Today Counseling 50 46 42 death 38 Features 28 Cover Story ence: 59 54

her desire togive back. incoming ACA President Marcheta Evans: herinquisitive nature, herupbringingand In blazingherpathinthecounselingprofession, three majorfactorshave motivated By LynneShallcross When muchisgiven, muchisexpected restore an ailing practice to good health. Marketing isatoughpillformanycounselorstoswallow, butdonewisely, itcanhelp By JimPaterson The right medicine could become a pivotal cog in training aspiring counselors to assess for suicide risk. A computer-simulationgameconceived by counseloreducatorCarrie Wachter Morris By NickRogers mightmakeGame difference lifeand inmatters of before itistoolate? but whatcanbedonetoidentifytheriskandintervene The possibilityofaclient’s suicideisaspecterthathauntsmanycounselors, By LynneShallcross Confronting thethreat suicide of find themselves stranded due to the effects of a natural disaster hundreds of miles away. The theme of an international counseling conference proves prescient as attendees &JamesLinde Frazier Kimberly Lee,By LynnLinde, Cirecie Courtland A. West-Olatunji, CarolBobby, The InternationalAssociation forCounsellingConfer can dotoprovide tofamiliesfacinguniquechallenges. support A counselingstudentandmotherofachildwithspecialneeds shares whatcounselors By SusanSmith raising children withspecialneeds Distress hopeinfamilies and Reader Viewpoint members. in removing service barriersto working witholderadultsandmilitary A licensedmentalhealthcounselorchallengesherfellow professionals togetinvolved By LizCupo Call toarms Reader Viewpoint Counselling foraWorld inCrisis

July 2010

- July 2010 | Counseling Today 38 46 28 | 3 Contents CounselingTodayJuly 2010 Columns 10 Washington Update Eating disorders 11 The Two-Minute Advocate on campus Counselor Career Stories A recent survey of college campuses nationwide suggests that 12 eating disorders are on the rise, students are avoiding treatment and many schools lack the resources to help affected students. 16 New Perspectives The survey, published earlier this year by the Eating Recovery Center and the Enrollment and Retention Services Division of 18 Private Practice in Counseling EducationDynamics, polled 108 higher education professionals (42 percent of respondents were counseling staff). 20 Resource Reviews Fifty-seven percent of respondents believe the numbers of college students with eating disorders are increasing. Additionally, The Digital Psyway 80 percent of those surveyed said their institutions’ eating 24 disorder resources are sometimes, rarely or never used. Respondents pointed to the following barriers standing in the way 26 ACA Blog Sampler of students receiving treatment: A) Students are unwilling to seek treatment: 82% B) Students do not know they have an eating disorder: 48% C) Students lack awareness of the school’s treatment resources: 34% Need to Know D) Students are embarrassed to seek treatment: 28% E) The school lacks on-campus treatment resources: 28% From the President 5 F) Students perceive a lack of anonymity in treatment: 23% 7 Executive Director’s Message G) Staff and faculty do not know where to refer students: 18% H) Students do not need to seek treatment: 8% 8 Letters to the Editor Obituary: Marijane Fall 57 100 58 Chi Sigma Iota’s 25th Anniversary 80 62 Division, Region & Branch News

64 Bulletin Board 60 66 News & Notes 40 68 Classifieds

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4 | Counseling Today | July 2010 From The President CounselingToday Answering Volume 53/Number 1 Counseling Today Staff Publisher the question Richard Yep

“now what?” Associate Publisher Carol Neiman

that goes into doing a great job for Editor-in-Chief Marcheta Evans your representative entities. I look Jonathan Rollins forward to working with you this year. 800.347.6647 ext. 339 [email protected] Finally, I want to express my thanks to xcitement. Joy. Anticipation. immediate Past President Lynn Linde Senior Writer Surprise. Humility. As my for mentoring me. Her commitment Lynne Shallcross presidency approaches, I ask to leadership has been phenomenal, 800.347.6647 ext. 320 E [email protected] myself, “How did I end up with this as have her efforts to ensure that great honor and privilege of service to the transition between her tenure as Advertising Representative my profession?” president and mine would be seamless. Kathy Maguire A number of emotions and questions Thank you, Lynn! 607.662.4451 [email protected] are floating through my mind as I write As we move forward, our emphasis this first presidential column. American will be on the priorities that emerged Graphic Designer Counseling Association president! during our strategic initiative planning Carlos J. Soto II Have you ever waited for something process: improving member services 800.347.6647 ext. 377 [email protected] for so long and then, once it finally for the 21st century, integrating arrived, asked yourself, “Now what?” research and practice, advocating for CT Column Editors Many people have invested themselves the profession and strengthening the in our organization and contributed Washington Update organization. In addition, specific task Scott Barstow great work throughout the years, and forces and committees will focus on 800.347.6647 ext. 234 I am committed to continuing — and issues such as technology in counseling, [email protected] building on — their legacy. crisis response planning, international I want to express my thanks to all of Counselor Career Stories development and collaboration. Finally, Rebecca Daniel-Burke you who afforded me this wonderful a special task force has been developed 800.347.6647 ext. 230 opportunity by voting for me. I to work on a project involving ACA’s [email protected] appreciate your support tremendously service to the New Orleans community Resource Reviews and look forward to serving you to the throughout my year as president. Ruth Harper best of my ability. For those of you Historically, various divisions have [email protected] who had other visions for this year, offered wonderful community projects. I hope you will be pleased with our We want to continue those projects, Private Practice in Counseling Robert J. Walsh and Norman C. Dasenbrook work together once the year is done. I but it is my hope that we can also offer [email protected] also want to thank those of you who sustainable services that will provide have volunteered to serve on various ongoing support for the community. Spotlight on Journals committees and task forces. Your This month, we will hold the Second Sheri Bauman [email protected] enthusiasm for your profession and Annual ACA Summer Institute for your commitment are heartwarming. As Leadership Training, which includes New Perspectives we discuss your willingness to work, it leaders from the branches, regions and Donjanea L. Fletcher makes me smile to see the excitement divisions. Special programming for [email protected] that comes with making a difference in emerging leaders is a major component The Digital Psyway our professional organization. I hope of this leadership institute, which Marty Jencius you are ready for all the exciting work happens to be one of my favorite [email protected] we have ahead of us! experiences professionally. To be I also want to express my thanks to all surrounded by our profession’s leaders the leaders from the various branches, is a phenomenal experience. It is a time regions, divisions and the Governing for us to connect, collaborate, plan for Council who work so hard on behalf the future and determine how we can of our profession. I have seen firsthand all the hard work and commitment Continued on page 41

July 2010 | Counseling Today | 5 Learn the Latest The ACA Encyclopedia of Counseling This premiere counseling reference Theory and Techniques book is perfect for educators, students, With These New Texts From ACA! supervisors, researchers, and practitio- ners looking to enhance their knowledge Clinical Supervision in the Helping of the most important topics in coun- Ãiˆ˜}°Ê œÀiÊÌ >˜Ê{ääÊi˜ÌÀˆiÃÊë>˜ÊÌ iÊ Professions: A Practical Guide, 2009 CACREP core areas making this Second Edition a wonderful text for introductory coun- Gerald Corey, Robert Haynes, Patrice seling classes or for use as a study guide when preparing for the Moulton, Michelle Muratori >̈œ˜>Ê œÕ˜ÃiœÀÊ Ý>“°ÊÓää™ÊUÊÈÇÓÊ«}à This straightforward guide emphasizes Order #72879 ISBN 978-1-55620-288-9 effective skill development for supervision List Price: $99.95 ACA Member Price: $74.95 in a variety of settings. Topics covered include the roles and responsibilities of supervisors, the supervisory relationship, Career Counseling: Contexts, Process- models and methods of supervision, es, and Techniques, Third Edition becoming a multiculturally competent Norman C. Gysbers, Mary J. Heppner, and Joseph A. Johnston supervisor, ethical and legal issues in Career Counseling incorporates the supervision, managing crisis situations, and evaluation in most widely used career counseling supervision. User-friendly tips, case examples, sample forms, practices with new and emerging career questions for reflection, and group activities are included development concepts, making it an throughout the text, as are contributing supervisors’ Voices exceptional text for both counselors- From the Field and the authors’ Personal Perspectives—making in-training and seasoned practitioners. this an interactive learning tool that is sure to keep readers Topics discussed include traditional ˆ˜ÌiÀiÃÌi`Ê>˜`ʈ˜ÛœÛi`°ÊÊÓä£äÊUÊÎä{Ê«}à and postmodern career theories and "À`iÀʛÇÓn™nÊ - ʙÇn‡£‡xxÈÓä‡Îä·™Ê Ê approaches; counseling an increas- List Price: $62.95 ACA Member Price: $43.95 ingly diverse workforce; forming a productive alliance with the client; using assessment inven- tories and instruments; and developing client action plans. The Professional Counselor: Portfolio, Óää™ÊUÊÎÓxÊ«}à Competencies, Performance Guidelines, Order #72881 ISBN 978-1-55620-289-6 and Assessment, Fourth Edition ˆÃÌÊ*ÀˆVi\ÊfÈ{°™xÊ ACA Member Price: $45.95 Dennis W. Engels, Casey A. Barrio Minton, Dee C. Ray, and Associates A Contemporary Approach to Student learner outcomes and counselor work behaviors are tied to Substance Abuse and Addictions the 2009 CACREP Standards in this Counseling: A Counselor’s Guide to handbook for students, educators, Application and Understanding supervisors, researchers, and practi- Ford Brooks and Bill McHenry tioners seeking to update, refresh, or This book provides a basic understand- evaluate their knowledge of and skills ing of the nature of substance abuse and in the most important competencies addiction, its progression, and clini- in counseling. Ideal for use as a stu- cal interventions for college/university, dent portfolio or a supplementary text, this edition continues school, and community/mental health >ÊÎx‡Þi>ÀÊÌÀ>`ˆÌˆœ˜ÊœvÊ«ÀœÛˆ`ˆ˜}Ê>ÊÕÃivՏÊvÀ>“iܜÀŽÊvœÀÊÌÀ>VŽ- agency settings. Topics covered include ˆ˜}ʈ˜`ˆÛˆ`Õ>Ê«ÀœviÃȜ˜>Ê}ÀœÜÌ Ê>˜`ÊiÛ>Õ>̈œ˜°ÊÓä£äÊUÊ drug classifications; assessment; working Ó{{Ê«}à with ethnically diverse clients, the GLBT "À`iÀʛÇÓn™ÇÊ - ʙÇn‡£‡xxÈÓä‡Ó™È‡{ population, and women; the continuum ˆÃÌÊ*ÀˆVi\Êf{™°™xÊ ACA Member Price: $33.95 of nonuse to addiction; developmental approaches in treating addiction; relapse AMERICAN COUNSELING prevention; grief and loss in addiction; group counseling; ASSOCIATION • 800-422-2648 x222 working with families; spirituality; addictions training and Counseling.org iÌ ˆV>ÊˆÃÃÕiÃÆÊ>˜`ÊVœÕ˜ÃiœÀÊÃiv‡V>Ài°ÊÓää™ÊUÊÓnäÊ«}à Order #72888 ISBN 978-1-55620-282-7 ˆÃÌÊ*ÀˆVi\Êf{È°™xÊ ACA Member Price: $33.95

6 | Counseling Today | July 2010 Executive Director's message CounselingToday American Counseling Meeting member Association President Marcheta Evans needs at every step 800.347.6647 ext. 232 [email protected]

Richard Yep our use of new technologies and methods of communication such as blog posts, podcasts President-Elect Don W. Locke and an enhanced library of information avail- 800.347.6647 ach July, we welcome a new group able via the ACA website at counseling.org. [email protected] of volunteers to the leadership This includes posting on our website many Executive Director ranks of ACA. The level of enthu- of the PowerPoint presentations given at the E ACA Annual Conference this past March in Richard Yep siasm I have already witnessed among these 800.347.6647 ext. 231 volunteer leaders encourages me. Leading Pittsburgh. For the 2011 conference in New [email protected] our organization at the national level is Orleans (March 23-27), we hope to continue Marcheta Evans, who will serve as ACA that service. Counseling Today (ISSN 1078-8719) is the We also believe that those who need con- monthly magazine of the American Counseling president through June 2011. Association, 5999 Stevenson Ave., Alexandria, President Evans, a counselor educator tinuing education credits to maintain their VA 22304-3300; Telephone: 703.823.9800; from the University of Texas at San An- state license appreciate the “CE of the Month” Internet: counseling.org. Opinions expressed tonio, has been a longtime leader in ACA program we launched this past year. Simply in this magazine do not necessarily represent by reading an article and taking a test (all on- opinions of the editors or policies of the at the branch, region and national levels. American Counseling Association. This past year, she served as our president- line), ACA members can receive up to $240 elect, and I found that she was engaged worth of CE credits at no additional cost, all Subscriptions are available for $144 for 12 and very committed to preparing for the from the comfort of their homes or offices. issues by calling PP&F at 800.633.4931. Single role of president. For counselor educators, the American copies are available for $12 each by calling Counseling Association-Association for ACA in-house fulfillment at 800.422.2648, As I have done occasionally through- ext. 222. out the past several years, I would like to Counselor Education and Supervision Syl- solicit your opinion as to what you want labus Clearinghouse continues to add to an Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria, Va., and your ACA to provide. We know that in already-considerable library of course outlines additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send submitted by your colleagues nationwide. Lat- address changes to ACA Member Services, an economy that has resulted in a loss of 5999 Stevenson Ave., Alexandria, VA 22304. buying power, reduction in disposable er this year, we will post a student member- All rights reserved, 2010 by the American income and a tightening of the job market, ship recruitment video on the ACA website Counseling Association. we need to do what we can to meet needs for use by counselor educators and others. in a way that minimizes any additional More than 20,000 of our members hold Editorial Policies ACA professional liability insurance through Counseling Today reviews unsolicited articles financial burden on ACA members. and guest editorials for possible publication. ACA has been fortunate to see an Healthcare Providers Service Organization. Not all articles will be accepted for publication. overall increase in membership during the We will continue working with HPSO and Send articles or request a copy of the writing economic crunch, which says a great deal the ACA Insurance Trust to ensure that your guidelines by e-mailing [email protected]. policy’s benefits are the very best on the about our members. It is also an indica- Anti-Discrimination Policy tor that our mix of products and services market. There shall be no discrimination against any are resonating with those who choose to Clearly, member needs vary depending on individual on the basis of ethnic group, race, belong to the “world’s largest organized whether individuals are studying to become religion, gender, sexual orientation, age and/or body of professional counselors.” professional counselors, are in the prime of disability. Our growth pattern has also provided a their careers or have become “elders” in the Mission Statement few surprises. For example, when broken profession. I am confident that as the 2010- The mission of the American Counseling down by membership category, ACA has 2011 ACA year progresses, our members will Association is to enhance the quality of life seen phenomenal growth in the percentage continue to excel at the services they provide. in society by promoting the development And as the economy improves, you will be of professional counselors, advancing the of graduate students who are members. We counseling profession and using the profession expect continued growth this year. This exposed to new opportunities. You will need and practice of counseling to promote respect means that as an organization, we have an various resources, and ACA wants to be your for human dignity and diversity. obligation to provide the resources and ser- partner in that endeavor. vices these individuals need to be success- As always, I hope you will contact me with ful as students and to prepare for their role any comments, questions or suggestions as emerging professionals. that you might have. Please contact me via We also have to do our best at meet- e-mail at [email protected] or by phone at ing the needs of midcareer professional 800.347.6647 ext. 231. counselors. Our members have embraced Thanks and be well. u

July 2010 | Counseling Today | 7 Letters Editorial policy Articles on professional within the medical model. To be sure, identity draw response these are challenging times for all of us. Counseling Today welcomes I am a new professional and have But I do not think the key to furthering letters to the editor from ACA just finished my master’s degree in our profession lies in leaving behind members; submissions from professional counseling. During the last the strength and beauty inherent in the nonmembers will be published in two years I was enrolled in that degree philosophies that make our profession rare circumstances. program, I became increasingly frustrated different, especially in favor of becoming Only one letter per person per and disappointed with the counseling clones of those professionals operating topic in each 365-day period profession’s shift away from the wellness within a model focused on pathology will be printed. Letters will be model on which it was founded and instead of health and well-being. published as space permits and toward the medical model. Consequently, So I thank you, Mr. Swanson, and are subject to editing for both I was greatly encouraged to read John express my deep gratitude for your Swanson’s opinion article “Licensure taking the time to voice your concerns length and clarity. Submissions and parity for counselors: What price and opinions and for your passion and can be sent via e-mail or regular victory?” in the May 2010 issue of dedication to our profession. mail and must include the Counseling Today. individual’s full name, mailing Jessica Malley, M.S. When I was first researching graduate Atlanta address or e-mail address and programs and discerning what degree [email protected] telephone number. and profession seemed best aligned with ACA has the sole right to my personal worldview, I was elated w determine if a letter will be to discover the field of counseling, its accepted for publication. developmental perspective and the As a rehabilitation counselor, it has wellness model. Not long after I began become increasingly clear that I am not Counseling Today will not my studies, however, I became aware that welcome as a member of ACA. The publish any letter that contains more and more counselors were getting “my way or the highway” attitude of unprofessional, defamatory, into bed with the medical model. As a recent years from generic counselors — incendiary, libelous or illegal new professional with academic training requiring all counselors, regardless of statements or content deemed in a CACREP-accredited program that background, to submit to the standard as intended to offend a person places a strong emphasis on professional of a generic profession — is troubling. or group of people based on The May 2010 issue of Counseling development, I find myself not only their race, gender, age, ethnicity, Today is one more example of this disappointed but in a state of confusion. religion, sexual orientation, attitude. Two articles in particular stick With the completion of my degree, my gender identity, disability, education and training have just begun. out: “A profession in peril” (by Francis language, ability, ideology, social As I endeavor to continue learning and A. Martin and W. Cris Cannon) and class, occupation, appearance, developing my skills and talents, my “Maturation of a profession” (the professional identity and my sense of CACREP Perspective article by Craig mental capacity or any other self, I know I would benefit enormously S. Cashwell). Both articles suggest the distinction that might be from having mentors who embrace and only viable accreditation is through the considered by some as a liability. practice the principles and philosophies Council for Accreditation of Counseling ACA will not print letters that on which this profession was founded. and Related Educational Programs and include advertising or represent Unfortunately, it seems this group of the only appropriate credentials are LPC a copy of a letter to a third individuals is becoming an endangered (Licensed Professional Counselor) or party. The editor of Counseling species, so I wonder what will become of NCC (National Certified Counselor). Today will have responsibility About one in five counseling programs all the other new professionals in our field for determining if any factors who are in a position similar to mine. is accredited by CACREP. Clearly, it are present that warrant not I understand the desire and need to be does not reflect the entire industry, or publishing a letter. recognized as competent therapists and 80 percent of the graduate programs professionals in the eyes of the public in the country would not choose to E-mail letters to ct@counseling. and potential clients. I also understand ignore participation in the standard. org or write to Counseling Today, that as much as we are healers, we are Rehabilitation counseling programs Letters to the Editor, 5999 also in business. Yet it seems that as a are accredited by the Council on Stevenson Ave., Alexandria, VA profession, we forgot the basic marketing Rehabilitation Education (CORE). 22304. strategies of emphasizing our uniqueness More than 90 percent of rehabilitation and differences when compared with mental health practitioners who work Continued on page 49

8 | Counseling Today | July 2010 July 2010 | Counseling Today | 9 Washington Update - By Scott Barstow and Dominic Holt ACA president lobbies Congress on school counselor issues

merican Counseling Association the military health care program for You can help push for fuller recognition President Lynn E. Linde service members, their dependents and of your profession by asking your con- A recently held multiple high-level retirees; it covers an estimated 9.5 million gressman or congresswoman to cospon- congressional meetings on the important beneficiaries. sor H.R. 3839 — legislation to establish role of credentialed school counselors in The Senate Armed Services Committee independent practice authority for all helping all students succeed in school and is moving slowly toward marking up this LPCs participating in TRICARE. A large life. Linde and ACA lobbyist Dominic year’s bill to authorize defense spending, number of cosponsors on this bill will help Holt met with expert staff of both the Sen- and language establishing independent refocus debate on recognizing all counsel- ate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions practice authority for counselors is — for ors and improve our chances of gaining Committee and the House Education the first time — expected to be included adequate recognition of the profession and Labor Committee to discuss both the in the legislation. The committee has tra- within TRICARE. importance of school counseling services ditionally opposed giving counselors the Your representative is highly unlikely and ways to improve students’ access to same authority that all other mental health to cosponsor H.R. 3839 unless he or school counselors. The meetings came professionals possess to practice indepen- she hears from you! For more informa- on the heels of a May 12 congressional dently under TRICARE. tion, contact Scott Barstow with ACA briefing that ACA spearheaded on behalf This is an important step forward, but at 800.347.6647 ext. 234 or sbarstow@ of the National Alliance of Pupil Services not all the news is good. The language counseling.org. Organizations (NAPSO). The briefing expected to be included in the Senate’s Student Veteran Counseling highlighted NAPSO’s recommendations defense authorization bill adopts require- Improvement Act introduced (which are in line with ACA’s recommen- ments similar to those recommended Rep. Chris Carney (D-Pa.) joined with dations) for reauthorizing the Elementary by the Institute of Medicine in a report Rep. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) to introduce leg- and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). released earlier this year. The requirements islation (H.R. 5385) to increase access to Linde’s meetings were part of ACA’s con- would narrow the number of LPCs able to counseling services for veterans attending tinued hard work to elevate professional see TRICARE beneficiaries independently. colleges and universities. The legislation school counselors in policy and practice, Although not ideal, the Senate language directs the Department of Veterans Affairs both with respect to ESEA as well as fed- provides our only platform for pushing (VA) to establish a toll-free hotline that eral education spending. ACA is sharing forward on this issue later in the year with would offer mental and behavioral health recommendations for changing ESEA to the House-Senate conference committee; professionals in institutions of higher increaseACA investments 2010 both in professional Conference the defense authorization& Exposition bill approved - Pittsburgh, PA education information on mental health school counselors and in comprehensive by the House of Representatives (H.R. counseling for veterans. The hotline would school counseling programs. Although ed- 5136) does not include any counselor in- include information about dealing with ucation committee leaders have expressed dependent practice language. The House post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic interest in drafting ESEA legislation this has approved such language in years past, brain injury, anxiety, depression, sexual summer, it is not clear whether either the but this time, the House Armed Services assault or trauma, readjustment disorder House or Senate committees will meet Committee decided not to “tie the hands” and other service-connected mental health that goal. Work done this year will help set of the Department of Defense (DoD) conditions. The legislation also directs the the framework for possible reauthorization on this issue. On a side note, the House VA to provide training to mental health in next year’s 112th Congress. defense authorization bill includes a pilot professionals at institutions of higher edu- For more information, contact Holt program to provide personalized career de- cation to improve delivery of services to at [email protected] or 800.347.6647 velopment counseling to spouses of armed veterans at colleges and universities. ext. 242. forces members and allows the DoD to enter into contracts with career counselors ACA strongly supports this legislation, TRICARE counselor language to provide these services. and we encourage counselors to ask their making some progress in ACA is working to gain independent representatives to cosponsor H.R. 5385. Senate, stalls in House practice authority for as many LPCs as Enactment of the legislation would help ACA’s effort to establish independent possible. We believe the requirements pave the way for greater access to needed practice authority for licensed professional included in the proposed Senate language mental health services and supports for counselors participating in TRICARE will needlessly prevent many counselors veterans, especially in conjunction with the is making progress but encountering from being appropriately recognized with- VA’s expected implementation of coun- resistance in Congress. TRICARE is in TRICARE. selor recognition policies later this year. u

10 | Counseling Today | July 2010 The Two-Minute Advocate - By Scott Barstow and Dominic Holt

Let counselors practice access to mental health care. independently in TRICARE Legislation (H.R. 3839) has been The issue: TRICARE is the military introduced in the House of Representa- health care program covering some 9.5 tives that would eliminate the referral and million beneficiaries, including active-du- supervision requirement for counselors ty service members, their families and re- participating as mental health service tirees. TRICARE covers services provided providers in the TRICARE program. Tom Rooney (R-Fla.) and Michael by licensed professional counselors and all McMahon (D-N.Y.). This is a bipartisan, Whom to contact: Your representative. other mental health professionals such as no-cost way of improving access to men- Find out who your representative is at clinical social workers and marriage and tal health care for service members and house.gov or capwiz.com/counseling. You their families by giving equally trained family therapists. Unfortunately, current can contact all House members by calling providers the same ability to provide law requires counselors to practice under the Capitol Switchboard at 202.225.3121 counseling services without first having physician referral and supervision, while and asking for a specific House member’s to get a physician’s referral. other mental health providers are allowed office when the operator comes on. to practice independently. Recent stud- For more info: Scott Barstow, ies and anecdotal evidence show service Key message: Please cosponsor H.R. 800.347.6647 ext. 234 or sbarstow@ members and their families need better 3839, legislation introduced by Reps. counseling.org

Improve counseling services problems relating to their service and For more info: Scott Barstow, for veterans in schools 2) providing training on working with 800.347.6647 ext. 234 or sbarstow@ The issue: Veterans need better access veterans to service providers at colleges counseling.org to mental health care. Although the and universities. The legislation includes Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) explicit references to licensed counselors as is attempting to scale up its mental integral to these programs. Please note: This month is a little health service staff — and is working Whom to contact: Your representative. unusual in that we’re asking you to to implement a 2006 law officially Find out who your representative is at contact your representative (not your recognizing mental health counselors house.gov or capwiz.com/counseling. You can senators!) about two different bills. as service providers in the VA health contact all House members by calling the Feel free to mention both bills in care system — more needs to be done Capitol Switchboard at 202.225.3121 and one contact, but make it clear that to ensure that veterans are getting the asking for a specific House member’s office you’d like your congressman or help they need. Reps. Chris Carney when the operator comes on. congresswoman to cosponsor both (D-Pa.) and Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) have bills and that you would appreciate joined in sponsoring the Student Key message: Please cosponsor H.R. a response regarding each of the Veteran Counseling Improvement Act. 5385, the Student Veteran Counseling bills. As always, be sure to leave your The legislation tasks the VA with 1) Improvement Act, introduced by Reps. name and address with the staffer, establishing a hotline to help mental Chris Carney and Mark Kirk. Veterans and follow up again with the office health professionals treat veterans with returning to college should have the best in three weeks. post-traumatic stress disorder, depression possible on-site support from mental health and other mental and emotional professionals.

: available Research and Practice LATE SPRING 2010 The Professional Counselor: Research and Practice (TPC) is a scholarly, online, open source journal focusing on counselor practice. Its primary purpose is to promote the practice of professional counseling worldwide by publishing original peer-reviewed manuscripts covering a wide range of empirical, theoretical and innovative counseling topics. The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) invites manuscripts regarding: • Mental health counseling • School counseling • Couples/marriage/family counseling • Career counseling • Supervision • Counseling in student affairs • Ethics and laws • Spirituality in counseling

• Case studies • Counseling diverse populations TM Visit http://tpcjournal.nbcc.org for information and author guidelines.

