Counseling Commons^™

Examining The Influence Of Religious Attitudes, Acceptance Of Change, And Cultural Mistrust On The Utilization Of Therapy For African American Male College Students Utilizing Therapy, Jessica Miranda Shine

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Cultural mistrust and fear of potential racism from people in the medical profession may be contributing to a noted disdain for mental health counseling among African American men. The purpose of this study was designed to gain insight into how attitudes toward religious help-seeking, acceptance of change, cultural mistrust, and mental health stigma impact therapy utilization among African American male college students. The review of literature explored the theoretical frameworks followed by the historical perspective, epigenetics, family structure, masculinity concept and help-seeking behaviors, noting barriers, fear, stigmas, spiritual influence, and economic hardships. Acceptance of change-evolving action is not currently endorsed …

Older Adults’ Physical Activities And Subjective Well-Being, Mihae Bae, Hyunsook Kang

Journal of Human Services: Training, Research, and Practice

This study examined the relationships between physical activities as health behaviors and subjective well-being in older adults. Data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP) survey were used. The NSHAP study sampled persons 57-85 years of age (n=3005). The respondents completed a telephone survey, reporting their background information and social networking characteristics. For data analysis, a two-step hierarchical regression was used in order to identify the associations between the demographic and physical activity factors on subjective perception of well-being in older adults. Our results indicated that, among the demographic, income, education, health status, and participation …

The African American Nuclear Family: Investigating The Healthy Habits Of Successful Long-Term Marriages In The African American Community, Derrick L. Smith

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study sought to understand what contributed to the success of long-term marriages in the African American community. Long-term marriage was defined as those lasting 20 years or more. The family systems theory developed by Dr. Murray Bowen guided this study. The study employed a phenomenological approach to qualitative inquiry. Due to the national health crisis, all interviews were conducted through a Zoom conferencing platform. Nine married couples who have been married for at least 20 years or more participated in the study. The following criteria had to be met to participate in the study: race, length of the …

Using Intentional Relationship Building And Community Presence To Minister To An Addicted Population In Cookeville, Tennessee, James Bailey Simpson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Addiction and substance abuse are banes in American society as they destroy lives, families, hopes and dreams. Individuals with potential for productive lives and societal contributions are reduced to hollow shells and find themselves laser-focused on their next fix. Cookeville, Tennessee, is no different than any other rural American town as addiction and substance abuse are prevalent, especially within the northwestern areas of the city. West View Baptist Church was planted in this area in 1950 and has actively attempted to minister to the community's residents for the last 71 years. Recently, internal issues in the congregation and increasing disconnections …

Mathematics For The Masses: Door-To-Door Missionaries Of Math And Twelve-Step Recovery Programs, Daniel S. Helman

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

Conversion of strangers, or proselytizing, is a feature of a range of groups for religious, organizational and other aims. In twelve-step recovery programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, belief in a higher power is a requirement for working the steps to recovery. People are encouraged to find a higher power of their own understanding. This paper presents a model for using mathematics as a higher power, and shows how recovery works with mathematics in that role instead of a more traditional higher power such as God. A contemplative definition of math is given along with a description of a three-categoried epistemology: …

Students’ Experience Of Family Counseling Role-Play With Developmental Considerations, Emily Horton, Crystal Hughes, Priscilla R. Prasath, Jessica Lloyd-Hazlett

Teaching and Supervision in Counseling

A need exists to explore student experiences with pedagogical approaches, particularly those commonly used in counselor education such as role-play. Nine counselors-in-training (CITs) who participated in a semester-long family counseling role-play shared their experiences with the pedagogical approach. Through semi-structured interview protocol, we explored CITs’ lived experience and meaning-making with the learning strategy. Existing literature denotes that cognitive complexity influences how CITs make sense of their experiences. As such, cognitive complexity scores, rooted in Perry’s intellectual development model, are provided for each participant. Data were analyzed using transcendental phenomenology, which resulted in three superordinate themes: impact of class structure, increased …

A Pilot Study On Counselor Trainees’ Social Justice Identity Development And Effective Pedagogy In A Multicultural Counseling Course, Shelby Messerschmitt-Coen, Gayle Garcia, Colette T. Dollarhide, Damon Drew

Teaching and Supervision in Counseling

Abstract: This pilot study examined social justice identity development for first- and second-year clinical and school counseling master’s students enrolled in a one-semester multicultural and social justice counseling (MCSJC) course. Counselor educators can incorporate social justice pedagogy in their courses to better equip counselors-in-training with the knowledge and skills necessary to act (Odegard & Vereen, 2010), which can foster the development of their social justice identities (Miller et al., 2009). Students enrolled in the MCSJC course reported their social justice identity at the beginning and end of the semester to determine identity development over time. In addition, pedagogical strategies were …

