Disaster & crisis counseling

Also inside: • Exploring the potential for posttraumatic growth • Counselors in the Occupational Outlook Handbook • Making mindfulness more accessible to clients

ACA 2012 Annual Conference & Expo • March 21-25 • San Francisco

35 Extras 50 46 44 40 Features 28 Cover Story Today Counseling

be afeatured speaker at theACA Annual Conference inMarch. Craig Windham, forNPR, will whois both apracticingcounselorand anewscaster Windham to offer keynoteSan in Francisco to establishintimacyintheirpersonalrelationships? being goodatthe“craft” ofcounselingactuallymakeitmore difficult forcounselors Accepted wisdomisthatcounselorsare atallthingsrelational, experts butcould Shirley Doug By Why counselors make lovers poor Reader Viewpoint tosustainatraditionalmeditationpractice. who struggle lifemightproveand cranniesofeveryday helpfultoclients(andcounselors) very approach tomindfulnessthatcanbedonewithinthenooks A casual,lighthearted Andrew PetersonBy Bringing mindfulnessinto your counseling practice Knowledge Share counseling profession forthoseexploringcareer possibilities. the AmericanCounselingAssociationtohelpitpaintanaccuratepicture ofthe For thelatesteditionofOOH,Bureau ofLaborStatistics once againasked HeatherRudow By features new profiles for counselors Handbook Outlook Occupational clients’ strengths, wellness andcapacityforpositive change. still-emerging conceptofposttraumaticgrowth alignswithcounselors’ focuson The treatment oftraumaoftencentersonclients’ impairmentanddeficits,butthe Rollins Jonathan By The transformative power oftrauma and stabilization—notproviding therapy—thatisparamount. aftermath ofatragedy, itismeetingclients’ basicneedsandofferingasenseofsafety areas ofknowledge andskillforallprofessional counselors.But intheimmediate In apost-9/11world,disasterresponse andcrisiscounselinghave becomeessential LynneBy Shallcross presenceA calming

February 2012

February 2012| Counseling Today |3 40 44 28 Contents Tod Counseling 4 | 60 59 58 57 54 52 8 7 5 Need to Know 56 24 22 20 16 14 12 10 Columns

Counseling

Classifieds News &Notes Bulletin Board Region&BranchDivision, News CACREP Perspective CT Letters to theEditor Executive Director’s Message From thePresident Recent by ACA Books Members Resource Reviews Private Practice Strategies The Psyway Digital New Perspectives Learning Curve Counselor Career Stories Washington Update Learning Test Today |February 2012

selors whohadlittle counselingexperience.(October 1959 issue) school teachersorcoun- nounced institutes wastotrainsecondary various collegesanduniversities. an- The emphasisofthenewly to 50similarinstitutesconducted duringthesummersessionat Title V oftheNational Defense Education Act, were inaddition the secondsemesteronly. The seven institutes,provided forunder 1960 academicyear, twofortheentire academicyear andfive for were beingestablishedatuniversities andcollegesduring the1959- nounced thatseven CounselingandGuidance Training Institutes whole of Title V itself.” (December 1958issue) work thatisspecifiedinthe outtheparticular counselors tocarry Congress hasauthorized theinstitutesin Title V-B totrainmore ofqualifiedcounselorsis shortage really inacrisiscondition. The help develop counselingandtestingintheschools. The current inguidanceto services to provide more adequatestatesupervisory up testingprograms thatwillhelpinidentifyingablestudentsand stimulate thedevelopment ofguidanceprograms inschools,toset that in Title V-A theCongress to hassetupafinancialinstrument them intheireducationalandcareer planning.It isforthisreason lating themtoward educationbeyond thehighschoolandhelping ableyoung peopleandstimu- cance ofguidanceinbringingforth Act] isattackingspecifically. It isan expressed beliefinthesignifi- is thisproblem that Title V-A [oftheNational Defense Education develop andcontinueontoeducationbeyond thehighschool.It where there are goodprograms ofguidance,more …students should through oureducationprocesses. It isknown thatinschools its humantalentsbecauseyoung peoplehave notdeveloped asthey professional counselors invarious practice settings. the world’s largest association exclusively representing milestones andmemoriesthat have ACA goneinto making year, asanorganizationanniversary in2012. Throughout the The American Counseling Association iscelebrating its60th (February 1959issue) D.C. APGAmoved homeonMarch intoitsnew 1,1959. association at1605New Hampshire Ave. NWin Washington, that Counseling Today) inDecember 1958.Here items are news afew Association) beganpublishingTheGuidepost (whichevolved into ACA (thenknown astheAmericanPersonnel andGuidance n n n 60 years

60 years Celebrating ACA CommissionerofEducation Lawrence an- G.Derthick “Congress hasdeclared thatthenationislosingtoomuchof APGA announced the purchase of a new headquarters for the forthe APGAannouncedthepurchaseheadquarters ofanew The Guidepost highlightedduringitsfirst year ofpublishing: Counseling Today willhighlight someofthehistory, February 2012 a y w

From The President CounselingToday DPC — the next step Counseling Today Staff Publisher sents movement toward high professional Richard Yep standards and parity with other allied health Associate Publisher professionals and provides the skills required Carol Neiman

Don W. LockeDon W. for progression to that level. Editor-in-Chief Excellent accredited doctoral programs Jonathan Rollins in counselor education currently train fu- 800.347.6647 ext. 339 ture counselors and advance the profession [email protected] through research and scholarship. No cor- Senior Writer n my columns, I have presented what responding doctorate exists, however, for Lynne Shallcross to me have been some exciting devel- 800.347.6647 ext. 320 professional counselors who are interested [email protected] opments and additional recognition in practice specialization or in attaining the I Staff Writer for us as professional counselors. As I reflect highest levels of clinical competence and Heather Rudow on those developments and think about the recognition. Professional doctorates provide significant progress that our profession has 800.347.6647 ext. 307 a viable alternative to the research-oriented [email protected] made, I would like to share what I envision degrees and offer more experiences relevant as a next step for professional counseling. Advertising Representative to practice. The attainment of the highest Kathy Maguire In this discussion, I am going to borrow clinical standards reflects the natural develop- 607.662.4451 content from an article titled “Doctor of ment of the profession toward public service. [email protected] Professional Counseling — The Next Step” Development of the DPC should enable Graphic Designer that I co-authored with Stephen Southern the profession to respond to public demand Carlos J. Soto II and Rochelle Cade and that was published in for services by producing more and better 800.347.6647 ext. 377 the January 2012 issue of The Family Journal, trained clinicians. [email protected] as well as from a comment column I wrote For the concept of a DPC to move toward titled “The Next Step in the Public Recogni- actuality, it was necessary for an accredited CT Column Editors tion/Acceptance of Professional Counselors” program to undertake its development. Washington Update for the Mississippi Counseling Association’s Stephen Southern, professor and chair of the Scott Barstow Journal of Counseling Research & Practice. Department of Psychology and Counseling 800.347.6647 ext. 234 [email protected] Public acceptance of professional coun- at Mississippi College, accepted my challenge selors has increased significantly with each as dean of the School of Education to Counselor Career Stories additional level of credibility that has been develop an innovative clinical doctorate. Dr. Rebecca Daniel-Burke secured. Accreditation, licensure and certifi- 800.347.6647 ext. 230 Southern and his department presented the [email protected] cation have created a solid base of profession- proposal to the university and, in December, alism that has established a significant role Resource Reviews the Mississippi College Board of Trustees Stephen Flynn for professional counselors as mental health approved the DPC. The DPC is now a [email protected] providers for today and, hopefully, into the reality, and Mississippi College will begin Private Practice Strategies future. As training standards have been re- accepting applications for the degree program Anthony Centore viewed and strengthened, professional coun- for the fall 2012 semester. Dr. Southern and [email protected] selors have seen their skills increased through his colleagues will be presenting the DPC Spotlight on Journals specified experiences and additional super- concept at the ACA Annual Conference in Sheri Bauman vised clinical practice. The logical next step is San Francisco in March. [email protected] to enhance the clinical skill set of professional Lessons learned from the evolution of New Perspectives counselors at the doctoral level of training. professional doctorates in allied health pro- Donjanea L. Fletcher With licensure in all 50 states, the recogni- fessions indicate that counseling is ready to [email protected] tion of licensed professional counselors in make this next step in professionalization. The Digital Psyway the Department of Veterans Affairs’ health My colleagues and I recommend the DPC Marty Jencius care system and the likelihood of LPCs be- as a viable alternative to research-oriented [email protected] ing included in Medicare and the upcoming doctoral programs in counselor education Inside the DSM-5 national health insurance program (due to and supervision. The DPC will prepare the K. Dayle Jones LPCs competence in practice and affordabil- next generation of competent counseling [email protected] ity of services), it is apparent that LPCs soon professionals who will be needed to respond Learning Curve: Notes From a Novice may be afforded full privileges to practice to the increasing demand for specialized LPC Suze Hirsh in hospitals and other health care settings. services. The DPC is the next step in meeting [email protected] The Doctorate of Professional Counseling the needs of both professional counselors and (DPC) degree that is being proposed repre- the clients they serve. u

February 2012 | Counseling Today | 5 End of Life Care: Know More For those who have participated in the Excelsior College End of Life Care Certificate program, whether to earn a certificate or simply take courses—it has been an eye-opening and life-altering experience.