July 2010 | Counseling Today | 11 Counselor Career Stories - By Rebecca Daniel-Burke

Meg Selig In search of the impetus for change

Rebecca Daniel-Burke: What is your MS: I gravitated toward the Rogerian MS: My passion for health psychology current counseling position? approach. I was amazed that empathy was came about because of a personal Meg Selig: I retired from St. Louis such a powerful tool for helping people experience I had in my 20s. A beloved Community College in 2005 to write a change. When I realized I needed to bring aunt chose to continue smoking even book that had been on my mind for a more focus to my sessions, I began to use after having one lung removed. She died long time. Routledge published that book cognitive therapy and solution-focused several months after her surgery. That was in late 2009 as Changepower! 37 Secrets therapy as well. I’m intrigued with how when I made the decision to quit smoking to Habit Change Success. I had turned 65 ideas in our minds can affect feelings myself in honor of my aunt’s life and death. a few months before and was thrilled to and actions. I explain in my book how Since that event, I have always been on the realize my old dream of being a published motivators — powerful ideas — can lookout to find ways to help students and author at last. So now my main “job” is provide the impetus for change. clients create healthy habits. giving talks about my book to professional RDB: Please say a bit about your favorite When I discovered (James) Prochaska groups, libraries, community organizations counseling position. How was that job for and (Carlo) DiClemente’s stages of change and basically anyone who wants to hear you? model, I exclaimed, “Eureka!” I had found about successful habit change. MS: I have loved working at St. Louis the beginning of my book and subsequent I still teach an eight-session Habit Community College at Florissant Valley, curriculum for my class. I self-published Change class every semester at St. Louis where I’ve been a counselor since 1987. my curriculum materials, then I wrote Community College at Florissant The incredible variety of students; two Changepower! Not only do I retell my Valley and help out occasionally in their wonderful department chairs, Ralph aunt’s story in that book, but my life’s work counseling center, where I worked full time Ankenbrand and Joe Worth; great is now about successful habit change. for 18 years. Habit Change was a class I RDB: So many counselors would like colleagues; the orientation toward teaching developed 10 years ago. This spring, for the to self-publish their thoughts, ideas and and learning — all these things played a first time, I used my own self-help book clinical discoveries, yet few actually do. part. as a text for the class. It was so exciting to What gave you the chutzpah to do that? RDB: Where does your predominant get feedback from my students about what MS: I benefited greatly from assertiveness theoretical orientation come into play in they learned from the book and class. training groups, first as a student, then your work? So, I’m retired the way most people are as a teacher. I had been on the lookout MS: I always try to build on a solid retired these days — not! I’m just pouring for a small group model that would be as foundation of listening and empathy. If I my energy into writing, teaching and helpful to others as assertiveness training speaking rather than into one-on-one don’t, I tend to end up moving too fast for had been for me. I had seen some small counseling. the client or taking over with my so-called group models for addiction rather than RDB: What led you down the path “expert advice.” habit, so I saw a need for a habit change toward a profession in counseling? RDB: How might you start with a client curriculum that could be used in school MS: I started out teaching in middle coming to see you with a problem? and community settings and thought school and had a terrible, traumatic first MS: I find that a “tell me” sentence I would create one. When I discovered year of it. I realized that I needed better — as in, “Tell me why you decided to the stages of change model, I realized it ways to communicate with students and come in today” — gives the client some was the perfect structure for organizing everyone else. I joined a communication room to expand on his/her situation. In a psychoeducational group. Of course, skills group — it was a structured therapy the first session, I also discover if I can all that assertiveness training helped me group — and attended faithfully. By the rule out “harm to self or others.” If not, acquire some chutzpah, too. end of my two years in that group, I felt I go into crisis mode. If so, I then move Also, I did harbor a secret hope that a much more competent as a listener, teacher to gathering background information publisher might pick up my curriculum and person. I decided to pass on what I’d and helping clients define their goals in materials someday. Whether that ever learned by becoming a counselor myself. counseling. How will they know if we’ve happens or not, teaching and keeping I also became intrigued by the power of been successful? Questions like that, so we my curriculum updated has kept me in groups to generate positive changes. can know from the start what success is for the know about the latest research in RDB: As you moved through school, that client. motivation, willpower and habit change. was there one theoretical orientation that RDB: How did you determine what area All that research came in handy when I you gravitated toward more than others? of counseling you were passionate about? decided to write my self-help book, which

12 | Counseling Today | July 2010 did find a wonderful publisher. So it all worked out! RDB: What is the difference between habit and addiction? MS: There are two views about addiction. One, addiction is an extreme LIFEISTOOLONG form of a bad habit and, two, addiction is a disease. I don’t take a position because my TOLIVEITINPAIN focus is on helping people change in a way that’s best for them, whether they define their problem as having a bad habit or an addiction. RDB: Addiction is a scary word. Habit … not so much. MS: So true. I think that may be one of the reasons why I preferred habit to addiction. In any event, a habit change group is a good place to start facing a problem behavior. RDB: Good point. OK, back to your life now. Was there someone who saw something special in you early on? Who valued you as a unique individual? Who are your heroes? MS: My first supervisor, Shirley Salmon-White, encouraged my growth Recovery From Grief as a counselor and as a writer. The late Is Possible Pat Jakubowski, who wrote extensively about assertiveness training, was a great role model for me both as a counselor and a writer. I still cherish Pat’s book, The Assertive Option (written with Arthur Lange). My colleague Howard Rosenthal has been an inspiration and a fount of good advice. My former colleague Elizabeth Powell, now a wonderful friend, sat me ¨ ® down and taught me how to write for a The Grief Recovery general audience. Certification Training Program RDB: Has studying counseling and becoming a professional counselor been 4ǦDayTraining/30CEUHours/Maximum15Participants transformational for you? MS: Definitely! Just one example: PARTIAL2010SCHEDULE As a teen and 20-something, I was (MoreDatesOnline) extremely shy and hang-back. Through communications and assertiveness training JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER groups, I slowly learned to speak up and 9Ǧ12Wilmington,DE 6Ǧ9LasVegas,NV 10Ǧ13SanDiego,CA express myself. Now I can’t seem to stop 9Ǧ12Tampa,FL 6Ǧ9Omaha,NE 10Ǧ13Atlanta,GA talking! Well, that’s a bit of an exaggeration, 9Ǧ12Madison,WI 13Ǧ16SanFrancisco,CA 24Ǧ27LittleRock,AR because I’m an introvert and need lots of 16Ǧ19Dallas,TX 27Ǧ30NewHaven,CT 24Ǧ27Louisville,KY alone time, but my assertive self is alive and 9Ǧ12Indianapolis,IN 24Ǧ27ShermanOaks,CA 23Ǧ26ShermanOaks,CA  well.  RDB: What mistakes have you made ForMoreInformationorToRegister along the way as you became the counselor you are today? More important, what Call800Ǧ334Ǧ7606orVisitTheGriefRecoveryInstituteat lessons have you learned from those WWW.GRIEF.NET mistakes?

July 2010 | Counseling Today | 13 MS: So many mistakes! Too numerous to list! I think what I really learned from my mistakes is to trust what my clients say, or at least give them the benefit of the doubt, even when their experiences seem to be out of my realm of understanding. Information gathered from client self-report is very Creating Your Professional Path: important. RDB: Is there a saying, a book or a quote Lessons From My Journey that you think about when you need to be Gerald Corey inspired regarding your work or when the going gets tough? MS: I love quotes and sayings and In this inspirational book for often memorize my favorites. My book graduate students and new is full of juicy quotes. When working, I counselors, Dr. Corey writes like to remember this quote from Rudolf about personal and professional Dreikurs: “Have the courage to be experiences throughout his 50- imperfect.” year career as a counselor, teacher, RDB: What ways do you find to take care of yourself and to fill yourself back up? counselor educator, psychologist, MS: I enjoy all the little pleasures of supervisor, and writer. He shares daily life with my partner Brian. He’s more recommendations and lessons laid-back than I am; just his attitude gives he has learned—and is still me perspective on my problems. I also take learning—as a way to mentor other time almost every day to do a five-minute professionals and to promote self-reflection about creating one’s meditation or 15 minutes of yoga. This is a own professional path. In addition, 18 graduate students and fragile habit, however. I have to consciously new professionals share stories from their journeys, describe work to relax. My default mode right now is to just keep going until my eyes cross. challenges they have faced, discuss what was helpful to them in I love exercise and have an ironclad pursuing their career path, and provide recommendations for Monday to Friday moderate exercise habit. getting the most from educational experiences. Exercise lifts my mood, keeps me at a healthy weight and relieves stress. Now that Topics covered include Dr. Corey’s reflections on and turning more and more research points to exercise points in his journey, how he developed his approach to as a way of maintaining brain function, I’m counseling and group work, the counselor as a person and as even more determined to keep my exercise program going. a professional, the benefits of being mentored and mentoring RDB: Is there anything else you want others, becoming an ethical counselor, choosing a career path, our readers to know? professional writing, and self-care. 2010 | 232 pgs MS: I would encourage all counselors to realize what a great contribution they are Order #72899 | ISBN 978-1-55620-309-1 making every day. By creating a healing List Price: $24.95 | ACA Member Price: $19.95 and respectful environment for their clients, they are making the world a more humane and friendly place for all of us. u Please include $8.75 for shipping of the first book and $1.00 for each additional book.

Rebecca Daniel-Burke is director of American Counseling Association the ACA Career Center. Contact 800-422-2648 x222 her at [email protected] counseling.org if you have questions, feedback or suggestions for future columns. Letters to the editor: [email protected]

14 | Counseling Today | July 2010 When we improve the immigrant experience, we also enrich our country.

For the past three years, with funding from the Ford Foundation, Excelsior’s Master of Arts in Liberal Studies program has been creating courses and a Web site to prepare teachers to better meet the needs of their immigrant students. Now these courses are available to non-matriculated individuals, particularly counselors and educators wishing to gain understanding of the ethnic populations in their communities.

THE FACE OF IMMIGRATION TODAY: DIASPORA (MLS 691) N EW POPULATIONS AND THE COMMUNITY: DIASPORA (MLS 692) S OCIAL JUSTICE AND SOCIETAL OPPRESSION (MLS 693) To learn more, please go to WWW.EXCELSIOR.EDU/IMMIGRANTCOMMUNITIES or contact Dr. Janet Shideler Associate Dean, Master of Arts in Liberal Studies program.

Call toll free: 888-647-2388 EXT. 8262

OUR CAMPUS IS WHEREVER YOU ARE—

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July 2010 | Counseling Today | 15 New Perspectives - With Donjanea L. Fletcher

Codependency: Good, bad or both?

eriodically, New Perspectives person is controlled or manipulated This represents as much of an obstacle as dedicates space for new by another who is affected with a codependency does. We need to establish Pprofessionals or graduate pathological condition (such as an a balance. counseling students to share addiction to alcohol or heroin). In 1987, The problem is the denial of our cul- developmental experiences in their own Melody Beattie introduced the term to ture. The masses praise and admire coun- words. This month, Isabel Kirk both the self-help world with her best seller terdependency, while codependency is explores and challenges the definition Codependent No More. Today, if you look made out to be shameful and is overdiag- and diagnosis of codependency. A on the Internet, definitions are endless, nosed. Even the Diagnostic and Statistical 2008 graduate of the professional and treatment options to cure it abound. Manual of Mental Disorders lists depen- counseling program at Argosy University’s Regardless of what it means exactly, we dency as a personality disorder, but there Washington, D.C., campus, she works have learned that codependency is bad. is no “independent” personality disorder in private practice and in community But do we, as mental health professionals, category yet. agencies in the Washington metro area. know the real definition of the term? Or In her book Fear and Other Uninvited Guests, psychotherapist and relationship w could we be in part responsible for its negative connotation? Let’s look at this expert Harriet Lerner emphasizes how Isabel Kirk issue. we tend to condemn or diagnose people As a new professional in the field of who exhibit high levels of anxiety or fear. Main considerations counseling, I am impressed with the But we do not do the same with people During my research and consultation number of clients who seek help for who lack the capacity to feel or express with colleagues and supervisors, I came “codependency issues.” This prompted feelings. Therefore, people who present up with three main points. me to research and try to resolve my un- counterdependency go untreated and ease with the use of this term. Many of 1) Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate condemn codependency without know- my clients have received the codependent Dictionary defines dependence as “the ing they are the other side of the coin. label from partners, friends or therapists. quality or state of being influenced or In her latest book, Hold Me Tight, Sue Others have attached the label to them- determined by or subject to another.” Johnson, founder of emotionally focused selves because they are not like other Dependency is necessary to establish any couple therapy, explains in detail how the people. Most of them come looking for a type of relationship, right? After all, we need to connect to another human being “cure” because being codependent is not need to depend on others and let others is innate, just as much as the need to eat. good. The term implies needy, clingy and depend on us to be in relationship. 3) So is codependency a pathological even disturbed. So what might be wrong with the condition, or does it depend on the con- I do not disagree that some people pres- preposition co? In the context of this text? Our society values self-sufficiency, ent pathological levels of codependence. discussion, a codependent is a person strength and achievement. These values But I wonder if, in general, we are apply- who is too close to one of the extremes understandably create a glorified pursuit ing this label appropriately or if its nega- on the spectrum of a healthy relationship. of independence. The problem is that tive connotation is fair. As 21st-century If that is the case, the client and the many take it to the point of narcissistic mental health professionals, what is our therapist need to identify this so the self-absorption or, even worse, as the role regarding this matter? Do we need client can learn a better way to relate. measure for a relationship’s health. The to reconsider its definition, context and 2) During my journey, I found a new cost: high rates of divorce, loneliness and applications? We are recognizing more term, counterdependency, which takes depression. When Mother Teresa was and more, for instance, that the bipolar us to the second consideration. In their asked what she might anticipate becom- category is often misdiagnosed. Is the case 2004 book, Counter-dependency: The ing the worst disease in the Western the same with codependency? Flight From Intimacy, relationship experts world, her answer was loneliness. She I believe the term might be very often Janae B. and Barry K. Weinhold defined said, “One of the greatest diseases is to be used mistakenly. The term originated the term as the “other face of codepen- nobody to anybody.” from the study of alcoholism in the dency.” Their years of research demon- This raises some questions. Are the 1970s. According to Merriam-Webster’s strates that there are people who struggle rates and signs of codependency the same Medical Dictionary, codependence is to form relationships because they are everywhere? Are there more codependent a psychological condition in which a too close to the pole of independence. people in other cultures where relational

16 | Counseling Today | July 2010 My life, my story “My life, my story” profiles individuals new to the counseling profession who are proving to be exceptional. To nominate a student or new professional to be featured, e-mail [email protected].

This month, Melissa Gelnette Internship: Currently interning at is featured as current chair of the the Rape Recovery Center American Mental Health Counselors Association Graduate Student Proudest counseling Committee. accomplishments: Expanding my mental health knowledge so I am Words of advice for students and more equipped to help those in need. Age: 27 new professionals: Get involved I’ve also experienced major personal in professional organizations growth. immediately. Doing this creates Current residence: Salt Lake City professional identity and keeps Biggest challenge: Developing you updated on changes in our Education: B.A. in psychology from a graduate student committee for profession. Also, keep an open mind Clarion University of Pennsylvania; AMHCA’s Utah chapter. Currently, to constantly growing, learning pursuing master’s degree in mental the committee is running successfully and changing. Last, always consult health counseling at University of and doing great things, but it was a with your supervisor or other Phoenix, Utah Campus challenging start. professionals. patterns are different, or has the Western approaches? I believe that before we con- With Morrie: “What is wrong with being world taken its negative connotation tinue treating codependency, we need to dependent? When we are babies, we need to the extreme? And if so, are we, as redefine the term. It is also imperative others to survive; when we are old, we clinicians, guilty of perpetuating this to agree on what the best treatment ap- need others to survive; and in between, condition? proach is so that the client’s self-esteem we need others even more.” u Conclusion doesn’t deteriorate when being referred to Donjanea L. Fletcher is the column The problem with the term codepen- an Alcoholics Anonymous group. editor for New Perspectives and dency might be a matter of semantics. Beattie attempts with her latest book, a student affairs counselor at the But we need to decide. Relationship The New Codependency: Help and Guid- University of West Georgia. If you experts agree that the goal is to achieve ance for Today’s Generation, to clear up are a student or new counseling interdependence. Consequently, both some of the confusion over the topic and professional who would like to patterns — codependence and coun- to remove some of the stigma the term submit a question or an article terdependence — need to be faced and has attracted. Perhaps if we, as profes- to this column, e-mail dfletche@ changed. sionals, start reconsidering the concept, westga.edu. Is treating codependency as an addic- we can help our clients begin to let go of Letters to the editor: tion the best approach? What about the embarrassing labels. After all, as Mitch [email protected] combination of relational and addictions Albom wrote in his best seller Tuesdays

July 2010 | Counseling Today | 17 Private practice in Counseling - By Robert J. Walsh and Norman C. Dasenbrook

No legal loopholes for billing insurance without a license

Q: While waiting for completion clinicians who are not licensed at the Q: I started with a new client this of my LPC (licensed professional appropriate level. We have heard of month and have been billing the counselor) hours, are there any clinicians billing under another clinician’s insurance company my hourly fee of insurance companies that allow for name and National Provider Identifier $130. The client pays me every session billing as a registered psychotherapist (NPI) number. That practice, of course, is but has a $2,500 deductible, which without having my LPC? I know that fraudulent. has not been met yet. She received a many therapists who hold a master’s statement from her insurance company w degree allow their clients to submit stating the in-network contracted rate insurance receipts rather than try to do Q: I am supervising an intern, for therapy is $75.60. Does this mean I it themselves. and her client would like to bill her can’t bill her $130 and that she should A: First, because you do not have a insurance company. Can I bill under be paying me only $75.60? license to practice independently, we my name if I am supervising the case A: You can only collect the contracted will assume you are working under and signing off on case notes? I would rate of $75.60 from your client. We supervision. Second, we assume you appreciate feedback from someone recommend that you bill all insurance have discussed this scenario with your with experience in this. companies, managed care companies supervisor (also see the question below) A: Of course you can’t. As mentioned and third-party payers your regular fee of and are now seeking a second opinion. in the answer to the previous question, $130 (see the question below). They will Insurance companies will not reimburse it is considered fraud to bill for services apply the contracted rate and discount or your counseling services unless you rendered under another clinician’s name waive any portion of your fee that exceeds attain a LPC to practice independently. and NPI number. Working under a their contracted rate. When you verify Before counseling begins, you must supervisor must be spelled out in the the client’s insurance coverage, verify the provide clients with an informed consent informed consent document, which maximum fee or percentage allowed. document that makes them aware you are should also include the terms of fees and offering counseling under a supervisor w payments. Even if the clinician is licensed and that gives them other information Q: I have contracts with a number of to practice independently, a supervisor regarding fees. Other clinicians can give insurance and managed care companies cannot bill for services rendered if he their clients a superbill (see counseling. that have different fee schedules. One or she did not personally provide those org/Counselors/PrivatePracticePointers. insurance company has different fees aspx) or a CMS-1500 insurance form, but services. under the same plan. Some pay as insurance companies will not reimburse w low as $30 per hour, while others pay

18 | Counseling Today | July 2010 much higher rates! How do I bill each company the correct fee? A: Even though you have a contract with a specific insurance company, it is important to verify the client’s insurance coverage. Depending on the plan Cyberbullying: purchased by the client’s employer, fees and coverage can vary greatly within the What Counselors same company. Also, it is important to bill your normal Need to Know fee regardless of what you think the insurance company will reimburse. We “Dr. Bauman does a great job have heard from multiple professional of providing readers with a counselors that when they billed the comprehensive and illuminating company’s stated insurance fee, they were overview of this disturbing reimbursed only a percentage of that fee. issue. The ton of resources and For example, if your fee is $130 and research she presents makes XYZ insurance company pays 85 percent this book a valuable, ready up to a fee of $100, the maximum reimbursed fee would be $85. But if reference.” you bill $85 (the maximum amount —Russell A. Sabella, PhD the insurance company stated it would Florida Gulf Coast University pay), the insurance company will pay This informative book offers complete, up-to-date coverage of you $72.25 (85 percent of $85). Oops! the growing problem of cyberbullying. Written for counselors, You just took an inadvertent pay cut. We teachers, school leaders, and others who work with children and work too hard as counselors to have that teens, Cyberbullying addresses the real-life dangers students’ face happen. on the Internet. Ó䣣ÊUÊÓ£xÊ«}à w Benefits and Features The Illinois Mental Health Counselors ■ Discussion of the different types of cyberbullying Association is sponsoring the workshop and cyberbullying environments “Starting, Maintaining and Expanding ■ Overview of prominent theories of aggressive behavior Private Practice” on Sept. 11 in ■ Examination of the developmental differences in cyberbullying Oakbrook, Ill. Check the website at and victimization across the life span imhca.org/calendar/workshops_other.html ■ Practical tips to identify and follow cyberfootprints for details. ■ Proactive responses to cyberbullying On Sept. 18, the Louisiana Counseling ■ Effective, nonpunitive strategies for responding to cyberbullying Association will sponsor a preconference ■ workshop, “Starting, Maintaining and Useful information for parents on current technology and Expanding Private Practice: Surviving popular websites or Thriving,” at its annual convention. ■ Guidance on the role of counselors in prevention, Online registration is available after July 1 intervention, and advocacy at lacounseling.org/index.php?option=com_ ■ Chapter on adult cyberbullying content&view=article&id=128&Itemid= ■ List of helpful websites, books, and media ■ 191. u Appendix with review of the latest cyberbullying research

Order #72900 - ʙÇn‡£‡xxÈÓä‡Ó™{‡ä ACA members can e-mail their questions to Robert J. Walsh ˆÃÌÊ*ÀˆVi\Êfә°™xÊ ACA Member Price: $24.95 and Norman C. Dasenbrook at Please include $8.75 for shipping of the first book [email protected] and access a and $1.00 for each additional book. series of “Private Practice Pointers” on the ACA website at counseling.org. American Counseling Association Letters to the editor: nää‡{ÓӇÓÈ{nÊÝÓÓÓÊUÊVœÕ˜Ãiˆ˜}°œÀ} [email protected]

July 2010 | Counseling Today | 19 Resource Reviews - With Ruth Harper

Evaluation Policy and Evaluation how evaluation policy is set.” The editors tends to characterize the unit. Chelimsky Practice: New Directions for then proceed to discuss the implications does an exemplary job of clarifying the Evaluation 123, Fall 2009 of this reality in terms of how a variety rivalries and resentments that often arise Edited by William M. K. Trochim, Melvin of different stakeholders conceptualize as an inevitable consequence of these M. Mark and Leslie J. Cooksy, 2009, evaluation. pressures. Her discussion affords the New Directions for Evaluation, During the past two decades, a reader some very interesting insights into No. 123, Jossey-Bass, 128 pages, discernible shift has taken place in how evaluation policy is often translated $29, ISBN: 978-0470556924 most disciplines toward “evidenced- into evaluation practice. Are you doing based” practices. In the United States, It should be noted that Chelimsky has a good job? Are for example, the federal government the credentials to speak authoritatively your clients getting has accentuated empirical verification about her subject matter. For 14 better as a result of as a primary criterion in evaluating years, she oversaw a division of the your interventions? research proposals in the social sciences Government Accountability Office that Is society getting a and education. Applications that do was responsible for conducting formal significant return not include an evaluation component evaluations for Congress in a number of on its investment grounded in scientific research typically different areas. She had a staff of about in your work? are not funded. This change has had 100 social scientists at her disposal. If More important, a profound impact on fields such as nothing else, she reminds us that even so- can you prove it? mental health counseling, which has not called empirical studies are still subject to Evaluation Policy and Evaluation historically engaged in or even valued this the prejudices inherently associated with Practice is designed to help you answer kind of external validation. human preferences and biases. exactly those kinds of questions. The Along these lines, Trochim notes that Toward the end of the book, the book is part of the New Directions for “President Obama has pledged to review editors argue convincingly that “the Evaluation series, published quarterly all government programs to identify those development of sound evaluation by Jossey-Bass in conjunction with the that work and those that don’t, and to policy may be especially important in a American Evaluation Association (AEA). make vital programs work better than context of the economic uncertainties.” For the record, William M. K. Trochim they do now.” It is no longer acceptable This is a nontrivial point that is hardly is director of the Office for Research to engage in strategies or techniques that, controversial. As our efforts to address Evaluation at Cornell University; Melvin on the basis of the perceptions of those societal problems are increasingly M. Mark is head of the Department engaged in the practices, just “seem to constrained by fiscal realities, evaluation of Psychology at Pennsylvania State work.” The anecdotal documentation will take on an even greater significance. University; and Leslie J. Cooksy is a typically offered as “evidence” of their Those who are unable to substantiate that faculty member at the University of success is no longer adequate as a their efforts are making a difference in a Delaware and president of AEA. justification for their continued use. precise and verifiable way will eventually The relatively concise volume is In a particularly engaging chapter find themselves with decreasing resources. composed of seven chapters written by on the role of evaluation policy Evaluation Policy and Evaluation various experts in the field of evaluation. in government programs, Eleanor Practice is an excellent resource for Whereas most of the book is written Chelimsky describes three levels of counselors attempting to establish in a distinctly American voice, it was political pressure that have a direct the efficacy of a particular therapeutic refreshing to find that two of the influence on precipitating the need approach. The implications are chapters examine evaluation policy in the for a more definitive framework from unambiguous; this is a dimension of European Union and the Netherlands. which to operate. These levels are “cross- professional practice that will continue to The inclusion of international branch politics,” which encompasses expand in scope and priority. perspectives serves to give the ideas the almost constant tension between the As Trochim, Mark and Cooksy presented a much more universal appeal. executive and legislative branches, the point out, we all need to become more As the editors observe in the initial “bureaucratic climate” that exists within comfortable with the notion of constant chapter, “There is not a single, any given agency or department and the evaluation. It must be seamlessly generalizable answer to the question of “dominant professional culture” that integrated into every aspect of what we