Determining Cross-Cultural Mentorship Readiness In Counselor Education And Supervision Programs, Jody Vernam, Brian Paulson, Bridger D. Falkenstien, Lynn Bohecker, Nivischi Edwards

Teaching and Supervision in Counseling

Abstract: Counselor Education and Supervision (CES) faculty are challenged to include cross-cultural mentorship within CES programs. Successfully implementing cross-cultural mentoring in CES programs requires assessing institutional and CES program readiness and identifying successful strategies. This article outlines a proposed framework to evaluate requisites for cross-cultural mentorship across levels of institutions of higher education and provides strategies to help CES faculty successfully engage and sustain cross-cultural mentorship. What is the public significance of this article? Society and educational programs continue to grow in cultural, racial, and ethnic diversity. As a result, counselor education programs and the systems within which they function …

Enhancing Counselor Education And Supervision Through Deliberate Practice, Zach Budesa, Casey A. Barrio Minton

Teaching and Supervision in Counseling

Abstract: Professional and student counselors must develop and maintain their counseling skills in order to engage in ethical and effective counseling. Recent research suggests that graduate education and supervision has little effect on client outcomes. Investigations of expertise development have given rise to deliberate practice, a framework which structures skill development research and instruction. Deliberate practice involves individualized coaching, repetition, and solo practice in development of optimal performance. This conceptual article introduces deliberate practice as a framework for enhancing effectiveness of counselor education and supervision practices. Applications of deliberate practice to teaching and supervision and suggestions for future research are …

Impact Of Service-Learning On Student Counselors’ Self-Reported Measures Of Program Evaluation, Counselor Advocacy, And Interprofessional Education, Jessica Lloyd-Hazlett, Cory Knight, Emily Horton, Samantha Airhart-Larraga

Teaching and Supervision in Counseling

Abstract: Academic service-learning encompasses a reciprocal relationship among university and community partners. Service-learning can familiarize student counselors with future client populations, community resources, and other service providers. Service-learning pedagogy is flexible and may be particularly useful to promote development in counselor competencies more abstractly related to day-to-day client services, including program evaluation and professional advocacy. Interprofessional education serves as a means of enhancing interprofessional collaboration and, in turn, the well-being of individuals seeking healthcare services. Service-learning may provide a vehicle to promote interprofessional education, however, researchers have not yet explored this connection. This quantitative research project evaluates pre- and post- …

Predictors Of Counseling Self-Efficacy: Examining Counselor Trainee’S Perception Of Supervisory Interaction Style, Poonam V. Doshi, Alfred W. Ward, Rostyslaw W. Robak

Teaching and Supervision in Counseling

Abstract: The present research examined the relationship between perceived supervisory autonomy support and counseling self-efficacy (CSE) of counselor trainees. We explored whether this relationship was mediated by autonomous work motivation using the framework of self-determination theory (SDT; Ryan & Deci, 2017) . Participants were master’s level mental health counseling interns (n = 182) enrolled in field internships. Mediational analyses showed that autonomous work motivation partially mediated the relationship between perceived autonomy support from supervisor and counselor trainees’ CSE. Results underscore the importance of adopting autonomy-supportive styles of clinical supervision for enhancing counselor trainees’ counseling self-efficacy. What is the public significance …

The Impact Of A Counseling Techniques Course On Self-Efficacy And Stigma, Allison Crowe, Richard Lamb, Janee Avent Harris, Loni Crumb, Syntia Santos Dietz

Teaching and Supervision in Counseling

Abstract: Authors analyzed data from counseling trainees in a skills course to examine self-efficacy and stigma. It was hypothesized that self-efficacy would increase, self-stigma would decrease, and that increased self-efficacy would decrease self-stigma in CTs. Increased self-efficacy was statistically significant, but self-efficacy changes did not predict decreased self-stigma. Increased self-efficacy was predictive of self-stigma related to help-seeking. Authors offer implications for counselor educators and counselors. What is the public significance of this article? This study suggests that self-efficacy increases in counseling trainees across a clinical skills course, and that this self-efficacy also predicts the stigma trainees felt about seeking help …

Counselor Education Doctoral Students’ Research Self-Efficacy: A Systemic Perspective, Zahide Sunal, Gulsah Kemer

Teaching and Supervision in Counseling

Abstract: Research self-efficacy (RSE) has been mainly considered as an intrapersonal aspect of researcher identity development. Utilizing a systemic lens, we examined factors informing counselor education doctoral students’ RSE in CACREP-accredited doctoral programs. Concept mapping, a mixed-method design, yielded 17 clusters representing six regions describing the factors informing counselor education doctoral students’ RSE. We discussed the results with training and research implications, and limitations. What is the public significance of this article? The present study suggests that there are environmental and relational factors affecting doctoral student’s research self-efficacy (RSE) as well as the previously considered individual factors. Acknowledgement and intentional …