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6 | Counseling Today | February 2012 Executive Director's message CounselingToday American Counseling Thanks, and a request Association President TRICARE. Although we will continue Don W. Locke working on the details of the independent 800.347.6647 ext. 232 practice regulations, this is a very [email protected] Richard Yep positive step for those seeking to work President-Elect with members of the military and their Bradley T. Erford 800.347.6647 dependents. [email protected] We are committed to making your Executive Director or several months now, membership in ACA even more valuable. Richard Yep the American Counseling For example, we have been providing 800.347.6647 ext. 231 FAssociation has been fortunate you with 12 continuing education credits [email protected] to see our membership numbers grow. At each year at no additional cost. And, as Counseling Today (ISSN 1078-8719) is the first, the inclusion of professional liability I mentioned in my previous column, monthly magazine of the American Counseling insurance for every master’s-level student we now make the Journal of Counseling Association, 5999 Stevenson Ave., Alexandria, VA 22304-3300; Telephone: 703.823.9800; member appeared to be the reason for & Development available online and Internet: counseling.org. Opinions expressed our growth. However, we are now seeing searchable back to Volume 1, Issue 1 as in this magazine do not necessarily represent increases in the “Professional” and “New part of your membership. opinions of the editors or policies of the American Counseling Association. Professional” categories as well. In fact, And now for my request. Our range of when we began 2012, we had crossed products, services and resources continues Subscriptions are available for $150 for 12 issues. Email: [email protected] the 49,000-member mark, and we are to improve, but we can remain on that Americas: 1-800 835 6770 hopeful of reaching 50,000 by June 30! track only with a strong, committed and Europe, Middle East & Africa: For reaching our current membership supportive membership base — a base +44 (0)1865 778315 Asia: +65 6511 8000 level, I absolutely must thank all of you. that needs to keep growing. I am asking Single copies are available for $12.50 each Your willingness to join or renew your that you consider urging a colleague by calling ACA in-house fulfillment at membership in ACA speaks volumes, to join ACA at some point this year, 800.422.2648 ext. 222. especially given the current economy. Let’s preferably sooner rather than later! Or, Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria, Va., and face it, we all vote with our checkbooks. perhaps you have the means to purchase additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send That may sound crass, but in many ways, the “gift of membership” for a graduate address changes to ACA Member Services, 5999 Stevenson Ave., Alexandria, VA 22304. today’s consumers are savvier, making student in counselor education. All rights reserved, 2012 by the American purchases and joining organizations that Why am I asking you to do this? Counseling Association. have meaning to them rather than doing Because there really is “strength in Editorial Policies something “just because.” numbers,” and ACA has grown from Counseling Today reviews unsolicited articles So, to all the members of ACA — just over 40,000 members to more than written by ACA members for publication. Not whether you have just joined or have been 49,000 members in five years. My sincere all articles will be accepted for publication. Send articles or request a copy of the writing a member for a very long time — thank hope is that ACA will make its next guidelines by emailing [email protected]. you so much for your vote of confidence. jump from 50,000 members to 60,000 Anti-Discrimination Policy The staff and I hope to maintain your members in an even shorter period of There shall be no discrimination against any support as we work to develop the time. This can be accomplished if we are individual on the basis of ethnic group, race, products, services and resources that will all working together. religion, gender, sexual orientation, age and/or disability. make a positive impact on the important I hope that I can count on you to work you do. join with me in finding, recruiting and Mission Statement As we proceed through challenging signing up even more members. This isn’t The mission of the American Counseling Association is to enhance the quality of life economic times, ACA will continue to just a game of numbers. It is our effort in society by promoting the development do what it can for our members. Take for to continue to elevate the profession of of professional counselors, advancing the example our 30-plus-year effort to see the counseling, to be a diverse and inclusive counseling profession and using the profession and practice of counseling to promote respect enactment of counselor licensure in all organization, and to ensure the public for human dignity and diversity. 50 states, the District of Columbia and that counselors who belong to ACA U.S. territories. We have also maintained maintain high standards of practice and a strong advocacy record at the federal abide by the ACA Code of Ethics. level, as demonstrated by the Department For those attending next month’s of Defense’s recent announcement ACA Annual Conference & Expo in allowing licensed professional counselors to practice independently within Continued on page 27

February 2012 | Counseling Today | 7 Letters

An article that takes and thereby retraumatize the betrayed. counselors ‘outside’ the norm This article was spot on in its analysis. I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed Congratulations. the article by Lynne Shallcross in the James J. Sanders, LMFT, LPC, NCC, December issue regarding the utilization CCMHC of outdoor activities (“Getting off the President, California Association of couch”). As an avid hiker, I have always Marriage and Family Therapists used this sport/hobby/pastime for “self- SandersTherapy.com medication,” namely stress relief and w Editorial policy simply unplugging from the world and The author of “It’s not about sex” left Counseling Today welcomes its demands. I think it’s really interesting something critical out of the article. Like letters to the editor from ACA to see that providers are now facilitating most addicts, sexual addicts deny and members; submissions from services via these activities. minimize their addictions. The article nonmembers will be published Thanks for providing an article that did not mention this, nor did it offer any only on rare occasions. is outside of the norm, allowing us to therapeutic interventions for the addict Only one letter per person per continue to consider new strategies. who is in treatment because his marriage topic in each 365-day period Chad J. Betters, Ph.D., CRC, CDMS, is about to collapse, he continues to deny will be printed. Letters will be CVE, PVE he has an addiction or he thinks he is not published as space permits and are Assistant Professor of Rehabilitation Studies an addict because he has not used porn subject to editing for both length Winston-Salem State University for several months. and clarity. Submissions can be Winston-Salem, N.C The article did mention the partner/ sent via email or regular mail and [email protected] spouse as having PTSD-like symptoms, must include the individual’s full w which tend to worsen when well- name, mailing address or email I just read Lynne Shallcross’ article intentioned but ill-informed counselors address and telephone number. called “Getting off the couch” — great refer the couple to marital counseling ACA has the sole right to stuff! As I was reading it, I had so many when the addict is still significantly determine if a letter will be questions go through my mind. How in denial. So, yes, the partner is accepted for publication. do I do this? Where can I get more retraumatized, while the addict continues Counseling Today will not information? And you answered my to deny, minimize and blame. publish any letter that contains questions! In fact, I was beginning to Myrna Solganick, M.S., LPC unprofessional, defamatory, hope that somewhere I would find the [email protected] incendiary, libelous or illegal contact information for Christopher Old statements or content deemed so I could ask him a question about one as intended to offend a person of the activities he mentioned. And there More proof needed before or group of people based on his contact information was at the end. touting accredited programs their race, gender, age, ethnicity, I just wanted to say thank you. As a Heather Rudow’s piece in the No- religion, sexual orientation, reader, I find this very helpful. I enjoyed vember issue, “20/20 delegates pushing gender identity, disability, not only learning about what other toward licensure portability,” touched language, ideology, social class, counselors are doing but specifically on many crucial issues in the counseling occupation, appearance, mental where I can learn more and how I can field, namely the need for increased — if capacity or any other distinction contact your sources. not standardized — licensure portability. that might be considered by some This makes Counseling Today that much Although I agreed with many of the as a liability. ACA will not print better as a resource for counselors. I hope points presented, my criticism stems not letters that include advertising all those who are interviewed by CT will from the overarching argument for porta- or represent a copy of a letter include their contact information in the bility, but rather from J. Barry Mascari’s to a third party. The editor articles. comment that “this [problem] loops to of Counseling Today will have Sandy Walker … national program accreditation. We responsibility for determining destinysfreedom.com have a national standard, CACREP, just if any factors are present that as do social work and psychology.” Here, warrant not publishing a letter. Mascari vastly oversimplifies what is truly Email your letters to ct@ Sex addiction and retraumatization a complex and multifaceted issue, a mis- counseling.org or write to Concerning the article titled “It’s not step frequently made in today’s counsel- Counseling Today, Letters to the about sex” (December) by Stacy Notaras ing world for the same reason physicists Editor, 5999 Stevenson Ave., Murphy, it was excellent. So many well- search for a Grand Unified Theory: It Alexandria, VA 22304. intentioned therapists tend to blame makes everything else make sense.

8 | Counseling Today | February 2012 Unfortunately, I don’t think it’s that simple. Although the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs is aligned with the New! American Counseling Association, there is no evidence that suggests accredited programs improve counselor proficiency Casebook for Counseling Lesbian, and effectiveness. The continuing accreditation discussion, usually focused Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender on CACREP, has been stymied by disagreement over best practices for Persons and Their Families counselor education — and here’s the edited by Sari H. Dworkin and Mark Pope important part — regardless of whether these practices have been reliably and validly proved to be “best.” A quick “By structuring the book through literature search reveals that research to the lenses of competency models date has yet to prove that CACREP- developed by ALGBTIC, one is able accredited programs produce more to see clear connections between the competent, effective counselors, and data clinical issues presented, effective generated is usually interpreted so as to suggest improved counselor capability, intervention strategies, and how despite the lack of any clear, meaningful counselors work ethically within the criterion validity. As seen in the overturn competency models. Kudos to Drs. (by a unanimous vote) of a New Jersey Dworkin and Pope for this substantial regulation restricting licensure privileges contribution.” only to those who graduate from —Ned Farley, PhD CACREP-accredited programs, there just Antioch University Seattle isn’t enough convincing data to justify Editor, Journal of LGBT Issues in Counseling such a sweeping measure. Mascari pushes CACREP accreditation as a national standard because “the This captivating book contains 31 case studies that focus on what public and students are already confused is said and done in actual counseling sessions with LGBTQQI clients, enough.” I disagree. It’s not that the including diagnosis; interventions, treatment goals, and outcomes; public and we students are incapable of transference and countertransference issues; other multicultural considerations; and recommendations for further counseling or understanding this issue; it’s simply that training. everybody’s tired. This is an intricate Experts in the field address topics across the areas of individual issue, only made more complicated by development, relationship concerns, contextual matters, and wellness. pressure from the other mental health The cases presented include coming out; counseling intersex, professions and policymakers, and it’s bisexual, and transsexual clients; couples, marriage, and family understandable that many wish it would counseling; parenting issues; aging; working with rural clients and resolve itself and be done with already. African American, Native American, Latino/a, Asian, and multiracial But we can’t apathetically assume that this individuals; sexual minority youth; HIV; sexual and drug addictions; is a bane of the profession that is best left binational couples; work and career; domestic violence; spirituality and for those who have some vested interest religion; sexual issues; and women’s health. 2012 | 395 pgs in a particular resolution. Our frustration is no reason to passively go along with Order #772917 | ISBN 978-1-55620-306-0 something that isn’t valid, just and truly List Price: $54.95 | ACA Member Price: $39.95 for the benefit of all — most important, our clients — simply to be united for Please include $8.75 for shipping of the first book unity’s sake. I, for one, am in favor of a and $1.00 for each additional book. national accrediting body, but it must be one that can confidently ensure Order Online: counseling.org counselor quality based on quantifiable By Phone: 800-422-2648 x222 and definite results. (M-F 8am – 6pm) Grant Beighley Seton Hall University South Orange, N.J. [email protected] u