20 | Counseling Today | July 2010 ing readers to examine the evidence that This moving monograph will be supports (or challenges) a belief. Logging of interest to those in the helping instances of confidence and competence professions who face extending their is one method recommended to reinforce caring responsibilities into their family acting and feeling more confident. and personal lives. The resource would This book is highly recommended for be strengthened, in some areas, by more counselors who work with adolescent/adult current statistics regarding older adults, A small sampling of other recent students or clients in virtually any setting. as well as a broader scope (beyond the titles that counselors might find Recognizing, rethinking and replacing anecdotal). That said, this small volume informative or interesting. negative thoughts with reality-based con- packs an emotional wallop that perhaps fidence is the goal of this book — and it can best be conveyed by individual Think Confident, Be Confident: does a splendid job of doing just that. experience. A 4-Step Program to Eliminate Reviewed by Ruth Harper. Doubt and Achieve Lifelong Reviewed by Ruth Harper, professor of counseling and human development, South Self-Esteem Please Knock! Dakota State University. By Leslie Sokol and Marci G. Fox, 2009, By Erin Dolgan, 2006, Paros Press, 18 Perigree, 240 pages, $14.95, ISBN: 978- Career & Caregiving: Empowering pages, $19.95, ISBN: 978-0978562823 0-399-53529-1 the Shadow Workforce of Family Through clinical Longtime asso- Caregivers experience and re- ciates of the Beck Edited by Sally D. Gelardin, 2009, National search, Erin Dolgan Institute of Cog- Career Development Association, 85 has crafted a beau- nitive Therapy pages, $25 (NCDA member); $35 tiful collection and Research, (nonmember), ISBN: 978-1-885333-28-5 of short poems Leslie Sokol and that facilitate the This book from Marci G. Fox important discus- NCDA takes a have produced a sion of children’s highly personal highly readable, personal safety. Within Please Knock!, user-friendly look at the issue of Dolgan aims to address the issue of “rela- and reasonably priced handbook that caregiving from the tive danger,” noting that the majority of addresses the widespread issue and perspective of what sexual abuse stems from family members, impact of overpowering self-doubt. In Donald Super would friends or other trusted adults. clear, compassionate steps, this book call a “significant life Please Knock! is written in simple lan- urges readers to 1) label self-doubt, 2) role.” At some point guage for children, but it has the potential question it, 3) rethink it and 4) take ac- in their lives, most people face the need to to educate countless parents and families tion against debilitating self-doubt that provide care for another person and, even- about the risks of abuse and victimization. can interfere with the ability to lead a tually, to accept care from others. Almost Specifically, this book will assist parents productive, happy life. every chapter in this monograph shares a who may be uncomfortable approaching Utilizing a cognitive approach, these deeply private set of circumstances that the the sometimes sensitive subjects of personal authors pose practical, effective methods contributors hope will help others plan for space and intimacy. Dolgan gracefully for addressing a lack of confidence in and cope with such situations. tackles these topics, along with the related any area of life. “Doubt tests” help read- Given the aging of the U.S. population issues of modesty, trust, growing up, se- ers identify their styles of relating and and the current state of the national econo- crets, respect and mistakes adult make. The determine whether a doubt is a realistic my, families will be well served to consider poems and illustrations allow children to concern or an “enemy within.” Specific in advance how they will handle the special understand these issues in a developmen- examples that most people can easily strains and stresses of caregiving, from tally appropriate manner. relate to (for example, your colleague did accessible housing options to necessary Most significantly,Please Knock! allows not say hello to you) model both doubt- breaks from paid employment. One lesson children to understand that their voices based responses (“I wonder if he’s mad at many of the contributors have learned is are important and that they can be me”) and realistic responses (“From past that to better be able to assist others — as heard. Professionals could use this book experience, the most likely explanation is well as to possibly require less help oneself to provide an avenue to empowerment that he’s distracted”). The book is filled — it is important to actively pursue one’s for children, helping them to express with strategies, possible responses, cogni- own physical and mental health. Another their feelings regarding dangerous or tions and reality tests that will be useful lesson is the editor’s valuable suggestion of inappropriate situations. to many people in many situations. employing a planning team “because fam- Reviewed by Tamara Nold, graduate Looking at “if/then” thinking patterns ily caregiving is an endeavor that affects student in counseling and human (“If I make a mistake, then I am a fail- all aspects of a caregiver’s home and work resource development, South Dakota State ure”) is particularly helpful in encourag- life.” University. u

July 2010 | Counseling Today | 21 do. Their book serves as the perfect guide counselor as well as the joys of learning providing the reader with tools and for this process. to mentor others. Corey finds that both considerations for implementation. Reviewed by Aaron W. Hughey, professor aspects of this crucial process provide a The text transitions smoothly from of counseling and student affairs, Western sense of connectedness among counselors. one approach to the next, providing Kentucky University. Chapter 4 addresses the concept of a satisfying sampling of supervisory developing a personal approach to strategies. counseling. Here, Corey provides a Particularly fascinating to clinical Creating Your Professional Path: brief overview of the major counseling supervisors will be Chapter 7, which Lessons From My Journey theories. One of the central lessons of this outlines a relational approach to By Gerald Corey, 2010, American book is to give yourself time to learn and supervision and focuses on addressing Counseling Association, 232 pages, discover. In reading this book, you’ll be discord in both the therapeutic and $19.95 (ACA members); $24.95 doing just that. supervisory alliances. Utilizing relational (nonmembers), Order #72899, ISBN: methods, authors Jeremy D. Safran, Reviewed by Stacey Stump, doctoral student, 978-1-55620-309-1 J. Christopher Muran, Christopher North Dakota State University. Professional Stevens and Michael Rothman offer a development is unique approach for handling ruptures or the overall theme Casebook for Clinical Supervi- strains within a therapeutic or supervisory of Creating Your sion: alliance. The chapter clearly outlines a Professional Path: A Competency-Based Approach model to implement in group supervision Lessons From My Edited by Carol A. Falender and sessions utilizing mindfulness exercises, Journey, making Edward P. Shafranske, 2008, American video and audio tapes and role-plays. It it a very useful, Psychological Association, 259 pages, also offers suggestions for debriefing at the end of the group meeting. This well- comprehensive $59.95, ISBN: 978-1433803420 organized chapter enables the reader to resource for Providing clearly conceptualize this approach, and graduate competent clinical understanding is further enhanced by a counseling students as well as new supervision is a real-life example. professionals beginning their careers as daunting task for Although individual chapters do not practitioners or counselor educators. many counselors. provide enough information to expertly With a career spanning half a century as a All too often, implement any one specific approach, the counselor, counselor educator, supervisor clinical supervisors diverse approaches illustrated throughout and prolific writer in the field, Gerald are practicing the text provide a launching pad for Corey brings tremendous credibility to clinicians with supervisors to begin exploring which the task. This text provides a theoretical little to no training clinical supervision styles correspond framework for developing a personal in clinical supervision practice. The best with their own beliefs, values and approach to counseling, group work and Casebook for Clinical goals for their supervision practice. The becoming an ethical counselor, while Supervision: A Competency-Based Casebook for Clinical Supervision would be also stressing the importance of both Approach aims to help the reader a valuable resource for beginning clinical obtaining and becoming a mentor. conceptualize and provide supervision supervisors and counselor educators who In Chapter 2, Corey explains the from a variety of approaches, including are working to enhance competencies in personal and professional aspects of developmental, theoretically based and clinical supervision. being a counselor and includes some of systemic perspectives. the frustrations and challenges involved. Dialogues between supervisors and Reviewed by Amber Bach-Gorman, mental Stories from a variety of practitioners supervisees within the different chapters health counselor and doctoral student, North drive home these themes. provide well-illustrated examples of Dakota State University. u Chapter 8 is particularly useful to the various modes of supervision in doctoral-level students because it focuses practice. The resulting blend of theory on the importance of becoming a good and practice provides the reader a clear writer. Corey details the experience vision of how to establish a supervisory of completing a dissertation, as well relationship that results in strong clinical Ruth Harper is a professor of as preparing effective proposals for competence. counseling and human resource presentations at professional conferences, Consisting of 11 chapters from development at South Dakota State producing meaningful letters of multiple contributors, this text offers University. Contact her at Ruth. recommendation and tackling articles for insights on navigating varying aspects [email protected]. professional journals. of clinical supervision, including Master’s-level students will find addressing legal and ethical concerns in Letters to the editor: Chapters 3 and 4 particularly supervision and evaluating and enhancing [email protected] enlightening. Chapter 3 discusses the supervision. Each chapter highlights significance of being mentored as a new a specific supervision approach while

22 | Counseling Today | July 2010 Find Fresh Ideas for Your Courses in These Top-Selling ACA Textbooks!

ACA Ethical Standards Casebook, self, professional boundaries, records and documentation, and Sixth Edition managing your practice. Barbara Herlihy and Gerald Corey 2008 | 225 pgs | ISBN 978-1-55620-276-6 Order #72857 | List Price: $47.95 The Casebook provides a detailed analysis ACA Member Price: $35.95 of the 2005 ACA Code of Ethics, a foundation for ethical decision making in Multicultural Issues in Counseling: New counseling practice, and expert guidance Approaches to Diversity, Third Edition in applying ethical standards in work with edited by Courtland C. Lee diverse clients. The sixth edition reflects the latest changes in the Code, including Innovative techniques for working with modifications to thinking on dual 21 diverse client populations are presented relationships, online counseling, and the in this text. New chapters on working nuances of culturally sensitive counseling. with multiracial individuals and families, 2006 | 280 pgs | ISBN 978-1-55620-255-1 Native Americans, African American Order #72839 | List Price: $58.95 women and girls, Korean Americans, ACA Member Price: $36.95 GLBT persons, people with disabilities, and socioeconomically disadvantaged Assessment in Counseling: A Guide to the clients are included, as are chapters on Use of Psychological Assessment Procedures, ethics and multicultural research. Fourth Edition 2006 | 427 pgs | ISBN 978-1-55620-189-9 Order #72706 | List Price: $65.95 Albert B. Hood and Richard W. Johnson ACA Member Price: $46.95 This handbook describes the basic principles of psychological assessment and Developing & Managing Your School the most widely used tests by counselors. Guidance and Counseling Program, Hood and Johnson explain how to Fourth Edition choose and administer testing instruments, Norman C. Gysbers and Patricia Henderson conduct assessments, and interpret and communicate test results. More than 100 This top-seller presents an empowering instruments on intelligence, academic response to the challenges and reforms aptitude, career development, personal taking place within the current values measurement, interpersonal relationships, mental educational system—as well as a one- health, and ethnic minority populations are discussed. of-a-kind organizational framework for establishing or improving K–12 school 2007 | 348 pgs | ISBN 978-1-55620-261-2 counseling programs. This edition is fully Order #72846 | List Price: $64.95 updated to reflect current practice and ACA Member Price: $46.95 includes increased attention to counselor accountability and the diverse range of issues students The Counselor and the Law: A Guide to Legal and present. Ethical Practice, Fifth Edition 2006 | 529 pgs | ISBN 978-1-55620-243-8 Anne Marie “Nancy” Wheeler and Burt Bertram Order #72843 | List Price: $64.95 ACA Member Price: $46.95 In this text, Wheeler and Bertram provide an overview of the law and the potential areas of liability that counselors may Please include $8.75 for shipping of the first book encounter. It is revised in accordance and $1.00 for each additional book. with the 2005 ACA Code of Ethics and contains current information on federal American Counseling Association and state law. Topics addressed include: civil malpractice liability, licensure board 800-422-2648 x222 complaints, confidentiality, HIPAA, duty counseling.org to warn, suicide and threats of harm to

July 2010 | Counseling Today | 23 The Digital Psyway - By J. Steve Rainey and Lynne Guillot Miller School counselor resources for college planning

ne of the most difficult Testing to help students calculate the cost of responsibilities for new Many students begin the college search specific colleges as well as expenses they Osecondary school counselors is and admissions process through college may require beyond tuition. Additionally, helping students and parents navigate the admissions tests such as the PSAT/ certain sites allow students and their plethora of websites related to college and NMSQT, SAT, ACT and others, which parents to calculate the estimated career planning. Guiding students and often leads to a barrage of questions from financial aid they could receive from parents through this maze of information students and parents. School counselors the federal government. Other websites can require a lot of time. typically have to respond to questions provide information regarding alternative In this article, we are listing some of the related to test formats, specific college/ sources of aid, such as loans, scholarships, most beneficial websites used by many of university testing standards and how college savings plans and more. these tests are weighted in admissions the school counselors we know. It is our n FinAid: finaid.org hope that these sites will provide valuable decisions. information both to school counselors Many students don’t know what to n Tuition Funding Resources: and their students — and save some expect from these tests and experience tuitionfundingsources.com a great deal of anxiety as a result. The searching time in the process. n The Tuition Exchange: following websites may help reduce Professional organizations anxiety. They provide useful information, tuitionexchange.org Many professional organizations practice tests with sample questions and n Fastweb: fastweb.com have college counseling information test-taking tips. In addition, they include that is potentially valuable to new and information and programs related to the n Federal Student Aid: fafsa.ed.gov experienced school counselors alike. college and career search. n eStudentLoan: estudentloan.com For example, the National Association n Educational Testing Service: ets.org for College Admission Counseling n Student Aid on the Web: (nacacnet.org) has extensive resources n ACT: act.org studentaid.ed.gov for school counselors related to n The College Board: collegeboard.org college admissions counseling. The College information American School Counselor Association n Kaplan Test Preparation: kaplan.com After students get a clearer picture of (schoolcounselor.org), a division of the what they can afford and the financial n The Princeton Review: American Counseling Association, can resources available to them, they and princetonreview.com guide school counselors through website their families will want to explore specific colleges. Internet resources can help items, journal articles and newsletter Financial aid features related to college admissions counselors, students and families compare The next step in the college admissions what each college or university has to counseling, college and career choice and process might be to help students and financial aid information. The American offer. Some websites provide virtual parents explore ways of paying for college college tours (for instance, campustours. Council on Education manages a website and determining the types of schools (collegeispossible.com) that provides com or ecampustours.com). Others share they can afford. By covering this early reviews of colleges and universities by college admissions information for in the process, students and parents can former and current students (unigo.com). students from underserved communities. get a realistic view of what is available to School counselors interested in detailed them. For example, one of the hardest Application materials information about private colleges and conversations I (Lynne Guillot Miller) and consultation services universities should access the website of had as a school counselor was with a Once students have narrowed down the National Association of Independent student and her parents after she was the list of colleges they would like to Colleges and Universities (naicu.edu). accepted into an Ivy League school. attend, the application process begins. Finally, for student-athletes, the National Unfortunately, financial aid was very Two websites that should be familiar Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) limited, and she and her family were to school counselors are those for the provides critical information regarding unable to find a way to afford for her to Common Application (commanapp.org) athletic recruitment and eligibility for attend. and the Universal College Application athletic scholarships at eligibilitycenter.org. Many websites contain interactive tools (universalcollegeapp.com). School

24 | Counseling Today | July 2010 counselors can direct students to these sites also provide information for and admissions. With such a wealth of websites such as college-admission-essay. students in middle schools as they begin information available, it is important for com/resources.html for resources related planning for college. The information school counselors to be aware of these to writing admission essays, requesting on most of these sites tends to be similar, sites, not only for their own information, letters of recommendation and preparing so users can choose the site or sites with but so they can refer students and families for the college interview. which they are most comfortable on the to them. For those students in need of aid basis of how one accesses information and w beyond what it is possible for school navigates a particular site. counselors to provide, help is available. Did we miss something? Submit your n Career and College Planning For example, students might struggle suggestions to Marty Jencius, column Resources: khake.com/page51.html with narrowing down their choices or editor for The Digital Psyway, at completing college applications. In such n College Answer: collegeanswer.com [email protected]. You can find the links cases, the Web can offer consultation mentioned in this article, in addition to n College Navigator: services that provide more individualized other links, on the column’s companion nces.ed.gov/ipeds/cool help. A fee may be attached to such site at digitalpsyway.net. u personal assistance, so school counselors n College Confidential: should have parents and students explore collegeconfidential.com the options and find the services they require. Possible resources include n Careers and Colleges: J. Steve Rainey and Lynne Guillot collegequest.com and getintocollege.com. careersandcolleges.com Miller are faculty members in the One-stop shopping n CollegeView: collegeview.com counseling and human development There are also a number of sites that services program at Kent State provide a one-stop shopping experience n Wiseman Tech: University. for the college admissions process. wisemantech.com/guidance Most of these sites include admissions There are many websites that offer Letters to the editor: and application time lines as well as college-related help to students and [email protected] information regarding each college or their parents. We have provided a few university,217-473 financialCalU SportCounseling aid and the transition 7x5 4c:LayoutInternet resources1 12/22/09 that we 12:00 believe PM to be Page 1 from high school to college. Many of beneficial regarding testing, financial aid

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July 2010 | Counseling Today | 25 ACA Blog Sampler - By David McCord School counselors, mental health counselors: Different? Alike?

s I read through the various so fast that I have to struggle to keep my that school counselors can establish bet- blog posts on the ACA website, head above water. Though no matter how ter connections to other counselors. I A I started to think about how hard the day is, I always feel like I made a have many students who have counselors school counselors are different from and difference. outside of the school, but it seems that [similar to] other mental health profes- I have not worked as a counselor in any we are often not connected. Imagine how sionals. We both share the hope of being setting other than an elementary school. we could help our mutual clients if we able to help people. We all work to help Therefore, my notion of what a typical just reached out to each other and shared people with their personal and interper- day is like for other counseling profes- our experiences and counseling strategies. sonal needs. However, we work in very sionals is limited. From my understand- Counselors in both settings who work different settings, with different expecta- ing, counselors who work in a non-school with children and teenagers could im- tions of how we do our work. How can setting seem to work in a much different prove their clients’ growth and develop- we learn from each other’s differences and way. Clients are seen on a scheduled basis, ment by coordinating and collaborating similarities to benefit our clients? have longer and routine counseling ses- in our work. I drive home from work every day (at sions, and time is spent exploring deeper w least an hour, so I have plenty of time to therapeutic connections. Despite these Visit my.counseling.org/ to read ACA think) reflecting on the work I have done differences, I imagine that those of you blog posts on a wide variety of topics of that day. In my average day, I see approxi- who work as counselors in a private prac- interest to counseling professionals and mately 10 to 20 students; have one coun- tice or mental health clinic have the same counselors-in-training. Multiple posts are seling group, a meeting (or two or three), feeling that I do as you head home after a added each week, and reader comments one or two lunch bunches (hangout time long day of helping others. I assume you are encouraged. u with the kids at lunch), and one or two have the self-satisfaction that maybe that Guidance classes (character education, day you helped someone change them- social/emotional lessons); and talk with selves for the better. David McCord is a school parents, teachers, staff and administra- As I begin this blog experience, I hope counselor for Montgomery County tion. Then you have days where all your that you can learn something from my Public Schools. His theoretical planned work must be rescheduled to experiences as a school counselor. I also interests are in solution-focused help a child struggling with a life change, hope that I can learn something from theory and play therapy. ranging from the passing of a pet to a other counseling professionals and take traumatic family event. The day flies by that back to help my students. I hope

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26 | Counseling Today | July 2010 Ethics Desk Reference for Counselors Developing Clinical Skills for Jeffrey E. Barnett and W. Brad Johnson Substance Abuse Counseling Daniel Yalisove This pocket guide will help you in- terpret and apply the ACA Code of In Part I of this handbook, Dr. Ethics in order to prevent and resolve Yalisove discusses counselor roles ethical dilemmas. In Part I, the au- and the principles of substance thors provide an easily understood abuse counseling. He then provides translation of each Standard of the a synopsis of several key substance Code, followed by a discussion of abuse theories as well as his own common challenges associated with Building Session Goals and Strategies the Standard and a list of recom- method and the Eight Stage Process mendations for maintaining ethical, preventive practice in of Counseling approach, all of which the topical area. Part II contains an ethical decision-making are practical, compatible means for learning and mastering model and specific, practical strategies for responding to clinical counseling skills. Part II illustrates applications of frequently faced concerns surrounding culture and diversi- these approaches in clinical situations using experiential ex- ty, confidentiality, suicidal clients, boundary issues and mul- ercises, role-plays, and clinical scenario examples. Chapters tiple relationships, competence, supervision, managed care, on group work, counseling clients with dual disorders, fam- termination, and responses to subpoenas. 2010 224 pgs ily counseling, and working with diverse client populations Order #72893 ISBN 978-1-55620-298-8 follow, with a helpful chapter on creating client treatment List Price: $44.95 ACA Member Price: $32.95 plans and writing clinical reports rounding out the book. 2010 232 pgs A Job Search Manual for Counselors Order #72895 ISBN 978-1-55620-307-7 and Counselor Educators: How to List Price: $44.95 ACA Member Price: $29.95 Navigate and Promote Your Counseling Career ACA Advocacy Competencies: Shannon Hodges and Amy Reece Connelly A Social Justice Framework for Counselors This handbook presents how-to tips edited by Manivong J. Ratts, Rebecca L. Toporek, for counselors seeking positions in and Judith A. Lewis counselor education, college and com- munity college counseling, schools, Experts discuss how counselors, and community agencies. Whether counselor educators, and students you are trying to land your first job, can use the ideals in the ACA changing career paths, or launching Advocacy Competencies with di- your own private practice, this book verse client populations, across demystifies the process and highlights various counseling settings, and in what you need to know to find fulfilling work. Topics multiple specialty areas. Examples include tapping into the hidden job market, developing a in each chapter provide guidance as résumé/vita, writing winning cover letters, using job search to when individual empowerment planning tools, enhancing networking skills, interviewing counseling is sufficient or when situations call for advo- with search committees, handling rejection, and moving cacy on behalf of clients or their communities within from one counseling setting or specialty to another. 2010 the public arena or political domain. Thought provoking 200 pgs and engaging, this book is an invaluable resource for Order #72894 ISBN 978-1-55620-297-1 teaching and course work and a call for all counselors List Price: $24.95 ACA Member Price: $19.95 to participate in social justice and systems change. 2010 264 pgs AMERICAN COUNSELING Order #72896 ISBN 978-1-55620-293-3 ASSOCIATION • 800-422-2648 x222 List Price: $64.95 ACA Member Price: $46.95 Counseling.org

July 2010 | Counseling Today | 27 Confronting the threat of suicide

Many counselors’ worst nightmare is that one of their clients will complete suicide, but what can be done to identify the risk and intervene before it is too late? By Lynne Shallcross

t age 16, Kim Johancen-Walt says. “I believe that Kevin’s death may became a suicide survivor have been prevented if he had received A after her brother, Kevin, took early treatment that not only addressed his own life through carbon monoxide his symptoms but also the psychological poisoning in 1988. pain that fueled them. Furthermore, Johancen-Walt, who grew up in a treatment may have provided him with suburb of Denver, recalls being both additional information and skills that deeply saddened and incredibly angry may have ultimately made a difference in with her brother for ending his life. “I his decision to end his life.” remember [a friend’s father] telling me In 1999, 11 years after Kevin’s death, the night Kevin was found that there the surgeon general declared suicide would never be a day in my life that I a public health crisis in the United wouldn’t think about my brother and States. But in more than a decade since the circumstances surrounding his that pronouncement, not enough has death,” says Johancen-Walt, an American changed, says Darcy Haag Granello, a Counseling Association member who professor of counselor education at Ohio works in private practice in Durango, State University and a member of ACA. Colo., and serves as a senior counselor “There are some pockets of excellent and assistant training director at Fort programming, but as a nation, we have Lewis College. “Although I am happy to not taken this on,” she says. say that I actually have had days — many, Nationwide, Granello says, more than in fact — that I have not thought about 34,000 people die each year from suicide Kevin or his suicide, those words were my — about 90 people per day. In a report first lesson in coming to terms with how based on a 16-state survey and published much my life was going to be changed. by the Centers for Disease Control and Accepting the full impact of my brother’s Prevention in May, suicide was found to decision to commit suicide has been an be the leading cause of violent death in essential part of my own healing process.” 2007, putting it ahead of homicides. After her brother’s death, her own life Adding to the problem, Granello says, took an altered path, Johancen-Walt says, is that although people in crisis often which included developing a passion turn to counseling, not enough counselor for suicide prevention. Growing up, training has been focused on suicide Johancen-Walt was sexually abused by her prevention. “The average amount of brother. Although it was never confirmed, training in counselor education is less her family believes Kevin was also sexually than one hour on suicide prevention and abused at a babysitter’s house when he intervention. The absurdity of that is was a child. “Kevin had untreated anxiety, that as counselors, these are the people had developed a substance abuse problem we see — these are our clients — yet with alcohol and was having problems we are not preparing our graduate at work and in meaningful relationships student population sufficiently to handle at the time of his death,” Johancen-Walt these clients,” says Granello, adding

28 | Counseling Today | July 2010 she is pleased that the new CACREP their thoughts and feelings openly, On alert for risk factors Standards include suicide prevention and so counselors have a real opportunity The potential threat of suicide intervention. to serve as that outlet, Granello says. cuts across all lines, regardless of the Granello and her husband, Paul, “Engage people in the conversation. … counselor’s setting, says ACA member conduct training for a variety of groups, There’s no magic to it. Ask the question Jason McGlothlin, associate professor at including counselors, psychologists, [and] open the conversation.” Kent State University and coordinator teachers and emergency room personnel, “From my experience, there is great of the university’s counseling and and in those sessions, the Granellos offer opportunity for the counselor who has a human development services master’s programs. “Research says if you haven’t a distinct, bottom-line message. “The suicidal client who is talking about [his No. 1 thing we tell counselors is to ask had a suicidal client yet, you will at some or her] suicidal thoughts or behaviors,” the question — ask it often and ask it point.” concurs Johancen-Walt. “This is not only in different ways. Ask if they’re feeling With that in mind, it’s important for an opportunity for a counselor to gather suicidal. Ask if they’re thinking of killing all counselors to gain an understanding more information about actual risk, such themselves. The take-home message of the risk factors and to stay alert everywhere we go is ‘Just ask,’” says as determining whether the client has an for potential tip-offs with clients. Granello, coauthor of Suicide, Self-Injury actual plan and the means to carry out McGlothlin, author of Developing and Violence in the Schools: Assessment, the plan, but it is also an opportunity to Clinical Skills in Suicide Assessment, Prevention and Intervention Strategies, challenge irrational beliefs that the client’s Prevention and Treatment, published being published by ACA this summer. life will be better if [he or she is] dead. by ACA, offers five key emotional risk Counselors can inadvertently make I am much more concerned about the factors typically found among individuals assumptions about whether clients are client who is not talking about suicide who are suicidal. He adds that these risk suicidal, and those assumptions are often if I have determined that clusters of risk factors are common across all age ranges. wrong, Granello warns. She tells the factors are present.” One is hopelessness, which might involve counselors she trains to ask the question In these types of crisis situations, it’s a client being unable to see a future. every time they meet with a client, even important for counselors to understand Another is helplessness — a feeling that if it’s during a career counseling session. that dying isn’t the client’s true desire, no one can help and there is no way out. “Many times, people say no the first time. Granello emphasizes. “People who are A third is worthlessness, which might They don’t know you, they don’t feel suicidal don’t want to die. That’s not the encompass a client feeling that he or she comfortable. And by the time they get to goal,” she says. “People who are suicidal isn’t worth saving or that life isn’t worth know you and trust you, you don’t ask want the pain to end.” The feeling has living. Fourth is loneliness, which isn’t necessarily indicative of a lack of friends it anymore.” Counselors need to ask the been called “psycheache,” Granello says, question even after they become familiar or support. Instead, McGlothlin says, a and clients battling it might be unable with a client, Granello says, not just the client might feel empty inside, as though to envision themselves going another first time they meet that client. something is missing. The fifth emotional day with the deep, intense pain that Research shows that talking about risk factor is depression. suicide decreases the actual risk, Granello it involves. “The fact that people who To date, research has identified more says. In fact, she says, 80 percent of are suicidal are telling people, reaching than 100 risk factors leading to the people who die by suicide tell someone out in a way they know how, means possibility of suicide, Granello says. about their plans in the week prior to that they are looking for some relief. Although acknowledging that it is their death. Unfortunately, Granello From a counseling perspective, that’s a difficult to assign a degree of significance says, individuals confronted with these really positive thing. What it means is to every factor, she believes certain factors revelations most often respond with we can help people work through that are worth spotlighting. For instance, 90 silence, ridicule or minimizing. People intense psychological pain and find a way percent of people who die by suicide have very few places they can talk about through it. That’s fantastic.” have some kind of psychiatric disorder,

