Counselor Education Commons^™

The Relationship Between International Counseling Students' Needs And Acculturative Stress, Malvika Behl, John Laux

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

The number of international students enrolled in the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredited programs has increased by 214 percent since 2015. This study focused on understanding the relationship between acculturative stress and needs among international students enrolled in CACREP-accredited programs. The students in this sample reported low acculturative stress, low financial and cultural needs, average Language and Social needs, and moderate Academic needs. Students' academic, social, cultural, and language needs were positively correlated with their acculturative stress. Acculturative stress and needs did not differ across the length of time students lived in the United …

Is Warmer Better? Examining Counseling Student Responses To Syllabus Tone, Angela I. Sheely-Moore, Leeann Cardaciotto, Krista Malott, Megan Krell, Carlos A. Flores

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

Researchers in this quantitative study explored the impact of syllabus tone on master-level counseling students (N = 124). Findings indicate statistically significant differences between students’ reactions to syllabi language, with greater student retention of the content within the warm syllabus condition and more favorable perceptions of the instructor and their grading practices. Implications for counselor educators are included.

Use Of A Relational Cultural Framework Of Supervision And Its Influence On Practicum Student Self-Efficacy, Sabrina Butler, Jessica Yanson, Vicki Kelchner

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

Supervision is one of the foundations of counselor development within counselor training programs and post-education licensure and certification processes. While educators have created many theories to address the supervision needs of counselors in training (CITs), relatively few address relational development and its impact on CITs’ self-efficacy. The researchers sought to address this gap by exploring Relational Cultural Supervision with practicum-level CITs. The researchers conducted a qualitative investigation utilizing a case study to examine the impact of Relational Cultural Supervision on practicum-level CIT reports of self-efficacy in a large CACREP-accredited university in the Southeastern United States. Results indicate that Relational Cultural …

Across The Curriculum: Teaching Lgbtq+ Competencies In Counselor Education, Adriana Euser, Kristin R. Chamberlain

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

In the U.S., the number of people identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or other sexual/gender minority identity (LGBTQ+) is increasing. LGBTQ+ individuals utilize counseling services twice as much as individuals in the general population. They are at a higher risk of experiencing depression, suicidal ideation, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, and relationship issues. This population also faces discrimination and marginalization due to the stigma of their gender identity and sexual orientation. Thus, there is a high likelihood that counselors will provide counseling services to LGBTQ+ clients during their careers. Unfortunately, many masters-level counselor education programs do not provide sufficient …

Trauma History And Trauma-Informed Practice Relate To Counseling Student’S Satisfaction With Supervision And Rapport With Supervisor, Nikki Hurless

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

The effects of traumatic stressors and adversity have implications for relationship outcomes in various professional settings, including clinical supervision. The high prevalence of traumatic experiences among counselors and counselors in training (CIT) suggests a need to explore how CITs experience the supervision relationship in the context of having experienced traumatic and/or adverse events. In recent years, researchers and practitioners have increased attention to trauma-informed practice and principles in clinical supervision, and many have suggested that applying these practices to supervision may improve the supervision relationship and related outcomes. This study explored factors related to CIT satisfaction with supervision and rapport …

The Argument For Clinical Supervision For Early Career School Counselors, Sarah Evans Zalewski, Maiko Xiong, Robert Gilbert

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

Early career school counselors need support to navigate their professional development as novice counselors, manage programmatic duties, high caseloads, and the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health needs of children and youth. Given that school settings are often the first point of entry for mental health services for children and youth, clinical supervision is necessary. Clinical supervision promotes ethical practice, supports the professional growth of early career school counselors, and guards against burnout. This article (a) describes the development needs of early career school counselors and (b) provides recommendations for establishing clinical supervision for early career school …

Adverse Childhood Experiences, Work-Related Stress, And Trauma-Informed Care Among Novice Counselors, Eunae Han, Paul Carrola

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

The current study examined the prevalence of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) among novice counselors and demonstrated the relationships among ACEs, work-related stress, and familiarity with Trauma-informed Care. Specifically, the results showed that counselors’ ACEs scores significantly predicted secondary traumatic stress while the ACEs score did not predict burnout and compassion satisfaction. Additionally, the level of familiarity with Trauma-informed Care among novice counselors had a negative association with secondary traumatic stress. The meaning of the results and the limitations of the study are discussed.

