Counseling Commons^™

The Importance Of Advocacy And Advocacy Competencies In Human Service Professions, Kevin C. Snow

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

Experts have highlighted advocacy as an essential component of human service practice. Several human service oriented organizations, like the National Organization for Human Services, have required helping professionals to incorporate advocacy into clinical practice. Despite this emphasis, some practitioners do not understand, endorse, or incorporate advocacy into their daily work. This paper defines advocacy for human service and related helping professions, explores one set of advocacy competencies applicable to this work, and discusses how advocacy enters the daily practice and leadership areas of human service practitioners.

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.

Utilizing The Six Generic Human Service Competencies And Ecological Systems Theory As A Basis To Understanding Barriers Faced By Marginalized Clients, Kaprea Johnson, Matthew Bonner

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

The term "marginalized" is used to indicate that a person or group of people have been disenfranchised from society because their identity is considered insignificant or is not valued in the surrounding social milieu. Clients from marginalized populations encounter a range of barriers and have specific needs related to being disenfranchised. This article highlights the six generic human service competencies along with ecological systems theory as a framework for understanding the barriers faced by marginalized populations. It concludes with implications for human service professionals.

Collaborating With The Peace Corps To Maximize Student Learning In Group Counseling, Simone Lambert, Emily Goodman-Scott

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

This article explores a model partnership with a counseling education program and the Peace Corps. Counselor education students in a group counseling course developed and implemented a singular structured group session with clients not typically used (e.g., non-counseling students) to maximize student learning and implement group counseling skills. Group services were provided to returning Peace Corps volunteers with diverse cultural experiences who were in career and life transitions. In addition, the authors provide strategies for developing similar partnerships between counselor education programs and other agencies.

A Qualitative Study Of The Experiences Of Gatekeeping Among Phd Counselor Educators, Carol A. Erbes

Counseling & Human Services Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the gatekeeping experiences of a group of PhD counselor educators, by utilizing a phenomenological approach. This design was chosen as it could best examine the lived experiences of the participants. Nine PhD counselor educators participated in this study through a series of two interviews. All of the participants had a general definition of gatekeeping and all were able to express clearly how important the process was in ensuring as much as possible that only qualified students enter their programs, graduate from their programs, and enter the field as effective counselors. Each participant …

Turning Counseling Students Into Researchers: Enhancing Quantitative Research Courses With An Experiential Learning Activity, Mark C. Rehfuss, Dixie D. Meyer

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

Research methods and application are crucial aspects of most counseling practitioners and scholars’ lives, yet practical experience with development and implementation of research projects is usually limited to doctoral level dissertations. This article describes an experiential research project that has been integrated into counseling research methods courses at both the master’s level and the doctoral level. In this mentored research activity, students move through the entire research process in one semester. They begin with a notion and finish with a submission for publication. Based on student responses, implementing this process in a research methodology course is recommended.

Essential Components Of School Counselor Professional Identity: A Delphi Study, Amy Wasserman Upton

Counseling & Human Services Theses & Dissertations

There are multiple perspectives among school counselors and their stakeholders regarding the professional identity of school counselors. The confusion and disagreement about school counselor professional identity appears to have a negative impact on school counselors' well-being and job performance. Given these varied perspectives on this important topic, a three iteration Delphi study was conducted utilizing a panel of school counseling experts to construct a list of components of school counselor professional identity. A final list of 51 essential components of school counselor professional identity resulted from this study.

An Exploration Of The State-Trait Continuum In Counseling And Positive Psychology, Michael A. Keefer

Counseling & Human Services Theses & Dissertations

Counselors value remaining positive in the face of adversity. Consequently, positive psychology has placed an emphasis on uncovering how long-enduring positive traits (e.g., hope, wisdom, and creativity) can be developed from short-term positive states. This search has resulted in positive psychology's conceptualization of a state-trait continuum. This study explores the state-trait continuum by examining possible quantitative relationships between a state instrument (the Learning Environment Preferences) and a trait instrument (the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator). Research question 1 found a significant predictive relationship between two MBTI scales (S-N and J-P) and the LEP's cognitive complexity index. Research question 2 found a significant …

Classroom Management Competencies For School Counselors: A Delphi Study, Helen Irene Runyan

Counseling & Human Services Theses & Dissertations

In spite of the calls for school counselors to be proficient classroom managers (American School Counselor Association [ASCA], 2012; Kyle & Rogien, 2006), the amount of coverage in the school counseling literature on this topic remains sparse (Akos, Cockman, & Strickland, 2007; Weinstein, Tomlinson-Clarke, & Curran, 2004). In order to fill this gap in the literature, this Delphi study utilized an expert panel of school counseling professionals to create a consensus list of classroom management competencies for school counselors. An open-ended question began the study. These responses were qualitatively coded by a research team to produce the items that were …

