Counseling Commons^™

Effectiveness Of College Counseling Interventions In International Student Adjustment To United States Higher Education Systems: A Meta-Analysis, Joshua Ebby Abraham

Counseling & Human Services Theses & Dissertations

International students in U.S. higher education institutions face many emotional, social, and institutional challenges as they navigate their academic and acculturative journeys. College counseling centers serve as valuable support resources, but low utilization rates and high early termination rates among the international student population presents a major concern for the college counseling field. To begin the development of an empirically supported, responsive approach to structuring counseling work with international students, this study utilized a metaanalysis to review the literature on counseling intervention effectiveness. The following questions guided this research: What adjustment outcomes are produced by college counseling interventions across modes …

The Effects Of Holistic Grief Counseling Training On Master’S Level Counseling Students’ Grief And Loss Counseling Competency, Kathryn Paige Linich

Theses and Dissertations

Grief is a universal event, yet many counselors are not prepared to used evidence-based practices when recognizing and working with grieving clients. Researchers have explored ways to improve grief counseling education, but none of these recommendations have been put into practice. The aim of this dissertation study, which consists of two full studies, was to develop a holistic grief counseling training for master’s level counseling students that incorporates recommendations for curricular inclusion from the research. The training was designed to be incorporated into one full class period in any master’s level counseling course. The first study is a pilot study …

Identity Transformation Through Substance Use Disorder Recovery: Introducing The Six Stage Model, Naomi Watkins, Austin Mcneill Brown, Kayce Courson

The Qualitative Report

Narratives of substance use disorder recovery experience can provide useful qualitative conceptual categories and novel theories about the way in which recovery is experienced by individuals. This information can better inform definitions, concepts, and supports for recovery processes. The current study reviewed 30 written personal recovery biographies which were contained within student applications to the collegiate recovery program housed in the Center for Young Adult Addiction and Recovery at Kennesaw State University. Using grounded theory methodology, common benchmarks, or topographic recovery features were revealed involving the evolution of identity as an inter-negotiated process throughout the addiction and recovery biographies (Charmaz, …

A Strategy For Developing Emotionally Healthy Chaplains In The United States Army Reserve, Ricardo Hosein

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

United States Army Reserve Chaplains who serve in a dual ministry role spend countless hours tending to the needs of their congregants and the needs of soldiers and their families. They are pulled in two different directions and struggle to balance the demands of civilian and military ministries. The demands of ministry leave chaplains doing more for God but not being intimate with Him. This constant doing negatively impacts the spiritual and emotional health of these chaplains. Through a biblical understanding of how Jesus practiced emotional health, a literature review of key themes, the analysis of qualitative and quantitative data …

Site Supervisors' Perspectives On Supervision Of Counselor Trainees In Integrated Behavioral Health (Ibh) Settings: A Q Methodology Approach, Yeşim Giresunlu

Counseling & Human Services Theses & Dissertations

Integrated Behavioral Health (IBH) is an integrated care approach where primary care and mental health providers work together to address the medical and behavioral health needs of the patients, or clients (Unützer et al., 2012). An increasing number of clinical mental health counselors are providing services in IBH settings and experiencing challenges with navigating unique aspects of their work in these complex systems. Clinical supervision in these settings appears as a critical resource for mental health counselor trainees (supervisees). However, we have very limited knowledge on clinical supervision provided to supervisees at IBH settings. An exploration of site supervisors’ supervision …

Incivility Of Coworker Behaviors And Minority Firefighters’ Belongingness In The Workplace, Alyssa Reiter

Counseling & Human Services Theses & Dissertations

Research with firefighters continues to indicate that this population is particularly vulnerable to development of mental health conditions as a result of their professional roles (International Association of Firefighters [IAFF], 2019; Stanley et al., 2017; Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA], 2018) and minority firefighters may be at heightened risk as a result of their experiences within the fire service. An answer to this concern may lie in the exploration of belonging and uncivil behaviors, as research has demonstrated that belonging in the workplace serves to reduce mental health symptoms and enhance an individual’s ability to cope with …

The Biblical Teaching Of Health Among Pakistani Evangelical Pastors, Benish Dildar Masih

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study is to counsel Pakistani evangelical pastors on the importance of the biblical teaching of health. Pakistani pastors do not consider healthy living as an important factor of Christian living, even though the Bible clearly preaches on living a physically healthy life. Because of the cultural expectations, personal hindrances, lack of biblical teaching on health issues in Pakistani seminaries, and several other obstacles, Pakistani pastors are not well equipped to guide the congregation about the biblical norm. Because Pakistani pastors deem health concerns as unimportant, they do not teach these truths to their congregation, which does …

Comorbid Antisocial Personality Disorder And Substance Use Disorder Treatment Efficacy, David V. Smith

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by failure to conform to social norms, deceitfulness, impulsivity, irritability, and aggression. Individuals diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder demonstrate a constellation of problematic and dangerous behavioral traits including, a reckless disregard for the safety of self and others, thrill seeking, and a lack of remorse and guilt. Comorbid antisocial personality disorder and substance use disorder is highly prevalent and a significant source of financial and emotional burden due to the strong correlation between severe and violent crimes. The purpose of this qualitative single subject design study is to describe treatment efficacy for comorbid antisocial personality …

