Counseling Commons^™

Archetypal Energies And Global Mental Health, Carroy U. Ferguson

Psychology Faculty Publication Series

As a keynote speaker at the Global Mental Health Conference 2024, held at Sophia University, Costa Mesa, CA, in-person and virtually, August 16-18, 2024, my topic was "Archetypal Energies As A Framework for Self-Empowerment and Well Being". The theme of this 2024 global conference was: Enlightened Minds, Compassionate Hearts, and Embodied Wisdom. To supplement my keynote address, I wrote this blog article titled "Archetypal Energies and Global Mental Health".

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 …

Client Welfare As An Anchor: Lived Experiences Of Gatekeepers In Counselor Education, Jessica L. Motroni Banik, Katherine F. Coule, Nicole Bradley, Joseph M. Rizzo

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

Gatekeeping is an essential function within counselor education that is aimed at helping counselors in training (CIT) achieve competency to practice. There is a lack of research focused on understanding gatekeepers’ experiences, including how they resolve challenges. The purpose of this hermeneutic study was to understand the lived experiences of gatekeepers in counselor education, including gatekeeping challenges and how they are addressed in the training system. There were five emerging themes with eight subthemes. The findings highlight how gatekeeping is vital, cannot be done in isolation, and how individuals learn from their experiences. These findings inform the counselor training community …

The Application Of Relational Cultural Theory In Digitally Delivered Ce Programs, Jinnelle V. Powell, Nicole Bradley, Jayce Patton, Carrie Lynn Bailey, Gary M. Szirony, Kathleen Levingston

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

Relational Cultural theory (RCT) as a pedagogy in counselor education and supervision (CES) uniquely positions educators and learners for growth through vulnerability and authenticity. The authors in this article share their individual journeys with RCT along with practical strategies for implementing RCT as a pedagogy in an asynchronous digitally delivered counselor education program. Ethical implications are addressed.

New Counselor Educators’ First 10 Years Of Journal Article Publications, Gregory Hatchett

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

The purpose of this study was to assess the journal article publications accrued by a recent cohort of counselor educators (N = 376) over the first ten years since attaining their doctoral degrees. After ten years, these counselor educators had accrued a median of three journal article publications. There were not any clear trends in publications over the first ten years since degree completion except for an upper trend in publication counts for counselor educators at R1 universities. Journal article publication counts could be predicted from academic rank, the funding source of their current universities, and Carnegie Classifications. Implications …

Child Sex Trafficking And Professional School Counselor Preparedness In Texas, Devon E. Romero, Claudia G. Interiano-Shiverdecker, Katherine E. Mcvay, Brenda Jones

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

Professional school counselors in Texas responded to a questionnaire about training received and their needs concerning preparedness to identify and work with youth exposed to child sex trafficking (CST). The study utilized a convergent parallel mixed methods design. Quantitative results indicated many participants did not find that their graduate degree program prepared them to work with CST and less than half felt their school and/or district provided adequate training opportunities. In addition, thematic analysis revealed two themes characterizing Texas school counselors’ needs to identify and work with CST: (a) concerning preparedness: “so much going on” and (b) “specific training”: a …

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 …

Healing A Broken Spirit: A Look Into Institutional Trauma And Spiritual Resilience, Christian Cederstrom

Master of Arts in Human Services

This paper focused on the relationship between spirituality, therapy, and those who are affected and traumatized by religious institutions. It sought to cover the hypothesis that exposure to positive spirituality can help those who have been affected by religious institutional trauma to recover. Studies have shown a positive correlation between religiosity and recovery from traumatic experiences and that therapy can also increase one spirituality and relationship with God or other higher powers. This article sought to highlight that this strength of a spiritual coping mechanism may be increased by a person’s education in the field of theology and spirituality meaning …

Understanding The Supervision Of Counselors In A Grief Process Who Have Experienced A Client’S Death By Suicide., Sean Abaray

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative phenomenological study explored the grief experiences of counselors in supervision who have experienced a client's death by suicide. Given that this phenomenological study aimed to explore a new phenomenon of study, the researcher utilized van Manen’s lived existentials as a process for data analysis. The first chapter of the dissertation introduces the problem and includes the research question. The question is: “How do counselors who have experienced a client's death by suicide experience supervision as they work to deal with the loss?" Following this chapter, the researcher reviews relevant literature selections. During the methodology chapter, the researcher describes …

