Counselor Education Commons^™

Having Fun While Enhancing Student Engagement: Creative Approaches In Online Learning, Rachel P. Jacoby, Shreya Vaishnav, Cristen Wathen

Journal of Technology in Counselor Education and Supervision

This article explores various creative approaches to integrate into online counselor education classrooms. Creative approaches to learning help encourage students to be involved in classroom discussions or activities; while enhancing their critical thinking skills, professional development, and inclusivity within the classroom. This article explores the intention behind integrating creative approaches into online learning and offers several resources that instructors can use in their online classrooms.

Grief Counseling Skills: Supporting Students In A Virtual Residency, Susan F. Branco, Rebecca G. Scherer

Journal of Technology in Counselor Education and Supervision

Grief counseling is an important skillset for professional counselors. Two counselor educators in an online counseling program describe how they incorporated grief counseling coursework within a virtual residency. They followed grief counseling instruction best practices to facilitate skills training with students. The virtual residency also included skills practices, grief counseling role plays, and guest speakers with grief expertise. Wellness considerations to support students throughout the course and residency are also described.

Teaching Anti-Oppressive Lifespan Development Online Through A Cultural And Contextual Lens, Karen M. Roller, Kelly Coker

Journal of Technology in Counselor Education and Supervision

Lifespan Development is a required content area for both CACREP accreditation and licensure boards. Historically centered theories of development are born out of work and research conducted by Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic (WEIRD) theorists, so therefore are presented to students through a very narrow and biased cultural lens, often with oppressive implications. Implementing innovative, interactive, culture- and context-promoting inclusive strategies in synchronous and asynchronous learning environments is both relevant and necessary for future counselors to consider how their integration of updated lifespan development theories informs their clinical practice. This article presents inclusive applications that leverage online relational strategies …

Increasing Access And Success In Online Education For Students With Disabilities, William H. Snow, Karen M. Roller, Wendy Wade, Jared W. Snow

Journal of Technology in Counselor Education and Supervision

Counselor educators are legally and ethically required to support individuals with disabilities in their courses. While this presentation focuses on visual and auditory impairments, all students benefit when accommodations and adaptations support a wide range of learning styles. The authors provide web accessibility principles and guidelines and operationalize practical suggestions for coursework. Off-the-shelf assistive technologies are readily available to support learners. Educators are encouraged to test course materials using assistive technologies to better understand how students with disabilities experience their courses.

Fostering A Sense Of Social Connectedness For Minoritized Students And Faculty In Online Learning, Shreya Vaishnav, Angélica Galván, Taewon Kim

Journal of Technology in Counselor Education and Supervision

Faculty and students with minoritized identities face additional systemic and social barriers such as disconnection from colleagues, inability to discern body language, and gap in communication. This paper addresses some of these barriers as well as provides practical strategies and resources for faculty and students to develop social connectedness in online learning environments. Strategies are provided for allies to support and foster change in online academic environments to build social connections and belongingness.

Development And Assessment Of Counselor Dispositions In Online Counselor Education, Jill Brue, Cayla Bland

Journal of Technology in Counselor Education and Supervision

Counselor education programs are charged with the development and assessment of counselor dispositions and values. However, there are challenges in promoting and assessing counselor dispositions in an online platform. This article reviews the counselor dispositions and values that are typically promoted in counselor education to produce a healthy and productive personal and professional identity. Strategies will be considered for instructor/student engagement, development of counselor dispositions through intentional assignments, and dispositional assessment in distance learning, as well as the identification and remediation of disposition deficits.

