recognized.

- Violent contexts place an extraordinary amount of stress on Black youth, families, and communities.

- Systematic violence causes multiple transitions in families and threatens families' psychosocial adjustment.

- The collectivistic approach served as an adaptive response to varying levels of oppression faced by Black people since arriving in the Americas.

- Black Lives Matter has significant implications for the work of family life educators, researchers, and practitioners.

School Counselors And A Multi-Tiered System Of Supports: Cultivating Systemic Change And Equitable Outcomes, Christopher A. Sink, Melissa S. Ockerman

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

Designed to improve preK–12 student academic and behavioral outcomes, a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), such as Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS) or Response to Intervention (RTI), is a broadly applied framework being implemented in countless schools across the United States. Such educational restructuring and system changes require school counselors to adjust their activities and interventions to fully realize the aims of MTSS. In this special issue of The Professional Counselor, the roles and functions of school counselors in MTSS frameworks are examined from various angles. This introductory article summarizes the key issues and the basic themes explored by …

Applying John Dewey's Theory Of Education To Infuse Experiential Learning In An Introduction To Human Services Course, Michael T. Kalkbrenner, Radha J. Horton-Parker

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

Teaching an introductory human services course is challenging, as educators must provide an overview of effective practice in a highly diverse field. Researchers conducted a review of all of the prior editions of the Journal of Human Services (JHS) to identify previous research on experiential learning strategies in human services education. This brief note examines the pedagogical practice of experiential learning and the application of John Dewey's theory for successfully training students in an Introduction to Human Services course.

The Affordable Care Act And Addiction Treatment: Preparing The Undergraduate Human Services Professional, Chaniece Winfield, Rebekah Cole, Laurie Craigen

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

The steady growth of the substance abuse and addiction field in addition to the passing of the Affordable Care Act (ACT) increases the need for competent and credentialed substance abuse professionals. As generalists in the helping field, human services professionals would benefit from education and sufficient credentialing in substance abuse and addiction treatment. The authors of this article suggest that substance abuse and addiction education be considered for inclusion at the accreditation level for human services programs. Furthermore, a discussion of the Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) international credential and its benefits and implications for human services professionals will be …

Incorporating A Multi-Tiered System Of Supports Into School Counselor Preparation, Christopher A. Sink

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

With the advent of a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) in schools, counselor preparation programs are once again challenged to further extend the education and training of pre-service and in-service school counselors. To introduce and contextualize this special issue, an MTSS's intent and foci, as well as its theoretical and research underpinnings, are elucidated. Next, this article aligns MTSS with current professional school counselor standards of the American School Counselor Association's (ASCA) School Counselor Competencies, the 2016 Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) Standards for School Counselors and the ASCA National Model. Using Positive Behavioral Interventions …

Understanding Interprofessional Perceptions And Experiences: An Investigation Of Professional Counselors And Allied Health Professionals, Kaprea F. Johnson

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

INTRODUCTION Interprofessional collaboration is essential to improve coordination, communication, quality, and safety of patient care. Interprofessional perception is an important variable in interprofessional collaboration as it can impact attitudes, ability to successfully engage in interprofessionalism, and willingness to engage. The study focuses on understanding perceptions and experiences of interprofessional collaboration of professional counselors and other allied health professionals.

METHODS Participants were recruited online and through snowball sampling. The survey was taken by a diverse sample of healthcare professionals. The survey items consisted of demographic information, the 18 item Interprofessional Education Perception Scale (IEPS), and the 16 item individual construct subscale …

Professional Counseling's Alignment With The Core Competencies For Interprofessional Collaborative Practice, Kaprea F. Johnson, Miranda Mj Parries

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

Previous findings show that there is a misconception of the counseling profession and a lack of awareness of their role in interprofessional collaboration; which may lead to underutilization of counselors for team based care. As an example, in 2009 six professional health related associations developed core competencies for interprofessional collaborative practice and counseling associations were not involved in the development. This manuscript introduces the profession of counseling to others in medical health professions in hopes that similarities will bridge the gap between knowledge and future collaborative practice. The manuscript shows how the profession aligns with the core competencies for interprofessional …

Professional Counseling For Children With Sensory Processing Disorder, Emily Goodman-Scott, Simone F. Lambert

