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Professional Portfolio: A Social Work Journey Through The 10 Competencies, Tessa Rae Nelson

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

The Professional Portfolio demonstrates Tessa Nelson's work through the 10 competencies of social work. This portfolio emphasizes what the student has learned and how it has impacted their social work practice.

Msw Portfolio From The Lens Of A Clinical Social Worker, Madeliene Hamilton

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

My portfolio is an in-depth exploration at the journey that has led me here to my MSW with a comprehensive outline of my practicum and work experiences alongside coursework. My hope to anyone who reads this is that you can see my passion for this work and truly understand how each competency was learned and practice.

Msw Portfolio, Briar Gaither

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

A look at my personal journey through the MSW program, what I experienced and learned, and what I gained. Features my many papers and projects from the program

Professional Helper Engagement And Student Perspectives In K-12 Nontraditional ​Educational Settings​, Rachel Gilreath

Theses and Dissertations

Nontraditional educational settings (NES) cater to diverse student populations, including those considered at-potential or at-risk. Research on interventions and the role of helping professionals in these settings is limited. This dissertation comprises two studies aimed at elucidating interventions and support mechanisms for at-potential students in NES, alongside exploring the role of school counselors in fostering their holistic development. The first study conducts a systematic review synthesizing existing research on interventions in NES, revealing insights into research scarcity, author diversity, and areas for future inquiry. Subsequently, the second study investigates the perceptions of at-potential youth within NES, particularly in the southeastern …

Using Fink’S Taxonomy In Counseling Practicum And Internship Courses, Kailey Bradley, Emily Horton Phd

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

Fink’s Learning Taxonomy expanded upon Bloom’s Learning Taxonomy to provide concrete suggestions on development of significant learning experiences. Limited research exists on implementation of Fink’s learning Taxonomy in counselor education curriculum. As such, this conceptual article illuminates how the integration of Fink’s Learning Taxonomy could be used by educators to develop significant learning experiences within counseling internship and practicum courses.

De-Colonizing And Enlivening Lifespan Development In Counselor Education With Experiential Exercises Across The Curriculum, Emily Horton, Diane Smedley, Karen M. Roller, Kelly Coker

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

ACA and IAMFC codes of ethics center culturally-affirming lifespan development skills as professional identity responsibilities specific to counselors. Despite the critical importance of lifespan, the training of CITs in this area is inadequate and grounded in research based on homogeneous samples and discriminatory practices. Counselor education is deeply in need of a lifespan curriculum that reflects diverse populations. The updated lifespan curriculum must be inclusive and consider the impact of context and culture on lifespan development. In this conceptual article, we call on counseling faculty to infuse updated developmental science with clinical skills development across their plans of study.

S.M.A.R.T.E.R. Self-Care For Counselors, Nicole Marie Arcuri Sanders, Jenny Kim

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

Practicing self-care activities is essential to helping professions stave off and combat burnout and vicarious trauma. Mental health counselors and counselor educators and supervisors (CESs) need specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely (S. M. A. R. T.) self-care activities to best meet the demands of this highly relational field. This article will assist CESs in supporting the personal development of S. M. A. R. T. self-care goals for their students and supervisees’ evolving professional identity with the addition to evaluate (E) and review (R) identified self-care efforts. CESs are supported with gatekeeping relevance and examining student and supervisee self-care plans …

The Effect Of Language Training In The Perceived Confidence Of Counseling Supervisors' Spiritual Integration In Supervisory Sessions, Wendy Celoria

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The religious and spiritual (R/S) aspects of multicultural counseling are difficult to navigate for counseling educators and supervisors. The supervisors’ responsibility is to equip counselors in training (CIT) to address various issues or topics confidently with clients. Multiculturalism continues to impact the counseling profession due to the diversity and complexity of treating clients. The spiritual component of multiculturalism remains a topic of broaching that can be uncertain for CIT and supervisors. This study describes the dynamics of supervisory relationships with supervisees and how that directly correlates with counselors and their clients. Next, the study evaluates the impact increased training in …

Pastoral Perceptions Of Formal Mental Health Training In The Black Church, Monique Bethea-Covington

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This purpose of this phenomenological study is to broadly explore the role of the Black Church in providing mental health support by facilitating linkages to professional mental health services by exploring pastoral perceptions of mental health through examination of their experiences with church members. Ten African American pastors of Black Churches in North and South Carolina completed semi-structured, qualitative interviews describing their backgrounds, attitudes, and their mental health experiences within the church. Many of the respondents reported having members of their congregation disclose challenges or difficulties with their mental health. Most of the pastors reported that they understood the need …