Counseling Womxn: Teaching Intersectional Issues In Women's Mental Health, Megan Speciale, Margaret Lamar

Journal of Technology in Counselor Education and Supervision

This paper was presented at the 2023 Counselor Education and Distance Learning Conference. In this paper, the authors describe the use of intersectional feminist pedagogy (IFP) in teaching an online, synchronous course on intersectional women's mental health, entitled Counseling Womxn, which addresses issues pertinent to the mental and emotional health of women across diverse cultural and demographic backgrounds. The authors describe the key tenets of IFP and its application to teaching women’s issues in counseling, detail the planning and development of the course, and discuss their use of collaborative teaching. The authors also discuss the unique considerations of using IFP …

Supervision 2.0: Culturally Competent And Creative Online Supervision Practices, Lucy C. Parker-Barnes, Suzy Wise, Shoon Lio, Courtney Rowley, Jessica Mcdannel, Sabrina Starts, Matthew Sprong

Journal of Technology in Counselor Education and Supervision

The below documentation is an analysis of online integrative based supervision ideas with multicultural considerations. Various interventions with supervisees, which are aimed for supervisee reflective growth and client beneficence, are also discussed. Following Integrated Supervision Framework (ISF) description, a case vignette introducing reflective and inclusive online strategies is described. Future issues potentially affecting consideration of online supervision will also be described.

Humanistic Pedagogy In Online Counselor Education, Donna Sheperis, Caroline Perjessy

Journal of Technology in Counselor Education and Supervision

This article explores the integration of humanistic pedagogy in online counselor education. Humanistic pedagogy, based on the affirmation of the dignity of every human being, allows the educational experience to be student-centered and focused on crafting dignity and autonomy of the adult learner. The article presents specific class activities to showcase humanistic opportunities within online counselor education, aiming to increase presence, encourage students to bring real-life experiences into the online classroom, and promote the wellness of the whole person. The integration of humanistic pedagogy in online counselor education is a promising approach that can benefit both students and instructors alike

Teaching Group Counseling In An Online Intensive Format, Alexander T. Becnel, Gerald Corey

Journal of Technology in Counselor Education and Supervision

Abstract

Online education continues to grow in popularity each year. Although more counselor education programs offer online coursework, few articles discuss teaching strategies for online group work courses. We proposed, developed, and piloted a model for teaching group work in an online intensive format. In this article, we discuss the structure, components, and rationale of this model as well as the perceived benefits and challenges. We also provide recommendations for those who want to teach group work online.

Training Counselors Using Virtual Reality, Courtney M. Holmes, Fatima Tariq, Karena Heyward, Denise Hall

Journal of Technology in Counselor Education and Supervision

Virtual reality (VR) has the potential to expand experiential learning opportunities in counselor education. This article discusses how semi- and immersive VR can provide students a diverse range of experiences to increase both counseling skill and empathy development for clients with a myriad of identities, diagnoses, and presenting counseling issues. Suggestions and implications for counselor education are discussed.

Moving Towards An Anti-Racist Curriculum: Student And Counselor Educator Advocacy, Susan F. Branco, Sarah Karges, Whitney Swann, Lizzie O'Leary

Journal of Technology in Counselor Education and Supervision

Examination and exploration of anti-racism practices in counselor education has resurged in the past several years. This conference proceeding will describe how one online counselor education program paired student and faculty collaboration to address anti-racism in core curriculum. Through an online town hall and weekly advocacy meetings, counselor educators and students devised and implemented an advocacy plan. Discussion includes ethical decision-making and advocacy actions undertaken as a collaborative student and faculty effort.

Dynamics Of Online Engagement: Counseling Students’ Experiences And Perceptions In Distance Learning, Jungeun Lee, Donghun Lee, Sojeong Nam, Jeongwoon Jeong, Goeun Na

Journal of Technology in Counselor Education and Supervision

In this article, the authors present counseling students’ personal accounts of their experiences in distance education with a focus on online engagement based on an extensive review of the counseling literature. In addition, an evaluation tool was introduced for gathering qualitative and quantitative information regarding patterns of instructor engagement efforts and styles. Facilitating factors for experiential online learning were also identified from the students’ perceptions of online learning experience. Finally, the results were used to make specific recommendations for counselor educators to enhance their teaching efficacy and engagement.