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

Sensory processing disorder is a complex neurological disorder affecting approximately 5–17% of the population, yet professional counselors often misunderstand and misdiagnose this disorder. A child’s academic, emotional and social functioning can be substantially impacted by sensory processing disorder; early diagnosis and treatment is crucial. In this article, the authors describe the disorder, discuss its impact on children and their families, and provide recommendations and resources for both mental health counselors and school counselors to utilize when serving this unique population with special needs. A case study is included, in addition to suggestions for treatment collaboration and advocacy on behalf of …

Developmental Level As A Predictor Of Counseling Skills, Margaret J. Jensen, Garett J. Mcauliffe, Renee Seay

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

What is the relationship between the developmental characteristics of counseling interns and their counseling skills? Thirty master’s-level counseling students in their fieldwork phase were rated by their supervisors on both a measure of developmental level and counseling skills. Results indicated that the construct of Self/Other Awareness was the strongest predictor of counseling skills level. Based on this finding, it can be concluded that counselor supervisees possessing this awareness appear better equipped to deal with the complex problem-solving and social interactions required for successfully counseling clients.

An Exploratory Study Of Parenting Dimensions And Family Conflict Among Head Start Participants: An Examination Of Hispanic Mothers, Narketta M. Sparkman-Key, Inglish Morgan-Gardner

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

Understanding the dynamics of the relationship between family conflict and parenting is important to human service practice. When assisting clients, human service practitioners must address many different systems including culture, historical era, ethnicity, gender, and other systems in which the individual operates (Martin, 2013). This study explores this phenomenon by examining the relationship between family conflict and the six dimensions of parenting; warmth, rejection, structure, chaos, autonomy support, and coercion among Hispanic mothers who access an inner city Head Start program. Findings are discussed in terms of cultural impact, human service practice and the need for further research.

Research And Leadership Development Through Participation On A Inter Professional Research Team, Kaprea F. Johnson

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

This case study details one research team and includes a conceptual tri-level leadership model for team participation and project organization. Participants included seven students and one assistant professor. Findings highlight team development, recruitment, expectations, leadership gains, and implications for the profession.

Showtime: Pop Culture's Impact On Society's View Of The Lgbtq Population, Hope Comer, Jaime D. Bower, Narketta Sparkman

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

Popular culture is an influential aspect that shapes society. Popular culture’s impact on society’s view of the LGBTQ population was examined in the context of video media representations. Students at a Mid-Atlantic university (n = 7) were presented with representations of LGBTQ individuals in television media during two focus groups. Participants completed pre-and-post-test qualitative surveys regarding their impact and perceptions. Responses were coded to identify themes of the target populations. Misrepresentations, perpetuated stereotypes, changing perspectives, advocacy, personal connection, differing types of media representation, and lack of representation were themes identified throughout participant responses about the varying popular culture mediums.

Assisting High School Students With Career Indecision Using A Shortened Form Of The Career Construction Interview, Mark C. Rehfuss, Pamela H. Sickinger

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

A shortened form of the Career Construction Interview (CCI) was used to help high school students struggling with the career decision making process. The shortened instrument is described, as well as, its use with eleventh grade high school students who had low levels of career concern and career curiosity. Students who completed the exercise reported several themes that are introduced and discussed in the article. These themes reflected that the intervention was helpful and facilitated student self understanding and career exploration. Practical applications for school counselors are discussed.

The Impact Of Cultural Competence Training On Rural Human Service Professionals, Tamikia Lott, Inglish Morgan-Gardner, Hope Comer, Narketta M. Sparkman Phd

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

Cultural competence among human service professionals is imperative given the rapidly changing American demographics. Current inadequacy in the delivery of culturally responsive social services is due to insufficient cultural competence training for human service professionals. This research study investigated the extent to which constructivist based cultural competence training influenced rural human service professionals’ perceived level of cultural competence. In three regions of Tennessee, rural human service professionals (n = 44) completed an electronic survey which included the adapted California Brief Multicultural Scale (CBMCS). Using a correlational descriptive design by surveying participants, the researcher discovered rural human service professionals perceive themselves …

Secondary Traumatic Stress And The Role Of The Human Service Practitioner: Working Effectively With Veterans' Families, Laurie M. Craigen, Ione Paiva, Kathleen Levingston

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

Posttraumatic Stress disorder (PTSD) is an increasing mental health concern in the military veteran population. It is important to note that PTSD is a systemic diagnosis, meaning that the well-being and emotional health of family members is impacted by living with a veteran suffering from PTSD. Some family members may develop secondary traumatic stress (STS) symptoms. This manuscript will describe secondary traumatic stress and will explore the role of the human service practitioner in working with family members with STS. Future research in this area will also be explored.