February 2012 | Counseling Today | 9 Washington Update - By Scott Barstow & Art Terrazas

DoD releases TRICARE rule on independent practice for counselors

he Department of Defense 3) Have at least two years of post-master’s questions, contact Scott Barstow of ACA (DoD) has finally issued regula- supervised practice, including a minimum at 800.347.6647 ext. 234 or sbarstow@ Ttions allowing licensed profes- of 3,000 hours of supervised clinical prac- counseling.org. sional counselors to practice independently tice and 100 hours of face-to-face supervi- Congress finalizes spending, within the TRICARE program, which sion. This supervision “must be provided by still working on Medicare a mental health counselor who is licensed provides health care coverage to more than Before going home for the holidays, for independent practice in mental health 9 million military service members, retirees Congress approved and President Barack counseling in the jurisdiction where practic- and their dependents. The agency’s regula- Obama signed into law a spending package tions were released in the Federal Register of ing and must be conducted in a manner that is consistent with the guidelines for for the Department of Education and other Dec. 27, 2011, and took effect immediately. supervision of the American Mental Health federal agencies for Fiscal Year 2012. The The American Counseling Association Counselors Association.” legislation includes $52.295 million in has worked for years to establish Beginning Jan. 1, 2015, counselors (re- funding for the Elementary and Secondary independent practice authority for ferred to as “certified mental health counsel- School Counseling Program, which counselors within TRICARE, and the ors” under the rule) seeking to participate in represents a victory for ACA and other new regulation is an important step for the TRICARE will be required to: school counseling advocates. Funding for profession. The regulation also establishes 1) Pass the NCMHCE; the program had been in serious jeopardy a transition period during which more 2) Possess a master’s or doctoral degree because it was zeroed out under previous flexible requirements will be in place — from a mental health counseling program versions of the legislation developed by the something for which ACA has consistently accredited by CACREP; and House of Representatives. According to staff with the Department of Education, a new pushed. However, not all LPCs will be 3) Meet the supervision hours require- round of grant applications for FY 2012 is eligible for independent practice authority ments listed above. likely to be solicited within weeks. ACA will under the new TRICARE regulation, and Beginning Jan. 1, 2015, counselors share information on grant announcements significant questions and concerns remain who do not meet these requirements (and who have not already qualified as certified on its website and through email. about how they will be implemented. ACA mental health counselors with TRICARE The spending bill maintained the Pell will continue working to address these under the transition period rules) will not Grant maximum level at $5,550 but made concerns and to push for recognition of all be allowed to provide services to TRICARE significant eligibility changes. Students highly qualified LPCs. beneficiaries, even under physician referral must now have a GED certificate or high During a transition period lasting until and supervision. school diploma to be eligible, and eligibility Jan. 1, 2015, professional counselors at It is not yet clear how the requirement is limited to 12 semesters, which is down the independent level of licensure in their that degrees be awarded in a “mental from 18 semesters. state may practice independently under health counseling program of education Although spending decisions for the fiscal TRICARE if they: and training” will be interpreted, nor is it year have been made (even if only weeks 1) Possess a master’s or higher-level degree clear how DoD will verify that supervision before the next budget cycle begins), other from a “mental health counseling program is conducted in a manner that meets big issues remain unresolved, including bil- of education and training” accredited by AMHCA standards. ACA is seeking lions of dollars in pending cuts to physician payment rates under Medicare. Although the Council for Accreditation of Counsel- clarification on these and other aspects legislators failed to agree on a long-term ing and Related Educational Programs and of the regulations and will be submitting comments to DoD prior to the comment package in December, the House ultimately have passed the National Counselor Exami- deadline of Feb. 27. DoD states that it approved a bipartisan Senate bill extending nation; OR expects the rule “to encourage greater current Medicare physician payment rates 2) Possess a master’s or higher-level participation of MHCs [mental health and including other major tax provisions degree from a mental health counseling counselors] in the TRICARE network.” through the end of February. Congress is program of education and training from Counselors are encouraged to read the again facing a looming deadline for action either a CACREP-accredited or regionally regulations and provide comments as on these issues. Significantly, the Medicare accredited institution and have passed the individuals. The regulations are posted portion of the temporary extension did not National Clinical Mental Health Counselor online at gpo.gov:80/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011- include Medicare coverage of counselors or Examination (NCMHCE); AND 12-27/pdf/2011-33109.pdf. For follow-up many other benefit improvements.u

10 | Counseling Today | February 2012 Helping others is your passion. Helping you is ours.

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February 2012 | Counseling Today | 11 Counselor Career Stories - By Rebecca Daniel-Burke

Empowering clients who have hearing loss

Shannon Ruane

ecently, I was speaking with stu- a person-centered approach, to learn their counselors are misrepresenting themselves, dents from Gallaudet strengths and weakness that can be ap- saying they are fluent in American Sign R University, and they asked me plied to the job market. I also often give Language when they are not. about jobs available for graduate students clients homework assignments geared at RDB: That would be frustrating. and new professionals who are deaf or hard self-assessment and apply those findings in SR: It definitely is frustrating. of hearing. sessions. RDB: As you look back on your career Days later, I received a letter from Shan- RDB: How do those tools and that as- in counseling, what was your favorite posi- non Ruane, a licensed professional coun- sessment help you plan a strategy for career tion? Why was that? selor and certified rehabilitation counselor. counseling? SR: Working as a rehabilitation coun- She identified herself as a private practi- SR: Generally, by the third or fourth ses- selor for the deaf and hard of hearing was tioner fluent in American Sign Language sion, we have developed a game plan — in a tremendous experience for me. I really who had experienced her own hearing loss. the client’s own words — of their personal enjoyed working with high school students She was interested in becoming a blogger goals and a strategy for me to assist them in transitioning into college and work envi- for the American Counseling Association. not only achieving the goals but preparing ronments [who were] dealing not only with After vetting her, I knew she would add to sustain them in the long term. What can trying to figure out what career path was something important to the ACA blog be looked at as a mental health treatment right for them, but also the dilemma of project. Here is Shannon’s career story. plan can be applied for career counseling whether or not to attend schools that had Rebecca Daniel-Burke: What is your — short- and long-term objectives apply programs for students with hearing loss. current counseling position? with measurable goals for both the client There were so many different scenarios, so Shannon Ruane: After working for a and therapist working together as a team. many different levels of hearing loss and state rehabilitation agency as a rehabilita- RDB: Is there one theoretical orientation family support. I learned so much from the tion counselor for the deaf and hard of that you gravitate toward more than others? amazing clients I worked with and enjoyed hearing for six years and then as a supervi- SR: I’ve always been a fan of the existen- watching them succeed in their careers sor for almost three years, I’m currently tial approach to counseling — accepting while overcoming obstacles. doing mental health and career counseling the past but applying the time and energy RDB: Was there someone in your life in private practice. into the here and now and the future. This who saw something special in you early on RDB: What led you down the path to- approach bodes well with career counseling and valued you as a unique individual? ward career counseling? because the majority of the times, clients SR: I received my master’s degree in re- are focused on wanting immediate results SR: Interestingly, I can think of so many habilitation psychology and counseling in and moving forward with their goal attain- people who were amazingly supportive 2001, right before 9/11 and a significant ment as fast as possible. It also helps deal of me, such as my family, that it’s hard to drop in the job market. I was in the process with the anxiety and vulnerability associ- isolate just one. When I think of a driv- of trying to find a counseling job and had ated with putting yourself out there in the ing force that kept me going over the past hearing loss — it was challenging. When labor market. several years, I remember a professor who a position was posted to assist deaf and RDB: What do we counselors need to actually wasn’t supportive. She encouraged hard-of-hearing individuals to find work know about counseling deaf and hard-of- me to be realistic and keep my career path through a state vocational rehabilitation hearing clients? limited and work only with the deaf, as agency, I jumped at the opportunity. It SR: Communication is everything. If that would be the only arena where I could was at the height of my own employment you’re not able to communicate at a level hope to find work. She said she was saving struggle that I was empowered to help oth- your client is comfortable with, the time me from years of disappointment. Little ers. and effort should be spent in finding a bet- did she know that I [was] intent to prove RDB: When you start with a client, ter counseling match for the client. Coun- her wrong. (Laughs) what assessment tools might you use? seling should be a comfortable, safe and ac- RDB: That is fascinating that a negative SR: I, for quite some time now, have commodating environment for clients, not experience like that made you so resolute. foregone the traditional clipboard and an additional frustration to add to what Studying counseling can transform us. Has paper assessment and have found more they’re already dealing with in the hearing studying counseling been transformational benefit in getting to know the person, in world. My biggest pet peeve is finding out for you?