The Perceptions Of Standardized Tests, Academic Self-Efficacy, And Academic Performance Of African American Graduate Students: A Correlational And Comparative Analysis, Arleezah K. Marrah

Counseling & Human Services Theses & Dissertations

The academic performance of African American students continues to be a concern for educators, researchers, and most importantly their community. This issue is particularly prevalent in the standardized test scores of African American students where they score on average one or more standard deviations below their Caucasian and Asian American counterparts, which may hinder their college enrollment, academic achievement, and educational attainment (Diaz, 1999; Walpole et al., 2005). This issue has been examined by numerous studies and many researchers have attributed their underachievement to factors such as lower academic self-efficacy, stereotype threat, cultural test bias, and institutionalized racism (Kellow & …

The Development And Validation Of The Preference For Adherence To Theoretical Orientation Scale, Tiffinee S. Hamilton

Counseling & Human Services Theses & Dissertations

One of the most common criticisms of undergraduate and master's level graduate programs is that students lack the ability to define their view of human nature. One effective means of assisting students in their desire to identify their preference in orientation is the use of a validated psychometric instrument developed for mental health trainees. Thus, the purpose of this study is to develop and initially validate a new assessment tool, the Preference for Adherence to Theoretical Orientation Scale (PATOS). PATOS provides a theoretically grounded method for assessing a counselor's preference for a particular orientation(s) as well as adherence to a …

Counselor Beliefs And Perceived Knowledge Regarding Clients With Learning Disabilities, Tamekia R. Bell

Counseling & Human Services Theses & Dissertations

Clients with learning disabilities constitute a cultural group that has not been extensively studied. The professional literature has found that counselors have reported the need for additional training in working with clients with disabilities. This study explored counselors' beliefs and perceived knowledge regarding counseling clients with learning disabilities. Participants in this study were college counselors, mental health counselors, and school counselors who were members of the following professional counseling associations: the American College Counseling Association (ACCA), the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMCHA), and the American School Counselor Association (ASCA). These counselors were assessed to determine their perceived competency regarding …

Institutional Variables, Collegial Relationships, And Occupational Satisfaction: Testing The Conceptual Framework Of Faculty Job Satisfaction Among Counselor Educators, Rebecca E. Michel

Counseling & Human Services Theses & Dissertations

Occupational satisfaction is the extent to which individuals are fulfilled by their employment. The Conceptual Framework of Faculty Job Satisfaction (Hagedorn, 2000) describes how aspects of work impact occupational satisfaction, yet researchers have not previously used this model with counselor educators. This study investigated the applicability of the model, as well as the impact of institutional and interpersonal variables, on a sample of 296 counselor educators (26.86% response rate). Findings suggested the model predicted over half of the variance in occupational satisfaction. Significant predictors of satisfaction included work itself, responsibility, recognition, salary, collegial relationships, administration, and climate. Counselor educator occupational …

Technological Innovations For The Human Service Profession, Tara M. Hill, Cassandra Pusateri, Erik Braun, Mueni "Joy" Maweu

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

Many professions are incorporating innovative and affordable technologies such as smart phones, wireless Internet, gaming systems in which the only controller is the human body, and countless software programs and applications to improve efficiency, increase access, and promote themselves. The human service profession is also making strides to utilize new and existing technological mediums in original and creative ways. The article presents ideas for the use of innovative technological approaches in the training of human services students, the dissemination of services to consumers, supervision of human service students and professions, and the everyday operations of human service agencies. The limitations …

The Use Of Empathy In Human Services: Strategies For Diverse Professional Roles, Hannah B. Bayne, Cassandra Pusateri, Lashauna Dean-Nganga

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

Human service professionals must manage a variety of roles and responsibilities in order to meet individual, group, and community needs. Managing these roles often necessitates the use of empathy in order to correctly understand issues, build trusting relationships, and meet the needs of client populations. This article presents a brief overview of empathy and applies it to the human service roles of direct service worker, advocate, administrator, and evaluator. In each professional role, examples are provided of how empathy can help human service workers achieve optimal outcomes. Implications for human services training and professional development are also provided.