The Feasibility Of Utilizing The Open Dynamic Interaction Network (Odin) App To Assess Rema Data Across 30 Days Among Those Recovering From Alcoholism, Dennis E. Mcchargue, Bilal Khan, Jesscia Phelps, Patrick Duryea, Kimberly A. Tyler, Arthur Andrews, Ellie Reznicek, Lucy Napper, Mohamed Saad, Hsuan-Wee Lee

Department of Psychology: Faculty Publications

About ~4 million people with an alcohol use disorder receive treatment annually, and frequent relapse has produced a rapid revolving door between recovery and use. This paper presents preliminary data from a prospective micro-longitudinal study (30 days) that examines co-evolution of relapse risk processes of people with alcohol use disorders who entered a short-term residential substance use treatment. The primary goal of the current data was to assess the feasibility of using the open dynamic interaction network (ODIN) responsive ecological momentary assessment (rEMA). rEMA collected daily estimates on affect, urges, sober-support engagement, and use. The ODIN app administered twelve questions …

Self-Efficacy Towards Teaching, Critical Thinking Dispositions, And Supervision Of Teaching Among Ces Doctoral Students, Brenda Everett

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

According to the 2024 CACREP Standards (2023), “ethical behavior, diversity, equity, inclusion, and critical thinking” are essential for counselor preparation. Thus, doctoral students must be equipped to teach and incorporate “culturally sustaining content and strategies across the eight foundational curriculum areas” into counselor training upon graduation (Section 3, p.12). Given the increase in counselor education programs (Field et al., 2020) and the need for self-efficacious counselor educators (Association for Counselor Education and Supervision [ACES] Teaching Initiative Taskforce, 2016) in these programs to teach the next generation of counselors-in-training, there is a continuous need in the literature for research on self-efficacy …

Observing The Moderating Role Of Self-Compassion Among Veterans And Service Members With Moral Injury, Shame, And Guilt, Elizabeth Smith

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A growing body of research indicates various mental and behavioral health problems are associated with combat-related experiences and witnessing the atrocities of war. Emerging research demonstrates the importance of identifying resilient traits in individuals that lessen the degree to which they develop symptoms associated with moral injury. The current study examined the relationship between moral injury, shame, and guilt outcomes. It also examined the potential moderating role self-compassion may have in these relationships. Participants were 139 military veterans and service members who completed an online questionnaire. Simple linear regression analyses show that morally injurious experiences moderately predicted shame and slightly …

Perspective-Taking, Self-Talk, And Social Connection: A Phenomenological Study Of How Individual Practices Reduce Loneliness During The Menopausal Years, Sarah Joy Groff

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Menopause is a stage of the life cycle known for physical, mental, and emotional changes. Many women report feeling isolated and lonely during this time due to changes in hormones and physical appearance, lack of sleep, uncertainty about their role after raising children, and cultural pressures to remain thin and beautiful. Due to the lack of education and normalization of this life change, women often withdraw and become increasingly depressed or anxious, as a result. Loneliness is associated with higher levels of depression, anxiety, suicidality, premature death, and a variety of other physical ailments. However, previous research suggests that the …

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 …

A Quantitative Survey Exploring The Types Of Internet Accessible Mental Health Resources Recognized By U.S. Long-Haul Truck Drivers, Cristal Angela Reyna

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Long-haul truck drivers (LHTDs) are an important part of the supply chain in the United States. Their work schedules include holidays, weekends, night shifts, and can last anywhere from 60–70 hours for a single 6- to 8-day run to meet the demands of society. Poor work–life balance, high job demands, and poor sleep quality that can be experienced on the job as an LHTD can negatively affect not only their physical health but also their mental health. Depression, anxiety, and stress are three psychological effects that can develop from an unhealthy lifestyle and inability to maintain any healthcare appointments, despite …

Exploring The Lived Experiences Of South Carolina Foster Parents Within Spartanburg County Public Schools: A Phenomenological Study, Ashley Warlick Height

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe foster parents’ experiences with high schools in the Spartanburg, South Carolina area. The study utilized phenomenological methods of gathering information by way of interviews and focus groups. The study explored the lived experiences of foster parents across the state of South Carolina most specifically about the enrollment process of new placements and the overall academic success and support those foster parents perceived that the foster youth in their homes received from the school system. The researcher sought to answer the following questions: 1. How do foster parents feel they are viewed …

The Effects Of Pre-Marital Counseling, Brandi Rhymes-Proctor

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The action research project explores the implementation of a pre-marital program at Victory Tabernacle Baptist Church in Conroe, Texas. The pre-marital counseling program equips couples with practical and impactful tools for building strong marriages. The church's 120-year history emphasizes the importance of family and Christian values, and the counseling program is a natural extension of that commitment.