12 | Counseling Today | February 2012 SR: Definitely! When I enrolled in quote from Malcolm X — he was discuss- and friends, [so] I am really enjoying the graduate school, I had wanted to work with ing violence and firearms — that I’ve al- holiday season. It helps recharge my bat- brain injury rehabilitation. I haphazardly ways liked because of the truth in it: “If we teries. I’m also a big fan of lounging on the found my way into career counseling and don’t stand for something, we may fall for couch with a great movie or book. have grown so much on both the personal anything.” Working in rehabilitation and RDB: What else would you like readers and professional levels. career counseling often means advocating to know about you and your work? RDB: What mistakes have you made and empowering not only for clients but SR: I’m getting more involved in the so- along your career path? And more impor- for ourselves. There are times when I really cial media aspect of counselor networking. tant, what lessons have you learned from needed to dig my heels in and stand firm I’m writing a blog for ACA and have my those mistakes? for what I believed in. private practice on Facebook, Twitter and SR: I sometimes had a hard time separat- RDB: It sounds as though you have LinkedIn. I’m hoping to be able to connect ing the emotional and professional aspects done just that. with more counselors, read their blogs and of working in career counseling. Sometimes SR: I try! follow their posts online so that we can all the unique challenges and disappointments RDB: If you could invite any three continue to support one another — from my clients were faced with would hit home people in the world, living or dead, to your the other side of the couch! u for me. The more I was able to channel my own personal party, who would you invite own feelings into improving the services I and why? provided for them, the better the outcome SR: What a great question. I’d have to Rebecca Daniel-Burke is the was for both of us. pick Freud, Madonna and maybe one of director of professional projects RDB: Is there a saying, a book or a quote the Muppets — as they have a new movie and career services at the that inspires you regarding your work? out! I doubt we’d run out of interesting American Counseling Association. What do you try to think about or remem- topics to discuss over dinner. Contact her at rdanielburke@ ber when the going gets tough? RDB: Your work is intense at times. counseling.org. SR: In college, I read The Autobiography What ways do you find to take care of [of Malcolm X] and was asked to write a yourself and to fill yourself back up? Letters to the editor: paper on Malcolm X. The objective was SR: I can be a chatterbox and love [email protected] to understand his anger and relate it to spending time with people. My biggest something in our own lives. There was a stress reliever is spending time with family

February 2012 | Counseling Today | 13 Learning Curve: Notes from a novice - By Suze Hirsh

Coming clean: Rookie bloopers, blunders and flat-out mistakes

admit there are times in session 2) Glance up from the legal pad and probing at our first meeting had spooked when I catch myself thinking: look at Client every once in awhile her, big-time. “I left the appointment I“OMG! This person really needs to during the interview. I’m breezing and went on a three-day drinking binge go see a therapist.” Then it dawns on me: through a bio-psycho-social intake with and blacked out,” Client shared. “I woke I am the therapist. Furthermore, I have New Client, a bubbly young woman up in a parking lot under a tree, soaking absolutely no idea what to say. My habit in her early 30s who appears to be no wet because it must have rained the night has been that when words won’t come more than 21. Though she never has had before. I don’t know how long I had been out of my mouth, in goes my foot. Open therapy before, Client says she decided there. I was so scared that I realized I have wide, it’s toe-sucking time. to try it because she recently began to do something about this or I’m going to Perhaps fellow fledglings in the field experiencing intense anxiety symptoms, die.” Bambi isn’t the only one who got a wake-up call that day. can relate. Some might find relief: “Hey, including panic attacks, racing thoughts and persistent insomnia. As the interview 3) Don’t conduct relaxation exercises I’m not the only one!” At the very least, continues, Client divulges a litany of with a client high on narcotics. Seems the foible-filled stories I share may spark horrific abuse, beginning with sexual like a no-brainer, eh? In this case, I was cathartic laughter. Or finger-wagging molestation and physical and verbal abuse so naive about substance abuse that I disapproval. Have at it. If there’s one thing in childhood, and continuing through didn’t realize how naive I was. Client, a I’ve learned from my clients so far, it’s that adulthood with substance abuse, alcohol 50-something-year-old business executive, shame blocks growth. Platitude or no, dependence and a pattern of relationships endures constant debilitating pain due to mistakes are the beginning of discovery. in which she has been victimized and advancing spinal stenosis. He presented for Oprah calls them Aha Moments. I call abandoned. I probe and probe and probe, therapy ostensibly to address anxiety issues. them Uh-Oh Moments. Welcome to my single-mindedly focusing on my case Attendance is spotty because chronically ill Shame Zone and the Lessons Learned conceptualization. Blinded by my zeal for Client is constantly in and out of hospitals there. this case, I failed to notice that Client had to treat his physical issues. At one of his 1) Show up. Being the accommodating morphed from Bubbly to Bambi. As in rare appearances, I notice as we walk down clinician that I am, I offered to come “deer in the headlights.” the corridor to my office that he bumps into work an hour earlier than usual for We scheduled an appointment to begin from wall to wall, bouncing like a pinball Client, who had a scheduling conflict counseling a week later. No show. Follow- in slo-mo. He doesn’t crumple to the floor the following week and couldn’t make up call. No answer. Leave encouraging only because of the support from my hand her usual 12 o’clock standing. I made the voice mail inviting Client to reschedule. cupping his elbow. adjustment on my appointment calendar No call back. Follow-up call again in a “You seem out of it,” I say. “Maybe we and didn’t give it another thought. Until week. No answer. Encouraging voice mail should skip today’s session and reschedule so you can get some rest.” six days, 23 hours and 20 minutes later. redux. Another week passes. Follow-up call numero tres. “This number is no longer in “No, no, no,” Client says. “I’m jush Cellphone rings. It’s Agency Gatekeeper: service. Please check the number and dial tired ’cause I was in the hoshpital for three “Uh, Suze, where the hell are you?!” again.” Supervisor advises me, “Wait one days and you know how the nurshes are (Gatekeeper sits behind soundproof glass month, and if Client has not responded, always waking you up every 15 minutes so for a reason, and it’s not only because of close the file. We cannot force someone to I haven’t had any shleep. I’ll be ho-kay.” HIPAA.) come for help.” “OK,” I coo in my most compassionate Me: “I don’t come in on Wednesdays till Long story short: A month later — to voice. “Maybe we’ll just do some noon. Why do you ask?” the day — I hold Vanishing Client’s file relaxation exercises today since you seem Gatekeeper: “Your 11 o’clock is here.” in my hand, poised to thread the closing to need some rest.” Me: “(Insert Expletive Here)!” paperwork through the brass prongs in her Can you say “Clueless”? Of course, the one time this happens is chart, when my phone extension rings. After a few minutes of guided imagery, with the Client whose major mistaken core It’s Bambi, asking if I’m still willing to be I notice Client has fallen “ashleep,” as he belief is “No one is ever here for me.” her therapist. Apparently, my relentless might have described it, in what I did

14 | Counseling Today | February 2012 not yet realize was a drug-addled state. In was spinning after what we talked about. fact, Client wasn’t snoozing; he had lost I could not function. I’m just not ready to FREE Shipping consciousness. Lucky for me I regained go there.” on ALL Books & Games mine in time to notice that his respiration Pfffffft. That’s the sound of the rate had lowered significantly. I clocked helium leaking from my balloon. it, counting only five breaths per minute. ShhhhShhhhhShhhh. That’s the sound of His pulse had plummeted as well. I was rain on my parade. Pop! That’s the sound working at that time at a facility with on- of my bubble bursting. ZzzzhhhhZzzzhhh. site psychiatrists. I summoned Doc. We That’s the sound of me backpedaling. roused Client. Doc assessed and evaluated I’m lucky Client bothered to come back. Counseling to make sure Client was medically stable. 5) Don’t laugh unless you’re Upon further questioning and subsequent absolutely, positively sure that Client confirmation from Hospital Pharmacist, it is in on the joke. In this next scenario, children became clear that Client had been abusing Client must have been Belgian, because he his pain meds. Ultimately, we sent him spent the entire session waffling. just got home, instructing Caregiver who had Me: “I’m noticing you’re really struggling driven him to the appointment to put with indecisiveness today.” Client to bed and monitor him regularly Client: “Weeeeeeeeeeeeell, yes and no.” easier! to make sure he was breathing. Call 911 Me: (Throwing head back and otherwise. We would address the substance grabbing belly) “Ba ha ha! Ba ha ha ha abuse and possible suicidality as soon as it haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!” was appropriate to do so. Client: (Blank stare) Psychiatrist: “What were you doing with Me: (Bambi) him?” Client: (Grin, then soft chuckle) Me: He was complaining of lack of sleep My spontaneous laughter was not a from his recent hospital stay, so …” (blah, textbook intervention by any stretch. It blah, blah) was a mistake that allowed Client to see Psychiatrist: (Deadpan expression, me as human. My gaffe empowered him arms folded officiously across the front to make a choice, to laugh “with” rather of her white lab coat) “Perhaps relaxation than to be laughed “at.” In that moment, exercises were not the best choice under Client stopped taking himself so seriously. these circumstances.” And I did the same. After all, you can’t Duly noted. learn from a mistake you’ve never made. 4) Check ego at the door. My theoretical predisposition is Note: “Learning Curve” columns Toys, Puppets, psychodynamic. Insight therapy is my use some illustrations from the lives default. Yet there are times when Client of real clients. However, to protect games, sand, is not ready to hear what I have deftly confidentiality, these illustrations intuited. So impressed was I with one generally are composites or have been sand trays, such stroke of insight that I blurted it out fictionalized to a degree so that the to Client, fairly leaping from my chair original model for the story cannot be workbooks, in excitement. She shriveled in her seat, traced. In some instances, clients have covering her face with her hands and given signed consent for their cases to miniatures, bop peeked at me through her fingers. be discussed. u bags, Sand Play “I really nailed you on that one, didn’t I?” I said, smiling a dazzling smile. I think & Play Therapy one of my front teeth might even have twinkled. Tling! books, children’s Client laughed a silent laugh, turning Suze Hirsh is a state-registered her head slowly from side to side. intern in mental health counseling books, and Oh, good, I thought to myself. She at a not-for-profit community much more! really gets it. We are having a moment! She social services agency in South is having a breakthrough! This is great. I Florida. Contact her at suze.hirsh@ am great! Yay for meeeeeeee! gmail.com. We Carry Spanish Language Books & Games Fast forward to the following week: Letters to the editor: Me: (Expectantly) “So, how have you www.childtherapytoys.com [email protected] been since our last session?” Enter coupon code: ACA and get 10% off Client: “I had the most awful week. I

February 2012 | Counseling Today | 15 New Perspectives - With Donjanea L. Fletcher