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July 2010 | Counseling Today | 29 most commonly depression or bipolar wounding’ associated with the previous The most important first step as a disorder, she says. Additional major risk suicide attempt puts someone at great counselor in determining suicide risk is to factors include substance use and abuse, risk of further attempts or completion. conduct a thorough assessment, according a sense of hopelessness, a rigid cognitive Counselors working with clients who to McGlothlin. Some counselor education structure leading to poor coping skills have previously attempted suicide must programs promote a triage approach or the inability to problem solve, and address the unresolved feelings and to assessment, he says. PIMP (which perfectionism and impulsivity, especially thoughts that may have contributed to inquires whether the client has a Plan, in young people, Granello says. A the original attempt.” the Intent and the Means to complete previous suicide attempt is another major Other risk factors Johancen-Walt cites suicide, and has made Prior attempts) is risk factor. However, Granello adds, only include history of trauma, untreated one example of a suicide-risk screening about one-third of people who complete depression and anxiety, history of suicide that can be completed in a matter of suicide have made a previous attempt. in the family or peer group, substance minutes. That might be appropriate in a “So it’s a good statistic,” she says, “but abuse, other self-harming behaviors triage situation when a quick assessment it doesn’t account for two-thirds of the and problems with primary support is needed, such as in a hospital or an people.” systems. “Risk factors that counselors inpatient clinic, but if a counselor is That said, Johancen-Walt believes a may not always be aware of include the going to see the client more than once, client’s previous suicide attempt is a risk loss of meaningful relationships and McGlothlin says, a much more thorough factor strongly deserving of counselors’ issues related to sexual identity or sexual assessment should be used. attention. “Edwin Schneidman, a great orientation,” she adds. “Furthermore, a The “simple steps” model, which pioneer in the field of suicide research, client who is impulsive or has issues with McGlothlin created, takes a more global wrote about how the ‘unresolved core- out-of-control rage may also be at risk.” approach and considers life factors,

Myths surrounding suicide

The following list is adapted from Myth: Suicide is very common among Myth: Asking someone if they Jason McGlothlin’s book, Developing individuals in lower economic classes. are suicidal will put the idea Clinical Skills in Suicide Assessment, Fact: Suicide crosses all socioeconomic in their head. Prevention and Treatment. distinctions; no one class is more Fact: A direct and caring approach to susceptible to it than another. asking the question lowers suicide risk. Myth: The suicidal person wants to die and feels there is no turning back. Fact: Suicidal people are usually am- Myth: Suicide is a problem that is Myth: People who talk bivalent about dying and frequently will limited to the young. about suicide don’t actually plan to seek help immediately after attempting Fact: Suicide rates rise with age and do it; they are just seeking attention. to harm themselves. reach their highest levels among White Fact: Talking about or threatening males in their 70s and 80s. suicide is a significant risk factor. Most people who die by suicide tell someone Myth: All suicidal people else they are planning to kill themselves. are deeply depressed. Myth: Suicidal people rarely seek Counselors must take all suicide threats Fact: Although depression is often medical attention. and behaviors seriously. closely associated with suicidal feelings, Fact: Research has consistently shown not all people who kill themselves are that about 75 percent of suicidal people Myth: Suicidal thoughts are obviously depressed. Ironically, some will visit a physician within one month relatively rare. suicidal people appear to be happier before they kill themselves. Fact: Each year in the United States, than they’ve been in years because they approximately 8.3 million adults (nearly Darcy Haag Granello also provided have decided to “resolve” all of their 4 percent of the population) seriously some common misconceptions about problems by killing themselves. consider suicide; about 1 percent make suicide during an interview with a suicide plan, and about half of those Counseling Today. Myth: Most elderly people who die by individuals attempt suicide. suicide are terminally ill. Myth: Suicidal people keep their Fact: Most elderly people who plans to themselves. — Lynne Shallcross die by suicide are not diagnosed Fact: More than 90 percent of people with a terminal illness. More often, who die by suicide show clear warning they are suffering from depression signs; more than 70 percent (more than and sometimes experience somatic 80 percent of adolescents) tell someone symptoms related to depression. they are planning to kill themselves.

30 | Counseling Today | July 2010 diagnosis and common emotional factors of suicide. McGlothlin’s assessment model is not a one-time approach, he says, but rather a tool counselors can weave into treatment planning. He says Counseling and Psychotherapy: his model brings in all the factors of the client’s life and addresses whether those Theories and Interventions factors equate to a higher potential for Fifth Edition suicide. “Suicide is so complex that if you edited by David Capuzzi and don’t grab all parts of it, you might be Douglas R. Gross missing something,” McGlothlin says. “And if you’re missing something in the “Counseling and Psychotherapy assessment, you might miss it in the features important theories and trends treatment. The more thorough your not covered in other foundational assessment, the more thorough your texts; the emphasis placed on social treatment.” The three foundations of justice is especially noteworthy. good treatment, he adds, are having a good therapeutic relationship with the Overall, this book provides readers client, assessing thoroughly and then with a substantive foundation for following up on any issues that arise. their work as professional counselors.” As for specific treatment modalities that —Carl J. Sheperis, PhD have proved effective, McGlothlin points Walden University to person-centered approaches, solution- focused approaches and other models that This student-friendly and well designed introductory text focus on the counselor/client relationship provides a thorough overview of 14 widely used theories. and keeping clients in the here and Experts examine each theory from the perspective of its now. “Lately, dialectical behavioral historical background, major constructs, goals, cross- therapy has shown promising outcomes in the treatment of suicidal ideation,” cultural considerations, and limitations. Traditional McGlothlin adds. and brief interventions integrate theory with specific Granello says interventions with a counseling strategies, giving students further insight into suicidal client are always two-tiered. the counseling process and guidance in developing their The first tier involves helping the client personal counseling style. A consistent case study across through the immediate suicide crisis; chapters reinforces the differences between theories and the second tier involves addressing illustrates assessment of client concerns and treatment whatever issues are underneath. Granello planning. Introductory chapters explore core dimensions developed a seven-step model for the first and brief approaches to the helping relationship, and tier of intervention, which is aimed at how to best deliver counseling and advocacy services to preventing death or injury and restoring diverse client groups. A complimentary test manual and the client to a state of equilibrium. The PowerPoints for instructors’ use are available by request on seven steps (each of which involves specific strategies) are assessing lethality, university letterhead.ÊÓ䣣ÊUÊ{änÊ«}ÃÊ establishing rapport, listening to the story, managing the feelings, exploring Order #72902 - ʙÇn‡£‡xxÈÓä‡ÓÇ£‡£ alternatives, using behavioral strategies ˆÃÌÊ*ÀˆVi\ÊfÈ{°™xÊ ACA Member Price: $46.95 and following up. Johancen-Walt offers several treatment Please include $8.75 for shipping of the first book suggestions to counselors. First, she says, and $1.00 for each additional book. give unconditional acceptance. “Early in treatment, I offer clients my belief that they are doing the best they can to survive American Counseling Association painful thoughts and feelings. Suicidal 800-422-2648 x222 and other self-destructive behaviors serve as coping strategies for many clients counseling.org desperate for emotional relief. By framing behaviors this way, we can create a therapeutic container absent of judgment

July 2010 | Counseling Today | 31 while also targeting feelings of shame that Granello says making efforts to reduce the may contribute to the isolation many stigma attached to mental health issues suicidal clients feel.” and suicide is highly important. Granello, Next, ask the client direct questions Resources on whose brother-in-law died by suicide and create a safe space for talking about in 1999, wears a suicide survivor pin to feelings, Johancen-Walt says. Also helpful the Web encourage conversation about mental is exploring client supports and resources. health and available help. At the societal “To foster an environment in which level, she says, counselors should take n School-based Prevention change is possible, it is important to help action and advocate for mental health Guide: theguide.fmhi.usf.edu the client identify supportive others in care by working with school boards to their life while also capitalizing on the A resource with free checklists, implement suicide prevention education, client’s inherent strengths,” she says. “For programs and resources for schools pushing for insurance companies to pay example, through the exploration of how for mental health coverage and making a client may have survived a previous sure colleges with budget strains don’t cut n American Association of counseling center staff. “As states were crisis, the counselor can assist the client Suicidology: suicidology.org in creating a list of specific skills and cutting budgets for mental health over strategies that can help the client survive Up-to-date information, the last year, ask yourself what you did,” current challenges.” professional conferences and Granello says. “Did you contact your Strive to understand the client’s suicide research legislators? Write letters to the editor? unique experience, she adds, because Get involved with local grassroots efforts? What sort of education and outreach can the client might be more willing to n Suicide Prevention Resource try out new skills and strategies with a Center: sprc.org you provide?” counselor who “gets it.” Finally, teach Resources, magnets, posters, fact Suicide in the schools clients effective coping skills. “Many sheets and other information Schools are in a prime position to clients engaged in either suicidal or other address suicide prevention and aftermath forms of self-destructive behavior have because they have ongoing, close contact a limited toolbox of coping strategies,” n American Foundation for with students, says David Capuzzi, a Johancen-Walt says. “Counselors must Suicide Prevention: afsp.org past president of ACA and senior faculty offer clients additional tools such as Research, education about suicide associate at Johns Hopkins University’s stress management or emotion regulation and mood disorders, policy Department of Counseling and Human skills and encourage clients to practice promotion Services. “The key to facilitating both using the skills in between sessions. Time prevention and post-vention is to should regularly be spent in session going thoroughly prepare all the adults in a n NotMyKid.org (sponsored over coping strategies.” school building — teachers, counselors, by the American Association of Simply being open to talk goes a long administrators, janitors, cafeteria workers, Suicidology) way toward preventing clients from secretaries, bus drivers, etc. — to attempting suicide, Granello says. “The Information for parents and recognize the signs and symptoms, as well most important thing that we can do resources for families as the risk factors, and to know when with our clients is to let them know that an immediate referral to the building they can talk about suicide and suicidal counselor should be made. All adults in n National Institute of Mental thoughts,” she says. “Suicidal thoughts contact with young people in a school Health: nimh.nih.org are remarkably common. We have to can be taught what to look for, what open up the door to let people have the Research and professional to say and not say to a student they are conversation in a safe and healthy way.” information concerned about and how to facilitate a Hope is another key ingredient, referral. This can be a powerful way to Johancen-Walt adds. “We have to hold n Suicide Prevention Advocacy keep students safe.” hope for even the most hopeless of Network: spanusa.org Capuzzi recommends that school clients. To fully understand our clients, counselors trained in suicide prevention National hotline, public policy we have to be able to go into the depths go on to provide in-service training for of the pit with them. The trick, however, the other adults in their schools. “You is to be able to climb back out. If you n Substance Abuse and Mental can’t start anything until all the adults find yourself losing hope for a high- Health Services Administration: know what to do,” he says. “You never, risk client, then consult or seek out samhsa.org never, never go into an auditorium or supervision. On more than one occasion, classroom and start talking about suicide Grant opportunities, best practice I have asked other counselors to come until all the adults are prepared way guidelines, research dissemination into session with me and my client when ahead of time.” I was caught in the pit.” When a counselor identifies a student From the big picture perspective, who may be at risk, an important first

32 | Counseling Today | July 2010 step is to conduct a risk assessment self-efficacy and problem-solving skills, are helpful, a counselor could help teach interview with specific questions and sexual or physical abuse, concerns over a student how to make friends and reach indicators, Capuzzi says. Without one, he sexual identity or orientation, the easy out to people for support. Likewise, says, a counselor cannot be certain who availability of firearms, substance abuse, a counselor could support a student is truly suicidal. “Counselors have to use exposure to violent rock music and in improving self-esteem, enhancing their own professional judgment after parental divorce, according to Capuzzi. problem-solving skills or overcoming conducting a risk assessment interview However, an important theory has depression. focused on potential suicidality,” says emerged in the past decade that it may Rather than offering potential Capuzzi, who is also a professor and be more effective to increase protective techniques for working with adolescents, core faculty Capuzzi believes it with the Walden is more important University “Children and teenagers often don’t delay their attempts very long,” Capuzzi warns. to challenge School of Social school counselors and Behavioral to seek education Sciences. “If there is uncertainty on the factors in an adolescent’s life rather than and supervision regarding suicide part of the counselor, a second assessment trying to reduce the risk factors, says prevention and post-vention. Although should be done by another counselor Capuzzi, whose second edition of Suicide taking a course is helpful, he says the who has the skills to conduct such an Prevention in the Schools: Guidelines for only way for counselors to develop assessment. After that, immediate next Middle and High School Settings was the necessary skills is to work with an steps should be arranged for the purpose published by ACA last year. experienced mentor under supervision. of preventing the client from inflicting Among the protective factors that have One of the unique aspects of effective self-harm.” emerged out of recent research are social suicide prevention in school settings, The job of the school counselor is to network and external support, reasons McGlothlin says, is addressing the discern whether a student is potentially for living, self-efficacy and self-esteem, developmental issues that invariably suicidal and, if so, to make a referral emotional well-being and problem- arise with students, such as dealing with and get help for the student right away. solving skills, Capuzzi says. Knowing hormones and adolescents’ desire for “Children and teenagers often don’t delay about the protective factors may open up admiration from their peers. “As adults, their attempts very long,” Capuzzi warns. opportunities for school counselors to we want to fit in, but it’s not as high Major risk factors for adolescents help students. For instance, Capuzzi says, on our priority list,” he says. School include psychiatric disorders, poor if social networks and external support counselors should make themselves

July 2010 | Counseling Today | 33 aware of how students interact and which students might feel like outsiders, McGlothlin says. He is careful to note that “outsiders” aren’t the only students Call for ACA Editorial Board Reviewers at risk for suicide, but being aware of those who don’t appear to have true peer If you would like to participate in support is important. the process of selecting the materials In addition to implementing and produced by ACA, please note the tailoring a suicide prevention program for their schools, McGlothlin suggests that following: The ACA Publications Committee school counselors take advantage of the opportunities they have to be hands-on invites you to apply for a u You will be contacted prior to with the students. “One of the big issues position on the Editorial receiving a proposal that needs re- about school-age suicide is that they view to determine your availability become more isolated and, depending on Advisory Board. This review their age, they might not know about the u Most reviews require a 2-4 week resources out there,” he says. “Having the board serves in an advisory turnaround time school counselors out there being visible, talking to kids, showing that they are a u You can expect to review approxi- capacity to the ACA Director resource, that’s a huge factor in school mately six proposals per year suicide prevention.” of Publications and the ACA To some degree, suicide prevention in u The initial term is for four years schools begins with the administration, Publications Committee. and you may be offered the oppor- McGlothlin says. Principals and tunity to serve for a second term superintendents must realize that suicide Members review proposals is a prevalent issue that needs attention. u You will receive one complimen- One of the big myths, he says, is that if for publications and other tary copy of every book published no one talks about it, suicides won’t take by ACA as compensation for your place. “It’s going to happen whether you media that are submitted to work on the board talk about it or not,” he insists. “So talk about it.” Having a plan of action for The position requires a belief in ACA for possible inclusion the worst-case scenario is essential, he the peer review process, experience says, adding that the school counselor in the publishing program. and skill in reviewing both print needs to understand exactly how the plan and electronic media, dedication to would unfold should a suicide occur, The Publications Committee promoting multicultural competence including when and how to inform in counseling, objectivity, and the the administration, teachers, students, considers these reviews when ability to meet deadlines. If you community and media. Antistigmatization is a key element meet these qualifications, please send in the trainings Granello conducts at determining which projects a letter of interest outlining your schools. Only 25 percent of adolescents will be pursued by ACA. areas of expertise and publishing report that they would tell an adult if and reviewing credentials, and your they knew a peer was considering suicide, curriculum vitae to: she says, so teaching students to speak up is important. Granello recalls one student Carolyn C. Baker who had a light bulb moment during Director of Publications one of the suicide prevention seminars. “He said, ‘I get it. It’s better to lose a American Counseling Association friendship than to lose a friend.’” 5999 Stevenson Avenue Meanwhile, Granello is making suicide Alexandria, Virginia 22304-3300 prevention a campuswide responsibility at [email protected] Ohio State, where she is project director of the university’s Campus Suicide The deadline for applications Prevention Program, which launched is September 8, 2010. Incomplete in 2006. The unique program utilizes applications will not be considered. more than 60 campus “partners,” ranging from administrative and academic departments to student groups and

34 | Counseling Today | July 2010 community partners, each of which n DO ask about suicide with all your agrees to incorporate suicide prevention clients, McGlothlin says. “Sometimes into their work. “It takes the whole idea that’s a scary thing to talk about for of suicide prevention away from the sole new counselors … [but] take time to venue of the counseling center and makes do it.” it a shared responsibility of the campus n DO read all you can on the topic, community,” Granello explains. Capuzzi says. Training others to act as gatekeepers on college campuses is pivotal, Granello n DO get advanced training in suicide says. “They’re not counselors, but they’re prevention programming, risk people who have their finger on the pulse assessment and intervention strategies, of what’s going on.” Gatekeepers can be Granello says. trained to recognize warning signs and n DO ask why. “It is important to ask then reach out and ask the student to clients why they are feeling suicidal come with them to get help. “We have to instead of only focusing on their be more proactive about being out in the behaviors,” Johancen-Walt says. university, not waiting for people to come “Many clients may have unresolved to us,” Granello says. She points out that feelings surrounding earlier traumas in the past decade, none of the students and need to have these issues addressed who died by suicide at Ohio State had in treatment. We need to treat the been to the counseling center. “They fall client, not just the symptom.” under the radar. Counselors can’t wait n DO document. “The more you for them. [That’s why] gatekeepers are document, the better,” McGlothlin important.” says. “Document how you assess, how The period after a suicide takes place you treat and how you follow up.” is a “very dangerous” time in schools, Granello says, because of the possibility n DO ongoing assessment. “Through of suicide contagion. Granello and her ongoing assessment, we are able to husband were called recently to a small also highlight our clients’ success while college campus after a student completed identifying potential roadblocks to suicide. As might be expected, the college recovery,” Johancen-Walt says. community had organized memorial n DO get other people involved. “Frame services and candlelight vigils, flown the this not as ‘breaking confidentiality’ flag at half-staff and participated in other but as bringing in all possible resources tributes in the aftermath of the suicide. to help keep the client or student “It comes from the heart and comes alive,” Granello says. “This can from the right place, but it’s exactly actually help facilitate the development the wrong thing to do,” Granello says. of rapport if clients or students believe “They had a copycat suicide a month that you care so much about their later. The point is that all of us have to well-being that you will do everything be very careful that we are following in your power to help keep them safe.” empirically validated post-vention n DO work under supervision if you are procedures, not what we feel we should treating a suicidal client and don’t have naturally do. Schools aren’t trying to the necessary experience, Capuzzi says. encourage contagion; they just don’t know.” She emphasizes the importance n DO realize that the help has to be of following the specific protocols for immediate, Capuzzi says. post-vention procedures put out by the n DO follow up, McGlothlin says. American Association of Suicidology (see Asking about suicidal thoughts should “Resources on the Web” on page 32). not be a one-time thing.

Heading off the threat n DO know the services available in your Assessing for the threat of suicide can school or community to help clients be a complex and anxiety-inducing task or students who may be suicidal, for any counselor. These experts pooled Granello says. “Have an action plan their knowledge to come up with a list developed ahead of time for what you of do’s and don’ts for counselors working will do if someone you are working with suicidal clients. with is suicidal.”

July 2010 | Counseling Today | 35 n DO create realistic treatment goals. “There is solid research that talking n DON’T leave a potentially suicidal “It is important that we are helping about suicide, in appropriate ways, person alone, even for a moment, our clients set themselves up for actually lowers risk. Don’t wait. Ask Granello says. success in regard to their therapeutic the question.” treatment goals,” Johancen-Walt n DON’T assume that someone else in says. “Counselors need to also n DON’T work in isolation, Johancen- your community, organization, agency educate clients about the treatment Walt says. “Whether you are in or school will take responsibility for process in a way that incorporates private practice or part of a team, suicide prevention programming and information about relapse and ongoing it is important for counselors to awareness. Step up and get involved. seek ongoing consultation with commitment to recovery.” n DON’T give up, Johancen-Walt other practitioners and to create says. “It is important always to n DON’T ever promise someone who is treatment teams that include communicate to our clients that their suicidal that you won’t tell anyone else, psychiatrists, medical and mental lives are worth saving, even if they do Capuzzi says. health professionals, family members, not believe it in a painful moment. We teachers, coaches, etc.” n DON’T lecture, critique or criticize. can hold hope for our clients until they “It’s futile to get into conversations n DON’T assume that suicide is are ready to hold it for themselves.” about blaming clients,” McGlothlin about death, Granello says. “In fact, says. “They feel bad enough. They All recommendations aside, Johancen- most people who are suicidal are don’t need to hear lectures.” Walt says it is important to remember ambivalent. They don’t want to die; that both the counselor and the client n DON’T be afraid to bring up the they just want the unbearable pain to share responsibility in preventing suicide. topic of suicide. “It will not put the end. As counselors, we can use that “As a counselor and also as a survivor idea in anyone’s head,” Granello says. ambivalence to help keep them alive.” of suicide, I believe that if a client has committed suicide, it is important to look at our responsibility as mental health providers and as a larger community ACA resources that strives to prevent suicide. Through this process, I believe we may find • Suicide Across the Life Span: • Suicide Assessment and Prevention opportunity to strengthen our prevention Implications for Counselors (order (order #78217) is an hourlong DVD efforts.” #72807), edited by David Capuzzi, presentation by John S. Westefeld that But no less important, she adds, is the offers detailed information on topics includes the latest data on suicide and subsequent ability to let it go. “In fact,” such as identifying the risk factors for suicide prevention and covers how Johancen-Walt says, “I routinely tell suicide, suicide assessment, ethical and to assess for suicide risk and how to counselors that they will not last in this legal considerations, and counseling conduct a suicide intervention ($149 field if they are not able to ultimately give techniques for work with children, for ACA members and nonmembers; responsibility for the client’s life back to adolescents, adults, and survivors produced by Microtraining Associates the client.” and their families ($35.95 for ACA Inc.). Granello echoes these thoughts, saying All three books and the DVD members; $56.95 for nonmembers). people are responsible for their own can be ordered directly through the • The second edition of Suicide choices, and counselors shouldn’t try to ACA online bookstore at counseling. Prevention in the Schools: Guidelines carry that burden for others. But at the org/publications or by calling for Middle and High School Settings same time, she adds, if counselors know 800.422.2648 ext. 222. (order #72884) by David Capuzzi how to help, they should try. “Suicide is • “Suicide Assessment: Sharpen includes a step-by-step framework the most preventable type of death,” she Your Clinical Skills” is a 47-minute of essential information for school podcast featuring Jason McGlothlin. says. “We can do a heck of a lot better counselors, administrators and faculty He addresses questions about how than 34,000 a year.” u ($24.95 for ACA members; $29.95 for to conduct a suicide assessment face- nonmembers). to-face; differences between assessing • Developing Clinical Skills in children, adults, older adults and Suicide Assessment, Prevention and families; and some of the issues of Treatment (order #72861) by Jason treatment planning with suicidal Lynne Shallcross is a senior writer M. McGlothlin covers assessment clients. To access this podcast, visit for Counseling Today. Contact her interviews, legal and ethical issues, the ACA website at counseling.org and at [email protected]. case examples, discussion questions click on the “ACA Podcast Series” and much more ($33.95 for ACA button on the right-hand side of Letters to the editor: members; $49.95 for nonmembers). the page. [email protected]

36 | Counseling Today | July 2010 AMERICAN COUNSELING ASSOCIATION Display Pride in Your Profession!