Responses To The 2014 Police Shooting Of Michael Brown: Cosmology Episodes And Enacted Environments, Jessica Haas, Kari A. O’Grady, Jesse Fox, Hope Schuermann, Marion E. Toscano, Chun-Shin Taylor

Counseling Faculty Publications

This is a consensual multi-dyadic exploration of the diverse perspectives of seven community subgroups’ perceptions of events before, during, and after the 2014 police-involved shooting death of Michael Brown, Jr. in Ferguson, Missouri. Recognizing an enacted environment in the complex history that preceded the uprising, findings were contextualized and framed through the cosmology episode trauma model. A multicultural and visibly diverse research team conducted 34 interviews with involved citizens (protesters), law enforcement, clergy, politicians, business owners, media personnel, and educators. A culturally diverse cross-analysis team triangulated social perspective through consensus coding and audit. Consensual multi-dyadic method preserved the unique characteristics …

Rural Pregnant Women’S Experiences With Substance Use Disorder: A Qualitative Study, Cami Weber

Dissertations

Rural pregnant women with substance use disorder (SUD) are an understudied vulnerable population that often experiences poor pregnancy outcomes (Higgins et al., 2019; Jumah, 2016; Kramlich et al., 2018; Shaw et al., 2015). Despite the high prevalence and high burden associated with SUD, rural women are less likely than non-pregnant women to seek addiction treatment and complete an outpatient treatment program during pregnancy (Shaw et al., 2015). This study aimed to give voice to rural Missouri women with SUD. The research questions explored the life experiences and motivations for seeking treatment using a qualitative, descriptive research design with grounded theory …

2022-01-15 Meeting Minutes, Pennsylvania Counseling Association

PCA Board of Directors Meetings

No abstract provided.

Posttraumatic Growth In Women With A Long-Standing Experience Of Involuntary Childlessness In The Czech Republic, Gabriela Ďurašková, Brennan Peterson

Marriage and Family Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

This qualitative research study aimed to examine aspects of posttraumatic growth (PTG) in women with a long-standing experience of involuntary childlessness. In-depth semi-structured interviews, lasting an average of 53 min, were conducted in the Czech Republic. Twenty-four women, averaging 38.8 years old with an average of 6.2 years of infertility experience, participated. They were asked how involuntary childlessness affected/changed their partnerships, sexual life, job, future plans, attitude to children/values/faith, and leisure time. Participants shared both positive and negative aspects of the infertility experience. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Five main themes of PTG were identified: strengthening of partnership, greater …

Fall 2021 Full Issue, Journal Of Counseling Sexology & Sexual Wellness: Research Education, And Practice Jcssw

Journal of Counseling Sexology & Sexual Wellness: Research, Practice, and Education

No abstract provided.

The Gender Freedom Model: A Framework For Helping Transgender, Non-Binary, And Gender Questioning Clients Transition With More Ease, Rae Mcdaniel, Laurel Meng

Journal of Counseling Sexology & Sexual Wellness: Research, Practice, and Education

Transgender/non-binary experiences and identities are often represented in academic literature through narratives of distress and are often pathologized through a medical lens. This holds implications for the field of psychotherapy, as interventions aimed to support transgender/nonbinary individuals often focus solely on risk mitigation. This article presents a therapeutic framework that rests on three pillars—Play, Pleasure, and Possibility—as the focal points for reimagining work with transgender/non-binary clients. This model aims to help this population explore gender transition with more ease through building practical skills, cultivating personal and collective pride, and centering pleasure equity.

Understanding Education In Sexuality Counseling From The Lens Of Trainees: A Critical Examination And Call For Increased Attention And Training, Kelly Emelianchik-Key, Adriana C. Labarta, Taylor Irvine

Journal of Counseling Sexology & Sexual Wellness: Research, Practice, and Education

Although sexuality counseling is an essential component in counselor education training, research demonstrates that counselors lack competence and willingness to explore sexuality issues with clients. Counselors must be ready to address sexuality issues to provide comprehensive and culturally competent care. Sexuality counseling education needs further exploration to inform future training and educational standards. This qualitative study uses thematic analysis to examine 524 reflective journals of counselors-in-training (CIT) engaged in a sexuality counseling course to inform future education, training, and clinical practice standards in this area. This study revealed themes reflecting common ways CIT matured personally and professionally through sexuality counseling …

Sexuality And Disability In Rehabilitation Counseling Curricula: Rehabilitation Counselor Educators’ Attitudes, Comfort, And Knowledge, Sharesa H. Mccray, Tyra T. Whittaker, Jeff Wolfgang, Tammy Webb, Glacia Ethridge

Journal of Counseling Sexology & Sexual Wellness: Research, Practice, and Education

Purpose: To examine the attitudes, knowledge, and comfort levels of rehabilitation counselor educators towards sexuality and disability, and to determine if significant differences exist within variables.