Conference close-up for students and new professionals

housands of counselors will head occasions to meet people in the counseling to conference attendees. Much to my to the West Coast March 21-25 field through educational sessions, branch surprise, several practicing counselors and Tfor the American Counseling organization meetings and social mixers. counselor educators stopped by my display Association 2012 Conference & Expo in I also received several opportunities to and were eager to discuss my ongoing San Francisco. Counseling professionals become involved in national service research with international students. are eager for the conference’s big kickoff, opportunities directly through ACA I received encouragement and a lot of but some students and new professionals and its branch organizations. In fact, the helpful tips concerning the publication might be hesitant, feeling too small for this connections that I made at the conference of my study and directions for future big event. In this annual “conference prep” allowed me to serve as both a member of research. I was truly touched by their issue of “New Perspectives,” a current the Professional Development Committee warmth and desire to help. student and a recent graduate discuss their for the American College Counseling Panagiotis Markopoulos: My most prior conference experiences, and ACA’s Association and current treasurer for memorable experience happened during conference director also weighs in. We AACE. the 2011 conference in New Orleans. I spoke with: Robin Hayes: During this year’s was an invited panelist at the International n Stephanie A. Crockett, the recipient conference, there will be special programs Student Panel with the theme “Mental of ACA’s 2011 Glen E. Hubele National and events for graduate students and new Health Counseling Around the World.” Graduate Student Award, a Chi Sigma professionals. The “For Graduate Students I was honored to have the opportunity to Iota 2011 leadership fellow and treasurer and New Professionals Only” series brings listen to my colleagues’ concerns — Ph.D. for the Association for Assessment in highly regarded professionals in counseling and master’s-level students — regarding Counseling and Education. She received to speak on topics that graduate students how mental health professionals, and her doctorate in counselor education from and new professionals have identified counseling in general, are viewed by their Old Dominion University in 2011 and as critical to success. The series will be respective countries. We also discussed is an assistant professor in the counseling presented by some of the best-known areas possibly needing improvement in department at Oakland University. She names in the counseling profession, such order to develop global cooperation of has attended the past three ACA Annual as Gerald Corey, Marcheta Evans, Rebecca U.S. mental health counselors supporting Conferences. Daniel-Burke and Marty Jencius. Also of and educating our fellow counselors in n Panagiotis Markopoulos, an interest to students and new professionals these countries and building a stronger international student with a master’s are the First-Timers Orientation and professional identity worldwide. degree in social theology who is currently Mentoring Luncheon (which costs pursuing a master’s in mental health $40), ACA Career Center, the Graduate For students and new professionals, counseling from Eastern Kentucky Student Center and the International attending a national conference for University. Markopoulos is a member of Student Panel and Reception. These the first time can feel confusing. What the ACA Graduate Student Committee events are well attended by students and advice would you give on making the (2011-2014) and attended the ACA new professionals and included in the experience both beneficial and fun? Conference in 2011. registration fee. Robin Hayes: This year, ACA will have n Robin Hayes, ACA’s director of a lounge near the registration area for first- conference and meeting services. What is your most memorable time attendees and new members. First- experience from attending the time attendees, new members and students w ACA Conference? will be able to meet up and connect with Stephanie A. Crockett: I have many other professional counselors and learn What does the ACA Conference fond memories, but the most memorable how to get the most out of the conference. & Expo offer students and new experience involved presenting at a poster Plus, as in previous years, for an additional professionals? session two years ago. I was presenting on $40 I recommend attending the ACA Stephanie A. Crockett: It offers the a research project regarding international First-Timers Mentoring Luncheon to opportunity to network with counselors students’ career development. As a learn the best way to navigate through the and counselor educators from across the doctoral student and fairly new presenter, conference. Students should also visit the country. In the three years I attended I was nervous about sharing my research ACA Student Center in the Exhibit Hall. the ACA Conference, I had numerous and whether my topic would be relevant They can mingle there with other students

16 | Counseling Today | February 2012

Don’t miss this

Look for these special events and activities that will be new professionals can mingle with others who are starting out particularly helpful to students and new professionals at the in their counseling careers and also meet the ACA president ACA 2012 Conference & Expo in San Francisco. and other leaders.

n The “For Graduate Students and New Professionals Only” series n International Student Panel Among the series sessions: Graduate students from various countries will discuss their “‘Do Ask, Do Tell’: Current LGBTQ Issues in Counseling for perceptions of counseling on the basis of their cultural Graduate Students and New Professionals” contexts and educational experiences in U.S. graduate programs. “Becoming a Professional Counselor” “Insider Tips: Landing That First Counseling Job” n ACA Career Center Interview with employers, discuss employer contacts, have n First-Timers Orientation and Mentoring Luncheon your résumé reviewed and consult with experts on career Network with first-time and seasoned conference attendees, search strategies, private practice tips, and ethics and while learning how to get the most out of your experience. professional standards. Watch ACAeNews and the conference website (counseling.org/conference) for information on n Graduate Student and New Professional Center scheduling these consults. Located in the expo hall, this is a space where students and and meet the ACA president and other faculty. They can give you feedback on For example, strike up a casual leaders and new professionals. their experiences participating at the ACA conversation with presenters after Stephanie A. Crockett: ACA’s Conference and what they recommend educational sessions. doing when you arrive there so you will conference is large and offers numerous n Attend networking events with a professional activities and educational enjoy every minute of your stay. Last but professor or senior colleague who has sessions. The conference program guide not least, do not be shy. When you arrive, established connections. They can is typically over 200 pages. It can be be “brave” and ask ACA volunteers for introduce you to new people. overwhelming if you do not take the time help and tips. to plan your conference. I recommend n Know what you want from mapping out your game plan before What tips would you give for professional networking, clarify your arriving. An electronic copy of the professional networking? goals for networking and be able to articulate them to others. conference program is on the ACA website Robin Hayes: We encourage attendees (counseling.org/conference) in advance. I also to find someone from their state and strike recommend local sightseeing. Conference up a conversation. That information can Are there opportunities to save money locations are often in large metropolitan be found on the conference badge, along while attending the conference? cities that have a lot to offer in terms of with their name and affiliation. There Stephanie A. Crockett: There are touring, dining and entertainment. are many scheduled receptions on Friday many ways that you can save money. ACA Panagiotis Markopoulos: I also suggest and Saturday (March 23-24), in addition often offers students the opportunity to making plans beforehand. Try to find to the ACA Opening Party (March 23). volunteer at the conference in exchange others who are attending the conference One ticket is included with each full for a reduced conference registration by sending an email on counseling listservs registration. All social events are a great fee. (Note: The deadline to apply as a that are on the ACA website. You can way to connect and network. conference volunteer in San Francisco request ideas and tips about what to do Stephanie A. Crockett: Here are my has passed; keep this option in mind and when you arrive at the conference. In tips. be on the lookout for the next call to addition, utilizing search engines such as n Always carry business cards. volunteer at the 2013 ACA Conference Google, Yahoo [and others] can help you in Cincinnati.) Additionally, many ACA find alternative activities in San Francisco. n Attend the ACA branch organization branches offer emerging leader programs Also, before you attend the conference, mixers and social events that are of for students and new professionals try to build professional networks with interest to you. that cover conference registration fees other professionals, your classmates or n Be bold and approach people. and provide leadership training at the

February 2012 | Counseling Today | 17 conference. These programs are an excellent opportunity to not only save money but also to hone your leadership New! skills. Last, I always stay with a roommate. It reduces hotel costs! Statistical Methods for Validation Panagiotis Markopoulos: I send emails on counseling listservs asking students if of Assessment Scale Data they want to share hotel fees. The ACA website also offers reduced prices on in Counseling and Related Fields various things, from hotels, to restaurants, to rental cars, etc. Also, do not forget to Dimiter M. Dimitrov print online coupons. There are many online coupons that you can find using “Dr. Dimitrov has constructed a search engines, and you can save a lot of masterpiece—a classic resource money on restaurants, hotels and many that should adorn the shelf of every activities. counseling researcher and graduate Robin Hayes: There are many food student serious about the construction outlets in the Union Square area that and validation of high quality research have different price points. Attendees instruments. will be able to take advantage of a meal —Bradley T. Erford, PhD for $10 or more. Additionally, students Loyola University Maryland can join a counseling email list for President, American Counseling students and perhaps find a roommate Association (2012–2013) at counseling.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases. aspx?AGuid=209556aa-9ad2-48df-ba27- This instructive book presents statistical methods and 55d8c71aa8d6. These email lists are not procedures for the validation of assessment scale data used in managed by ACA, and ACA will not be counseling, psychology, education, and related fields. In Part held responsible for the connection of I, measurement scales, reliability, and the unified construct- roommates. We are just providing the information. based model of validity are discussed along with key steps in

instrument development. Part II describes factor analyses in What advice do you have for those who construct validation, including exploratory factor analysis, have never attended the conference but confirmatory factor analysis, and models of multitrait- are considering attending this year? multimethod data analysis. Traditional and Rasch-based Panagiotis Markopoulos: Attending analyses of binary and rating scales are examined in Part III. the ACA Conference is a priceless Dr. Dimitrov offers students, researchers, and practitioners experience. Besides the pedagogical aspect, valuable, step-by-step guidance on contemporary it helps you to build a strong professional methodological principles, statistical methods, and identity and become a strong advocate for psychometric procedures that are useful in the development our counseling profession. In addition, or validation of assessment scale data. Numerous examples, you network with other individuals tables, and figures provided throughout the text illustrate the and develop new friends and long-term underlying principles of measurement in a clear and concise professional relationships. u manner for practical application. Donjanea L. Fletcher is a student 2012 | 272 pgs affairs counselor at the University Order #72914 ISBN 978-1-55620-295-7 of West Georgia. If you would List Price: $69.95 ACA Member Price: $49.95 like to submit a question to be answered in this column Please include $8.75 for shipping of the first book or an article detailing the and $1.00 for each additional book. experiences and challenges of being a graduate student or new Order Online: counseling.org counseling professional, email By Phone: 800-422-2648 x222 [email protected]. (M-F 8am – 6pm) Letters to the editor: [email protected]

18 | Counseling Today | February 2012 PSYCHOLOGICAL STUDY IS THE KEY. HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE IS WHAT TURNS IT.