Treating Detained Juveniles: Measuring Mental Health Traits And Gender Differences, Todd L. Grande, Janelle M. Hallman, Lee A. Underwood, Kellie M. Warren, Mark Rehfuss

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

An understanding of gender-specific differences between detained male and female youth and how these differences relate to mental health is fundamental to understanding, assessing, and treating this population. This study examined the prevalence of mental health symptoms among a sample of 4,015 incarcerated juveniles who were assessed at intake using the BASC-2, MAYSI-2, and Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children. Significant differences were found between males and females on many of the instruments’ clinical scales, the effect size, however, was small. The prevalence of mental health symptoms varied greatly based on the instrument used (12% and 70% for males; 18% and …

Self-Injury And Eating Disorders In Minors: When Should The Human Service Professional Break Confidentiality?, Laurie Craigen, Rebekah Cole

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

The decision to protect or breach confidentiality is a common ethical dilemma for human service professionals. This decision is further complicated when the client is a child or adolescent. This manuscript examines the issue of confidentiality and minors with two common harmful behaviors in adolescents: self-injury and eating disorders. A continuum of physical and psychological factors are included to help the human service profession in ethical decision making. Two case studies followed by a list of questions to use in the decision making process are also provided.

Testing Of A Brief Internet Cyberbullying Prevention Program In College Students, Ashley Nicole Doane

Psychology Theses & Dissertations

Although the prevalence of cyberbullying varies across investigations, studies on adolescents and college students have shown that cyberbullying is associated with a wide range of negative consequences, including emotional distress, substance use, delinquent behavior, and even suicide. Given the frequency and consequences of cyberbullying, effective low-cost cyberbullying prevention programs are needed. Based on a review of the literature, best practices for program development, and earlier work on cyberbullying (e.g., Doane, Kelley, & Padilla, 2011; Doane, Kelley, Cornell, & Pearson, 2008), the goals of the proposed project were to develop a video-based program to increase knowledge about cyberbullying and empathy toward …

A Mixed Methodological Analysis Of The Role Of Culture And Diagnostic Variance Among Counselors And Counselor Trainees, Elizabeth A. Prosek

Counseling & Human Services Theses & Dissertations

As the U.S. population continues to diversify, counselors are challenged to respond to the interface of culture and mental health concerns of clients (Gushue, Constantine, & Sciarra, 2008). It is important for counselors when making clinical decisions to reflect on the diverse needs of clients as well as the potential impact of cultural factors on mental health (Sue & Sue, 2008). Accordingly, this study sought to investigate the clinical decision-making process among counselors and counselor trainees and how, if at all, cultural factors influence the case conceptualization of clients. The study also investigated how counselors and counselor trainees collect and …

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender And Questioning Students: A Qualitative Study Of The Perceived Effects Of Bullying In Schools, Brandy Kelly Richeson

Counseling & Human Services Theses & Dissertations

Bullying research frequently focuses on incidence and prevalence of bullying in schools, often failing to provide detailed accounts of the experiences and perceived impact of harassment and abuse (Poteat et al., 2009) on victimized lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) students. Further, these studies tend to have small samples of racial and ethnic participants and they fail to address victimization in individuals with multiple oppressed identities (D'Augelli et al., 2002; Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network [GLSEN], 2009). Utilizing a consensual qualitative research (CQR) design, the purpose of this study was to examine the victimization experiences and coping mechanisms utilized …

The Relationship Of Cognitive Development Level, Supervision, And Counselor Skills In Preparing Counselors, Margaret Jean Jensen

Counseling & Human Services Theses & Dissertations

The focus of this study was the exploration of specific developmental dimensions that may have an impact on the counselor training process, which ultimately will affect the quality of care offered by counselors to clients. Specifically, the relationship of cognitive developmental level and counseling competency skills was examined to determine if a relationship exists between the two dimensions and if so, can a counselor trainee's developmental level predict his or her level of counseling skills. Thirty master level counseling students (trainees) participated in this study during practicum or internship. The trainees were rated by their supervisors on both a measure …

The Role Of Supervisor-Supervisee Cultural Differences, Supervisor Multicultural Competence, And The Supervisory Working Alliance In Supervision Outcomes: A Moderated Mediation Model, Stephanie A. Crockett

Counseling & Human Services Theses & Dissertations

As the United States population grows more diverse, many counseling professionals have called for attention to the cultural issues present in clinical supervision. Existing research suggests that the supervisor's level of multicultural competence and the strength of the supervisory working alliance may affect the relationship between supervisor-supervisee cultural differences on supervision outcomes. Accordingly, the study sought to address how cultural differences between the supervisor and supervisee, supervisor multicultural competence, and the supervisory working alliance impact supervisee counseling self-efficacy and satisfaction with supervision.