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July 2010 | Counseling Today | 37 Game might make difference in matters of life and death

A computer-simulation game conceived by Purdue’s Carrie Wachter Morris could help aspiring school counselors train to assess for suicide risk

By Nick Rogers

Credit: Purdue University/Suicide school counselor’s introduction “It wasn’t only the social impact on Risk-Assessment Game to advising a student at risk for a very serious issue that appealed to A suicide can be a trial by fire. the grant committee about the idea,” After all, a young person’s life is possibly Patterson says. “This was a great hanging in the balance of carefully chosen opportunity for students to create a questions, inflections and body language. framework for a game that could be A computer-simulation game reused for other experience simulations. developed at Purdue University offers SRAG has been one of the most successful virtual training for such emotionally projects developed in the grants program, charged situations in a setting that and we’d like to continue seeing projects realistically reflects a counselor’s everyday as innovative and impactful.” responsibilities. “The game is an emotional equalizer, Bridging the gulf between with the idea of promoting self-efficacy counselor training, and self-competence among counselors,” professional expectations says Carrie Wachter Morris, an assistant Morris aims to regularly use SRAG Carrie Wachter Morris professor of counseling and development in her graduate-level school counseling at Purdue’s Department of Educational seminar this coming fall, but it’s also Studies and a former counselor at her response to a gap between counselor facilities throughout North Carolina. training and professional expectations. “The more we’re worried about ourselves, Statistics from the U.S. Centers for the more we focus on us and not the Disease Control and Prevention show clients.” that in 2007, 14.5 percent of high school Morris, a member of the American students seriously considered suicide Counseling Association, began in the previous 12 months, while 6.9 developing the Suicide Risk-Assessment percent of high school students reported Game (SRAG) in 2008 with the aid of making at least one suicide attempt in what was then known as a digital-content the previous year. A 2002 Brigham Young development grant from Information University survey of school counselors Technology at Purdue (ITaP), Purdue’s found that 35 percent of respondents had central information technology received no graduate education training organization. Of 34 applications in crisis intervention, and 57 percent felt submitted in 2008, Morris’ was one of 10 either “not at all” or “minimally” prepared accepted, earning $15,000 and the use for such intervention. of ITaP resources toward developing the In response to this need, the Council game. for Accreditation of Counseling Morris came up with the concept for and Related Educational Programs and content of SRAG. A team of student now requires that school counselors developers led by Terry Patterson, an demonstrate suicide-response skills as part educational technologist with ITaP’s of their training. emerging technologies group, oversaw the “To undertake such training with graphic design and programming, with something like role-playing may feel Morris providing feedback. contrived to students and lack realism,”

38 | Counseling Today | July 2010 Morris says. “And it wouldn’t be ethical for me to find 10 individuals with suicide ideation and have my students practice with them. There is also the possibility that some educators may not be comfortable with, or have a background in, crisis response themselves. As a field, we have to generate teaching tools that those without the background can effectively use. “Studies show that students we’re matriculating have spent more time during school playing video games than reading. Now that these students are entering graduate school, why not develop a tool from which they can learn in a medium with which they’re familiar?” Simulating counseling’s realities Usable in PC, Mac or Linux format, SRAG places the player in the role of a high school counseling intern with typical resources (for example, student files, a planner and live Internet links). In gamer parlance, SRAG is a “beat-the-clock” title: A note has been found from a student planning to commit suicide Friday after

school. Risk-Assessment Game University/Suicide Purdue Credit: Beginning at the start of Monday’s Players must assess which student is at imminent risk even as they complete workday, the player has 40 in-game hours daily tasks generally required of school counselors in the real world. Stress Management:

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How will you work effectively with the ever-increasing number of clients who present with concerns about overwhelming stress in their lives? This DVD provides solution-oriented information, techniques, and handouts that you can use immediately with your clients to facilitate positive coping strategies and stress reduction. In four real-world vignettes, Dr. Brinkley works with clients of multiethnic backgrounds on their stress issues. She and her clients demonstrate and discuss

How stress affects the body, especially chronic stress How to identify personal sources and symptoms of stress DVD How to implement lifestyle strategies for stress reduction How to create a shared frame of reference about stress

These excellent demonstrations, coupled with subtitles that highlight major points, make this DVD a must for those in the helping professions. The easy-to-use format allows viewers to immediately practice what they have seen after each section of the presentation. Includes a CD-ROM that contains transcripts, PowerPoints, and a Leader’s Guide.

Produced by Microtraining Associates, Inc. 2008 90 minutes | DVD Order #78216 | List Price and ACA Member Price: $129.00

July 2010 | Counseling Today | 39 (30 to 45 minutes in real time) to assess and lose time that way. If you miss other Ebony Gilbert says SRAG incorporated which one of five students is at imminent students’ appointments and meetings, many aspects of counseling that were risk of suicide and which one is at false you will lose time with calls from angry similar to her actual experience, such as risk — meaning there might be danger parents and have to re-establish rapport asking teachers what they noticed and signs to monitor in the future but no with the student. We’ve tried to make observing behavior. Adam Guebert says worry of immediate harmful action. these consequences true to life.” that SRAG accurately represented the Of the remaining students, one is Should a player not correctly identify counselor “being pulled in all different academically at risk, one is personally the imminently suicidal student before directions into a wide variety of activities or socially at risk with peer problems, the clock runs out, SRAG offers a deus and roles.” Ashley Bigelow also gives high and one is “normal” but still exhibiting ex machina — or “out of the blue” — marks to the game’s realism but adds she’d some risk signs. Shrunken for simulation element to save the student. like to see an expansion of assessment options. (Morris plans that for future purposes, the sample is randomized for Striving to set a standard expansions of SRAG and is currently names, genders, ethnicities, personalities for gaming tools pursuing external funding.) and inclinations with each new session. Although no statistics exist that study “It’s so difficult to get hands-on Also randomized are the traits of in-game the effects of gaming in counseling work, training for this sort of thing,” Guebert peers with whom players must converse Morris hopes will be a useful tool SRAG says. “You don’t just want to throw along the way. for pedagogy and a barometer of where somebody in there with someone’s life on The game logs the player’s path to student services are developing. After the line. You can do this without putting assessment — gathering information discussion at professional conferences, through investigation such as observing a life at risk, and it’s a good bridge to real- SRAG already has generated interest from world application.” graffiti, visiting classrooms and querying school-district counselors nationwide. teachers. Players must discern the relevant Adds Morris, “SRAG is that half-step Morris envisions SRAG one day helping between in-class instruction and a student information because pursuing fruitless resident advisers in college residence halls, leads takes crucial time from the clock. in front of you where it’s in the moment other mental health professionals and, and you have to think on your feet.” Asking each student outright whether perhaps, middle and high school students they’ve had suicidal thoughts will yield to recognize risk behaviors. The game w correct answers but not a passing grade. could also expand to additional crisis This story originally appeared in a “We want to prevent the easy outs,” Morris responses (students coping with a divorce, slightly different form in Purdue University says. “We want users to navigate the school for example) or a larger scale combination publications and is being reprinted here as they would have to in real life.” of concerns. with permission. u Further complications come from daily “These current iterations must assess tasks generally required of counselors in playability and effectiveness: Are students the real world, ranging from lunch duty learning from it?” Morris says. “We can to small-group counseling. Players can always go in and add elements and bridge field counseling-related tasks themselves gaps, but I have to see whether this is Nick Rogers is a technology or ask peer characters (who may seek a immediately engaging.” writer at Purdue University favor in return) to cover those that aren’t This past December in her school in West Lafayette, Ind. Contact counseling-oriented. Failing to complete counseling seminar, Morris introduced him at 765.496.8204 or these tasks yields a time-consuming SRAG to nine graduate students, most [email protected]. penalty from upset parents or scolding of whom had participated in counseling administrators. internships and practicums. Although Letters to the editor: “If you cross a teacher, they will be less some made suggestions to improve SRAG, [email protected] likely to help you,” Morris says. “If you the students generally appreciated the cross a principal, you will be disciplined game’s accuracy and its interface.

Show your pride in the profession. ACA – Counselor Proud! Your pin is available for order online in the bookstore section of ACA’s website (counseling.org) or call 800-422-2648 x222. #80043 | $5.00 | Shipping included

40 | Counseling Today | July 2010 From the President Disaster Mental Health Continued from page 5 and Crisis Stabilization assist one another in our professional for Children development. President-elects and chair- presented by Jennifer Baggerly elects will have an opportunity to see firsthand what will be coming their way. This live demonstration DVD presents guiding principles and techniques for Current presidents and region chairs helping children recover from trauma after disasters. Dr. Baggerly shares her will have the opportunity to network expertise from working with children in Louisiana following Hurricane Katrina and share their plans for the coming and with children in Sri Lanka after the tsunami. year. And emerging leaders will have an opportunity to learn more about the DVD Features organizational structure and leadership • Key disaster mental health and cognitive-behavioral concepts • Physiological, cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and spiritual impacts of disaster development at the national level. In • Basic grounding and containment skills during and after a disaster looking back at the previous leadership • Initial individual disaster mental health interventions institute, I know we are in for a great • Group disaster interventions year, and I look forward to it with great • Leader’s Guide that includes activities and discussion questions anticipation! Produced by Microtraining and Multicultural Development. As we begin our journey together 2007 60 minutes Order #78205 this year, I believe we will be a richer, List Price and ACA Member Price: $149.00 stronger community by welcoming Please include $8.75 for shipping of the first DVD and $1.00 for each divergent views and encouraging the additional DVD. inclusion of all who wish to participate. I hope you will contact me via e-mail AMERICAN COUNSELING ASSOCIATION at [email protected] if you have 800-422-2648 x222 • counseling.org thoughts, concerns or suggestions. u

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July 2010 | Counseling Today | 41 The right medicine

Marketing is a tough pill for many counselors to swallow, but done wisely, it can help restore an ailing practice to good health

By Jim Paterson

or many counselors, marketing 3) Studying the options for traditional is akin to that remedy tucked and new approaches to marketing Faway in the back of the medicine 4) Making the time to follow through on cabinet. It’s brought out only when marketing efforts absolutely necessary, because the mere thought of it leaves a bad taste in the 5) Evaluating the success of your efforts mouth. One other key, Diana says, is choosing Despite knowing that effective an area of expertise and using the right marketing is an elixir for building a tools to show people what it is specifically healthy practice, counselors can still find that you have to offer. the prospect hard to swallow, especially The whys of marketing with the ever-evolving landscape of Counselors and other helping marketing options online and the professionals sometimes complain that changing nature of the profession itself. marketing is “not what I went to school “The old model of work for mental for.” In other words, it isn’t a skill at health professionals is not a safe bet. It which they generally feel proficient or means that people in the mental health particularly enjoy. field need to be open to new ideas and “If you look at my background, one new ways of doing business,” including thing is for sure: It was never about new ways of letting clients know about marketing,” says ACA member Lory their services, says David Diana, a Naugle, a successful counselor with a licensed counselor and sales/marketing private practice in Shippensburg, Pa. But expert who is the author of the recently Naugle discovered she could effectively published book Marketing for the Mental market her practice both by devoting Health Professional. time to the effort herself and by using Diana, a member of the American professionals and new technology when Counseling Association, believes large necessary. practices and large organizations will hire And that initiative has paid off, she fewer counselors in the future because of says, ticking off the various efforts she tighter budgets and online competition, has undertaken, including a newsletter, although he contends new opportunities a traditional website, mailings, will also present themselves. To take memberships in business organizations advantage of these opportunities, he says, and, most recently, a blog, an interactive counselors will need to remain nimble website and an e-book. “Overall, I and adjust by offering niche practices, think my marketing plans are working. online services and other approaches that My practice continues to grow. I also focus on personal contact with potential continue to learn and expand my clients. knowledge about marketing and the Counselors will also have to grow opportunities available on the Internet.” increasingly savvy about marketing, he Although marketing has always been says. “Traditional marketing vehicles important for drawing attention to one’s are losing significance because people practice, Diana says it is even more demand something more than a generic necessary today. “Consumers today message blasted out to the masses.” are rewarding innovation, creativity, Diana and other experts who study connectivity and a sense of community marketing of personal services say that an effective plan involves five steps: and openness of ideas,” he says. “People have so many choices today that they are 1) Evaluating your practice ignoring the old-guard ways of viewing 2) Investigating the potential client base personal services as a commodity.” He

42 | Counseling Today | July 2010 strongly believes that the relationship To maintain their current level of approach. “Where do you and I turn with potential clients has to be more business, Giurleo recommends that to find the information we seek?” he personal than in the past. helping professionals spend one hour a asks rhetorically. “Fewer and fewer are Frank Coulson, a career counselor in day minimum on marketing — or, if it’s answering this question with a nod to the the Student Success Center at the Uni- more beneficial to work on marketing Yellow Pages.” plans for longer periods on certain days, versity of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Moving online Southmost College, has studied why a total of five hours per week. Counselors When speaking of thinking about students don’t use counseling services. He who are building a practice should devote marketing in a new way, Diana is quick uncovered four main reasons: They are one hour a week to marketing for each to point out that he isn’t referring embarrassed, they don’t think counselors new client they want to bring in, she exclusively to tapping into opportunities will help, they are unaware of the services says. Giurleo strongly advises that helping on the Internet. “Building a following or they think they can handle issues on professionals clearly set aside a specific and leading a community is one of the their own. Coulson suspects these atti- time for marketing each day or each best marketing tools, and you can do this tudes are mirrored in society as a whole. week, or else the task is likely to become online or offline,” he says. “It involves “Students, and people in general, are low priority and get bumped from the connecting with people personally at a often busy, and this busyness keeps them schedule. grassroots level rather than with mass from working on issues with counselors,” On an ongoing basis, counselors mailings or impersonal ads.” That might he says. “The student comments also should also evaluate the success of mean giving a presentation for parents point to the important need for better their marketing efforts. This can be at a local high school program, building marketing. I feel so many people live done simply by asking new clients or a relationship with doctors who might below their potential. That is where callers how they heard about a practice, need to refer their patients or providing marketing (by counselors) can play a recording the number of visitors to a pro bono counseling services at a social larger role.” website or tracking the types of services service program. Susan Giurleo, a child and needed by potential clients at a seminar. However, he says, used correctly, the family psychologist and founder of Counselors should also include time to Internet can also help counselors make BizSavvyTherapist.com, says helping explore new ways of developing clients, those sorts of connections across miles. professionals should approach marketing Diana says. This way, counselors can For instance, a blog can become “your as they would other essential, though become familiar with diverse options and own television channel,” he says. “It less savory, tasks such as bookkeeping, will feel less threatened by technology gives you the ability to share important invoicing and filing. or the prospect of changing their information and build a following of

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July 2010 | Counseling Today | 43 people with similar interests.” Naugle says According to Diana, there are certain Use online referral sources such as her blog has helped her build business steps to follow so your website will appear CounselorFind (a website created by the while also causing her to think through more prominently on the large search National Board for Certified Counselors issues in more depth. engines that feature local business listings, to help the public find professional Having a website is essential, says such as Google, Yahoo, Bing and Best counselors) or the Psychology Today ACA member Kathryn Elliott, who with of the Web. Among the tips he offers Therapy Directory, which Haddock her husband, James, runs a counseling concerning online business listings: Get credits with being his primary source practice in Lafayette, La. Elliott says the description of what you do up front, of new referrals. In California, Elliott use the 200 characters available for the uses TherapistFinder, and other their newest site logged more than 2,000 description wisely (provide specifics about regional listings are available, such as visitors in slightly more than four months your practice) and use any categories FindCounseling.com, which operates after they established it this past fall. available to you (Google offers five). in 20 states. Broader sites that support Bill Haddock, an ACA-member therapist You may also be able to provide photos networking, such as Yelp and Craigslist, in College Station, Texas, says even tech- and video in the listing, which increases might also provide referrals. Counselors savvy counselors such as himself would traffic, Diana says. He also suggests asking might also consider local listings through find it challenging and time-consuming colleagues to provide a review of your business organizations on online to establish their own websites. But once practice because listings with more reviews community support groups. Colleagues developed, he says, counselors should be have a better chance of appearing higher may be able to provide feedback on the able to maintain their sites relatively easily. up in a search. For further help fine-tuning effectiveness of such networks locally. Naugle paid a local professional designer to their listings, Diana recommends that Elliott is in the process of developing develop her website. counselors visit GetListed.org. teleseminars, which visitors can sign up for on the practice’s website. She hopes to later repackage these teleseminars as Marketing, step by step workbooks and DVDs. E-books are another option counselors Make the time. Experts say you Get out there. You are the product. can use to establish their credentials, have to set aside specific time to work Making yourself available in the build their reputations and, perhaps, on marketing and then be disciplined community might not pay off every attract new clients. Typically, a firm about following through. By one time, but it will go a long way toward charges the author to publish and estimate, maintaining a private practice establishing you as the person who market an e-book and can even provide with one therapist requires one hour of comes to mind when people think of illustrations. Abundant information about the process is available online marketing per day (plus one additional counseling. This can lead to word-of- (including at thesitewizard.com, which hour for each new client you hope to mouth referrals and potential clients covers a wide range of topics dealing with bring in). who seek you out later as needs arise. Participating in events as a speaker, website design, promotion, programming Know the market and marketing. and revenue making). Do some research on options for offering a booth with information at public events, appearing on local radio Several counselors interviewed for marketing, trends in the field and this article stressed the importance of needs in your region. and TV shows or other forums and even taking part in career days and staying educated about new marketing Pitch your niche. Specialization — school-related functions are all ways to techniques. “I came to the realization even if it constitutes only a portion of that I needed a good, interactive website increase your visibility. your practice — makes marketing to and needed to become involved in social Concentrate on customer care. a targeted group more effective and networking,” Naugle says. “To keep up to Successful marketing begins with the better positions you as an expert in one date, I’m reading several books and several clients you have, especially because area. blogs on marketing a private practice.” much counseling work comes from Blend the options. A formal referrals. Go the extra mile with your Traditional approaches marketing plan may not be necessary, clients to ensure they will speak highly Typically, counselors dip their toes but it’s a good idea to consider how of you. into marketing by developing basic much time and money you are going Keep track. Collect data from promotional materials for their practice to spend on various marketing tools. website visits, ask clients and callers — a logo, a business card, stationery Factor in considerations such as your how they heard about you, and gather and a brochure. Opinions vary among strengths, the resources available to any other information you can about counselors when it comes to the value of you, the local market and the type of the effectiveness of your marketing. listing a practice in the Yellow Pages or work you hope to do. Then sit down and retool your placing ads in local media. Naugle says Build relationships with other marketing efforts every six months these outlets have never paid off for her. professionals. Referrals from other or so. Others say these placements are simply professionals and insurers are key. — Jim Paterson part of an overall effort to establish a name for the practice and raise public

44 | Counseling Today | July 2010 awareness and that the true benefits aren’t as the mailing list being used. Although business. This approach allows counselors immediately measurable. sending out a large volume of brochures to market themselves as experts who Elliot maintains a significant marketing and business cards can feel like an provide service to a specific client base, presence online but says print advertising accomplishment, Elliott says, the time even if the counselor still maintains a still proves effective when the ad features and money is wasted if these materials more generalized practice. brief copy that focuses on “people’s real aren’t reaching the right audience — For instance, Diana says, a counselor issues.” namely a targeted group of potential with a family practice might, with the Haddock, on the other hand, has halted clients or businesses and agencies that can proper training, also market himself or his attempts at print advertising. He offer referrals and display the materials. herself as a specialist in postpartum de- says he has found that more people are “I also find that being listed on pression. Potential clients are more likely searching online for counseling services insurance company websites is a great to view that therapist as a true expert for than are using the Yellow Pages and print way for potential clients to learn about this particular issue, and the practice can resources. my practice,” says Andy Knight, an ACA be promoted in targeted areas where these Many counselors make their informa- member in Chicago who specializes in clients are most likely to be found, such as tion available at locations where potential anxiety, depression, grief and loss and a pediatrician’s or obstetrician’s office or a clients are likely to see it — at doctors’ relationship issues. Counselors who hospital waiting room. offices, hospitals and schools and with take third-party payments find that the The Elliotts developed a school of clergy. Many counselors also try to have connection to an insurance company therapy called Anthetic Psychology and a presence at special events such as health often leads to an increase in clients. have a website focused on relationships fairs where they can set up a booth to In the haste to find new clients, Giurleo (soulmateskills.org). Others have found a meet potential clients and build name says it is easy to forget that one of the best niche by specializing in grief counseling recognition. ways to market a practice is by satisfying or working with children who have a Haddock has discontinued a once- existing clients. Word of mouth is key, specific problem. successful technique of publishing his own she says, and excellent client service is Choosing a niche can be as easy as quarterly newsletter, but some counselors critical to promoting a practice. thinking about which clients you look Naugle says involvement in the believe such regular offerings are still ef- forward to seeing, which you have the community is also important in building fective in keeping their name in front of greatest success with or which make up a reputation. She is a member of her potential clients and establishing their the bulk of your practice. The decision town’s chamber of commerce. This not expertise. Newsletter material can also should take into account the potential only leads to new clients, she says, but provide content for a counselor’s website market for such a specialty (including if also helps her find support services when or be distributed through e-mail services you plan to take your practice online) and she needs them. such as Constant Contact. Counselors what additional training you need. u The Elliotts have enhanced their might also consider submitting articles to practice by holding seminars for the community newspapers or trade publica- public, presenting at a local college, tions. Another marketing option is to making themselves available for radio and Jim Paterson is a writer, editor identify large local organizations that offer television interviews on topical subjects and school counselor living their employees a health newsletter. These and putting their thoughts together for a in Olney, Md. Contact him at organizations might like to include a sec- book they self-published. [email protected]. tion on mental health written by a local counselor who understands the issues that Finding your niche Letters to the editor: employees face. Experts in marketing counseling [email protected] Mailings — another traditional services generally conclude that finding marketing avenue — are only as effective a niche is an important way to build

July 2010 | Counseling Today | 45 When much is given, much is expected

As Marcheta Evans steps into the ACA presidency, she reflects on the road she has traveled and the path she hopes to help blaze for the association’s future By Lynne Shallcross

t the tender age of 9, Marcheta level. “I chose to run for the presidency Marcheta Evans with two of her daughters, Evans was already a budding mainly to serve the profession and Martina and Morgan, at a family reunion. A counselor. to be instrumental in continuing the Evans, whose family was living in movement of the association toward its Washington, D.C., at the time, would strategic initiatives,” says Evans, who occasionally accompany her mother, a previously served as president of the psychiatric nurse, to her job at a local Association for Creativity in Counseling, hospital. During those visits, she played a division of ACA. “Additionally, I cards and made friends with some of her wanted to serve as an example of the mother’s patients. Sitting across from association’s willingness to appreciate those patients, Evans had a habit of diversity in leadership positions. You can wondering what they might be thinking come from all types of backgrounds and and what life path they had traveled to be a national leader.” arrive at that hospital. One of the initiatives on Evans’ to- “The human mind always intrigued do list focuses on New Orleans, the me,” says Evans, who begins her term as location of the 2011 ACA Annual president of the American Counseling Conference & Exposition. “I don’t want Association July 1. “I remember sitting it to be a conference that does drive-by there as a kid and wondering what was community service, but rather one that going on in that person’s head. Even as a leaves an impact when we are gone,” little kid, I was always inquisitive.” she says, adding that she plans to work That sense of intrigue and curiosity with ACA’s divisions and regions on this never waned as Evans grew up. In effort. One idea, she says, is centered on fact, she followed it all the way to the the education front and could include University of Alabama, where she earned helping to explore best practices to her doctorate in counselor education address truancy and behavioral issues in and supervision. Now associate dean for the classroom. the College of Education and Human Technology is another area Evans hopes Development at the downtown campus to focus on as ACA president. She’s of the University of Texas at San Antonio, putting together a task force to investigate Evans says her entry into the counseling how the association can promote better profession stemmed from her upbringing use of technology in counseling, which — the same upbringing that motivated could include everything from using her to eventually run for ACA president. improved technology on the ACA “It was almost an expectation for me to Governing Council to helping individual (run) given how I was raised,” Evans says. counselors make technological advances “When much is given, much is expected.” in their work with clients, Evans says. Another motivating factor behind Global collaboration and development Evans’ journey to the ACA presidency warrant a closer look during her term in was a desire to bring about change office, as does ACA’s strategic plan, says and accomplish goals at the national Evans, adding that she plans to ensure

46 | Counseling Today | July 2010 that all efforts made this year tie back into the strategic plan. Another initiative on her list is making sure that ACA has a crisis intervention protocol in place so the association can move forward and provide help quickly if and when disasters occur. Evans also wants to put a spotlight on wellness and self-care for counselors while she is in office. She will use her presidential columns in Counseling Today to emphasize these and other important topics with ACA members. “People come to counselors with problems, rarely because they are happy,” Evans says. “So how can the profession promote better wellness skills and share ideas that work?”

A source of support Evans poses for a snapshot with her husband Ed and colleague Thelma Duffey at the Evans assumed her position as 2009 ACA National Awards Ceremony in Charlotte, N.C. associate dean in September 2009 after having served for more than five years variety of programming it offers, while she says, adding that she hopes her goal as the chair of UTSA’s Department of also advocating for the profession and of improving technology might help on Counseling, Educational Psychology giving counselors a voice, Evans says. But that front. and Adult and Higher Education. Her she believes the camaraderie is one of Thelma Duffey, professor and chair of professional path, which began with a the true highlights of belonging to ACA. UTSA’s Department of Counseling, says bachelor’s degree in psychology from “By being a member, you realize that you she is reminded of the Tom Petty song the University of Alabama and two have a support system in place. You have “Won’t Back Down” when she thinks of subsequent master’s degrees, has included others like yourself who are dealing with Evans. “She is determined,” says Duffey, stops at which she has filled a variety of similar situations, and you can explore an ACA fellow as well as the founder university and community roles. Among the universality of counselor experiences and inaugural president of ACC. “This the lines on her résumé: working as a by attending the annual conferences and trait can be especially helpful when she rehabilitation counselor for Goodwill by being an active participant.” is invested in something she values. Industries and the state of Alabama, Likewise, Evans says she is proud of the Marcheta is tenacious. She has a sharp teaching at Auburn University at counseling profession for a number of wit and a keen sense of humor. She can Montgomery and serving as director and reasons. “To name a few, our emphasis on inspire hard work in others, while at the founder of UTSA’s Women’s Resource wellness, the positive impact we can have same time generating a lot of fun. She on people’s lives and our commitment Center. Additionally, Evans has been doesn’t have much patience for behaviors to serving others who may be struggling a licensed professional counselor since she considers ‘wishy-washy,’ to use her with life’s problems.” At the same time, 1993 and has consulted for organizations words. If someone comes to her with a such as the United Way, the Intercultural Evans admits she would like to change problem, she wants them to come with Development Research Association and the profession’s level of recognition. potential solutions.” the Mexican American Legal Defense and “What I want to [do is] amplify the Duffey believes that Evans will make Education Fund. visibility of our profession and clarify her mark as president of ACA. “I can Evans’ long-term dedication to ACA what counselors do on a day-to-day see Marcheta inspiring fiscal efficiency. I is apparent and includes serving in a basis. We need to ensure that the public variety of leadership positions at the perceives our work as critical to mental can also see her increasing international state, regional and national levels. ACA health wellness efforts throughout the collaboration and development within is an incredibly worthy cause, Evans says, United States and beyond.” the profession. Given her interest in because the association provides so much As Evans takes the helm at ACA, she technology, I suspect she will use it to its members. “ACA is a place where anticipates at least one major hurdle. to increase ACA’s productivity and members are able to come together as “A year goes by very quickly,” she says, effectiveness. Marcheta is so smart, and professionals and network,” she says. “Time is the biggest challenge.” ACA she is passionate in her efforts to develop “One of the main benefits that ACA is an organization built largely on the emerging leader programs. Given that, offers is member resources that aid them efforts of volunteers, she points out, I feel sure she will invite leaders across in becoming more effective counselors. and these members have other jobs and divisions and regions to participate The benefits are too many to highlight.” other parts of their lives that require in innovative programs and invest in ACA ably addresses its diverse time and attention. “Making sure it’s students and new professionals who are membership, from students to faculty as convenient for people to give of also interested in assuming leadership members to clinicians, through the themselves as possible will be a priority,” roles.”