Caregiver Interactions And Burnout In Speech-Language Pathology, Wyndi L. Capeci

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Speech-language pathology is a needed service for many children and adults. However, service provision is decreasing due to a critical shortage and an increased number of clients due to an aging population. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) face near-insurmountable barriers to work satisfaction that manifest as burnout symptoms. This study aimed to examine the existing factor of caregiver contact, which is already prevalent in the therapy environment, and its relationship with symptoms of burnout. This quantitative study encompassed a quasi-experimental correlational design using a survey method to determine demographics, caregiver contact hours, and self-reported symptoms of burnout to address these issues. In …

Cultural Humility As A Mechanism For Building Working Alliance With International Counseling Supervisees, Alexandra Ioakeimidou

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

The counseling field constitutes a choice of study for many international students pursuing graduate studies in the United States. A critical training aspect of the counseling field is clinical supervision. It is documented in the literature that international counseling supervisees encounter many challenges in the context of supervision. The field of mental health and, in particular, the counseling field often emphasize the concept of cultural competence as a critical component in providing effective cross-cultural supervision. However, scholars have pointed out some negative aspects of cultural competence. The present study stipulated that the emphasis of supervisors on cultural competence could be …

Msw Portfolio: A Growth Mindset Approach, Katherine D. Bettcher

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

A growth mindset approach to Advanced Integrated Practice in Social Work.

Adult Coping As A Function Of Perceived Parental Support, Brenda Manning

Journal of Counseling and Psychology

The present study examined the function of perceived parental support in childhood on adult coping strategies. A convenient sample taken from social media collected data from fifty-three participants aged 20-68 who completed the Parental Acceptance-Rejection Questionnaires (PARQ) and Screening Tool for Adult Children of Alcoholic Traits (STACAT). Participants indicated moderate levels of parental (maternal and paternal) rejection (M=130.61, SD=37.67). Additionally, participants reported moderate levels of adult children of alcoholic traits related to perceived parental rejection (M=99.86, SD=22.82). Results indicated a statistically significant positive relationship (r = .534; p =.001) between perceived parental acceptance-rejection and adult children of alcoholic traits, suggesting …

From Steps To Strides: My Evolving Journey Into Social Work, Lacresha N. Ffrench

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

This paper reflects on my journey, shaped by my heritage as a first-generation Jamaican-American and my experiences in education. The narrative begins with the story of my parents, Desmond and Pauline Ffrench, who immigrated from Jamaica with the hope of providing me with greater opportunities. Their sacrifices and unwavering support have been instrumental in my success. My career in education began in 2019, where I transitioned through various roles, from an educational assistant to the restorative practices coordinator. These experiences, coupled with my deepening commitment to advocating for students, led me to pursue a master's in social work. Encouraged by …

The College Campus, A Place Of Learning, And A Place Of Healing, Huma Bashir, Joshua Francis

Human Services Faculty Publications

The COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath have precipitated a marked increase in mental health needs among college students. Lockdowns, the sudden shift to remote learning, and social distancing mandates have compounded existing challenges, highlighting a trend that has evolved over the past two decades. Despite heightened demand for mental health support, colleges struggle to meet these needs amid the emotional aftermath of COVID-19 effectively. Recognizing the pivotal role of higher education institutions in shaping future leaders and addressing and enhancing the mental well-being of the college community is imperative to foster an environment conducive to learning and healing. This paper …

Bridging The Gap: Psychopharmacologic Education And Side Effect Screening For Non-Prescribing Mental Health Professionals, Elaine Fitzgerald

Dissertations

Abstract

Problem: The United States is experiencing a growing demand for pediatric mental health support. Surges in mental health diagnoses and psychotropic medication prescriptions have occurred, compounded by a shortage of psychiatric providers. Non-prescribing mental health professionals are well-positioned to recognize psychotropic medication side effects. However, psychologists and counselors lack formal pharmacology education.