Compassion Fatigue In Human Service Practitioners, Rebekah F. Cole, Laurie Craigen, Rebecca G. Cowan

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

Increasing rates of compassion fatigue among human service practitioners (HSPs) have wide ranging consequences for the practitioner, the client, and the field of human services. In addition to high turnover rates or the HSP's early departure from the field, compassion fatigue can also cause serious harm to the client as well as the client/helper relationship. This manuscript will address the signs and symptoms of compassion fatigue, the risk and protective factors associated with the development or prevention of compassion fatigue, and the importance of selfcare for HSPs.

The Cumulative Effect Of Hyperactivity And Peer Relationships On Reading Comprehension, Kaprea F. Johnson

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

The impact of hyperactivity and peer relationships on academic achievement has long been highlighted in the professional literature. This study highlights how much variation in reading comprehension scores, an indicator of academic achievement, are accounted for by hyperactivity, conduct problems, and peer problems. The participants included 129 students in first through sixth grade in an urban school district in the Northeast. A multiple regression analysis was used to investigate the unique contributions of hyperactivity, peer relationships, and conduct problems on reading comprehension. Results indicated that increasing levels of peer problems were associated with decreasing reading comprehension scores.

Perceptions Of The Hs-Bcp Credential: A Survey Of Human Service Professionals, Narketta M. Sparkman, Edward S. Neukrug

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

With the Human Services Board Certified Practitioner credential (HS-BCP) being a few years old, this article sought to obtain the current perception it by members of the National Organization of Human Services (NOHS). A survey of NOHS members suggests that respondents overwhelmingly heard of the credential, that 42% had obtained the credential, and that a large number who were not credentialed indicated a desire to obtain it. Perceived awareness of employers was also obtained from NOHS members, as well as differences as a function of demographics and the perceived value of the credential. In addition, respondents expressed their views regarding …

The Value And Importance Of International Service Learning Programs: A Model For Human Service Education, Laurie M. Craigen, Narketta M. Sparkman

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

Given our growing globalized society, students are studying abroad at increasing rates. While different formats of study abroad programs exist, there is a surge in the number of short-term international service learning programs. This manuscript defines service learning and discusses the benefits of international service learning programs, specifically for human service students. The manuscript will conclude with a model of a successful study abroad program in San Jose, Costa Rica for undergraduate human service students led by two faculty members.

The Human Services--Board Certified Practitioner: A Review Of The Current State, Narketta M. Sparkman, Tamikia Lott

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

The Human Services--Board Certified Practitioner (HS-BCP) is the only credential of its kind to govern the field of human services. There is no recent literature on its growth, impact, or status over the last six years. It is beneficial for human service practitioners to remain up-to-date on the credential in order to make decisions on becoming credentialed and achieving the benefits of being credentialed. This brief report gives an update on the current state of the credential in terms of growth and development. This information provides an update to the key components of the exam and requirements for eligibility. Growth …

Online Relationships And The Role Of The Human Service Practitioner, Laurie M. Craigen, Rebekah F. Cole, Rebecca G. Cowan

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

Online relationships are an increasing phenomenon in our contemporary society. While many individuals experience successful online relationships, there are clear physical, emotional, and financial risks to meeting a partner online. This manuscript addresses the nature of online relationships and the potential consequences of engaging in an online relationship. Given the large number of individuals who seek out the internet for a potential partner, human service practitioners are in an ideal position to work with clients engaging in relationships online. This manuscript also discusses different strategies and interventions that human service practitioners can employ when working with clients involved in online …

Distance Supervision In Human Services, Robert M. Carlisle, Kristy Carlisle, Andrea J. Kirk-Jenkins, Tara Hill, Gina B. Polychronopoulos

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

As the use of technology increases, there are more opportunities for students and human service professionals to participate in education and supervision remotely. Distance supervision has become increasingly popular in the field of human services, providing educators and practitioners with new methods of professional communication. However, the use of technology in supervision also poses unique challenges for human service professionals and requires additional ethical considerations. The following will address the above points as well as review both asynchronous and synchronous delivery methods for distance learning supervision and their utility for providing supervision in the field of human services.