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February 2012 | Counseling Today | 19 The Digital Psyway - By Kristin Bruns & Christina Schnyders

Suicide prevention resources for college counselors

s a new resident director on a col- for counselors to know what resources are factors and warning signs associated with lege campus, I (Christina) available so they can effectively counsel stu- suicide. Although there are some general A learned quickly that one of my dents and empower staff and faculty to as- warning signs related to suicide, various responsibilities entailed “overnight duty,” sist in suicide prevention. Various resources risk factors are unique to the college popu- an opportunity to carry the beloved “duty are available online that can empower lation. The following are excellent websites phone” and answer phone calls when the those who provide counseling services and that help to outline and conceptualize the office staff went home for the evening. assist gatekeepers in any community with warning signs of suicide. In preparation for this, I was told, “Don’t noticing warning signs, receiving education n SAVE (Suicide Awareness Voices of worry … the phone never rings, and when and even implementing programs that can Education): save.org it does ring, it is never anything serious.” increase awareness and enhance suicide n Suicide.org Suicide Prevention, Much to my surprise, I received my first prevention. Awareness and Support: suicide.org call on the duty phone at 2 a.m. with a re- Emerging adulthood port that a campus resident had overdosed n “Recognizing the Warning Signs of It is important to understand character- on prescription medication in a suicide Suicide” (WebMD): tinyurl.com/ istics associated with the stage of life that attempt. As a licensed counselor, I imme- y8w2f2k college students are in. Although you will diately went into crisis counseling mode, hear alternatives, “emerging adulthood” is n American Foundation for Suicide ensuring the care and safety of the student the prevalent term used to describe indi- Prevention: tinyurl.com/n7efyl who had attempted suicide as we waited viduals who are in the developmental stage n National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: for a medical response team to take over. between adolescence and young adulthood. tinyurl.com/yj7x59q Fortunately, the student’s attempt at suicide This is the stage that describes the majority was unsuccessful, but the incident raised a n American Association of Suicidology: of students in college. By better under- very important question. What resources tinyurl.com/pldn99 standing this stage, counselors can gain dis- are available to assist with suicide preven- cernment concerning whether client con- Risk and protective factors tion for college students? cerns suggest risk for suicide or are instead Beyond being aware of initial signs, Similar to Christina’s experience, I normal struggles associated with emerging clinicians might be wondering how to (Kristin) spent many years working on a adulthood. The following websites explore look at a more comprehensive way of college campus, both on the prevention the definition of emerging adulthood and assessing risk. This can be accomplished and treatment side. A large part of my job highlight a variety of characteristics associ- by reviewing a client’s risk and protective as coordinator of suicide prevention was to ated with this stage of development. factors. The following organizations raise awareness and provide knowledge for n Minnesota State University Mankato provide information on these factors. different mental health concerns. I quickly Counseling Center on emerging n learned that a large number of people on Centers for Disease Control and adulthood: tinyurl.com/84b52f3 campus who worked directly with stu- Prevention: tinyurl.com/cbjrufu dents on a daily basis lacked awareness n “Who Are Emerging Adults” (Changing n American Foundation for Suicide and knowledge of how much information Spirituality of Emerging Adults (SEA) Prevention: tinyurl.com/45z3ym3 Project): tinyurl.com/d3hdwyy could be accessed 24 hours a day, seven n Suicide Prevention Resource Center: days a week, as long as they had access to n The Network on Transitions to tinyurl.com/dxwhf9q the Internet. Whether I was guest lecturing Adulthood: tinyurl.com/cc5gd7f to students in the classroom, working with n National Institute of Mental Health: n clients in the counseling center or speaking Alan Reifman’s Emerging Adulthood tinyurl.com/c2vpx4 Page: tinyurl.com/86tmw4b with faculty, staff and fellow counselors, n Western Michigan University every individual seemed to appreciate re- n Becoming Adult blog (Psychology Suicide Prevention Program: tinyurl. ceiving information on resources that were Today): tinyurl.com/7lfjmk8 com/7v9kzut readily available to them. n 30, the New 20? Commentary: n Florida Statewide Office of Suicide These two experiences highlight a couple tinyurl.com/7k8hz46 Prevention: tinyurl.com/bq3waka of things. First, those who work with the college population want to provide opti- Warning signs of suicide National organizations mal care and resources to students who Along with emerging adulthood, it is also Various national organizations provide are suicidal. Second, a strong need exists important to recognize and explore the risk educational resources that can be helpful

20 | Counseling Today | February 2012 to college counselors and other counselors Campus suicide prevention on your campuses and to the students or who provide services to clients who are programs other clients with whom you are working. suicidal. Many campuses may not know where to As we all know, knowledge is power, and n American Association of Suicidology: begin when thinking of creating or imple- we encourage you to use the power (and suicidology.org menting a campuswide suicide prevention resources) available in ways that promote program. Fortunately, a few colleges have n American Foundation for Suicide awareness, increase resources and enhance posted their prevention programs online. Prevention: afsp.org client well-being. In doing so, we believe We have also included websites that pro- counselors can play a significant role in n Suicide Prevention Resource Center: vide information on developing guidelines promoting suicide prevention efforts on sprc.org for campus suicide prevention programs. college campuses. n SAVE: save.org n The Ohio State University Suicide w n The Jed Foundation: jedfoundation.org Prevention Program: suicideprevention. osu.edu You can find these and other links on “The Digital Psyway” companion site Where to find free resources (pamphlets, n The Campus Suicide Prevention Center at digitalpsyway.net. Did we miss a good posters, magnets, etc.) of Virginia: tinyurl.com/6s4rp5h resource link? Submit your suggestions to n Suicide Prevention Lifeline: tinyurl. n Developing a Campus Program column editor Marty Jencius at mjencius@ (Suicide Prevention Resource Center): com/7xlc4jh kent.edu. u tinyurl.com/7vme6lb n Suicide Prevention Resource Center: tinyurl.com/7sa4s6t n Wyoming Chemical Abuse Research Foundation Suicide Prevention Kristin Bruns and Christina Program: tinyurl.com/cn6l9kl Training for suicide prevention Schnyders are both doctoral and intervention candidates in the counseling and Because of our past experiences, we n LivingWorks: livingworks.net human development services firmly believe that spreading the word and program at Kent State University. n Suicide Prevention Resource Center encouraging awareness of these resources (online training): training.sprc.org is an important step. Our hope is that Letters to the editor: n QPR (Question, Persuade and Refer) these resources are passed on to your [email protected] Institute: qprinstitute.com counseling colleagues, to the gatekeepers

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February 2012 | Counseling Today | 21 Private Practice Strategies - By Anthony Centore

Should you specialize? Finding the right identity for your practice

question counselors often ask that read, “The Child and Adolescent Treatment methods used me is whether they should Experts.” Although the specialization Treatment methods can include A specialize. That is, should helped the practice win both school and psychoanalysis, eye-movement they focus their counseling practice in court contracts (working with delinquent desensitization and reprocessing a specific area? It’s a hard question to adolescents), the practice still struggled (EMDR), dialectical behavior therapy, answer because even successful business because the local demand for child positive psychology and many more. people disagree. In this column, I’ll therapy was too small. As soon as the Specializing in a method of treatment is describe four ways that counselors can practice expanded to encompass families a good way to recruit savvy clients who specialize and offer some insights into and couples, its business grew. know the type of treatment they want. how specializing can help (or hurt) a Broadening (or diluting) its The average client, however, is rarely counseling practice. specialization worked for this practice. focused on treatment method. There are four areas in which However, it also weakened the practice’s I often see counselors excited about counseling practices can specialize: grip on the child and adolescent market. their EMDR certifications, but less often n Populations served Because the practice no longer markets do I see those certifications become the itself as “the child and adolescent genesis of a thriving practice. Conversely, n Problems treated experts,” other practices in town are more I have known a tight-knit community n Treatment methods used able to compete for those clients. of psychoanalysts who refer within their n Business practices circle and seem to have a loyal following Problems treated of psychoanalysis-seeking clients. From social anxiety disorder to Populations served In my own clinical work, rarely do substance abuse, there is no shortage of Children, couples, firefighters, clients seek me out because of my psychological problems and life issues in Mormons, Texans. Specializing in a client counseling methodology. Hence, from which to specialize. population means limiting one’s practice a business perspective, although there Specializing in a specific problem to serving a group with an identifying often isn’t a big upside to specializing in a means more than simply adding an item characteristic other than the presenting treatment method, there probably isn’t a to a practice’s menu of disorders treated. problem. huge downside either. This type of specialization is most It takes commitment to limit one’s successful when members of the practice to a specific problem, and both Business practices particular client population are known clients and colleagues tend to respect Walk-in appointments, phone or to limit their search for counselors counselors who are willing to focus in video sessions, at-home therapy, 24-hour to those who work specifically with this manner. Moreover, if you choose customer service, high prices, low prices. their population. For example, many a problem that the average clinician The business decisions that make up Christians will refuse to see a counselor finds difficult or undesirable to treat — a practice’s unique brand identity are who does not identify himself or herself severe mental illnesses, autism spectrum limited only by the founder’s imagination as a “Christian counselor.” Similarly, disorders or high-risk clients, for example (and resources). executives; lesbian, gay, bisexual and — the specialization should help to But can business practices really be transgender clients; and many ethnic encourage peer referrals. a specialization? Yes! If every session is groups will seek out therapists with Alternatively, if you brand your practice $600 and you offer caviar to your clients, specific expertise in helping persons in more commonly as “the depression your practice specializes in providing their population. specialist,” peer referrals will likely be a high-priced, first-class counseling The downside of specializing in a sparse. Still, you will gain the attention experience (OK, that’s debatable, but you specific population is that you limit of potential clients with depression, who get the point). If sessions are $40 and your potential client base. A colleague might look favorably on a practice built lack frills, you specialize in providing an of mine had a website with a header specifically for their presenting problem. economic counseling option, much like