Counselors-In-Training As Behavioral Health Consultants In Primary Care: A Focus Group Study, Heather Trepal, Cory Knight, Rosalinda Strano-Burton, Jessica Lloyd-Hazlett, Stacy Ogbeide, Swathi Weaver

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

Integrated Primary Care (IPC) combines medical and behavioral services so that patients’ physical and behavioral health concerns can be addressed more effectively within primary care settings. The Primary Care Behavioral Health (PCBH) Consultation Model is the gold star framework for IPC and entails team-based care for a broad spectrum of health conditions (i.e., depression, asthma, insomnia) through behaviorally focused appointments. Focus groups were utilized to gain an in-depth understanding of the PCBH internship experience of 12 counselors-in-training working as behavioral health consultants in primary care. Data were analyzed using constant comparison analysis and three themes were identified: (a) benefits to …

Association For Counseling Sexology And Sexual Wellness Exemplary Practices For Counseling Sexology And Sexual Wellness, Amber L. Pope, Brean'a M. Parker, Bianca R. Augustine, Clark D. Ausloos, Juliana J. Lytle

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

In this document, we present exemplary practices for counseling sexology and sexual wellness. These professional guidelines advance practice, research, and education in sexuality and sexual health within the counseling profession. The exemplary practices are grounded in critical theories to center the experiences of diverse clients, contextualize the role of culture, environment, and history in shaping our sexualities, and celebrate varied ways of being. We detail 12 exemplary practice areas for sexuality counseling across the following domains: a) attitudes, beliefs, & understanding of historical influences; b) knowledge; c) counseling skills; d) action and advocacy; and e) counselor education and supervision.

Objectification Of Others Scale: Confirmatory And Exploratory Factor Analysis In A Sample Of Emerging Adults, Zachary D. Bloom, Shedeh Tavakoli, Madelaine Romito

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

The objectification of others is an important phenomenon in the cycle of objectification. However, few instruments measure the construct of other-objectification. This study examines the psychometric properties of Objectification of Others Scale using a sample of emerging adults (N = 1,584). Two random subsamples (n = 792) of the dataset were used to conduct exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, resulting in a two-factor model that explained 72.37% of the variance. We address limitations of the instrument and make recommendations for future research.

Counseling Iowan Farmers: A Phenomenological Study Of Clinical Perspectives, Kathleen Ruscitto, Corinne W. Bridges

Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences

Rural communities present unique challenges for counselors. Farmers experience high rates of suicidality, depression, and substance abuse and are less likely to seek mental health help due to associated stigma, financial strain, time constraints, and lack of specialized training among clinicians. This study sought to understand the lived experiences of counselors in rural Iowa who counsel male farmers. Participants completed a 60-minute semi-structured interview and demographics questionnaire. Hermeneutic phenomenology and the ecological perspective were used to identify and interpret these experiences, illuminating the need for culturally competent, contextually responsive counseling practices in rural settings. Essential themes were categorized within the …

Unraveling The Impact Of Cognitive Test Anxiety On Academic Performance Among Adolescents: The Case Of Minority And Majority Communities, Zulfiqar Ullah Siddiqui, Wael M. F. Abuhassan

An-Najah University Journal for Research - B (Humanities)

Background: Within the Indian society and its many communities, adolescents exhibit a wide range of individual differences, including cognitive abilities, learning styles, and personality traits. These differences can influence how students perceive and cope with test anxiety and related stress. Objective: The primary goal of this research study was to investigate the influence of cognitive test anxiety on academic performance in adolescents from both minority (Muslims) and majority (Hindus) communities in India. Method: Based on descriptive-inferential research design, a sample of 450 students was selected, with 223 students representing the majority community and the remaining 227 students representing the minority …

Inaugural Message From The Editorial Board Of The Journal Of Faith Integration In Counseling, Lynn Bohecker, Vasti Holstun, Robyn Trippany Simmons, Ann Shillingford, Yulanda Tyre, Robin Switzer, Nivischi N. Edwards, Teshaunda L. Hannor-Walker, Kevin Boyd Hull, Lacey A. Ricks, Amy C. Rice

Journal of Faith Integration Counseling (JFIC)

The inaugural issue of the Journal of Faith Integration in Counseling introduces a platform dedicated to integrating faith, religion, and spirituality into mental health practices. Highlighted articles include the ACPE Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy (SIP) Training Program, a Buddhist approach to self-concept obsessive-compulsive disorder, and a model for recovery from infidelity in evangelical marriages. These contributions emphasize the importance of spiritual dimensions in counseling to improve client outcomes. The editorial board is committed to mentoring authors and fostering scholarly excellence, addressing a critical gap in existing publication options by offering practical approaches for faith integration in counseling.