Incorporating Multiculturalism And Social Justice Into Synchronous Online Courses, Debra M. Perez Phd, Tricia M. Mikolon Phd

Journal of Technology in Counselor Education and Supervision

With the start of the COVID-19 pandemic students and teachers were thrust onto the online platform for classes. Students had to adjust to this transition, and understanding how to function in this new arena became of the utmost importance to promote student success. Recognizing that technology itself impacts our students is an important factor, both culturally and through a social justice lens. Understanding how to incorporate both multicultural and social justice considerations into an online classroom assists instructors in creating an open and welcoming experience which fosters autonomy. Therefore, understanding and appreciating the multicultural and social justice needs of students …

Culturally Responsive Distance Counselor Education For International Counseling Students, Jeongwoon Jeong, Goeun Na, Sojeong Nam, Donghun Lee, Jungeun Lee

Journal of Technology in Counselor Education and Supervision

Counselor education programs have increasingly offered distance education during the last decades. As one of the growing student populations in counselor education programs, international students need to be given more attention pertaining to their cultural and educational experiences as counseling students. Although distance learning in counselor education has gained empirical support for its effectiveness, it may still pose challenges to international counseling students due to their unique characteristics such as language barriers and cultural differences, which may render differing qualities of students’ learning experiences. Aiming to enhance our understanding of this student population to provide culturally responsive distance counselor education, …

Counselors In Training Educational Impacts And Perceived Adequacy Of Supports Amidst Covid-19, Jamie E. Crockett, Nathaniel N. Ivers

Journal of Technology in Counselor Education and Supervision

Counselors-in-Training (CITs) experience complex challenges, stressors, and changes during the COVID-19 pandemic and concurrent sociopolitical crises. The authors examined CIT’s academic and clinical experiences during the first year of COVID-19, including their perception of the adequacy of their training and supports to provide counseling during this time. Many CITs experienced a range of changes including transitioning from face-to-face training and supervision to distance learning, telehealth, and telesupervision. The authors discuss implications for training and supervision, including considerations related to distance learning and digital competence.

Navigating Microaggressions In Online Learning Environments, Shreya Vaishnav, Donya D. Wallace

Journal of Technology in Counselor Education and Supervision

Microaggressions are prevalent in academic online spaces and harm those involved. This showcase paper explores the literature around microaggressions and their impact in academia. The authors offer practical tips and tools for navigating microaggressions in the classroom, including how to engage in difficult dialogues with peers, students, and colleagues. Finally, strategies to create inclusive spaces in academia are discussed, specifically in a classroom setting or one-on-one interactions.

Ungrading An Online Counseling Course, Leah K. Clarke

Journal of Technology in Counselor Education and Supervision

Ungrading, or alternative assessment, is an educational practice that is growing in use and can be effective in online counselor education. Alternative assessment aligns with social justice, competency-based, and community of learning educational philosophies. Assessment that is meaningful for teachers and learners can increase engagement, openness to feedback, and intrinsic motivation for counselors-in-training. A counselor educator describes how one online course was ungraded.

Implementing An Online Research Group About Classism In Counselor Education, Lucy Parker Barnes, Yara Abu Hussein, Ryan Alexander, Kileen Barry, Monica Behera, Effy Chambers, Samuel Chase, Leslie Delaney, Vanessa Filmonor, Robert Giansante, Jamie Kassa, Lily Kairis, Emily Kimmerlman, Laura Leslie, Jesse Linneman, Maeve Kirby, Noel Mckillip, Carolyn Powell, Lisa Rollins, Courtney Rowley, Lydia Rhodes, Lisa Sams, Chris Sharff, Emma Wright