22 | Counseling Today | February 2012 Southwest provides low-cost airfares. is executed if it’s the wrong business or if are looking for a counselor, they are Which identity to choose? Customer it’s in too small a market. Imagine if you looking for the best option in their service is in demand right now, with were the most efficient manufacturer of world — which might mean the best recent polls showing that most consumers seven-fingered gloves. You offer the best counselor within a few miles, under their are willing to pay more for goods and selection, the best service and the best budget, who has openings on Thursdays services in exchange for a great buying prices for seven-fingered gloves, but if or Saturdays. Jim Collins, author of Good experience. Also, some business practices there isn’t a big enough market for what to Great and other books, elaborates: are “evergreen,” such as affordability and you sell, you won’t get very far.” “We confront the brutal facts of what we convenience (no one is ever going to say, 4) Stay consistent. Don’t jump ship “I wish this service cost more and was on an idea that’s working. In The 22 can — and equally cannot — become the harder to use”). Still, to really set your Immutable Laws of Branding, authors Al best in the world at, and we do not allow practice apart, clients need an experience Ries and Laura Ries write, “Consistency bravado to obscure the truth.” At what that is delightful, memorable and unique. built the Little Caesars brand, and can you be the best in the world? At what Specialization tips lack of consistency is in the process of can you not? The seven tips that follow are based on destroying the Little Caesars brand. 6) Take a flier. If you have a new, my experience working with counselors ‘Pizza! Pizza!’ became the chain’s rallying creative idea for your practice but are not starting new practices. cry. Where else could you get two pizzas sure if it will work, give it a try! Don’t 1) Don’t specialize in group therapy. for the price of one? The power of this bet the farm on the idea, but don’t play branding program made Little Caesars Some counselors starting out think that the game so safe that you never take any the second-largest pizza chain in America. offering group therapy will help them chances. When starting a practice, a lot of build a caseload. Nothing could be ‘Why should we limit ourselves to take- out pizza only?’ the bored executives what you do is going to be like throwing further from the truth. Instead, groups handfuls of grass into the air and seeing tend to work best when a practice has asked. So Little Caesars introduced if it catches the wind. Most will just fall an overabundance of incoming clients ‘Delivery. Delivery.’ And promptly fell to to the ground, but every once in awhile, who want help. For example, a group is a third place in sales, after Pizza Hut and good option if your practice is receiving Domino’s Pizza. something will catch air — and take off! a never-ending influx of clients who are “It gets worse. In order to turn the 7) Specialization can work in a small mandated by the court system to receive chain around, Little Caesars went big. town, too. I used to think that to succeed anger management. The small pizza became a medium-size in a small city or town, a counseling 2) Avoid creating a holistic health pizza. The medium-size pizza became a practice would need to offer broad and program. A counselor starting a private large pizza. And the large pizza became an general services. This isn’t always the case, extra-large pizza. Talk about confusion. practice might get the idea to establish a however. Although there are fewer people ‘I’d like to order a medium-size pizza, holistic health program. These programs in small markets, there are also likely to please.’ usually combine counseling with some be fewer clinicians. This past year, I spent number of ancillary services such as yoga, “‘Do you want a Pizza Hut medium, a lot of time in a small city. Residents exercise, nutrition, meditation, massage which is actually our small size? Or do or other options. In addition, they often you want a Little Caesars medium, which are paying big city prices to meet with require the client to make some type of is actually a Pizza Hut large?’ the few counselors known to be good up-front commitment to participate. “‘Uh … do I still get two pizzas for the at couples therapy or eating disorders. The idea is that by taking a “whole price of one?’ Supply and demand works in small health” approach to care, the practice will “‘Pizza! Pizza!? No, we don’t do that towns, too. u become differentiated in the marketplace, anymore.’ while also being more helpful to clients “A pity. Little Caesars had one of the than if it offered psychotherapy alone. best brands in the pizza category. The However, such programs create a barrier only brand focused on takeout. The only for building a practice because most brand with an identity and a message. Anthony Centore is the founder prospective clients don’t want to sign up (Pizza! Pizza!) And now it has nothing.” of Thriveworks, a company that for a program; they just want to try out a 5) Be the best in the world. To helps counselors get on insurance normal counseling session. have a truly great practice, you need panels, find new clients and build 3) Consider demand. Before selecting to be the best in the world. Sound thriving practices. Contact him at a specialty, try to determine if there overwhelming? Don’t worry. This can [email protected]. is enough demand for what you are be both highly focused and location- offering. Tony Hsieh, CEO of the specific. For example, you could be Letters to the editor: online shoe retailer Zappos.com, says, the best at “providing counseling to [email protected] “In business, one of the most important single mothers in central Virginia” or decisions for an entrepreneur or a CEO “providing cognitive behavior therapy to make is what business to be in. It to undergraduate students attending doesn’t matter how flawlessly a business Virginia Tech.” When potential clients

February 2012 | Counseling Today | 23 Resource Reviews - With Stephen Flynn

Practicing Client-Centered Therapy: to inaccurately promote the sole use of this process as a basic assumption about Selected Writings of Barbara feeling words in empathic responses. all organisms and a central source of Temaner Brodley Brodley cites research indicating energy aimed at organismic perfection. Edited by Kathryn A. Moon, Marjorie that an examination of Rogers’ own She then demonstrates the complexity Witty, Barry Grant & Bert Rice, 2011, transcribed interviews revealed that only of the concept by describing it as being PCCS Books, 434 pages, $31.91, 24 percent of his empathic responses both unique to individuals and the ISBN: 978-1-906254-26-1 actually used feeling words. Rather, 90 motivating tendency in all organisms. Barbara Temaner percent of his empathic responses used The theme of describing processes Brodley was an certain feeling and non-feeling words to clearly and concisely and then following icon within the depict the client’s feelings, dispositions, those descriptions with a more complex person-centered evaluations and volitions. In addition to philosophical position is present therapy community, offering a detailed clarification of what throughout the book. and through her is technically included in an empathic Brodley’s pragmatic and philosophical Rogerian scholarly response, Brodley describes what Rogers interpretation of Carl Rogers’ theory pursuits, she meant by his concepts of empathic demonstrates her mastery of the material created a thorough response, congruence, unconditional and will undoubtedly inspire readers to collection of articles positive regard and the implementation fully implement and utilize the person- depicting the many of a non-directive attitude. centered method of helping. Written in a intricacies of person- Of particular importance is the clear, concise style, this book is a helpful centered theory and practice. Practicing overarching person-centered ethic of the guide for any counselor or educator Client-Centered Therapy: Selected Writings utilization of a non-directive attitude. learning about Rogers, person-centered of Barbara Temaner Brodley provides In Chapter 5, Brodley conceptualizes therapy and humanistic tenets. The readers with a plethora of content (30 the non-directive attitude as an book’s easy-to-navigate format allows chapters) describing the tenets and ethical foundation of person-centered access to specific topics, transcriptions, meaning of person-centered counseling counseling and a force that is meant to case studies and other related person- concepts, concise examples of Carl be both implicit and explicit within the centered experiences. Providing an Rogers’ clinical abilities and transcripts counseling process. Brodley poignantly excellent base of knowledge on the of Rogers conducting therapy. Perhaps describes the guiding motivation of subject of person-centered therapy, the most powerful and influential aspect person-centered practitioners as a “drive this book is an invaluable reference of this book is Brodley’s comparison of to understand” their clients empathically to anyone exploring this particular the current practice of person-centered and accurately without interfering with counseling style. therapy with what Carl Rogers had the client’s process. Indeed, protecting Reviewed by Stephen Flynn, column editor intended. As a counselor educator, it the client’s self-determined process for “Resource Reviews.” was fascinating to discover how much is discussed as being essential for the counseling, as a field, has deviated from client’s empowerment and actualizing Rogers’ initial intentions. tendency. Interview Answers in a Flash: More Brodley’s writing depicts a contrast Throughout the book, Brodley Than 200 Flash Card-Style Questions between what Rogers promoted and enhances her detailed descriptions of and Answers to Prepare You for That wrote about, and the current practice philosophical concepts with practical All-Important Job Interview!, Second of many person-centered therapists. examples of person-centered therapy Edition For example, in Chapter 8, she in action. She clarifies an individual’s By Pat Criscito & Dee Funkhouser, 2011, describes how a misinterpretation of actualizing tendency as a meta- Barron’s Educational Series, 448 pages, what empathic responding entails has motivation that subsumes all other $12.99, ISBN: 978-0-7641-4594-0 caused many therapists and educators human motivations, concisely describing Although this guide is compact

24 | Counseling Today | February 2012 Because job interviews cause some used to discriminate because of age, level of anxiety for most prospective questions covered under the Americans employees, the book’s “Before the with Disabilities Act and those covered Interview” section is exceptionally under Title VII. helpful. The section is full of tips Interview Answers in a Flash urges on getting properly prepared for readers to review all of the potential the interview, including doing your interview questions, thus determining “homework,” practicing with friends which areas may prove most difficult for and family, utilizing a professional voice them. Once these areas are identified, mail and allotting the needed time for the interview. These and many other readers can use the tear out flash enough to carry in a small bag, it suggestions allow the reader to approach cards to determine their answers and is full of preparation checklists, the interview feeling better prepared and practice their responses to these difficult information on types of interviews and less stressed. questions. The flash cards also provide a recommendations for promoting your This resource breaks interview space to make notes. personal brand, making it a wonderful questions down into categories such Overall, this is an extremely useful as education and training, work resource for career counseling. One of resource for individuals seeking to background, skills and competencies, prepare for an interview. It is not only the book’s most effective attributes is its personality, values and goals. This small and handy but also affordable. efficiency — it is direct and to the point. structure makes it easy for readers to Interview Answers in a Flash would be a It is written so that an undergraduate, identify and focus on question areas that good book for career counselors to use graduate, new professional or someone they find particularly difficult to answer. with a wide range of clients, from those A category is also dedicated to specific looking for a career change can with no interview experience to those questions that interviewers cannot ask understand the information regardless seeking a career change. of potential employees. Many young of academic achievement. The book is professionals may not be aware that Reviewed by Carly Heard and Amber also versatile, making it useful for jobs certain questions are off-limits. These Groh, assistant directors of Student Life ranging from blue collar to white collar. questions include those that could be at the University of South Dakota. MEANING MAKING MAKING MEANING Join our Journey of faith, study, reason, researCh, disCovery, helP, and inCredible Personal fulfillment. Make meaning. Make a difference. Become a pastoral counselor or caregiver.