Acpe’S Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy (Sip) Training Program: Clinical Competencies For Integrating Religion And Spirituality In Counseling, Carol Za Mcginnis, Maya Georgieva, Mary Elizabeth Toler

Journal of Faith Integration Counseling (JFIC)

Clients frequently seek psychotherapy that will incorporate their unique religious or spiritual values into the therapeutic process, yet they are discouraged by practitioners who are not equipped to provide those services. Licensed mental health practitioners can receive this training and certification from the ACPE Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy Training Program. Spiritual competencies exclusive to this integrative process have been designed to guide and support SIP-certified practitioners in alignment with other professional ethical codes. It is our hope that students, educators, and licensed practitioners from all mental health fields will find this information helpful in understanding the ethical integration of spirituality into …

Application Of The Principles Of Anti-Oppression To Address Marginalized Students And Faculty’S Experiences In Counselor Education, Afroze N. Shaikh, Sravya Gummaluri, Jyotsna Dhar, Hannah Carter, Daun Kwag, Javier E. Ponce, Erin C. M. Mason, Harvey C. Peters

Teaching and Supervision in Counseling

Despite efforts to decolonize and diversify the counseling profession, individuals with marginalized identities continue to encounter harmful experiences, requiring urgent and intentional action by counselor education programs to respond to these challenges. Recent legislative efforts have had a detrimental impact on marginalized communities, including those who identify on the spectrum of womanhood, immigrants, people of color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or questioning, intersex, asexual, and/or two-spirit (LGBTQIA2S+), emphasizing pre-existing forces of power, privilege, and oppression embedded in academia. In search of a liberatory framework to address these forces, the authors apply Peters and Luke's (2022) Principles of Anti-Oppression to …

Wellness And Discrimination In Counselor Education, Brett K. Gleason, Madeline Clark, Lena Salpietro, Rachel Jacoby

Teaching and Supervision in Counseling

Wellness and diversity are cornerstones of professional counseling; however, both have received little attention in terms of counselor educators and their students. The results of a quantitative study (N = 301) explored the relationship between wellness and experiences of discrimination for counselor educators, doctoral students, and master’s counseling students. Researchers utilized the Five Factor Wellness Inventory, Everyday Discrimination Scale, and a demographic questionnaire to conduct both a hierarchical linear regression and a factorial ANOVA to answer research questions. Results of the study indicated that both perceived discrimination and identity factors significantly impact wellness levels for individuals within counselor education. Implications …

Multicultural Competencies: A 30-Year Content Analysis Of American Counseling Association Journals, Vanessa Placeres, Don Davis, Sarah Gazaway, Nic Williams, Erin Mason, Wendy Hsu, Lina Alsaegh, Tania Quintero Rico, Brittany Glover

Teaching and Supervision in Counseling

We conducted a 30-year content analysis (1987-2017) on quantitative literature about multicultural counseling competencies in American Counseling Association journals. Fifty-five articles were coded for leading contributors, specialty, intrapersonal counselor characteristics, training/education curriculum, study design, multicultural perception, and counseling outcomes. We discuss gaps in the literature and make recommendations for counselor education, teaching, and future research.

Beyond The Standards: A Qualitative Analysis Of Perfectionism Among Master’S-Level Counseling Students, Sara E. Ellison, Jessica M. Tyler, Malti Tuttle

Teaching and Supervision in Counseling

This study investigates how perfectionism in counselor training impacts the relationships between students and clients/supervisors and contributes to imposter syndrome, burnout, and social disconnection. Using a transcendental phenomenological approach, we explored the experiences of perfectionism among 13 master’s counseling students during their graduate training. Four key themes emerged from the data analysis: (a) striving for enoughness, (b) masking inadequacy, (c) embracing vulnerability, and (d) connecting with authenticity. The implications of these findings for graduate training programs are discussed, emphasizing the specific needs of students grappling with perfectionism.