Long-Term Impact Of Growing Up In A Blended Family: Emotional And Attachment Issues, Sarah Lucille Sloan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Research indicates that three out of four people who go through a divorce may marry again, and more than half of all marriages today are at least the second marriage for one partner. Recent studies estimate that 65% of remarriages involve children from a prior marriage creating a blended family or stepfamily during their lifetime. This study explored the lived experience of individuals raised in a blended family or stepfamily and what, if any, was the impact on their development and adult attachments. It also explored why adults often report adjusting to communication styles, abandonment, self-esteem, and individual behavior issues …

Meaning Making In Grief Counseling, Lindsey Stuhr

Counselor Education Capstones

Loss is experienced in every life. How individuals work through loss is a very personal experience for each individual. To date, many experts in the field of grief counseling are continuing to try and understand the most adequate way to help individuals to work through grief while moving forward in life. This review of the concept of meaning making in grief counseling intends to answer the following questions: 1). How do we define meaning making as it relates to grief2)? What are the key components that experts in the field have learned about grieving and the concept of meaning making? …

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

Journal of Technology in Counselor Education and Supervision

Abstract

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

Keywords: Group Counseling, Synchronous, Distance Learning

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

Journal of Technology in Counselor Education and Supervision

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

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

Journal of Technology in Counselor Education and Supervision

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

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

Journal of Technology in Counselor Education and Supervision

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

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

Journal of Technology in Counselor Education and Supervision

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

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

Journal of Technology in Counselor Education and Supervision

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

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

Journal of Technology in Counselor Education and Supervision

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

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

Launching A University Tele-Mental Health Counseling Training Clinic: A Case Study, Wendell Callahan, Erika Cameron, Carrie Tremble

Journal of Technology in Counselor Education and Supervision

With this article the authors hope to establish a precedent of publishing case studies in technology related implementation in counselor education and supervision with a focus on factors that drive as well as hinder such implementation. This case study described the design, proposal and implementation of a telemental health training clinic at the University of San Diego in San Diego, CA. Additionally, the authors highlight lessons learned and recommendations for other counselor educators seeking to implement similar training clinics at their universities.

A Content Analysis Of Counseling Organizations’ Social Media Usage, William B. Mckibben, Sandra Logan-Mckibben

Journal of Technology in Counselor Education and Supervision

Social media is a rapidly growing online platform for professional counselors and counseling organizations to communicate with the public, but little is known how counseling organizations utilize social media. The authors content analyzed posts from nine ACA divisions’ Facebook pages to explore how professional counseling organizations utilize social media to engage with online followers. Sharing links to external websites was the most frequently occurring post, but such postings were less likely to engage followers than sharing a post, photo, or events from within Facebook or uploading a photo directly. Recommendations for counseling organizations to engage in effective social media practices …

Student Loans And Health-Related Financial Hardship, Sophia T. Anong, Robin Henager

Journal of Student Financial Aid

Research has shown that student loan borrowers in repayment exhibit physical and mental health problems. These can be exacerbated by and contribute to health-related financial hardship. We use the 2015 U.S. National Financial Capability Study to examine the likelihood of having past due medical bills and of avoiding health care services by not purchasing prescribed medication, skipping tests or follow-up with a doctor or not seeking care for a medical problem. Borrowers on income-driven repayment plans and those who made late payments are found to be more likely to have unpaid medical bills and to have avoided required medical attention. …

Parent Perceptions Of Literacy Development For Females Later Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Christine Marie Yaccarino

Theses and Dissertations

Little is known about the early literacy development of girls later diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or autism traits. In this study, parents of 21 girls later diagnosed with ASD or as having significant ASD traits were each interviewed about their daughter's early literacy development. In general, findings indicated that parents reported their daughters' early success with word level reading. Initially, parents conflated that one area of reading success to also indicate an overall accomplishment in broad reading skills. Findings also indicated that parents simultaneously acknowledged successful word level reading, yet over time noted specific challenges in early literacy …

Rural Special Educators Teaching Reading: A Case Study, Sheryl Vernon

Theses and Dissertations

Education in rural areas coupled with poverty is shown to be a risk factor for reading failure (Bhattacharya, 2010; Morrison et al., 2005). Students who have severe reading failure are serviced in the realm of special education. To enhance a student's ability to read, special education teachers can use literacy interventions. Targeted reading intervention (TRI) is a literacy intervention that was developed to meet the requirements of rural elementary classroom teachers, who are often unready to provide diagnostic reading instruction for reading difficulty (Vernon-Feagans et al., 2012). Stevenson and Reed (2017) identified eight empirically supported methods for intensifying instruction when …

A Qualitative Analysis Of Incidents That Lead To High Quality Implementation Of Behavior Intervention Plans From The Perspective Of School Psychologists, Leah Hardy