Journal of Technology in Counselor Education and Supervision

In 2021, an online research group was created with counseling students from three different universities. This online research group consisted of masters counseling students and a lead research mentor and counselor educator. This research group was the first of its kind in its Program. This research team focused on intersectionality and classism. Topics of integrating the online world into counseling research, specifically, through this observed research group will be introduced in this documentation. This research team served as a catalyst to increase student morale during required remote learning. Implications driven from this student-centered, online research group will also be described. …

The Great Pivot: The Profession Of Counseling Has Changed, Has Your Pedagogy?, Donna S. Sheperis, Kristel Nazzal

Journal of Technology in Counselor Education and Supervision

The profession of counseling is impacted by more than mental health theories and models. COVID-19, external or adjacent industries, and technology have all left their imprint on the provision of competent and relevant counseling services. In general, most counselor educators were clinically trained prior to many of these influences. Which begs the question, if the profession has changed, should your pedagogy? This presentation introduced some of the challenges and opportunities in training clinicians impacted by these forces.

Teaching During Covid-19: Relational-Cultural Theory In The Online Classroom, Lucy L. Purgason, Dominique Hammonds, Geri Miller, Jill W. Van Horne, Catherine Clark

Journal of Technology in Counselor Education and Supervision

The sudden conversion from face-to-face to online instruction in Spring semester 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic was unprecedented. During this time instructors in helping professional training programs were engaged in the duality of being impacted in various degrees while simultaneously training students to assist clients in dealing with the resulting stress and emotional impact. Relational-Cultural Theory (RCT) is a framework that can be used within online counselor education to consider the impact of the larger socio-cultural context on student learning, prioritizing fostering relational connections. In this article, online teaching approaches aligned with the video conferencing tool, Zoom, are described.

Neuroscience-Informed Technology: Implications For Professional Counselors And Counselor Education, Deborah L. Duenyas, Zach Budesa, Chad Luke, Lauren A. Fry

Journal of Technology in Counselor Education and Supervision

The ACA Code of Ethics (2014) state that counselors who use technology must also develop the knowledge and skills necessary to safely engage with clients. To date, no studies were found that identified prevalence or preferences among counselors' use of technology with clients. The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate licensed professional counselors’ self-assessment of competency to use Neuroscience-Informed Technology (NIT). A national sample of licensed professional counselors were surveyed (N = 69). Results indicate that licensed professional counselors feel competent to use NIT as an intervention in their clinical work (94%). Participants reported feeling most competent in …

A Tide Of Technical Trends: Technology Competence Among Licensed Counselors, Brittany G. Suggs, Mary Sanderfer Stull, Spencer R. Baker, Kathie T. Erwin, David M. Savinsky

Journal of Technology in Counselor Education and Supervision

The inclusion of technology in mental health care can revolutionize the accessibility, affordability, and effectiveness of counseling services, while furnishing practical solutions to reduce mental health disparities and meet widening care demands. Steered by the Coalition for Technology in Behavioral Science (CTiBS) telebehavioral health (TBH) competencies, this study employed a descriptive survey design to investigate licensed counselors’ (LCs’) perceived technology competence in mental health care. The following research question steered the study’s exploration: What is the nature of perceived technology competence among LCs? The overarching hypothesis speculated that LCs’ exposure, familiarity, and current utilization of various mental health technologies would …

Effective Online Synchronous Group Counselor Training: Challenges, Strengths, And Solutions, Cristen C. Wathen, Megan Speciale, Szu-Yu Chen, Donna Sheperis

Journal of Technology in Counselor Education and Supervision

Abstract

This paper on Online Synchronous Group Counselor Training was presented at the first annual Counselor Education Distance Learning Conference on February 19, 2021. In the Counseling field, skills-based courses like Group Counseling are often taught in residential settings regardless of whether the training program is online or brick and mortar. Describing a model for teaching Group Counseling in an online virtual synchronous format, this article shares strategies, challenges, and opportunities for group instructors in counselor training programs during the Covid 19 pandemic and beyond.