“Showing Up”: An Autoethnographic Exploration Of Black Women’S Teaching Mentorship Narrative In Counselor Education, Brean'a M. Parker, Shawntell Pace, Collette Chapman-Hilliard, Raven Cokley

Teaching and Supervision in Counseling

While Black women are entering academe at increasing rates, they still remain underrepresented in the counselor education academic workforce. Empirical literature suggests that lack of educational infrastructure, challenging sociocultural climates and fewer possibility models within academe are factors for low matriculation of Black women doctoral students into academic positions in counselor education. Utilizing collaborative autoethnography (CAE), we explore teaching mentorship relationships among Black women (N = 4) counseling faculty and doctoral students. We also examine how mentoring relationships shape Black women’s professionalization within academe in a manner that fosters the embodiment and practice of social justice andragogy. CAE narratives revealed …

A Target Model For Social Justice Supervision, Sara E. Ellison, Paul Tierney, Margaret Taylor

Teaching and Supervision in Counseling

Addressing social justice in supervision is essential to dismantling systemic oppression and infusing social justice practices into the profession of counseling. Despite the importance of social justice to the training and development of novice counselors, few models exist in the professional literature to guide supervisors wishing to integrate these essential competencies. This article proposes a simple, structured Target Model for Social Justice Supervision utilizing the roles of Bernard’s Discrimination Model to focus on self-awareness, client and supervisee worldview, the counseling and supervision relationship, social justice interventions, and evaluation procedures. Specific goals, strategies, interventions, and the application of the model are …

The Efficacy Of The G.R.A.C.E Matrix® In Ptsd Treatment”, Maria Grace G. Wolk, Lindsay Gietzen

Pacific Journal of Health

The purpose of this study is to explore the efficacy of the G.R.A.C.E Matrix®, a step-by-step technique of treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study uses case studies that serve as portrayals of adults who struggle with PTSD. The three cases, referred to as "Jamal," "Isabel," and "Joel," are based on disguised aspects of real psychotherapy patients from a psychotherapy clinic. By detailing the treatment courses of these patients, the study highlights critical clinical issues in engaging patients with evidence-based therapy. The cases illustrate how the G.R.A.C.E Matrix® treatment, beginning with written assessments and culminating in trauma-informed interventions, has …

Use Of The Integrated Practice Assessment Tool (Ipat) To Evaluate The Clinical Learning Environment For Counselors-In-Training, Jessica Lloyd-Hazlett, Stacy Ogbeide, Heather Trepal, Mercedes Ingram, Swathi Weaver

Journal of Human Services Scholarship and Interprofessional Collaboration

The need for behavioral health integration (BHI) in primary care continues to grow to address the behavioral health needs of patients and families. Developing a competent interprofessional workforce to operate in primary care behavioral health settings necessitates BHI-literate clinical learning environments, as well as tools to evaluate and assist in the integration of services appropriate for BHI training and supervision. The Integrated Practice Assessment Tool (IPAT; Waxmonsky et al., 2014) is an instrument that assesses the level of BHI at a primary care clinic. This paper discusses an example of an implementation approach to examine BHI levels with the IPAT …

Intersecting Inequities For Older Lgbtq+ Adults Of Color In The Advent Of Medicare Access: A Structural Vulnerability Framework, Christian D. Chan

Adultspan Journal

Although advances in Medicare legislation provide access for beneficiaries to professional counselors, older LGBTQ+ adults of Color face a litany of concerns that heighten stigma and inhibit their access to mental health services. The structural vulnerability framework identifies multiple domains that support the interface between Medicare coverage and access to care for older LGBTQ+ adults of Color. In this conceptual article, I outline (a) interdisciplinary scholarship that contextualizes the key issues facing older LGBTQ+ adults of Color; (b) the core tenets of the structural vulnerability framework; (c) implications for practice addressing structural vulnerability for older LGBTQ+ adults of Color with …