Theses and Dissertations

This study illuminated the perspectives of school psychologists who have developed behavior intervention plans (BIPs) that support successful change in student outcomes. A total of 15 school psychologists from two different school districts were interviewed using the critical incident method; participants shared their perceptions of effectively implemented behavior intervention plans. The participants emphasized the need for consistent communication among the team members, collaboration with key stakeholders, making modifications as needed during the implementation period, and adequate time to for school psychologists to provide training to teachers. The findings of this study emphasized the importance for school teams and other school …

The Phenomenological House: A Metaphoric Framework For Descriptive Phenomenological Psychological Design And Analysis, Katheryne T. Leigh-Osroosh

The Qualitative Report

Descriptive phenomenology investigates the essence of how phenomena are consciously experienced (Giorgi, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2012; Moustakas, 1994; Vagle, 2018). Researchers wishing to conduct descriptive phenomenological studies may struggle to find answers to the complex questions that arise. Misunderstood concepts and practices may lead to philosophical conflict, ultimately threatening validity and rigor. This manuscript provides readers a metaphoric framework “the phenomenological house” to understand and analyze Giorgi’s phenomenological psychological conceptualization of essence as a universal structural description of how a phenomenon is lived. Ultimately, the phenomenological house provides a pathway for qualitative researchers to navigate descriptive phenomenology and contribute to …

2021-06-05 Pca Executive Council Meeting Minutes, Pennsylvania Counseling Association

PCA Board of Directors Meetings

No abstract provided.

Perceived Stress And Self-Care In Graduate Students Amidst The Covid-19 Pandemic, Devona M. Stalnaker-Shofner, Cathy Lounsbury, Sadie Collagan, Sean Keck, Ryan Roberts

Journal of Wellness

Introduction: This study examines the perceived stress and self-care behaviors of graduate students as impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Students who participated had varying degree concentrations, with the majority of participants having a Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Couples and Family Therapy, Dance Movement Therapy, or Clinical Psychology focus. This study is particularly relevant to health care workers, especially those whose focus is mental health. Markedly elevated prevalence of reported adverse mental and behavioral health conditions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic highlight the broad impact of the pandemic and the need to prevent and treat these conditions. This study sought …

The Etiology Of Mdd In Sexual Minority Youth And Its Implications For Treatment, Keith Burns

Intuition: The BYU Undergraduate Journal of Psychology

Greater tolerance and understanding of homosexuality, transgenderism, and other forms of gender nonconformity have sparked an increased effort to reach out to and help sexual minorities (i.e., groups whose sexual identity, orientation, or practices differ from cisgender heterosexuality), especially those who experience mental health challenges. Despite immense progress in society, deeply rooted social stigma, prejudice, and discrimination have often left sexual minorities feeling bullied, ostracized, and isolated, which tends to reinforce a host of negative mental health outcomes, such as increased risk of major depressive disorder (MDD) and suicidality (Hatchel et al., 2018). While mental health clinicians have become increasingly …

A Systematic Review Of Recommendations For Behavioral Health Services For Transgender And Gender Diverse Adults: The Three-Legged Stool Of Evidence-Based Practice Is Unbalanced, Natalie Holt, Allura L. Ralston, Debra A. Hope, Richard Mocarski, Nathan Woodruff

Trans Collaborations Academic Papers

There is a growing literature of clinical recommendations for transgender and gender diverse (TGD) affirming behavioral health care, yet it is unknown to what extent these recommendations are rooted in evidence-based practice (EBP). This systematic review included 65 articles published between 2009 and 2018 with recommendations for behavioral health services with TGD adults, emphasizing general clinical care. Coded variables included type of article, participant demographics, aspects of EBP, and whether care was informed by objective assessment. Most articles did not equally draw from all components of EBP. Recommendations for specific clinical problems are increasingly available and address diversity within TGD …

A Quantitative Assessment Of Marital Quality Among Couples In Kerala, India, Grace Kochuparambil

Dissertations

The increasing number of divorces and domestic violence in Kerala, India points out the need to assess marital quality among couples in Kerala. The lack of assessment tools in the native language prevents evaluating Malayali couples' marital relationships. The purpose of the proposed study was to examine couples' marital quality in Kerala and validate the translated Marital Adjustment Questionnaire (MAQ) and Marital Quality Scale (MQS), the M-MAQ and the M-MQS, respectively. The instruments were translated into Malayalam through a forward and backward translation. A quantitative survey research design collected data from a criterion[1]based sample of 260 couples in Kerala using …

Experiences That Support Persistence And Retention Of Latinx First-Generation College Students (Fgcs) At Community Colleges, Veronica Rios

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this instrumental case study was to describe experiences of successful Latinx first-generation college students that support persistence and retention toward graduation for Latinx first-generation college students at California community colleges. The study was framed using Tinto’s retention theory. Successful Latinx first-generation college students were defined as those who have attained graduation from a California community college. This study focused on Latinx first-generation college students not persisting toward graduation at California community colleges, a situation that extends to the national level. This case study included nine Latinx first-generation college students, and the researcher collected data through virtual semistructured …