Chapter Two delves into the biblical foundations of marriage, exploring God's vision for this sacred covenant, and establishes a precedent for churches that offer similar programs to their congregants. Such an understanding shapes the program's pre-marital context, ensuring couples embark on their journey …

Hugging A Porcupine: A Phenomenological Study On Attachment In Young Children In Foster Care, Stuart Parker Meyer

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe foster parents’ experiences attempting to build healthy attachment with young children in their care in Northern Virginia. The foster parent’s role is pivotal in nurturing these valuable relationships. The theory guiding this study was the theory of attachment by John Bowlby, as attachment impacts development in a child. Promoting secure attachment builds resilience in young children, supporting them as they overcome trauma (Storey & Fletcher, 2022). The research question was: What are the lived experiences of foster parents who attempted to build a secure earned attachment with their young foster child? …

The Experiences And Perspectives Of Male Elementary School Counselors: A Phenomenological Study, Angel Marie Chavis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to understand and describe the experiences and perspectives of male school counselors at the elementary level. School counseling in elementary schools can help provide students with valuable resources and support. At this level, children undergo many physical and emotional developmental changes. Support systems at the elementary level can encourage and promote students' social and emotional well- being. The lack of male school counselors who can support students without a male presence in their life is an important issue. Male elementary school counselors make up a very small percentage of the total counselor …

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 …

A Short Meditation Intervention And The Impact On Generation Z College Students' Anxiety And Academic Resilience, Alexandra Campbell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative pretest-post-test evaluated the impact of a virtual guided meditation on anxiety and academic resilience levels in undergraduate, Generation Z students. A sample of 14 undergraduate males and females participated in the study. Participants used The Mindfulness App at a location and time of their choice; they meditated five minutes daily for five weeks. Participants were recruited through an accredited university and social media. Participants qualified if they were between the ages of 18-26 and were currently enrolled in undergraduate studies. The pre and post-test included the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) to assess anxiety and the Academic Resilience Scale …

Effects On The Enduring Marriage Of Parenting A Young Adult With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Tawnya Anne Fabian

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study is to understand the challenges facing couples who have been married for more than 18 years, and whose autistic child is now a young adult. It seeks to describe how the couples have overcome their trials. In addition, this study will investigate the dimensions along which the couple and the family are affected by the autistic family member. Parents raising a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have a higher propensity than parents of neurotypical children to report worry, anxiety, stress, and depression, burdened as they are with the behavioral and social challenges …

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 …

An Exploration Of China’S Low Fertility From A Feminist Lens: Chinese Women’S Feminist Identity Development, Perceived Gender Inequality, And Attitudes Toward Marriage, Yuan Hao

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Inspired by China’s current low fertility rate issues, this dissertation explored how Chinese women’s perceptions on gender inequality might shape their attitudes towards marriage and intent to marry, through the influences of different dimensions of feminist identity development. Through an online survey, 251 Chinese women who met the inclusion criteria were participants in this study. Hypotheses were tested through mediation analysis using the PROCESS Macro Model 4.

The following hypotheses were supported: 1) Chinese women’s perception of gender inequality is associated with their attitudes toward marriage. The greater they perceive gender inequality, the more negative their attitudes toward marriage will …

Policy, Practice, And Perceptions Of K-12 Social-Emotional Learning, Janice Filer, Ebony C. Cain, Della Thompson-Bell

Education Division Scholarship

The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of K-12 school staff who participate in social-emotional learning (SEL). Since the global pandemic, several school districts have included SEL as part of the school curriculum. Teachers, counselors, social workers, school psychologists, and school administrators participate in SEL instruction and/or practices. Classroom teachers instruct students in SEL instruction and other school staff practice the SEL components of self-awareness, self-management, decision-making, social awareness, and relationship skills through their daily interactions with students. This study was conducted in various schools throughout the Los Angeles area using open-ended interview questions that utilized focus …