The study examined the plausibility of a moderated mediation model, derived from the literature, using a sample of …

Supervision Competencies For Counselor Education Doctoral Graduates: A Delphi Study, Anita Ann Neuer

Counseling & Human Services Theses & Dissertations

Counselor educators and supervisors are familiar with the use of competencies for training future clinicians but the extant literature lacks a set of competencies for use in training future counselor supervisors. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a list of supervision competencies experts agree should be demonstrated by new doctoral counseling graduates for their work with master's students, pre-licensed or licensed counselors, and doctoral students. The research design included two expert panels, an amended Delphi poll, and a content validity assessment. These procedures resulted in a consensus list of 33 supervision competencies that appear to be …

Attitudes Of Counselors Regarding Ethical Situations Encountered By In-Home Counselors, Justin Douglas Lauka

Counseling & Human Services Theses & Dissertations

This survey study explored the attitudes of in-home and outpatient counselors in Virginia regarding ethical situations encountered by in-home counselors. Differences in responses were examined across several variables to identify any relationships among those constructs that are salient to in-home counseling and ethics. Of 108 participants, no significant differences were found between the two groups. One variable was found to predict counselors' responses: the percent counselors provide counseling services compared to case management. The item seen as most ethical involved telling a client to apply for needed services, surprising, given its directive nature that runs counter to the counseling profession. …

The Preparation Of Master's Level Professional Counselors For Positions In College And University Counseling Centers, Brian M. Shaw

Counseling & Human Services Theses & Dissertations

College and university counselors are tasked with performing a multitude of roles and meeting a variety of client needs unique from other counseling settings. It is important to examine the ability of counselors who work in these settings to determine if they have been adequately prepared. This study investigated the adequacy of preparation of entry-level master's level professional counselors for work in college and university counseling centers. Adequacy of preparation was examined by surveying college and university counseling center directors about their perceptions regarding the ability of entry-level master's level professional counselors to perform specific roles and meet relevant client …

Assessing The Effectiveness Of A Self-Injury Treatment Pilot Training Program, Laurie Craigen, Danica Hays

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

With an increasing number of young adults who self-injure, there is a clear need for human service professionals to be adequately trained. Using a concurrent mixed methodological design, this study examined the changes in knowledge, awareness, and skills at the conclusion of a pilot training program for 79 counselor and human service professional trainees. Results indicated that knowledge, awareness and skills of human service professionals and counselor trainees improved significantly after the training. Implications for training and future research are provided. Within the conclusion of the manuscript, the researchers discuss implications for training and future research.

Perceived Satisfaction Of Counseling Doctoral Students With Their Dissertation Chairperson: Examining Selection Criteria And Chairperson Behaviors, Cheryl Warren Neale-Mcfall

Counseling & Human Services Theses & Dissertations

The relationship between doctoral students and their chairperson has been linked to students' successful completion of their dissertation and program of study (Gardner, 2009; Lovitts, 2001). It is often the case that failure to complete the dissertation is what prevents doctoral students from completing their degree. When students do not successfully complete their degrees, attrition rates rise and programs and students feel the burden, both financially and as an investment of time. (Bair & Haworth, 2004). Studies indicate that many students fall short of completing the dissertation, or take much longer than expected, due to a lack of supervision or …

A Qualitative Investigation Of The Use Of An Art-Based Technique In Counselor Group Supervision, Cheryl Shiflett

Counseling & Human Services Theses & Dissertations

While the counseling community embraces the use of creative approaches in counseling and supervision, few researchers have attempted to empirically describe the process of including an art-based technique into counselor group supervision. A grounded theory design guided the exploration of the factors and processes of including one art-based technique into six counselor supervision groups. Six doctoral-level supervisors who were trained in an art-based technique known as the visual case processing method introduced the method to their group supervisees who were completing a semester-long practicum or internship. Data collection methods included individual and focus group interviews, observations of visual case presentations, …

Self-Injury And The Role Of The Human Service Professional, Laurie M. Craigen, Rebekah F. Cole, Tammi Milliken

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

Given the broad field of human services, human service professionals are likely to encounter self-injury. Thus it is critical that they become knowledgeable about self-injury and understand how to best intervene with clients who self-injure. Through case studies the readers will learn about helpful ways to respond to a client who harms him/her self through the use of a non-judgmental and supportive stance. This manuscript has direct implications for direct human service providers, human service educators, human service students, and supervisors by demonstrating the wide continuum of services humans service professionals can provide to clients who self-injure including: utilizing basic …