July 2010 | Counseling Today | 47 Jamie Satcher, professor of counselor education at the University of Alabama, was Evans’ major professor and dissertation chair. “I have known Marcheta for almost 20 years. As a person, Marcheta is wonderful. She is one of the few former students with whom I have maintained close ties after graduation. She is a warm, caring person who is a dedicated counselor and counselor educator. As a leader, I believe that Marcheta has the people skills to motivate and inspire, as well as to build collaborative partnerships among counselors.” Evans and her three daughters — Martina, Morgan and Brittany — share a proud family Dennis Haynes, interim dean of moment at Morgan’s college graduation. the College of Public Policy at UTSA, believes Evans’ commitment to col- I applaud ACA’s selection of [Evans] as asked who inspired her to become the laboration will be a strong point of her your incoming president.” counselor and person that she is today, presidency. Haynes had the opportunity Evans says her grandmother immedi- to work with Evans when he was chair A family focus ately comes to mind. “I grew up in the of the university’s Department of Social As dedicated as she is to the counsel- late fifties and early sixties,” says Evans, Work and she was chair of the Depart- ing profession, Evans makes sure to set who spent much of her childhood liv- ment of Counseling. “Although the social aside time to focus on her own wellness, ing in Washington and San Antonio but work and counseling professions have at and much of that centers on her family. also spent time with her grandparents in times engaged in a competitive relation- Evans and her husband, Ed, who live in Mobile, Ala. “She taught me how to be ship, Marcheta has been consistently col- San Antonio, have six children and nine confident and proud of who I was as an laborative and supportive in her relation- grandchildren. Five of the children have ship with social work,” Haynes says. “She graduated college, and one is a junior bio- African American female. And we needed chaired the UTSA Graduate Council medical engineering major at the Univer- that during the times in which we were Committee that recommended the estab- sity of Texas at Austin. Evans laughingly living, to know that I was not ‘less than.’ lishment of a social work program and describes it as “chaos” when everyone is In some cases in her mind, I was ‘better has continued to advocate on our behalf together, but it’s the good kind of chaos than’ and ‘more than.’ She was definitely as we sought social work accreditation.” that comes with love, she says. “We have at the crux of that inspiration.” “For me, the epitome of Marcheta’s col- tons and tons of fun when everyone is An aunt provided inspiration for the laboration with the UTSA community together. It’s just a wonderful, wonderful go-getter attitude that eventually brought was our joint effort in providing mental time.” Evans all the way to the ACA presidency. health support to Katrina evacuees in San Another place you’ll find Evans is on “My aunt did anything and everything,” Antonio,” Haynes continues. “Marcheta the tennis court, although not as much Evans says, mentioning her aunt’s degrees invited social work, along with other as she’d like given her more demanding in music and pharmacy, as well as the as- professional entities across UTSA, to position as associate dean. “I would love bestos inspection and house moving com- come together to support the city of San to play a minimum of once a week,” she panies she started. “She was always open Antonio’s Katrina evacuee response when says. “I used to play at least three times to trying anything. She inspired me to the first evacuees arrived. Many more a week. Hopefully, this summer, I will do any and everything. She just enjoyed evacuees arrived in San Antonio than get to play with my daughter while she is life to its fullest and taught me, ‘Don’t be expected, and the city government sought home from college.” afraid to fail.’” UTSA assistance. Marcheta coordinated A self-identified “outdoors person,” It is a lesson Evans took to heart and a this universitywide effort in collaboration Evans says one of her family’s favorite lesson that has helped pave her pathway with the broader city and professional pastimes is camping. “We love to visit the to success. u community.” state parks and just enjoy the beauty of “I value Marcheta’s personal and profes- nature. My most favorite time is when I sional commitment to interdisciplinary have all the children together at a camp- Lynne Shallcross is a senior writer collaboration across university depart- site late in the evening and we are all sit- for Counseling Today. Contact her ments and colleges,” he says. “She is a ting around the fire pit. The laughter and at [email protected]. fierce advocate and leader of diversity the stories are awesome!” Letters to the editor: initiatives within our university. She is Family is important not only in Evans’ [email protected] innovative and creative in promoting rel- daily life but also to the path she traveled evant university-community engagement. to arrive at the ACA presidency. When

48 | Counseling Today | July 2010 Letters

Continued from page 8 counseling programs choose to be the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor limited licensed professional counselors accredited by CORE. Martin and (CRC) credential as the standard for are being overlooked for many job Cannon suggest that all counseling hiring, not the NCC. Again, CRCC led positions that we have been trained and programs should choose CACREP. the way in developing the first counselor educated to do. When I entered into my CORE was the first accrediting body credential, not NBCC. The CRC graduate program in 2008, I was unaware in counseling. Its standards are equal to credential is rigorous and evaluates both of these problems. Nevertheless, I am still or exceed those of CACREP. The entire counseling standards and rehabilitation eager to become licensed and to start my profession of rehabilitation counseling standards. Its standards are equal to or own business. accepts CORE’s standard. Why should exceed those of the NCC. As I read the article “A profession the profession “genericize” itself to accept I appreciate the need for a unified in peril,” it increased my desire to get an accreditation that only 20 percent of profession, but unity should not require involved and advocate for the counseling the counseling profession accepts? CORE professional identity to be forfeited. profession. At times, I wonder if standards are clear and valued. They are I am not a generic counselor. I am a current professionals are doing enough high standards. Universities should not rehabilitation counselor with unique, to advocate. I wonder how other have to pursue the cost and time required specific credentials and skills. When I professionals such as social workers and joined ACA, I did so because it welcomed to have both accreditations, nor should psychologists are able to distinguish and accepted the variety among they have to settle for a generic standard. themselves. I wonder how just anyone counselors. It had unique divisions that It would not increase the quality of can apply for licensure as a professional accepted each of the different types of rehabilitation counseling programs. counselor without being approved by an counselors. Now it seems the message Cashwell makes two statements that are accrediting association. I wonder why particularly troubling. First, there is only is, “We don’t want you if you want to maintain your identity. Accept our there isn’t a standard curriculum for “one accrediting body, CACREP, that licensure as a professional counselor. I serves to promote professional counselor generic minimum. Pay the extra cost of wonder who I can talk with to stop this preparation.” Second, there is “one generic accreditation and certification, and to prove ourselves worthy. national credentialing body, the National then pursue your specialization.” It is I am passionate about counseling Board for Certified Counselors, that unnecessary and too costly to do so. and am still trusting of the framework monitors voluntary national certification Michael O’Brien, Ed.D., CRC, CVE that I have been taught. What can I of counselors.” Both statements are Director, Oklahoma Department of do to advocate? I am a member of the simply inaccurate. Rehabilitation Services American Counseling Association and CORE is the national body that Newcastle, Okla. attended the annual conference this past accredits rehabilitation counseling [email protected] March in Pittsburgh. I wonder if there programs. CORE led the way in this w could be a summit of some sort that movement and should not have to directly promotes the profession and take a back seat. The Commission on I am pursuing my master’s in Rehabilitation Counselor Certification counseling from a CACREP-accredited educates the public about what services (CRCC) is the national body that certifies university and entering my practicum this we are trained to provide. rehabilitation counselors. The majority spring/summer semester. In Michigan, Stacy Jackson of public and private agencies recognize licensed professional counselors and Wayne State University u

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July 2010 | Counseling Today | 49 Reader Viewpoint - By Liz Cupo

Call to arms

Counselor involvement is a must if barriers to working with older adults and veterans are going to be removed

wo significant barriers remain citizens. It is becoming increasingly clear for licensed mental health to me that in order for these barriers to Tcounselors and licensed be removed, counselors need to become professional counselors. Despite our more active in advocating for themselves profession’s strict academic, training and must put increasing pressure on and professional standards, we continue U.S. legislators regarding these issues. to be shut out of Medicare and, to a Several staff members from the American great extent, employment within the Counseling Association and the American Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Mental Health Counselors Association, a These are two significant potential division of ACA, spent an unprecedented sources of work and income for number of hours advocating for us on counselors, and as both the senior Capitol Hill during the congressional population and the veteran population health care debate. We are fortunate to grow, the counseling profession will have such talented individuals working experience a corresponding impact. on our behalf. While these outstanding Barriers to working with these ACA and AMHCA professionals can lead populations must be removed for our the charge, however, they cannot take profession to move forward. down the walls by themselves. They need Our first hurdle is to convince Congress our help. that counselors are qualified and eager to Being shut out of Medicare limits our work with Medicare recipients (virtually opportunities to work with seniors who everyone 65 and older). Licensed clinical are already on Medicare. It also makes social workers, who possess credentials it awkward when working with those equivalent to those held by LMHCs, have transitioning to Medicare during the been working with Medicare recipients course of treatment, usually as the result for years. We should be asking that of the client turning 65. As we all know, LMHCs be recognized on an equivalent once a client is on Medicare, financial basis, at least for reimbursement reimbursement is nearly impossible. purposes. Although most Medicare recipients also A provision for counselor participation have supplemental plans, these plans in Medicare was included in the recent cover only Medicare-approved services. health care reform bill passed by the Hence, by default, we become ineligible House of Representatives, making many to participate with either Medicare or the of us hopeful of its eventual passage supplemental plans. into federal law. However, the counselor With respect to the VA, the barriers provision was excluded from both the to employment are more subtle and Senate version of the health care bill complex and require some knowledge of and the final version (H.R. 3590) that the counselor recognition law and the Congress eventually passed and signed. federal government’s employment system. Many of us are profoundly disappointed Three main obstacles exist to LMHC that this recent restructuring of health employment within the VA: care did not include a provision for 1) Despite congressional pressure to counselor participation within Medicare. create it, there is no General Schedule Unfortunately, this barrier still stands. (GS) series specifically for LMHCs. What happens legislatively has a 2) Although LMHCs can be hired significant impact on our professional under the social science series (GS- viability as counselors, particularly in our 0101), this is rarely implemented, leaving ability to work with veterans and senior LMHCs on the outside looking in.

50 | Counseling Today | July 2010 3) Turf battles are a reality, and it is the law and begin hiring LMHCs. The Other series, however, such as GS-0101 advantageous for those already in the VA VA continues to drag its feet, however, (social science), are more general and can system (social workers and psychologists, allowing the status quo to prevail. be used to post a variety of job positions, for example) to keep other mental health During the past two years, I have including mental health positions. To clinicians out. tracked all VA mental health postings date, despite much congressional pressure Congress passed legislation (Public Law in my state of Florida (the USAJOBS to do so, no category has been created 109-461, the Veterans Benefits, Health federal employment search engine makes specifically for LMHCs. The Office of Care and Informational Technology it very easy to do this) and spoken Personnel Management can develop a Act) recognizing licensed counselors as with numerous VA human resources new federal occupational category for mental health specialists within health personnel. The further I looked into LMHCs but only at the request of a care programs operated by the VA in the hiring situation, the more troubling federal agency such as the VA. And, December 2006. as mentioned The law states Many of us assumed that once Congress passed the counselor recognition law, previously, the VA that “licensed LMHCs would be hired within the VA. In reality, it continues to be an uphill climb. has been dragging professional its feet on moving mental health forward with this. counselors are eligible to be appointed and discouraging it became. Although I According to a March 2009 posting on to a licensed professional mental health continue to be interested in employment the ACA Public Policy and Legislation counselor position within the VA.” Many within the VA (much of my internship website: “In February [2009], the Under of us assumed that once Congress passed experience involved working with combat Secretary for Health of the Department the counselor recognition law, LMHCs veterans), my interest in getting to the of Veterans Affairs approved the creation would be hired within the VA. In reality, bottom of VA hiring practices is even of a new occupational category or however, LMHCs are rarely considered greater. categories for the hiring of licensed for mental health positions, and All federal government jobs are posted professional counselors and marriage employment in the VA system continues with a job title and a corresponding GS and family therapists by the VA. ACA to be an uphill climb. In the three and series number. Many of the GS series and AMHCA have provided the VA a half years since this law was passed, are specific, such as GS-0185 for social with information regarding the training congressional staff members and ACA worker. As such, one must have a social and qualifications for professional staff have pressed the VA to implement work degree to apply for GS-0185 jobs. counselors that we believe will be

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July 2010 | Counseling Today | 51 beneficial in structuring future position descriptions and occupational categories. The Under Secretary’s announcement NEW SYLLABI came soon after the House Veterans Affairs Committee wrote to Secretary JUST ARRIVED! Eric Shinseki urging the VA to ‘move quickly’ to establish regulations enabling counselors and marriage and family therapists to ‘work to their full potential The Aca-Aces Syllabus Clearinghouse within the VA.’” Has Received New Contributions To date, this has not happened. The That Will Provide Ideas and slow response by our federal government is very discouraging. In addition, many Inspiration for Counselor Educators of the top human resources and mental Planning Their Fall Syllabi. health directors within the VA are either unaware of or confused about Here is a sampling of some of the many syllabi re- the situation. Others, unfortunately, are cently posted in the clearinghouse: aware but have no interest in resolving the situation. This was the tone in a letter Shannon D. Smith, University of Nevada, Las Vegas – I received from the director of human u Social Advocacy in Counseling. resources at a regional VA medical center. The letter stated, in part: Sara Schwarzbaum, Northeastern Illinois University – “The Office of Personnel Management u Multicultural Counseling (OPM) is responsible for establishing General Schedule (GS) series, not the Carol M. Smith, Marshall University Graduate School of VA. At this time, OPM has not advised Education and Professional Development – the VA of any plans to develop a new GS series for LMHCs. u Diagnosis and Treatment Planning “The VA does not recruit for LMHCs. u Human Development and Adjustment Here at the VA Health Care Center, social work positions are not difficult to u Practicum fill. Our Human Resources Management Mark E. Young, University of Central Florida – Service receives an abundance of qualified social worker applications whenever a u Counseling Techniques position is posted.” Michael J. Koski, Teachers College, Columbia University – I have asked VA human resources specialists in various areas of the country u Group Work with Children and Adolescents in a School Setting if the absence of a specific GS series Renee A. Middleton, Ohio University – for LMHCs necessarily precludes us from employment. The response I u Professional Publications routinely receive is no. I am advised to look for mental health positions posted Denise L. Davidson, Bloomsburg University – as GS-0101 (social science series). u Appraisal Techniques in Counseling Students in Higher Education Unfortunately, the GS-0101 series is used very infrequently to hire LMHCs, Harriet Bachner, Pittsburg State University – particularly in my state of Florida. u Human Sexuality Issues Social workers have been gainfully employed within the VA system for years. u Techniques of Counseling & Psychotherapy On any given day, the VA posts numerous openings for clinical and non-clinical ACA, ACES and the community of counselor educators send kudos social workers (GS-0185). LMHCs are and a warm thank you to these generous professionals. not eligible to apply for these positions. In contrast, social workers are eligible to Please direct any syllabus questions or feedback apply for the GS-0101 series — the only to Vikki Cooper, ACA Librarian, at series for which LMHCs are currently [email protected] or 800-347-6647, x 281. eligible. While we are waiting for the VA and OPM to develop a separate GS series for mental health counselors (something

52 | Counseling Today | July 2010 that ACA has advocated and that the overcome VA inertia and fully implement if, in the months to come, counselor VA has been extraordinarily slow to recognition of licensed counselors. participation within Medicare is not do), an interim, quick and legitimate fix I received a letter dated April 12 from included and we are cut out of a significant would be for VA human resources offices the office of John U. Sepulveda, the VA’s source of potential work and income. to post more mental health positions assistant secretary for human resources Likewise, we must be vigilant in pressuring as GS-0185/GS-0101, thus including and administration. The letter was the VA to implement the counselor both social workers and LMHCs. This disappointing because it indicated the recognition law. Many excellent, qualified is being done in some states and in establishment of a GS series for LMHCs LMHCs are eager to work with both some instances. Not frequently enough, continues to be “in process.” the Medicare and veteran populations. however. The letter states: “We have begun an Currently, we are highly underutilized in Sadly, LMHCs are often treated as a extensive process to develop qualification both of these areas. last resort in the hiring process. According standards that includes the use of subject Counselors, as a profession, are not good to one human resources specialist with matter experts within VA, input from lobbyists. However, we need to change whom I spoke, “If the social work professional associations, and community this attitude if we want to move forward position is difficult to fill and we do not and private sector practices. Once the and be successful. After all, we do not get an adequate number of applicants, we standards are approved, they will be subject hesitate to prompt our clients to advocate will repost the job opening, expanding to a collaborative process with VA national for themselves. Perhaps it is time we start the qualifications to include GS-0101, unions, as mandated by 38 U.S.C. 7403. doing a better job of that ourselves. u social scientist.” In other words, LMHCs We expect the entire process to take are considered only when the VA cannot approximately one year.” find other mental health professionals My goal with this article is to highlight Liz Cupo is a licensed mental health interested in the position. two important barriers for LMHCs to counselor in Florida. Contact her at Another obstacle to employment of overcome and to emphasize the benefits [email protected]. of counselors getting involved in the counselors: Many of the supervisors within the VA mental health care system process through letters and e-mails to their are licensed clinical social workers, and legislators. Congress will continue to work Letters to the editor: they have significant influence on who on implementation of the recent health [email protected] is hired. For instance, supervisors often care legislation. It would be a travesty dictate what GS series and qualifications are to be specified in job postings. In addition, they help conduct interviews and select clinicians. On the basis of my JUST OUT! Completely revised. observations, very few supervising social workers expand job postings to include LMHCs. There are, unfortunately, territorial Terrorism, Trauma, and Tragedies: A Counselor’s or turf concerns with all professions, Guide to Preparing, Third Edition particularly in today’s economy. Some of the mental health providers within the Edited by Jane Webber and J. Barry Mascari VA may be resistant to opening the doors for LMHCs, viewing us as additional This new edition covers many recent tragedies such competition for jobs. After all, mental as: the campus shootings at Virginia Tech and North- health providers within the VA are paid ern Illinois University, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, well, receive excellent benefits, work the earthquake in China, the financial crisis, and the within a larger system that offers broad trauma faced by returning veterans from Iraq and client resources and get to work with a Afghanistan. Plus, a new section on self care. With very rewarding population. 90 percent new material, this book is a cutting-edge, The obstacles to VA employment theory-into-practice resource for all counseling extend beyond the lack of a specific GS professionals. 2010. series code. In fact, the establishment of a GS series code for LMHCs does not Order #72892 | ISBN: 978-1-55620-308-4 guarantee that the VA will implement List Price: $39.95 ACA Member Price: $29.95 PL 109-461 — or the spirit of it. Hence, as counselors, we need to continue to Order online at: put pressure on our legislators to see this through. It will take considerable counseling.org/publications effort on the part of counselors, our or call 800-347-6647, x222 professional associations and Congress to

July 2010 | Counseling Today | 53 Reader Viewpoint - By Susan Smith

Distress and hope in families raising children with special needs

or many parents, a child’s first A parent’s reflection suddenly dart across the street? Would day of school is a day filled with As I sat in my car, I quickly realized his educational aide understand and Fexcitement and dreams about there were things to do. I gathered empathize with his great discomfort in a their child’s future. For other parents, the myself, tucked my emotions away and room with other children? event produces anxiety and a little fear. zoomed off into the day. My next tasks: I reminded myself that my son This past September, I faced that anxiety Take my daughter to preschool and drive would have a range of services, from and fear as I escorted my newly minted myself to class. Counseling class to be occupational and social therapy to a one- kindergartner to the bus stop. I couldn’t exact, where I learned about the inner on-one educational technician for safety. help but wonder if he would make it workings of individuals and families. In Our family had spent years helping him through the day. my personal research, I drilled down into acquire and integrate basic social skills, I held his hand tightly as we walked the the mechanics of families raising children independent living skills, coping skills short distance to the stop. I tightened his with special needs. and the essentials of dealing with bullies. My future goal is to utilize my backpack, again, to the point of restraint. He was ready. I knew he could do it. educational and personal experiences to I checked the attachment of his name guide families through the distress and Stress and social isolation tag for the fourth time and reviewed hope of raising a child with special needs. Anxiety and stress (akin to what I the contents of his lunch bag with him Hence, the reason for this article: to was feeling that morning) are common a third time. When the bus arrived, I document and share my experiences and emotions in families with a child who walked him all the way to the open door, my personal research with an interested has special needs. In their 2010 book, despite receiving some strange looks. audience. Working With Families of Children With My heart pounded. But on that morning, this article was Special Needs, Mary Anne Prater and As he climbed the bus steps, the driver just a flicker in my mind — a flicker Nancy Sileo discuss how families either gave me a kind and soothing smile that quickly doused by the immediate need cope well with the challenges at hand or said, “It’ll be OK.” I let my son go, of getting through the day. As I drove, become strained under the heightened turned quickly toward my car and broke I recounted our family’s work with and unique sources of stress. These down in tears along the way. multiple teachers, administrators, special include: Six years of medical, therapeutic, educators, therapists, doctors, counselors n Financial stress resulting from medical educational, social and family efforts had and bus drivers. These interactions needs and required life and work led us to this precipice. Our son with registered as solid steps toward school changes Asperger’s syndrome, and a myriad of being a positive experience for our son. other needs, was heading to a regular I wondered though, would the teachers n Physical and emotional stress resulting education classroom. remember at recess that he could from grief, guilt and failed attempts

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54 | Counseling Today | July 2010 to adapt to the situation; increased our family’s case, social isolation was a responsibilities; uncertainty about necessary evil that we temporarily utilized the child’s future; and the need to as a coping mechanism. NATIONALLY constantly be on “high alert” for safety It is important for counselors to reserve concerns judgment and to understand why parents CERTIFIED NATIONALLY Yet the ability to cope and persevere are experiencing social isolation. Is the PARENTING within such stressful situations is vital isolation temporarily self-induced for CERTIFIED to the child’s and the family’s success. safety or other reasons? Or do barriers COORDINATOR According to a study published by Judith to social isolation exist that require PARENTING L. Poller and Alicia Fabe in 2009, the demolition? Fleshing out the true nature (NCPC)

divorce rate of families of children with of the isolation is vital. COORDI NATOR

special needs is between 85 and 90 CREDENTIALING CRITERIA Helping families cope percent. The reality of having a child with (NC PC)

An important dynamic to consider Doctoral or Masters Degree special needs tests the very foundation of a family’s resilience and ability to is how the family is coping with the CREDENTIALINGAND; CRITERIA

adapt to challenging, and often tragic, ongoing challenges of raising a child with (ONE of the following): Doctoral(1) State or MastersLicensed Degree or circumstances. special needs. Prater and Sileo list several (2) CurrentAND; member of a Social isolation is another well-known signs that a family is not coping well: menta(ONEl health of the association following): or risk for families raising a child with n The parents exhibit a different level of (3) Two(1) State years Licensed working orwith a special needs, according to Prater and acceptance about their child’s situa- (2)family Current court member system of a Sileo. Parents cannot simply hire a tion, which may impede the use of mentaAND;l health A minimum association of two or neighborhood teenager as a babysitter. problem-solving strategies. (3)years Two experienceyears working working with a They must employ a specially trained with familyat least court five setssystem of high sitter who requires higher pay and n The parents are fearful of or avoid conflictAND; Aor minimum litigating ofparents, two who might be difficult to even find or considering their child’s future. yearsproviding experience services working schedule. These requirements can cause with at least five sets of high n The parents believe they need to described by various the family to miss out on much-needed conflict or litigating parents, give up their individual selves and designations, chances to socialize. INCLUDING,providing services BUT NOT Social isolation can also result from fully commit to their child’s needs. describedLIMITED by TO:various concerns about safety and inappropriate This contributes to stress as self-care parentingdesignations, coordinator, public behavior. Parents may worry decreases or vanishes. reunificationINCLUDING, BUTtherapist, NOT about their ability to stay fully vigilant n One parent takes on the lion’s share of familyLIMITED coordinator, TO: in crowded situations or about their care required by the child’s needs. parentingmediator, coordinator, etc.; child’s antisocial behavior, which can be ANDreunification; 2 Endorsement therapist, Memos n The family has a small, formal social uncomfortable at best, humiliating at family_____ coordinator,______worst. network or none at all. mediator, etc.; On the other hand, social isolation may AND; 2 Endorsement Memos There are also many signs that a family VANGUARD PERIOD be an adaptive mechanism for families ______is coping well and adapting successfully. OFFERS “FAST-TRACK” with a child who has an unobservable In general, these signs are simply the APPLICATION AND disability. In my family’s situation, my opposite of the items on the preceding DISCOUNTEDVANGUARD PROCESSING PERIOD son looks and usually acts like a child list, such as similar parental acceptance, OFFERS______“FAST-TRACK” who is developing typically, yet this APPLICATION AND hope for the child’s future, parental self- mirage can easily be blown away by care, shared duties and a large formal and DISCOUNTED PROCESSING loud noises, small spaces containing Application and informal support network. ______several people or a busy street with too Prater and Sileo also note, “If parents Full Information at: much traffic. I protect my son from Application and these possible threats with great care. are to cope effectively, they need to www.pacehelp.com As a result, I am often the recipient grieve, as well as readjust dreams and Full Information at: of disapproving glances. The label of hopes for their child.” Addressing the PROFESSIONAL ACADEMY OF sadness and loss of the family’s perceived www.pacehelp.comCUSTODY EVALUATORS (PACE) “helicopter mom” might apply to me — future is a plausible first step. This is ~SINCE 1991~ if my son didn’t actually require that level PROFESSIONAL ACADEMY OF in addition to increasing the family’s of care. CUSTODY800-633 EVALUATORS-PACE (7223 (PACE)) knowledge and understanding of their In fact, we used social isolation for ~SINCE 1991~ our son; it served as one source of relief child’s special needs. Overall, the goal is 800-633-PACE (7223) from the incessant onslaught of the world to tap family resources (including existing around him. This onslaught created a coping strategies that work) and build sort of mental noise that, in the past, strength (such as understanding and self- negatively affected his development. In care) to combat the ongoing stress.

July 2010 | Counseling Today | 55 Families often feel overwhelmed by the confusing, and sometimes technical, process of obtaining services for their children. Evidence is clear, though, that when families are involved in and supportive of their child’s education, overall outcomes improve.