Method: Data was collected from a sample of rehabilitation counselor educators (N=27) via an internet-based survey. The Knowledge, Comfort, Approach and Attitudes towards Sexuality Scale (KCAASS) and demographic questionnaire was disseminated to collect data. A MANOVA was conducted to examine if there was a relationship among the variables of attitudes, knowledge, comfort, age, gender, and ethnicity.

Results: Results indicates educators having high comfort levels and positive attitudes towards sexuality and disability. The mean for …

Mapping Sex Therapy Across The United States: An Exploratory Study, Frances L. Mcclain, Dylan M. Amlin

Journal of Counseling Sexology & Sexual Wellness: Research, Practice, and Education

The primary purpose of this study was to determine what someone who was interested in obtaining a provider for sex therapy would find if they simply searched for sex therapy using the Google search engine. The goal was to ascertain how someone might access providers in each state, what types of information someone seeking treatment for sexuality issues might find on provider websites, who is providing the services, what types of services are being provided, and whose services might appeal to given the content of the website. Once all of the data was compiled, the resulting data would include a …

Fall 2021 Table Of Contents, Journal Of Counseling Sexology & Sexual Wellness: Research Education, And Practice Jcssw

Journal of Counseling Sexology & Sexual Wellness: Research, Practice, and Education

No abstract provided.

Analysis Of Zero Balancing Case Studies Through An Occupational Therapy Lens, Deanna Waggy Otr, Msa, Czb, Csla

Journal of Transformative Touch

Does Zero Balancing positively impact occupational performance? This is a question many Occupational Therapists (OTs) ask when discerning if Zero Balancing (ZB) is an evidence-based treatment modality. Case studies from the book Experiencing the Power of Zero Balancing: Case Studies of Journeys to Health and Wholeness (Quarry & King, 2016) were reviewed and compared to the Occupational Therapy domain of practice to show clear evidence that each case study had a positive impact on occupational performance. A comparison chart shows a direct link between the occupational categories and documented evidence of improved occupational performance through practitioner observation and client feedback …

2022, Camp Research Forum Book Of Abstracts, American Camp Association

ACA National Camp Research Forum Abstracts

This book includes 19 abstracts that will be presented at the 2022 American Camp Association (ACA) Research Forum to be held during the ACA annual conference from February 8-11, 2022 in Portland, OR. This year’s Camp Research Forum features a panel session on managing camps for justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, moderated by Victor Rivera. Abstracts have been grouped into similar areas and will be verbally presented in four sessions.

Creative And Expressive Arts Activities To Promote Mindfulness And Peace, Lisa S. Sosin

Faculty Publications and Presentations

Briefly define creative expressive arts and mindfulness practice and discuss their importance and empirical base.

Trinitarian Informed Creativity To Promote Peace And Learning In The Classroom, Lisa S. Sosin

Faculty Publications and Presentations

No abstract provided.

Strategies & Techniques To Treat Shame Handout - Aacc 2022, John C. Thomas

Faculty Publications and Presentations

Participants will learn how to recognize the faces of shame in counseling, how to explore shame and recognize themes, and learn practical strategies and techniques to help shame-ridden clients.

Mitigating The Mental Health Impact Of Marginalization And Discrimination, Debra A. Hope

Trans Collaborations Academic Papers

In honor of the life and work of Aaron T. Beck, this paper describes the application of cognitive therapy to management of marginalization stress among minoritized communities. Collaborative empiricism, cognitive restructuring, and behavioral interventions are highlighted as being particularly useful in a contemporary multicultural approach for the anxiety, depression, stress, and other sequelae of marginalization due to a stigmatized identity. Although primarily illustrated through recent work with transgender and gender diverse adults, the discussion extends to other groups including racial, ethnic, and sexual minorities and immigrants. This work illustrates the power of Dr. Beck’s approach to address the presenting concerns …

Test–Retest Reliability And Sensitivity Of A Brief Clinical Monitoring Measure For Transgender And Gender Diverse Adults: The Trans Collaborations Clinical Check-In (Tc3), T. Zachary Huit, Natalie R. Holt, Alexander Farquhar-Leicester, Rebecca L. Brock, Richard Mocarski, Nathan Woodruff, Debra Hope

Trans Collaborations Academic Papers

The current study aimed to examine the test–retest reliability and sensitivity of the Trans Collaborations Clinical Check-In (TC³) in a 3-month period with four assessment points at baseline, 1, 2, and 3 months to examine its utility as a clinical progress monitoring measure. This study builds on the initial validation study conducted by Holt et al. (2019). The sample of 32 transgender and gender diverse (TGD) participants were chosen who met screening for at least modest depression and anxiety, and did not have other significant risk factors (e.g., mania, self-harm). Participants completed a battery of measures that assessed …