Methods: The quality improvement (QI) initiative was guided by the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) model. The evidence-based psychopharmacologic education for non-prescribers utilized a quasi-experimental pre- and post- test design. Data collected from clinicians included knowledge, confidence, and skill concerning psychotropic medications. The Psychotropic Medication Monitoring Checklist (PMMC) screen clients …

Utilization Of Mental Health Services At Domestic Violence Agencies In Pennsylvania, Kealsey Mcneil

Social Work Student Research

In this research, I examined the use of mental health services at domestic violence (DV) programs in rural and urban Pennsylvania and agency size. I examined the needs, characteristics, and availability of mental health services for DV survivors across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. I looked at DV service use from a variety of sources to provide a well-rounded understanding of the factors that contributed to mental health service use. I used three secondary data sources: the Lethality Assessment Program (LAP), Adequacies of Network of Services Provided to the Survivors of Domestic Violence in Pennsylvania–Phase II study, and data obtained from …

The Hidden Impact Of Sociocultural Determinants In Adolescence, Lauren B. Robins, Nicholas Schmoyer, Atiya Smith, Krystal L. Clemons, Jill Kivikoski

Journal of Human Services Scholarship and Interprofessional Collaboration

This study, guided by the Social Determinants of Health framework and Social Ecological Model, examined how SDOH impact the presence of anxiety during adolescence. This study set out to understand what sociocultural determinants predict anxiety, using the 2018 National Survey of Children’s Health dataset. The analysis included a logistic regression to determine the predictability of SDOH on anxiety in adolescence. The results indicated that various SDOH are significant predictors of anxiety, while also indicating that the absence of adverse SDOH predicts the lack of anxiety. Further, unique findings related to race/ethnicity, age, and gender set the stage for additional research …

Counselor Educators' Acceptance Of Immersive And Interactive Virtual Reality As A Pedagogical Tool, Melissa A. Smith

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study explores the acceptance of immersive and interactive virtual reality (IIVR) among counselor educators in higher education. It aims to identify the factors influencing their intentions to use IIVR as a teaching tool by examining relationships between various predictors and behavioral intention. This representative survey reveals significant positive correlations between behavioral intention and performance expectancy (r =.56), effort expectancy (r = .40), and social influence (r = .55), confirming that these predictive factors play a vital role in IIVR acceptance. Additional analyses indicate that age and gender do not significantly moderate these relationships, suggesting a universal inclination toward adopting …

Mass Shooting Prevention: What Can Local Law Enforcement Do?, Alycia Mary Shelton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand how law enforcement officers can influence mass shooting prevention tactics. Minimal research has been conducted on law enforcement’s influence in the prevention of mass shootings. At this stage, researchers describe needing more information about mass shooting prevention tactics. Since minimal research has been conducted on law enforcement’s influence on mass shooting prevention, the goal was to determine what they believe can be done. Guiding this study was phenomenology, the study of conscious experiences as they appear in the first person. Phenomenology has been crucial in the tradition of European philosophy throughout …

Exploring Chaplains’ Lived Experience Concerning Mental Health Stigma And Suicidal Thoughts In The Military Context, Eric T. Victorino

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The empirical inquiry at the heart of this qualitative phenomenological research revolves around the identification of mental health stigma and suicidal ideation within the military context. This study delves into the lived experiences of military chaplains as they interact with service members grappling with thoughts of suicide and dealing with the associated mental health stigma. By examining the viewpoints of United States Army chaplains, we aim to gain a deeper insight into the perceived mental health stigma and its consequences for service members who are contending with suicidal thoughts. Chaplains’ unique viewpoints will contribute to an enriched comprehension of mental …

A Guide To Infuse Trauma Informed Principles In Counselor Education, Amirah R. Nelson

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

Trauma informed principles (TIPs) are minimal within counselor education and supervision literature. After reviewing TIPs that have been incorporated into other graduate programs, counselor educators (CEs) should consider integrating more trauma informed concepts. Through this conceptual article the author: a) defines TIPs, b) explores ways to combine TIPs into most curricula and the learning environment, c) infuses TIPs across the eight core areas of CACREP, and d) discuss future implications for having a robust and well-rounded curricular for future counselor educators.

Keywords: trauma informed principles, counselor educators, counselors in training, CACREP, counseling programs

A Counseling Student’S Experiences With Vision Impairment: A Narrative Inquiry, Jason J. Li, Susan Bray, Jody Fiorini, Philip Mullins

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

This article explores a female counseling student’s experience with vision impairment in a counselor education program. By using narrative inquiry, three main themes (perceptions, received supports, and challenges for a visually impaired student) and seven subthemes (perceptions of herself, perceptions of others, daily commute, attitudinal barriers, barriers to access, practicum experiences, and disability services) emerged from the analysis. Recommendations for counselor preparation and research are provided.