Keywords: Group Counseling, Synchronous, Distance Learning

Effects Of Clinical Skills Training: Technology And Pedagogy For The Quality Virtual Classroom, Szu-Yu Chen, Kelly Coker, Cristen Wathen, Donna Sheperis

Journal of Technology in Counselor Education and Supervision

There is a dearth of research on the effects of online delivery of clinical skills training. This pilot study examined the effects and experiences of 27 master’s students receiving 8-week remote basic counseling skills courses. Results suggested that by the end of online training, all participants met the course criteria of skills development. There is a statistically significant increase in students’ beliefs about their own capabilities to effectively facilitate counseling techniques and counseling-related activities. Four themes emerged in participants’ perception of online skills training, including concerns, challenges, technology tools, and overall learning experience. Limitations and recommendations for implications and future …

Counselor Education Online Curriculum Design: Social Justice Considerations, Lisa Mckenna, Amie A. Manis

Journal of Technology in Counselor Education and Supervision

Drawing from a combined 25 years of experience as faculty, curriculum designers, and leaders in online CACREP-accredited counselor education programs, the presenters share best practices in curriculum design and assessment for online counselor education programs. The frameworks that guide the presenters' approach are the competency-based education model and the backward-design model for curriculum. The importance of a systematic assessment process to support data-driven modifications is discussed and illustrated in a brief example. The curriculum design models are applied in a hypothetical course aimed at promoting and assessing student competency development as social justice advocates.

Fostering Connection And Authenticity In Online Counselor Education Through Relational Pedagogy, Laura Bruneau, Blaine Reilly

Journal of Technology in Counselor Education and Supervision

In this conference summary brief, the authors examine the need for connected teaching in higher education’s rapidly evolving digital age. Counselor educators will benefit from utilizing Relational Cultural Theory (RCT) as a foundation for online education. While highlighting aspects from Harriet Schwartz’s (2019) book on connected teaching, the authors explore some tools to increase relational clarity, such as the mindful pause and making small moments bigger. This article is based on a presentation at the Counselor Education Distance Learning Conference hosted by Palo Alto University in February 2021.

The Past, Present And Future Of Online Counselor Education, Kelly Coker, William Snow, Scott Hinkle

Journal of Technology in Counselor Education and Supervision

COVID-19 accelerated the adoption of distance learning in 2020 throughout the world. Online education is now central to counselor education and the trend will likely continue post COVID-19 as well. The history of distance education technology in counselor education is first explored and then the advantages and challenges of this learning model are discussed along with the ethical, legal and regulatory implications. Finally, the future of counselor education is explored along with emerging technologies that may again disrupt our teaching and learning models.

Telehealth Best Practice: A Call For Standards Of Care, Donna S. Sheperis, Arielle Smith

Journal of Technology in Counselor Education and Supervision

Teletherapy is an approach to working with clients that mental health providers have used in some form for years. However, the onset of COVID forced the provision of therapy into teletherapy almost exclusively for a period of time. Currently, mental health providers conducting therapy virtually are not required to be trained in telehealth and are operating without consistent uniform standards of practice. This manuscript pulls from the current literature and guidelines across counseling, psychology, psychiatry, family therapy, and social work to provide a Proposed Standards of Practice for Telehealth. Such standards benefit mental health counselor by grounding practice in common …

The Virtual Bug: Online Live Supervision Of Telemental Health Counseling, Raul Machuca, Ashley Kurns

Journal of Technology in Counselor Education and Supervision

In this article, the authors present a model for the provision of Online Live Supervision of Telemental Health Counseling (OLSTHC). The model includes its development context, logistical considerations, technology and communication needs, administrative requirements, as well as clinical recommendations. In addition, the authors address ethical, multicultural, as well as future research considerations in the implementation of OLSTHC. The authors developed this model as a response to the training disruptions brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic and it represents a feasible alternative for the implementation of a virtual counseling training clinic.

Keywords: live supervision, online supervision, telemental health counseling.