Grief work and psychoeduca- the silver lining, for example). n Promote parental advocacy in the tion Similar to any disaster preparation school system to foster ownership and Counselors should expect that families slogan worth its merit, our family plans responsibility. of children with special needs will require for the worst but expects the best in each time to grieve. Parents might need to situation. As a counselor, I intend to pass n Bridge the gap between the child’s share stories of dashed dreams, such as this valuable strategy on to future clients. family life and school life by mirroring having a future soccer buddy or math In practice, planning as a family of a lessons from school at home. whiz, and express sadness or even anger child with special needs encompasses not at the loss of a future without medical or only having extra underwear when potty A positive end, a positive be- mental health interventions. Oftentimes, training but also preparing mentally to ginning parents feel selfish and shameful about face situations such as the delayed onset As I continued driving my daughter having these sentiments. of potty training. The goal is to not be to school, I considered the positive ways Something that counselors should shocked and bewildered by perceived that my son has affected our lives. Our watch for is ongoing, unrealistic failure (the “inability” to potty train), but family experienced an initial readjustment expectations that create impediments to rather to embrace realistic expectations of our values and a reconsideration processing grief. It can be difficult for and to be ready for their outcome (late of life’s priorities. We fine-tuned our families to let go of the idealized hopes potty training). teamwork skills, strengthened our family for their future. This often comes from What if the worst outcome actually bonds and discovered that husbands/ a lack of knowledge about the child’s occurs? Then the goal is to encourage fathers are capable of cleaning toilets. disability and the temporal inability to positive reframing and to assemble Most important, we all learned the true understand and find potential strengths. resources. Prater and Sileo say that meaning of love — an engaged, full- Psychoeducation can mitigate this lack positive reframing is a healthy sign of throttle, unconditionally accepting love of knowledge, while also helping parents families coping well. that I wonder if we would have learned develop realistic expectations for their Supporting involvement otherwise. child. As a counselor, I envision myself in the child’s education As a graduate counseling student, my gathering information and collaborating One of the most daunting tasks for goal is to eventually work with families with specialists to uncover the facts so I parents of children with special needs navigating the educational, emotional, can assist families in restructuring their is navigating the education system. As medical and relational challenges of perspectives to start from a realistic counselors, it is paramount that we caring for a child with special needs. This framework. encourage and support the family’s will include finding existing resources and This does not mean glossing over involvement in understanding and strengths in the family, assisting in the the truly difficult and overwhelming planning for the child’s special education development of accurate information and feelings that accompany these families’ needs (an Individualized Education Plan, collaboratively seeking problem-solving situations. When I work through my for example). strategies that promote family resiliency. I own circumstances, I find that I need to Families often feel overwhelmed by believe that understanding and reflecting marry grief work and psychoeducation the confusing, and sometimes technical, on my personal circumstances are the first — honoring my feelings of loss while also process of obtaining services for their step toward that goal. u gathering information about expectations children. Evidence is clear, though, and alternatives, some of which are that when families are involved in and positive in nature. supportive of their child’s education, Susan Smith is a graduate overall outcomes improve. This Problem solving and resilience counseling student at the improvement feeds positively into the According to Prater and Sileo, problem University of Southern Maine. child’s overall development, which eases solving and coping skills (resilience) foster She aspires to work with families the family’s stress. a family dynamic suitable for weathering of children with special needs. Prater and Sileo suggest some ways that the ongoing challenges that are unique Contact her at sljsmith@ counselors can support and encourage to families of children with special needs. maine.rr.com. These skills can range from concrete family involvement in their child’s school strategies for outings and events (such needs: Letters to the editor: as being prepared with a backup plan) n Encourage volunteering to ease [email protected] to abstract strategies such as positive parental apprehension about the reframing of challenging tasks (finding school environment.

56 | Counseling Today | July 2010 Obituary

many individuals throughout Maine and Actively engaged in professional asso- the Northeast held her in the highest ciations, Fall was a member of the Ameri- regard for her ability to help professionals can Counseling Association, the Associa- reach their highest potential. tion for Counselor Education and Super- Fall gave more than 100 presentations vision, the American School Counselor at national, regional and state confer- Association, Play Therapy International ences and symposia. One of her most and numerous regional and state counsel- recent presentations was at the Fall Maine ing associations in Maine and Iowa. She School Counselor Association (MESCA) was president of Iowa ACES from 1994- Conference, where she was a keynote 1995, president of North Atlantic Region ACES from 1999-2000, postsecondary Marijane E. Fall speaker. “Marijane was my true inspira- vice president of MESCA and a found- Longtime educator, play therapy expert and tion. I would not be the school counselor ing member of the Maine Association for counseling leader in NARACES and Maine I am today if it were not for her,” said Play Therapy. A regular member of vari- MESCA President Bonnie Robbins. “She ous committees connected to these orga- arijane E. Fall, professor educated, pushed and stood behind me nizations, Fall could always be counted emerita of counselor educa- as a mentor, colleague and friend. I used on for substantive contributions and hard tion at the University of M to tell her that she sits on my shoulder work, but her most noteworthy contribu- Southern Maine Department of Human every day at work, and when I try to solve tions were her tremendous energy, posi- Resource Development, died Feb. 5, an issue, I think, ‘What would MJ do?’ I tive spirit and wonderful sense of humor. 2010, at the age of 69. hope to continue her legacy through my A gifted teacher as well as scholar, Fall Born and raised in Sanford, Maine, Fall school counselor work and my goal of was awarded both a Faculty Teaching attended Colby College, Nasson College becoming a registered play therapist. MJ Award and a Faculty Scholarship Award and the University of New Hampshire. will be missed. She touched everyone in a from USM. She was inducted into the She received her master’s degree in coun- special way. She is a true legend.” North Georgia College and State Uni- seling from the University of Southern Fall served on the editorial boards of versity Counseling Hall of Fame and was Maine (USM) in 1986 and then worked ASCA School Counselor magazine and the also included in the National Distin- as a school counselor for five years before Professional School Counseling journal. She guished Service Registry for Counseling earning her doctorate in counselor edu- served as coeditor of the 1997 Professional and Development. cation from the University of Maine in School Counseling journal that focused on Fall is survived by her son Greg Fall; 1991. A licensed counselor in both Maine “Partners in Research: School Counselors daughters Gretchen Fall and Amy Hen- and Iowa, she maintained a private prac- and Counselor Educators Working To- shaw; daughter-in-law Joy Fall; son-in- tice for more than 20 years. Following the gether.” Zark VanZandt, her colleague at law Carl Henshaw; and grandchildren awarding of her doctorate, she taught for USM and coeditor of that special edition, Earl and Alice Fall. All three of Fall’s chil- three years at the University of Iowa, then fondly remembered both the hard work dren joined the helping professions, and returned to USM in 1995. Fall retired in and the good times that went into the each speaks with great appreciation for 2007. development of that volume. “Because the ways she made life special. Fall was a prolific researcher and author Marijane had such a joy about her and Michael Brady, chair of the USM Hu- with special interests in play therapy, man Resource Development Department, possessed such a great sense of humor, counselor supervision and self-efficacy. stated, “As a university colleague and even proofreading and meeting deadlines She authored numerous articles that ap- across-the-street neighbor, I saw firsthand, were enjoyable experiences,” he said. peared in a variety of journals and was and every day, Marijane’s enthusiasm for Fall was active in the Association for nationally recognized for her expertise in life and love for people. Her obituary said Play Therapy and Play Therapy Interna- play therapy. In addition to her scholarly she was ‘full of grace,’ and those words articles, book chapters and monographs, tional and was instrumental in founding ring true, although it is impossible to she coauthored Counselor Supervision: the Maine Association for Play Therapy. capture Marijane Fall in mere words. Her A Handbook for Practitioners with Jack Her scholarly work on play therapy ap- spirit lives through her beautiful children Sutton. peared in such publications as the Inter- and her many students and friends.” Sutton noted that Fall’s mission was to national Journal of Play Therapy and Pro- A celebration of Fall’s life was held Feb. find ways to help her students learn. “She fessional School Counseling and as chapters 13 at USM and a scholarship fund was felt if they didn’t learn, she wasn’t being a in numerous books. One of the more established in her honor. Contributions good teacher, and it was her problem to fascinating contributions Fall made to can be sent to Wilmington Trust – find the best way for everyone to learn,” the scholarship about supervision was the Marijane Fall Scholarship Fund, c/o he said. Fall taught supervision courses use of sand trays to facilitate supervisee Ameriprise Financial, 16 Casco St., and workshops at USM, and Sutton said insight and growth. Portland, ME 04101. u

July 2010 | Counseling Today | 57 Chi Sigma Iota celebrates 25th anniversary

By Thomas J. Sweeney

hi Sigma Iota, established programs of which they are a part (2009- movies and TV shows, and professional in 1985 at Ohio University 2010 funds: $58,000). In addition, it has books. Cin Athens, is celebrating its invested more than $150,000 in research n The CSI Author Showcase, an 25th year of promoting excellence in the grants, chapter grants, awards, fellowships interactive web forum where CSI counseling profession. CSI started with and internships. In addition, chapters members can post reviews of books, CDs, one chapter and 31 members and has donate time and funds that amount to grown into a worldwide organization hundreds of activities and thousands DVDs or other creative works that they with more than 70,000 initiated and of dollars each year. One of the most have developed more than 14,500 active members. All appreciated benefits to CSI chapters n The International Network, an memberships are conducted through is that our best scholars and leaders emerging knowledge base exploring the chapter endorsement of its students and volunteer as initiation speakers and state of the counseling profession in recent alumni. leadership workshop presenters. All CSI various countries around the world About one-half of our active members speakers do so pro bono, and CSI shares n Find-a-Counselor, a resource to help are students, and at least 50 percent their travel expenses. are practicing professional counselors, CSI has been a contributor to and consumers learn about the counseling including counselor educators and supporter of the American Counseling profession and the services professional supervisors. This latter group supports Association, its branches and divisions as counselors offer and locate professional the mission of CSI with tax-deductible well as a collaborator and supporter of the counselors in their area dues on an annual basis. In addition, Council for Accreditation of Counseling n JobLinks, a service to help counseling upward of 500 counselor educators and Related Educational Programs students and professionals find jobs serve as chapter faculty advisers, and the National Board for Certified n Professional advocacy resources for mentoring new leaders for the future Counselors Inc. In fact, the membership of the profession and the settings in criteria for CSI are defined by the professional counselors which counselors work. Indeed, every CACREP Standards, and a credential as a n Training modules on CSI leadership professional organization in counseling professional counselor is required of those topics that members can complete for free has CSI members in its leadership. endorsed for membership as alumni or continuing education units CSI’s governance includes an elected faculty members. n Professional Counselor’s Corner, Executive Council, an executive director To celebrate a quarter-century of a website where practicing counselors and numerous committees and task forces promoting excellence, CSI published can exchange ideas through interactive to carry out the work of the society. a special issue of the Exemplar, its However, the emphasis of CSI has always premier publication, on social justice in forums and obtain information on been to provide cocurricular services to counseling. Articles from past issues of current professional issues counselor education programs through its the Exemplar are cited in refereed journals For more information about CSI, visit chapters. Currently, 268 chapters induct and books as well as requested as reprints csi-net.org. u more than 5,000 new members annually for use in class assignments. and engage in a variety of campus-based CSI continues to develop new activities. programs and services for its members. More than 80 percent of our chapters Some recent initiatives include: are sponsored in nationally accredited n The Counselor’s Bookshelf, a programs, and all chapters will be compendium of book and movie reviews Thomas J. Sweeney is the executive sponsored as such in the future. CSI submitted through an interactive web director of Chi Sigma Iota. has contributed more than $600,000 in forum. This resource covers four areas: funding to support chapter cocurricular books that helped individuals become programming for the counselor education better counselors, bibliotherapy resources,

58 | Counseling Today | July 2010 The International Association for Counselling Conference: Counselling for a World in Crisis

Impact of volcano gives attendees a new level of appreciation for conference theme

By Lynn Linde, Courtland Lee, Cirecie A. West-Olatunji, Carol Bobby, Kimberly Frazier and James Linde

he 2010 conference of the Linde, Kimberly Frazier of Clemson themes: counseling with children and International Association for University and CACREP Executive young people in crisis, counseling to TCounselling (IAC) was held in Director Carol Bobby were among a cope with life-threatening illnesses, and Bucharest, Romania, from April 14-17. group of colleagues who also attended the promoting peace and human rights The conference theme, “Counselling conference. through conflict management. for a World in Crisis,” focused on how Conference highlights included three As is the case with any conference, counseling can add value to people’s plenary sessions that offered a diverse many of the special moments occurred as lives as they confront major global and look at counseling issues. Andreea Szilagyi participants interacted with one another. regional challenges to health and well- of Romania presented the opening One of the things that became evident being. The gathering provided attendees keynote on “The Counseling Profession early on is that we all share a passion with opportunities to reflect on the in Southeastern Europe: The Role of for the profession and believe in the nature of counseling in an increasingly Counseling in Crisis Time.” Charlie need for counseling. Counseling is an complex and crisis-ridden world. Fantechi of Italy presented a plenary emerging profession in many parts of The IAC Conference attracted address titled: “5STAR — Five-Session the world, and it was interesting to hear counselors and related professionals from Therapy Approach to Resolution.” the challenges participants are facing as the newly formed Romanian Counseling Cirecie A. West-Olatunji of the they attempt to gain recognition and Association, as well as a number of University of Florida, who also represents acceptance for counseling. In some delegates from other parts of Europe, the Association for Multicultural countries, no word for counseling exists North America, New Zealand and Counseling and Development on the in their language, making it even harder Israel. IAC, founded in 1966, is a global ACA Governing Council, presented the forum for counselors and counseling. Its final plenary address on “Trauma and for counselors to explain what they do. mission is to promote the well-being of Resilience in the Wake of Disaster.” Many of the participants could not people worldwide by advancing relevant The Working Group sessions are the imagine the status that counseling enjoys counseling practice, research and policy. primary feature of every IAC Conference. in the United States, where the profession IAC also helps to grow counseling in These sessions provide participants with has been recognized for much longer and areas of the world where the profession opportunities to present papers and to claims so many more counselors than is less developed by offering support and engage in extended dialogue with their elsewhere in the world. consultation to newly developing national colleagues from around the world on West-Olatunji’s special moments and regional counseling associations. important counseling issues and concepts. involved interacting with the Romanian More information about the association During this year’s Working Group graduate students, whose excitement is available at iac-irtac.org. Courtland sessions, a series of papers was presented about becoming counselors was Lee, a past president of the American that provided important stimuli for contagious — similar to the excitement Counseling Association, is the current participant discussion. Working Groups exuded by her own graduate students IAC president. ACA President Lynn were organized around the following back in Florida.

July 2010 | Counseling Today | 59 Frazier found the international focus enjoyed West-Olatunji’s talk on trauma when we might be able to fly out. As and interactions beneficial for moving and resilience in the wake of disaster. the shock slowly subsided, we started her clinical skills to the next level, Little did we know at the time that our to deal with the fact that we no longer invigorating her with research ideas own coping mechanisms would soon had any control; we were at the mercy of and hearing stories that speak to what be tested and that we would be looking the world’s ability to deal with a natural professionals are doing internationally. for reasons to hope. Eyjafjallajökull, disaster. From an organizational standpoint, a volcano in Iceland that had been The most amusing and ironic Linde realized that many of the inactive for nearly 200 years, erupted, moments for West-Olatunji were when participants identified more with spreading ash over Northern Europe. conference attendees began looking one another than with counseling in The conference theme, “Counselling for to her — as the “expert” in dealing the United States. Many participants a World in Crisis,” suddenly took on with crises and traumas — to provide represented countries where there personal meaning for all of us. sagacious commentary on what we were are fewer than 100 counselors. These Upon initially hearing news of the all experiencing. Among the questions individuals had a hard time imagining volcano, none of us was particularly thrown at her: “What do you think about what it would be like to be part of a concerned. After all, how could a volcano this situation?”; “What do you think counseling organization such as ACA in Iceland impact us in Romania? Our we should be doing?”; and, her personal with more than 43,000 members. naïveté became apparent as airports all favorite, “Am I normal?” As is the case in Many of the issues counselors from across the continent began closing and we most crisis situations, she couldn’t provide other countries are facing are the same all heard that our flights were canceled. any easy answers, only validate that our challenges we continue to face in the We still thought we would be able to get responses were normal. And like the United States: gaining recognition as out after a day or two, but it soon became other attendees, she vacillated between a profession, earning acceptance as apparent that none of us was leaving moments of peace and panic. providers and destigmatizing the use of Bucharest anytime soon. We all found ourselves obsessed counseling services. At first, we couldn’t even get through with CNN. We feel asleep watching The Eyjafjallajökull volcano to our airlines. After finally making images of the volcanic ash billowing This IAC Conference proved contact (which didn’t happen until more in the sky and awoke to breaking news meaningful for more than just the than two days later for some of us), of … more ash! We kept our airlines’ program content. We had especially the airlines couldn’t give us any idea of telephone numbers on speed dial and

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60 | Counseling Today | July 2010 contacted them constantly for answers one’s life and schedule is very unsettling how lucky we were that this experience — but no answers were available those and provokes anxiety. Although Lee had only been temporary. West-Olatunji first few days. Typical responses to knows a great deal about cognitive said she also realized the need to hold crisis situations became commonplace: behavior therapy, he acknowledged that on to those feelings of desperation so obsessive thoughts, anxiety about the self-talk about remaining calm in a crisis she could use them to stay humble and future and, at times, catastrophizing. We went only so far. Lee found himself true to her clients, her students and, worried about our responsibilities and thinking about Maslow’s hierarchy commitments back home and became of needs during his extended stay in ultimately, to herself. anxious about our lack of control over Bucharest. He was comforted by the fact We will always have a great story the situation. Bobby summarized how that he could stay in his hotel, meaning about IAC in Romania and will forever we all felt: “I just want to go home.” But, his basic needs would be met: a roof be bonded by the experience. We were clearly, we couldn’t. over his head and a reliable source of fortunate to spend time with old friends Thank goodness we were all counselors food. That was true for all of us. The and make new ones. Each of us is proud and provided a wonderful support system Romanian counselors and the staffs at to be part of “The Eyjafjallajökull Clan.” for one another. Without saying a word the hotels were wonderful and went to put the plan in place, we each took out of their way to help us during our w turns playing the role of the stabilizer: extended stay. We were much more Postscript by James Linde “We’ll be fine.” “It’ll all work out.” fortunate than some travelers who were I had the opportunity during Lynn’s “Have you seen the countryside? There stranded in airports and spent days ACA presidency to meet some of the are lovely castles and monasteries there.” sleeping on the floor. ACA/IAC attendees. Little did they, or I, Once it became obvious that we were Lee and others in our group also anticipate that there would be an almost going to be grounded for several more underscored the importance of social days, we bonded together and made new support during stressful times. Although immediate need to actively apply some friends with other similarly stranded it was very frustrating being stuck in of the conference concepts related to guests. We laughed together as we shared Bucharest and not having any control dealing with global crises. our attempts at rebooking our tickets over the situation, having a group of What struck me pointedly about Lynn, for the umpteenth time. We initiated friends and colleagues with whom Courtland, Cirecie, Carol and Kimberly new members into the Bucharest Club to share the experience made the was their use of humor as a coping and competed in creating six-word circumstances bearable. We laughed skill. As reality took hold, especially novel titles to sum up our experiences together and shared our frustrations. concerning the lack of control one had, (a la Ernest Hemingway). One of When Frazier felt her resolve faltering, humor was both inwardly and outwardly Bobby’s titles: “When Ash Grounds she was thankful to be part of a directed. This allowed for as close a sense Planes, Spirits Soar.” Another favorite: wonderful group of experienced travelers “Stranded: A Reluctant Visitor’s who could make jokes and put the of normalcy as the situation would allow. Romanian Guidebook.” situation in perspective. Lynn and James It was impressive to observe them As our new departure dates Linde tried to embrace the situation as helping one another, though similarly approached, we continued to feel anxious an opportunity to spend more time with situated. Still, while reaching out to and apprehensive. What if we received colleagues and to get to know them on a others, they did not lose their personal yet another e-mail canceling our flights? wholly different level than they normally perspective that the crisis was affecting The weather in Bucharest was lovely, and would in passing at meetings and we never saw any ash, so it was hard to them, too. I have learned through Lynn’s conferences. The Lindes also recognized work that counselors practice a degree of believe that something was really floating the advantage they had of going through detachment when assisting clients. Yet, around in the air, keeping us from the experience together, so neither was at here, detachment was difficult because returning home. home worrying about the other. But on the dates of our respective West-Olatunji said the ultimate benefit they were living the same situation as the departures, the mornings dawned sunny from this experience was being able to “client.” and clear, and it remained that way as place herself in the shoes of many of the The six-word novel titles became our flights winged across Europe and the clients and outreach workers with whom not just an intellectual activity but Atlantic, depositing us, at long last, at she has had contact over the years. She a humorous interlude that afforded our destinations. reflected, “This is what it feels like to everyone a mechanism for getting Reflections on crisis fight panic when all you have left is to through the crisis: Iceland Ashes/ From a counseling perspective, we all hold on to hope.” Bucharest Stranded/Comforting Humor learned a great deal about crisis from It is amazing how existential we Note: James Linde is not a counselor, this ordeal. Ironically, the theme of the become when material goods no longer conference we had traveled to was about have value, when nature takes over and although he has been married to one for 39 crisis, and we all got to experience this we have no control over our destiny. As years. He is an elementary school principal theme firsthand. We were confronted we finally boarded the planes that would for a special education center that serves with the fact that loss of control over take us to our homes, we thought about emotionally disturbed children. u

July 2010 | Counseling Today | 61 division, region & Branch News

AMCD focuses on Latino con- Because of India’s urgent need for following questions. Need a clearer cerns, mental health in India trained mental health care professionals, understanding of federal hiring practices? Submitted by Adelaida Santana Pellicier Sandhu initiated the Indian Association Want to identify more effective ways of and Daya Singh Sandhu of Mental Health Counsellors (IAMHC) helping your clients in their federal job [email protected] on May 4 with the help of the United search? Maybe you would like a federal [email protected] States-Indian Educational Foundation job yourself? If any of these questions The Association for Multicultural in New Delhi and in collaboration with apply to you, please join NECA for Counseling and Development Latino(a) his host university, Guru Nanak Dev FedFest. Concerns Network, fondly known University Amritsar. Professionals from all Currently scheduled speakers include as LAT-NET, invites all Latinos and across India attended the historic launch Mike Mahoney, U.S. Office of Personnel American Counseling Association of this association. Sandhu was elected Management staffing group manager; members concerned about competencies to serve as IAMHC’s founding executive Derrick Dortch, The Washington Post’s in servicing Latino families and interested director to provide information about federal hiring expert and author of How in networking with Latino professionals strategic planning and direct IAMHC to Find a Job in Washington, DC; and to become members of or affiliates in activities. Karol Taylor and Janet Ruck, coauthors our network. Contact Helda Montero Sandhu, distinguished professor of Guide to America’s Federal Jobs. at [email protected] to be included in our of research and former chair of the Negotiations are also under way with mailing list and communiqués. University of Louisville Department of representatives from the Partnership for LAT-NET recently developed a podcast Educational and Counseling Psychology, Public Service and the Department of on the earthquake in Chile and its effects considers the establishment of IAMHC Labor. on the population. Link to the podcast to be one of the most important For updates and more information via amcdaca.org/amcd under “News and accomplishments of his professional about this exciting event, visit Events” or from LAT-NET’s webpage. career. employmentcounseling.org. In other news, AMCD Immediate Past NECA’s FedFest charts ACES announces fall President Daya Singh Sandhu recently a course for Annapolis regional conferences launched a mental health movement Submitted by David Zimpfer in India. As a Fulbright-Nehru senior Submitted by Kay Brawley [email protected] research scholar at Guru Nanak Dev [email protected] The five regions of the Association for University Amritsar in India, Sandhu The National Employment Counseling Counselor Education and Supervision found that the nation’s more than 1 Association will set sail once again to will each be holding conferences this fall. billion citizens have very limited access to Annapolis, Md., the sailing capital The North Atlantic ACES Regional of the United States, this August. So mental health professionals and facilities. Conference will be held Sept. 24-26 at make plans to sail with us for our first India is emerging as one of the world’s the New Brunswick Hyatt Hotel in New FedFest — NECA’s Learning Institute leading economic powers, but as part Brunswick, N.J. The conference, themed of rapid economic and social changes, on navigating employment opportunities “Promoting Equity and Social Justice Indians are also experiencing multiple within the federal government, not in K-20 School and Clinical Mental significant stressors in their lives. Some only in Washington but also across our Health Counselor Education,” will offer of these stressors are causing mental country and elsewhere! FedFest will be keynote addresses from Cheryl Holcomb- health concerns, including clinical held Aug. 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. McCoy and Rita Chi-Ying Chung. The depression, anxiety, marital discord, at the Annapolis Yacht Club. The $75 gathering will include additional pre- and domestic violence and substance abuse. registration fee includes a full lunch, post-conference workshops. For more Approximately 125,000 people commit continuing education units and parking. information, visit naraces.org or contact suicide in India every year, and at least What’s the NECA FedFest all about? Stuart Chen-Hayes, NARACES president 10 times as many have suicide ideations, Karol Taylor, NECA’s expert on federal and conference chair, at stuartc@lehman. according to Sandhu. government employment, asks the cuny.edu.