Gatekeeping In Online Learning: Best Practices To Facilitate Non-Traditional Learning, Amanda Faucher, Ajitha Chandrika Prasanna Kumaran, Wannigar Ratanavivan

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

Online learning has evolved, bringing several opportunities and challenges to counselor educators. Gatekeeping is an ethical responsibility of counselor educators, especially in a distance education platform, to evaluate personal and professional growth of counselors-in-training. To minimize gateslipping, there is working literature evidence that looks quite different in an online platform. In a synchronous setting, technology allows us to offer an experience that is not drastically different from traditional learning, but literature on asynchronous learning is far more limited. The authors will highlight the strengths and challenges of gatekeeping in a distance learning environment and discuss potential strategies for gatekeeping to …

2024-06-01 Cumulative Report, Pennsylvania Counseling Association

PCA Board of Directors Meetings

No abstract provided.

Pressured To Conform: The Qualitative Paradigm In Counselor Education And Supervision, Bridger Dale Falkenstien

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Using Charmaz’s (2014) grounded theory (GT) and Clarke’s (2003; 2005; Clarke et al., 2018) situational analysis (SA), this study explores the experience of counselor educators and their pressure to conform throughout their professional identity development process. As counselor educators, these individuals are thought and practice leaders in the field of professional counseling, training up future counselors and advancing the field in scholarship and advocacy as a social science (Aubrey, 1980; Hansen et al., 2014). As a social science, the integrity and investigative power of counseling are tethered to empirical discovery through quantitative and qualitative methods and philosophy – while inherently …

A Phenomenological Study Of Compassion Fatigue, Burnout, And Secondary Traumatic Among Welfare Workers, Educators, And Nurses On Grand Bahama Island After Hurricane Dorian And During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Gladys V. Sawyer

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Hurricanes have become a normative event in the Bahamian diaspora. Over the past twenty years at least five major storms have hit The Bahamas destroying vital infrastructure such as schools, health care facilities, airports, utilities, and homes, leaving portions of several islands uninhabitable. Frontline workers, also referred to as essential workers who do the work of interacting directly to service the needs of the people most affected are often overlooked. Working extended hours, witnessing, experiencing, and hearing the stories of sufferers, coupled with one’s own loss causes psychological distress and diminished capacity to function effectively. This qualitative phenomenological study was …

Some Kind Of Unfolding: A Micro- To Macrosystemic Exploration Of The Emic Experiences Of Formerly Incarcerated Mothers, Mary Anne Gunter Phd Lpc Lmft

Journal of Interprofessional Practice and Collaboration

Problem

The incarceration of women has increased exponentially in the past 40 years. Over 80% of incarcerated women are mothers separated from their children. A mother’s incarceration can impose a destabilizing influence upon an already fragile family system.

Significance

Incarcerated mothers have been inconsistently provided supportive rehabilitative programs, which have demonstrated a correlation to decreased recidivism.

This qualitative study conducted semi-structured interviews that explored the phenomenological experiences of eight disenfranchised incarcerated mothers who were separated from their children, as well as of their experiences of a carceral setting and involvement with prison programs.

Implications

Thematic analysis of the data revealed …

Navigating Cultural Transitions: A Drama Therapy Exploration Of Culture Shock Among International Students From South Asia And East Asia, Rithika Gopalakrishnan

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

South Asia and East Asia drive the recent surge in US global student enrollment, exceeding one million, collectively representing 60.141% of international students, with China and India contributing 53% alone. These figures underscore the need for focused research into the experiences of South Asian and East Asian international students in the United States, an area currently lacking comprehensive study. This thesis examines culture shock among South Asian and East Asian students at a university in the Northeast, exploring relevant theories, role of media portrayals, and drama therapy interventions. It investigates the effects of culture shock, such as strain, loss, rejection, …

A Trauma-Informed Socially Just Approach To Working With Juvenile Justice-Involved Youth Utilizing Expressive Arts Therapy, Ciara Carr

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Youth involved with the juvenile justice system often have a history of trauma and oppression resulting from their positionality and circumstances. Most juvenile justice-involved youth are boys, youth of color, low-income, LGBTQIA2S+, disabled, and traumatized. This literature review explores the history of the juvenile justice system, issues with the present-day model, and trauma-informed and transformative justice approaches to practice. The implementation of socially just, trauma-informed expressive arts therapy programs is proposed as a more equitable practice to replace commonly used punitive practices across the United States. More research is needed to understand the impact of such programs on this population …