Providing End-Of-Life Counseling: A Narrative Inquiry, Carol Hecht, Sibyl West

Adultspan Journal

This qualitative study aimed to address the gap in the research related to end-of-life counseling by exploring the experiences of counselors working with clients at end of life. While counseling literature and education are lacking regarding end of life, many counselors will work alongside clients approaching death. The purpose of this study was twofold: (a) to better understand the nuanced experiences of counselors providing end-of-life counseling and (b) to explore the supports and preparations helpful for counselors to provide end-of-life counseling. A narrative approach, using the Listening Guide (Gilligan, 2015), was employed to analyze and present the stories of three …

Mental Health Distress And Suicide Risk Among Older Adults Who Receive Nutrition Services Programming: Implications For Licensed Professional Counselors., Brittany R. Jones-Cobb, Jihee Hong, Mary Chase Breedlove Mize, Laura Shannonhouse

Adultspan Journal

Licensed professional counselors (LPCs) are now eligible to provide mental health counseling to older adults as Medicare providers. Many older adults receive home delivered (HDM) and congregate (CM) meal services through the Aging Services Network, though their mental health impact remains under examined. This study compared the mental health and suicide risk of older adults receiving HDM or CM services. Our cross-sectional study of 221 HDM and 150 CM recipients from 2018-2020 found significant group differences in psychological distress, t(366) = 3.28, p = .001, perceived burdensomeness; t(357.31) = 2.77, p = .006, and thwarted belongingness, t(357.96) …

Considerations Of Medicare Telehealth Services With Older Adults, Sonah Kho, Amanda Dediego

Adultspan Journal

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic set in motion a rapid expansion of mental health services offered via telehealth. With this rapid expansion came the need to examine how policy and practice should be shaped in a future where telehealth is considered common in counseling practice. For counselors to understand how to support older adult clients in using telehealth services, they must understand telehealth policy. Following the eligibility of licensed counselors to participate in Medicare, counselors need to stay abreast of regulatory changes regarding restrictions and regulations on use of telehealth for mental and behavioral health services, including video and …

Introduction To The Special Issue On Medicare Inclusion Of Counselors: Preparing The Counseling Workforce To Serve Older Adults, Matthew C. Fullen, Jordan Westcott

Adultspan Journal

Introduction to the special issue on Medicare Inclusion of Counselors: Preparing the Counseling Workforce to Serve Older Adults.

Special Issue Editors:

Matthew Fullen, Virginia Tech

Jordan Westcott, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Gsep Research Symposium Proceedings - 2024

GSEP Research Symposium

The 8th Annual GSEP Research Symposium, was themed "Dismantling Barriers between Research and Practice: Shining a Light on Global Interdisciplinary Solutions," took place on July 18-19, 2024, at the picturesque Château d'Hauteville in Saint-Légier-La Chiésaz, Switzerland.

The annual symposium is hosted by the Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP). The symposium served as a dynamic platform for students, faculty, alums, and staff to come together and explore innovative ideas across multiple disciplines. Featuring 69 selected presentations under five distinct tracks, the proceedings showcase groundbreaking research, foster meaningful discussions, and promote professional development.

The symposium aimed to bridge …

A Laboratory Evaluation Of The Effects Of Empathy Training On Racial Bias, Victoria D. Suarez, Adel C. Najdowski, Angela Persicke, Jonathan Tarbox

Psychology Division Scholarship

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the efects of behavioral procedures, including relational training and multiple exemplar training on empathic responding of individuals who display racial bias. In particular, this study used a multielement design with fve adult participants to evaluate whether the presentation of relational frames of coordination and distinction between the participants’ values and the values of a person belonging to a group for which a bias existed altered empathic responses toward people belonging to such groups. The results showed empathic responding was higher when relational frames of coordination were presented and lower when relational …

Assessing Impacts Of A Hybrid Orientation On Counseling Students’ Self-Efficacy, Candice R. Clark, Arien K. Muzacz, April Lague

Journal of Technology in Counselor Education and Supervision

This manuscript presents results from a quantitative exploratory study of how a faculty-led hybrid orientation impacted the self-efficacy and readiness to engage in hybrid learning of incoming master’s students in a nationally-accredited counseling program in the U.S. Median difference analyses did not indicate that participants’ post-orientation scores differed significantly on the measures used to assess self-efficacy (i.e., CSES, PEU, LMSE). While participants’ self-efficacy ratings did not change significantly as a result of orientation activities, scores for 89% of participants increased or stayed the same. Implications for future research and for the preparation of graduate students in pre-professional programs with a …