62 | Counseling Today | July 2010 The Rocky Mountain ACES Regional Conference will take place Sept. 30–Oct. 3 at the Jackson Lake Lodge in Grand NEW PODCAST Teton National Park in Wyoming. The conference is themed “Creating Reality Therapy, Choice Theory: What’s the Dif- Leadership and Scholarship Through ference? Innovation and Empowerment.” For http://www.counseling.org/Counselors/TP/PodcastsHome/CT2.aspx more information, visit uwyo.edu/rmaces/ conference.asp or contact Nicole R. Hill, Speaker: Robert E. Wubbolding, EdD, internationally known teacher, au- thor and practitioner of Reality Therapy has taught Choice Theory and Reality president-elect of RMACES, at hillnico@ Therapy in the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. He has isu.edu or 208.282.3156. written over 125 essays and chapters in textbooks as well as ten books and has The North Central ACES Regional seven videos on Reality Therapy. Dr. Wubbolding is also: Professor Emeritus Conference will be held Oct. 14-16 at of Xavier University, Director of the Center for Reality Therapy, a Professional the Westin Chicago Northwest in Itasca, Clinical Counselor, a Psychologist and a member of the American Counseling Ill. For more information, visit ncaces. Association, the American Psychological Association, the Ohio Counseling As- org or contact Christopher Roseman at sociation, and the Greater Cincinnati Counseling Association. [email protected] or Kerry Sebera at [email protected]. Rebecca Daniel-Burke discusses the following topics with the presenter: The Southern ACES Regional u What is reality therapy? What is choice theory? How are the two connected? Conference will be held Oct. 28-30 at the u What is the WDEP System? Hospitality House in Williamsburg, Va. u What types of clients are most amenable to reality therapy? Are there any For more information, contact Danica types of clients for whom reality therapy does not work? Hays at [email protected] or visit saces.org. u What can you say about research in reality therapy? The Western ACES Regional u Tell me about the founder of reality therapy, William Glasser, M.D. What is Conference will be held Nov. 4-7 in your relationship to him? Sacramento, Calif. The conference u What trends do you see in reality therapy? What do you think the future theme is “The Fierce Urgency of Now,” holds for this system? embodying leadership to cultivate Running time: 56:02 advocacy, research and mentorship in counselor education and supervision. E-mail the speaker Dr. Bob Wubbolding: [email protected] For program proposal information, Link to the Center for Reality Therapy: http://www.realitytherapywub.com/ visit surveymonkey.com/s/B56J9LN; for Link to the William Glasser Institute: http://wglasser.com registration information, visit regonline. E-mail host Rebecca Daniel-Burke: [email protected] com/waces_2010; for conference Blogs, blogs, and more blogs information, visit counselored.unlv.edu/ u We have a new school counselor blogger and a soldier blogger who will blog WACES%202010%20Registration. into Afghanistan — go to http://my.counseling.org/ and read the latest topics htm; and for hotel reservations, visit u Singing for Suicide http://my.counseling.org/2010/06/07/singing-for-suicide/ sacramento.embassysuites.com and use the u Hurry Up and Wait: Familiar Words to a Soldier http://my.counseling. group/convention code “WAC.” For org/2010/06/07/hurry-up-and-wait-familiar-words-to-a-soldier/ more information, contact Katrina Harris u Measure Twice, Cut Once http://my.counseling.org/2010/06/03/measure-twice- at [email protected]. u cut-once/ u ADHD, the Latest from a Top Expert http://my.counseling.org/2010/06/03/ adhd-the-latest-from-a-top-expert/ u Hello, Group Therapy. It’s Been Amazing Getting to Know You. http:// my.counseling.org/2010/06/02/hello-group-therapy-its-been-amazing-getting-to- know-you/ u Inconsistent Clients Will Foster Dependence http://my.counseling. Coming next month: En- org/2010/06/01/inconsistent-clients-will-foster-dependence/ u Songwriting is My “Drug of Choice” http://my.counseling.org/2010/06/01/ gaging men in the songwriting-is-my-%e2%80%9cdrug-of-choice%e2%80%9d/ counseling process u Not So Normal Aging http://my.counseling.org/2010/06/01/not-so-normal-aging While you’re on the blog page, check out the COUNSELING JOBS tab (more current job listings)

July 2010 | Counseling Today | 63 Bulletin board

Coming events Strengths-Based Engagement (SBE) or Age.” Attendees are offered as many as Gottman Method Therapy. Or attend seven CEUs for attending the conference. NCDA Global Career one-hour and two-hour sessions in nine For more information, visit aadaweb.org Development Conference main content areas: assessment, clinical or contact Catherine Roland at rolandc@ June 29-July 2 approaches, children and adolescents, montclair.edu or Jane Rheineck at San Francisco creative therapies, current trends, [email protected]. Join more than 1,000 colleagues and education and supervision, ethics, friends at the premier conference for ASERVIC National Conference multiculturalism and self-care. Register career development professionals across Aug. 1-3 online at amhca.org/member/annual_ all areas of career development. Themed Myrtle Beach, S.C. conference.aspx. “A Bridge to a Brighter Future,” the Na- The Association for Spiritual, Ethical tional Career Development Association’s MeCA Leadership Institute and Religious Values in Counseling is Global Career Development Conference July 19-21 hosting its second national conference will offer professional development dis- Castine, Maine at the Springmaid Beach Retreat and coveries through more than 90 sessions, The Maine Counseling Association’s Resort. Themed “Navigating the Spiri- 84 roundtables, eight Pre-Conference Annual Leadership Institute will be held tual Journey of Life,” the conference will Professional Development Institutes, at the Maine Maritime Academy in Cas- provide practical and experiential op- nine featured sessions, two amazing key- tine, a beautiful coastal town along the portunities for the purpose of integrating notes — Jason Dorsey of Gen Y Guy and Penobscot Bay. All conference committee spirituality and the ASERVIC spiritual Beverly Kaye of Career Systems Interna- members and executive board directors competencies into counseling. tional — and extraordinary networking are invited to participate. Emerging lead- For more information, visit aservic. opportunities. For more information, ers are also identified and invited. Golf, org or contact Mark Young at meyoung@ visit ncda.org. dining, recreation and long meetings mail.ucf.edu. Hotel conference rates are are on the agenda. A lobster bake is also available before and after the conference MAPT State Conference included. For more information, contact so you can include the conference in July 9-10 MeCA President Jim Davis at jdavis@ your family vacation. Springfield, Mo. sad34.net. Attend the Missouri Association for Rocky Mountain Eating Disor- Play Therapy State Conference and National Conference on Wom- ders Conference learn about sand tray therapy from Terry en, Addiction and Recovery Aug. 13-14 Kottman, founder of the Encouragement July 26-28 Denver Zone. Kottman will present “Basics of Chicago The second annual Rocky Mountain Sand Tray Therapy” July 9 and “Partners Join with leaders, colleagues and Eating Disorders Conference will in the Sand: Adlerian Applications stakeholders to discuss research, focus on clinical advancements in the of Sand Tray Play Therapy” July 10. innovations and trends at the Fourth treatment of anorexia nervosa, bulimia Attendees can earn as many as 12 CEUs National Conference on Women, nervosa and eating disorders not from these experiential workshops. For Addiction and Recovery. The conference, otherwise specified, as well as strategies more information and to register, visit themed “Thriving in Changing Times,” for addressing the complexities of these moplaytherapy.org. will offer education on topics including disorders. For more information, visit family-centered treatment, health eatingrecoverycenter.com. AMHCA Annual Conference policy affecting women’s treatment, July 15-17 NZAC & ACA Conference co-occurring mental and health Boston Sept. 30-Oct. 2 conditions and culturally responsive This year’s American Mental Health Auckland, New Zealand approaches. For more information, visit Counselors Association Annual The New Zealand Association samhsawomensconference.org. Conference, themed “Creative Therapy, of Counsellors and the Australian Creating Change!” showcases speakers AADA Annual Conference Counselling Association invite colleagues who specialize in creative ways to July 30 to their annual conference, being held bring about change in our clients and Manhattan, N.Y. at the Langham Hotel. Conference in ourselves. Barbara Fredrickson will The Association for Adult workshop topics include culturally deliver an exciting keynote address. Development and Aging is cohosting appropriate counseling, holistic Her research reveals how positive a conference with Montclair State counseling, bullying, play therapy and emotions, even when fleeting, can tip University with the theme “Advocacy and substance abuse. For more information, the scales toward a flourishing life. the Underserved: Developmental Issues visit registration.ozaccom.com.au/ei/2010/ Immerse yourself in a daylong track on of Sexual Orientation, Race, Gender and acn10.

64 | Counseling Today | July 2010 ACCA Conference We invite you to participate in an excit- Call for manuscripts Oct. 6-9 ing new opportunity to educate helping The Arizona Counseling Journal is so- St. Louis professionals about CAIT. This event is a liciting manuscripts for its 2010 edition. Make your plans now to come to the 10-day study institute set in a picturesque Manuscripts should conform to the Pub- fifth American College Counseling As- 14th-century villa on a mountainside in lication Manual of the American Psycho- sociation Conference, themed “ACCA: Tuscany. For further information, visit logical Association, sixth edition, and be The Gateway to Excellence in College education.odu.edu/pcl/counselor/institute/ no longer than 20 pages, double-spaced. Counseling.” Brett Sokolow, president of index.shtml or call 757.683.6202. We are looking for manuscripts related to the National Center for Higher Edu- cation Risk Management, will be the FYI counseling practice, research and pedago- keynote speaker. Preconference sessions gy, as well as reviews of current books in will be offered for those who would like Call for submissions the counseling field. This year, the journal more in-depth workshops, including The Association for Lesbian, Gay, will have a “Student Focus” section. “Best Practices for Behavioral Interven- Bisexual and Transgender Issues in We will publish between two and three tion and Threat Assessment” presented Counseling invites submissions for The articles submitted by graduate counseling by Sokolow. For more information, visit Journal of LGBT Issues in Counseling. The students. The deadline for submissions is collegecounseling.org or contact Sylvia intent of this journal is to publish articles July 15. Submit manuscripts and ques- Shortt at [email protected]. relevant to working with sexual minorities tions to [email protected]. and articles of interest to counselors, Institute for CAIT counselor educators and other counseling- Bulletin Board Oct. 15-26 submission guidelines Tuscany, Italy related professionals. Topic areas include Items for the Counseling Today Bulletin The Institute for Complementary, new research, new/innovative practice and Board must be submitted via e-mail to Alternative and Integrative Therapies theoretical or conceptual pieces that reflect (CAIT) in Tuscany, Italy, is a refereed, new ideas or new ways of integrating [email protected] with “Bulletin international conference for mental previously held ideas. The journal is Board” in the subject line. Please note health professionals and is sponsored by distributed quarterly. For submission that not all submissions are accepted for the Counseling Graduate Program at Old guidelines, contact Ned Farley, editor, at publication. Limit submissions to 125 Dominion University in Norfolk, Va. [email protected]. words or less. u

July 2010 | Counseling Today | 65 News & notes

Diagnosis officially added n You can expect to review approxi- Reports is a breakthrough for the counseling to Connecticut counselors’ mately six proposals per year. profession. Raising awareness of the coun- scope of practice n The initial term is for four years, and seling profession continues to be a high On June 8, the Connecticut Counsel- you may be offered the opportunity priority within ACA. ing Association, a branch of the Ameri- to serve for a second term. can Counseling Association, celebrated a Counseling center n You will receive one complimentary significant legislative victory when Gov. directors surveyed copy of every book published by M. Jodi Rell signed Senate Bill 428 into The 2009 National Survey of Counseling ACA as compensation for your work law, amending the scope of practice for Center Directors, published by the Inter- on the board. Connecticut counselors to include diag- national Association of Counseling Services The position requires belief in the nosis. Connecticut joins 35 other states (IACS) and sponsored by the American peer review process, experience and skill that explicitly include diagnosis as part College Counseling Association, a division in reviewing both print and electronic of counselors’ professional practice. The of ACA, provides a comprehensive look at media, dedication to promoting mul- change will become effective Oct. 1. programs and services at 302 U.S. colleges ticultural competence in counseling, CCA began working on this issue in and universities representing 2.6 million objectivity and the ability to meet dead- fall 2009 when a challenge was made to lines. If you meet these qualifications, students. Among the findings: counselors’ ability to diagnose. Before send a letter of interest outlining your n 10.4 percent of enrolled students sought enactment of Senate Bill 428, Con- areas of expertise and your publish- counseling in the past year, representing necticut counselors’ scope of practice ing and reviewing credentials, as well approximately 270,000 students from only implied the authority to diagnose. as a copy of your curriculum vitae, to the surveyed institutions. As described by CCA Past President Carolyn C. Baker, Director of Publica- n The ratio of students to counselors is Gail Lehman, the new law amounts to tions, American Counseling Association, 1,527-to-1. “career insurance” for counselors. 5999 Stevenson Avenue, Alexandria, VA ACA congratulates CCA Acting Presi- 22304-3300 or [email protected]. n The average number of counseling dent Mike Gilles, CCA Executive Direc- The deadline for applications is Sept. sessions for all students was 6.2 sessions tor Deborah DelVecchio-Scully and the 8. Incomplete applications will not be per client. other leaders and members of CCA for considered. their success in gaining enactment of the n 93.4 percent of counseling center new law. Consumer Reports includes directors reported that the recent trend counselors in survey for first toward greater numbers of students ACA issues call for time with severe psychological problems on Editorial Board reviewers In a major step forward for recognition their campuses continues to be true. The ACA Publications Committee is of the counseling profession, Consumer To access the 2009 national survey, visit inviting applications for a position on Reports included professional counselors for the IACS website at iacsinc.org. the Editorial Advisory Board. This re- the first time in its annual article on depres- view board serves in an advisory capacity sion. The article, “Depression & Anxiety: Proposals pour in to present at to the ACA director of publications and Readers Reveal the Therapists and Drugs ACA Conference in New Orleans the ACA Publications Committee. Ad- That Helped,” appeared in the July 2010 ACA members submitted a total of visory Board members review proposals issue. 1,276 proposals for Learning Institutes and for publications and other media that In the past, the magazine has neglected Education Sessions for the 2011 Annual are submitted to ACA for possible in- to include professional counselors on its list Conference & Exposition in New Orleans clusion in the publishing program. The of mental health providers rated by read- next March. The ACA Conference is the Publications Committee considers these ers, and ACA had written letters to point world’s largest gathering of counselors, reviews when determining which proj- out the omission. But in the most recent annually attracting 3,500 to 4,000 profes- ects ACA will pursue. issue, professional counselors are included sional counselors, counselor educators and and placed on par with social workers and If you would like to participate in counseling students across the broad spec- psychologists. Under the subhead “Type the process of selecting the materials trum of settings and specialties. of therapist doesn’t matter,” the four-page produced by ACA, please note the fol- This is the fourth year in a row that the lowing: article states: “Psychologists (Ph.D.s), social workers (M.S.W.s) and licensed profes- ACA Conference has received more than n You will be contacted prior to receiv- sional counselors (L.P.C.s) receive equal 1,000 program submissions. The confer- ing a proposal that needs review to helpfulness ratings from those who had talk ence is a great example of counselors help- determine your availability. therapy.” ing other counselors to grow. n Most reviews require a two- to four- To be included in a research survey of a Those submitting program proposals will week turnaround time. mainstream publication such as Consumer be notified of their status by Aug. 12. u

66 | Counseling Today | July 2010 Professional Liability Insurance

Your Passion. Your Profession. Our Purpose.

In today’s world, professional liability insurance is a must for any professional counselor. This insurance ACA isprotects blogging: your assets and covers your expenses in the event of a malpractice suit. ACA’s plan is designed by ACA for ACA members to meetACA the membershipunique needs of professional benefits counselors. you The planmore is administered than you know my.counseling.orgby Healthcare Providers Service Organization and underwritten by American Casualty Company of Reading, PA. It has earned theThe exclusive American endorsement Counseling of ACA Association and the American knows that Counseling counselors Association need to get the most Insurance Trust. Coverage is competitivebang for their with buck broad in benefits, today’s economy.covering up That’s to $1 whymillion we foroffer each exclusive claim members- only discounts on the things you need most. wand $3 million aggregate. In addition, the plan offers license protection coverage and 100% payment of covered legal expenses. Follow us on Professional liability insurance Professional Members: Twitter: Receivetwitter.com/ a 10% discount on a newIn today’s or renewing world, policy professional with a HPSO liability liability insurance insurance is a must premium for any professional CounselingViewsof $100 or more. counselor. This insurance protects your assets and covers your expenses in the event of a malpractice suit. ACA’s plan is designed by ACA for ACA members to Students: meet the unique needs of professional counselors. Liability insurance coverage isThe part planof the is ACA administered Master’s level by Healthcare student’s membership. Providers Service Organization and underwritten by American Casualty Company of Reading, Pa. It has earned New Graduates: the exclusive endorsement of ACA and the ACA Insurance Trust. Coverage is Receive a 50% discount on theircompetitive liability insurance and offers premium broad benefits,through HPSO. covering up to $1 million for each claim and $3 million aggregate. In addition, the plan offers license protection coverage Visit acait.org for more information.and 100 percent payment of covered legal expenses.

Professional members Receive a 10 percent discount on a new or renewing policy with a HPSO liability insurance premium of $100 or more.

Students Liability insurance coverage is part of the ACA master’s-level student membership.

New graduates Receive a 50 percent discount on your liability insurance premium through HPSO.

For more information on the ACA professional liability insurance discounts, visit acait.org. For other questions about or concerns with your ACA membership, contact the ACA Member Services Team at 800.347.6647 ext. 222 or 703.823.9800 ext. 222 (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., ET).

July 2010 | Counseling Today | 67 u Classified advertising categories include: Calendar; Merchandise & Services; Consult- ing; Office Space Available; Business Oppor- tunities; Educational Programs; Call for Pro- grams/Papers. Other categories can be added at no charge. Classifieds u Rates: Standard in-column format: $10 ADD PSYCHOANALYTIC COACHING TO per line based on 30 characters per line, MERCHANDISE/ YOUR COUNSELING SKILLS $60 minimum. $8 per line for advertisers SERVICES prepaying for six months. No cancellations Dato Psychoanalytic Institute provides or refunds. Classified ads can be placed on- American Academy of excellent training at the Institute and by line only at a rate of $8 per line, based on 30 phone. Free initial consultation offered. characters per line; 30-day posting. Medical Hypnoanalysts www.datopsychoanalyticinstitute.com u Employment ads are listed under inter- Psychotherapy in an Altered State national or national by state. Hypnosis training for mental health ATTRACT MORE u Rates: $10 per line based on 30 charac- professionals. www.AAMH.com FULL FEE CLIENTS ters per line, $150 minimum. $8 per line for advertisers prepaying for three months. No SANCTUARY OF THE SOUL: List your practice on Find-a-Therapist. cancellations or refunds. Employment ads com. Thousands of visitors search our can be placed online only at a rate of $8 per www.soulpoetry.org : Poems of anguish, line, based on 30 characters per line; 30-day healing, hope, comfort and celebra- site each month and over half of them are posting. tion. Endorsed by Elie Wiesel, Wayne private pay clients! Niche market your Display ads in the employment classified Dyer, Nikki Giovanni, Patricia Evans practice by listing on 5 of over 50 directo- section are available and can be designed by and Drs. Alice Miller, Larry Dossey, ries to choose from. 1-866-450-3463 ACA’s graphics department. Call for details. Frank Ochberg, Ellen Langer, This is a Classified and employment ads are not com- book which would fit well in your office. LET US DO YOUR NEWSLETTER missionable and are billed at net rate only. FOR YOU! u ACA Members: If you are seeking a po- Need Tools To Manage Unique, guaranteed service used and sition you may place a 45-word ad for $10. Your Practice? This is a one-time insertion only. loved by other counselors to grow their Do you feel like you’re drowning in practice! www.NewslettersForTherapists. u Deadlines: Vary per issue. Contact Kathy Maguire at 607.662.4451 or kmaguire@ paperwork? Are you spending too much com (866) 200-6945. counseling.org for further details. valuable time on the phone either on THE FAMILY & MARRIAGE u Direct all copy or inquiries to hold or fighting with insurance compa- Kathy Maguire via e-mail at nies? 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68 | Counseling Today | July 2010 DISSERTATION COMPLETION ship skills and outcome orientations are cross-cultural and diversity issues. The CONSULTING critical to success Counselor is expected to collaborate with Individualized program assists with all A Master’s Degree in Higher Educa- faculty and other university personnel aspects of dissertation and thesis writ- tion Administration, College Student when necessary. ing. By phone, by FAX, by e-mail, or in Personnel or related field or equivalent Candidates should have: Master’s person. Call “toll free” 1-(888) 463-6999 experience is required. A Doctorate is Degree in a related field (counseling, or [email protected] preferred. Minimum 5 years experience social work, psychology); Licensed as in progressively responsible positions a professional counselor, psychologist, within Career Development Services and/ psychotherapist; Minimum of two years EMPLOYMENT or Higher Education is required. of counseling experience in higher educa- Loyola Marymount University shares tion; Experience working with students in a rich intellectual heritage fostered by from different social, cultural and ethnic CALIFORNIA the Jesuit and Marymount educational backgrounds; Demonstrated understand- traditions and founded on social justice ing and sensitivity regarding cultural and ethical values. The main 150 acre traditions, language barriers, and differen- LOYOLA MARYMOUNT campus is located in West Los Angeles tial experiences; Foreign language ability UNIVERSITY and supports seven colleges/schools. a plus; Demonstrated ability to effectively Executive Director, Career Enrollment includes 5,746 undergradu- communicate and an enthusiasm for Development Services ate and 1,899 graduate students. LMU working with students, faculty and other employs over 2,200 faculty and staff. The university personnel; A student-centered Loyola Marymount University is university cherishes its Catholic identity philosophy; High ethical and professional seeking an Executive Director of Career while at the same time welcoming people standards. Development Services. Reporting to the from diverse social, religious and cultural Salary will be commensurate with Dean of Students, the Executive Director backgrounds. qualifications and experience. Review of of Career Development Services provides We offer a competitive salary and com- applications will begin immediately and visionary, strategic leadership to define prehensive benefits package. Interested continue until the position is filled. To and provide the services needed by our candidates may apply online by submit- apply send a letter of interest, resume, students as they prepare to compete for ting an application, resume and letter of salary history and three professional refer- employment in an ever-increasing com- interest to http://jobs.lmu.edu (reference petitive and global workplace. ences, to: #010-287). Please direct inquiries to Human Resources, Re: Counselor, CDS is a comprehensive department Katie Kusske, Director of Recruitment, serving the career development, experien- Soka University of America, 1 University Retention and Staff Relations (kkusske@ Drive, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656-4105 E- tial education, student employment, job lmu.edu) at (310) 338-4420. search, post undergraduate education and mail: [email protected] exploration needs of LMU undergraduate SOKA UNIVERSITY OF AMERICA students, graduate students and alumni. CONNECTICUT Counselor Career Development Services enhances the student academic experience by fos- Soka University of America is seek- CENTRAL CONNECTICUT tering and developing relationships with ing a Counselor. The Counselor will STATE UNIVERSITY the LMU, regional, national and global be responsible for providing counseling Counseling & Wellness Center: Sub- communities and facilitating lifelong services to enrolled students during the stance Abuse Coordinator [#C10-121] career exploration. academic school year which runs from We are seeking experienced profession- August through May. Central Connecticut State University’s als who are able to provide leadership The Counselor will provide counseling Counseling & Wellness Center seeks through collaboration with key constitu- on issues such as handling personal crises, a Substance Abuse Coordinator to ents within the LMU community and coping with anxiety and depression, develop, manage and expand substance beyond by engaging employers, seeking establishing and maintaining relation- abuse programs to ensure the delivery of new opportunities for experiential learn- ships, working on changing relationships comprehensive, coordinated, innovative ing and providing professional develop- with parents and other family members, programs and services for our student ment for our students and alumni. dealing with losses and handling new population. The ideal candidate has demonstrated academic demands. The Counselor is Required Qualifications: Currently competencies in the following: devel- expected to provide on-going support for Licensed (or immediately license eli- oping vision, collaborative initiatives students with psychological disorders in gible) by the State of Connecticut as a resulting in advancements in career and consultation with the student’s physician mental health provider or alcohol and graduate school preparation, practical ex- and/or psychiatrist and the university’s drug counselor; Master’s Degree in social perience and employment opportunities health services. In addition, the coun- work, counseling or related field; 4 years for students and alumni. Demonstrated selor is expected to support international of direct counseling experience working understanding of career services related students in their adjustment to life in the with a college population; 2 years experi- technology, strategic thinking, relation- U.S. and advise students in the areas of ence in grant management; and experi-

July 2010 | Counseling Today | 69 ence with program design in the area of in the areas of clinical mental health discriminate on the basis of race, color, substance abuse prevention, intervention and career counseling in a CACREP- religion, sex, age, marital status, national and education required. Credentials and/ accredited master’s and doctoral program. origin, handicap, or status as a disabled or or experience substantially comparable to Applicants should have an earned doctor- Vietnam-era veteran. The Constitution the above may also be considered. ate in Counselor Education (ABDs are and Bylaws of Northern Illinois Univer- Preference will be given to applications encouraged to apply) from a CACREP sity afford equal treatment regardless of received by June 9, 2010 and the position accredited program with work experi- political views or affiliation and sexual will remain open until filled. To begin the ence in clinical mental health, be eligible orientation. NIU recognizes dual career application process, please complete the for licensure in Illinois, have experience issues. Applicant Cover Page at http://www.ccsu. teaching at the graduate-level, and be an edu/page.cfm?p=1335. Submit the Appli- experienced supervisor. Appointment will VIRGINIA cant Cover Confirmation Page along with be for one year starting August 16, 2010. a letter of application, resume and names APPLICATION INFORMATION: PRIVATE PRACTICE - Part-Time and contact information for 3 profession- Please send electronically (1) a letter Part-Time Virginia Licensed Mental al references via email to: Mr. Montez of application; (2) a current vitae; (3) Health Therapist needed for Private Johnson at [email protected]. contact information for three references; Practice Group in Lynchburg, VA. and (4) copies of transcripts for graduate Provider with insurance panels preferred. ILLINOIS coursework to: Visiting Assistant Profes- Individual, Couples, and Children/ sor Search Committee; Department of Adolescent specialty areas needed. NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY Counseling, Adult and Higher Education Opportunity exists to eventually work full [email protected] time. Please send resume and cover letter Visiting Professor DEADLINE: Application review will to [email protected] or The counseling program at Northern begin immediately and will continue fax to (434) 525-5844. call (434) 525- Illinois University seeks a counselor edu- until position is filled. QUESTIONS: 9006 cator to join our faculty for the academic Contact Jane Rheineck at 815.753.8722 year of 2010-2011 in a non-tenure track or Debra Pender at 815.753.4906; E- position as a visiting professor. Primary mail: [email protected]. responsibilities will include teaching four Northern Illinois University is an equal core counseling courses each semester opportunity institution and does not

Licensure Requirements for Professional Counselors A State-by-State Report, 2010 Edition

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Which states require a jurisprudence exam? How many CE credits does each state require for renewal? #RJ;H>?>
@IL
 Which states have reciprocity? Find the answers in this comprehensive, up-to-date report. More features: ■ Contact information/website for every state licensing board ■ Fees and renewal requirements ■ List of states that have adopted the ACA Code of Ethics ■ Scope of practice identified for each state ■ Clinical Supervisor requirements ■ Licensure Portability/Reciprocity information ■ New in 2010: California Licensure Information! Nonmembers: $29.95 | ACA members: $19.95 Order #72903 To order call 800-422-2648, x222 Please include $8.75 for shipping of the first book and $1.00 for each additional book.

70 | Counseling Today | July 2010 CON-CT0710_CON-CT 0210 5/4/10 1:18 PM Page 1

A counselor’s story…

8:00 a.m. Get to the office early. Start the coffee. Check voice mail. Leave a brief message for my client Brad. Don’t want his wife over-hearing anything confidential.

9:00 a.m. First client, Mark. Dealing with depression. Lost his job of 15 years. Body language anxious. Admits he is contemplating shooting his ex-boss.

10:00 a.m. Christine has a long-running drug and alcohol problem. Making great progress. Offers to clean my house in return for counseling sessions.

11:00 a.m. Mary gave me a big hug, again. She wants me to testify at her son’s child custody hearing. Let’s me know husband is going to subpoena her records. She invites me to dinner.

12:00 p.m. Grab lunch at desk. Check email. Sign up for CE class on crisis management.

Read an article on lawsuits filed over ‘client confidentiality.’ It is important to know when to protect a client’s privacy and when it’s required by law to report certain behavior.

Just as important as having coverage through HPSO! Endorsed by: Now with new expanded benefits!

Make sure your story has a happy ending. Counselor’s Professional Liability Insurance 800.982.9491 • www.hpso.com/con7

This program is underwritten by American Casualty Company of Reading, Pennsylvania, a CNA company, and is offered through the Healthcare Providers Service Organization Purchasing Group. Coverages, rates and limits may differ or may not be available in all States. All products and services are subject to change without notice. This material is for illustrative purposes only and is not a contract. It is intended to provide a general overview of the products and services offered. Only the policy can provide the actual terms, coverages, amounts, conditions and exclusions. CNA is a service mark and trade name registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Health Providers Service Organization is a registered trademark of Affinity Insurance Services, Inc., in CA (License #0795465), MN and OK, AIS Affinity Insurance Agency, Inc., and in NY, AIS Affinity Insurance Agency. ©2010 Affinity Insurance Services, Inc. CON-CT0710 EͮED,ͮK

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