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February 2012 | Counseling Today | 25 Your Passion. Your Profession. Our Purpose.

60th Anniversary 60for60 Member-Get-A-Member Double Win challenge! Now through April 30, 2012

For each new “Professional or Regular” member you recruit, you will strengthen the American Counseling Association (ACA) by broadening our membership base, while expanding your own network of colleagues. And of course, WIN BIG!

Participate in our new member recruiters’ program and: Win one of two Grand Prizes: an iPad or an ACA Lifetime Membership! There will also be a monthly prize awarded of any ACA publication or Webinar of your choice! Receive accolades and honors in Counseling Today, ACAeNews and on counseling.org Enjoy recognition and praise at the 2013 ACA Annual Conference & Expo held in Cincinnati. How does it work? For each new “Professional” or “Regular” member you recruit, your name will be entered into two drawings to win the monthly prize and the Grand Prize. Yes, that’s two chances to win. The more you recruit, the more times your name is entered in the drawing, bettering your chances to win! Definition of an ACA “Professional” member: Individuals who hold a master’s degree or higher in counseling or a closely related field from a college or university accredited by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Definition of an ACA “Regular” member: Individuals whose interests and activities are consistent with those of the Association, but who are not qualified for Professional membership.

Three ways to recruit!

1. Simply log on to counseling.org/60for60, download the recruiter’s membership application along with member benefits brochure and the recruitment letter, and pass it along to your colleagues —remind them to indicate your “ACA Membership ID” on the “Referrer’s ACA ID#” space of the application to receive credit for your referral; 2. Encourage your colleagues to log on to counseling.org and select the “Join ACA” link for instant signup — remind them to add your “ACA membership ID” on the “Were you referred by a current ACA Member?” section to receive credit for your referral; or 3. Have your colleagues contact the ACA Member Services Department at 800-347-6647 x222 ACA or 703-823-9800 x222 (M–F, 8 am–6 pm, ET). Make sure they state your name and/or “ACA Lifetime Membership ID” as their referral in order to receive credit. Membership! 60for60 Double Win fun ends April 30, 2012, so get started now! If you need assistance with recruiting new “Professional” or “Regular” members, please contact Denise Brown, Director of Member Programs, at 800-347-6647 x303, 703-823-9800 x303 or [email protected].

Remember - the more you recruit, the better your chances to win! Let’s start recruiting today.

26 | Counseling Today | February 2012 Career Counseling opposed to the more traditional pursuit choice of an identified occupation. By Mark L. Savickas, 2011, American of congruence. Before introducing Career Counseling is a superb text Psychological Association, 186 pages, the structured interview format found for those seeking to assist others in $24.95, ISBN: 978-1-4338-0980-4 in the Career Story Interview (CSI), meeting existing challenges in the Mark L. he ensures that readers are provided current arena of careers, whether those Savickas proves with a satisfactory description of the careers are protean, boundaryless or that sometimes relationship and communication traditional in nature. It would make an a good book is dimensions of his counseling theory. excellent supplemental text for a career worth the wait, The CSI consists of questions related counseling course or a stand-alone text even if that wait to five different areas of an individual’s for a course devoted solely to narrative means three life: role models, magazines, a favorite career counseling. This destined classic decades. Savickas book, mottoes and early recollections. not only provides hope for today but pulls together These topics were selected and the shores up the grand narrative of career some of his stimulus questions structured to elicit counseling for the road ahead. most profound smaller yet significant stories that Reviewed by William C. Briddick, associate thinking of the eventually can be pulled together into a professor in the Counseling and Human past 30 years in this most remarkable more encompassing whole. Resource Development Program at South effort, which is part of the Theories Chapters 5 through 8 are devoted u of Psychotherapy series edited by Jon to the assessment of the information Dakota State University. Carlson and Matt Englar-Carlson. gathered during the interview. Savickas Whether familiar with Savickas’ provides an overview of the goals of the work or not, the reader is treated to assessment stage and critical pieces of the Stephen Flynn is an assistant a front row seat for paradigm shift as process. He clearly articulates the eight professor of counselor education the author underscores the misuse of steps in the assessment process necessary and the clinical experiences career development theories as career to transform smaller stories into a larger, coordinator at the University of counseling theories over time in the more encompassing narrative. The South Dakota in Vermillion. Contact absence of an actual theory of career significance of early recollections in the him at [email protected]. counseling. Savickas briefly describes discovery of preoccupations is explored the emergence of his own theory and quite thoroughly for the reader, as is the Letters to the editor: its transformation into a counseling connection between role models and [email protected] model rooted in assisting individuals as solutions to client preoccupations. they construct their careers. He presents Savickas’ years of experience in Career Construction Theory as pivotal moving between theory and practice are for addressing the needs of workers in evident as he explores the significance of Executive Director the 21st-century world of work, where settings via information gathered from certainty and clearly visible career paths questions related to favorite TV shows or Continued from page 7 have long since vanished. magazines as an inroad to an individual’s Savickas spends considerable time interests. He emphasizes the importance San Francisco (March 21-25), I look discussing the concept of self being of understanding settings that seem forward to seeing you. The complete list viewed essentially as a task and in to be attractive to the client. He also of Education Sessions is now online for clearly demonstrates the significance explaining the separate, distinct nature your planning purposes at counseling. of scripts such as those reflected in a of identity in relation to the self. org/Convention/2012/2012_Education_ Detailed explanations of concepts favorite story or book. Savickas goes Sessions.pdf. I think you will see that we such as narrative identity guide the as far as helping the reader understand have quite an array of offerings this year. reader through the building blocks the power of self-advice residing within And with keynote speakers Irvin Yalom of the theory itself. Savickas cleverly personal mottoes and its possible impact and NPR journalist Craig Windham demonstrates the significance of the in helping the client move toward future (who holds both a master’s and a narrative approach and how “career desirable scenarios. He patiently spells as story” affects both the construction out the necessity of constructing a doctorate in counseling!), I know you will of self and identity. He then shifts grand narrative from all of the smaller be in for some compelling and inspiring to a more focused discussion of stories gathered and provides general discussions. how narrative counseling can assist guidelines for creating a written life As always, I hope you will contact the mobile, fragmented workers of portrait of the individual. Keeping with me with any comments, questions or today in increasing not only their his user-friendly, methodical approach, suggestions that you might have. Please comprehension but also their coherence Savickas devotes the book’s final chapter contact me via email at ryep@counseling. and continuity. Savickas also emphasizes to client transformation, from intention org or by phone at 800.347.6647 ext. Career Construction Theory’s focus to action, be it further self-exploration 231. on mattering and meaning making as or something more specific such as the Thanks and be well. u

February 2012 | Counseling Today | 27 A calming presence In the immediate aftermath of a disaster or crisis, therapy takes a backseat to meeting clients’ basic needs and offering a sense of safety and stabilization

By Lynne Shallcross

alled to the scene of a fire, Jane Webber, an associate professor Michael Dubi immediately and coordinator of the counseling Cnoticed the elderly woman. She program at New Jersey City University, stood in place, silently, simply watching echoes Dubi. “Traditional counseling as her home and all of her belongings focuses on setting goals and providing were consumed in flames directly in front interventions for clients for change,” of her. says Webber, a major contributor to the “She could not speak or move,” says first edition ofTerrorism, Trauma and Dubi, president of the International Tragedies: A Counselor’s Guide to Preparing Association of Trauma Professionals and Responding, published by the ACA (IATP) and an associate professor in Foundation in 2002, and co-editor of the the School of Behavioral Sciences at second and third editions, the latter of Argosy University, Sarasota. “I held her which was published in 2010. “Disaster hands and squeezed them gently and mental health counseling is an ecological alternatively” — a technique known as and solution-focused approach that does bilateral stimulation — “until she calmed not serve to change what is working. It down and was able to make eye contact draws on the strengths of individuals and and speak to me and cry. We were then collectively in the community to regroup able to contact her children, who came to and return to normal functioning. This is care for her.” a practical, common-sense approach that Across the nation and the world, crises is interconnected with the community happen every day. Some make headlines, support. ‘Neighbor helping neighbor’ such as large-scale natural disasters like may be the most effective approach to the earthquake that devastated Japan this disaster recovery. Further disaster and past year or human-caused atrocities like crisis counseling serves to prevent the 9/11. But most fly below the national development of PTSD [posttraumatic news radar — local fires, floods and car stress disorder] through safety, accidents that are smaller in scope but no stabilization, self-care and coping skills.” less devastating to those who feel their Dubi says the importance of counselors impact firsthand. being trained in disaster mental health Counselors who haven’t been trained and traumatology techniques is demon- in traumatology might assume that strated in the sheer number of people who their role in the immediate aftermath have been or will be traumatized during of a disaster or crisis is no different than the course of their lives. He points to re- their traditional counseling role — to search that has shown that the majority of provide therapy, Dubi says. That would people counselors see have been trauma- be a mistake. “You can’t do therapy with tized. Whether that number is 99 percent someone who’s just been traumatized,” or 51 percent of clients, Dubi says, it’s says Dubi, a member of the American crucial that counselors are fully equipped Counseling Association who also runs a to help them. private practice in Sarasota. “Therapy is In a world transformed in recent [only] part of the process, and it’s not the years both by terrorism and a seeming first part.” deluge of high-profile natural disasters,

28 | Counseling Today | February 2012 it is especially vital that counselors return to normal functioning within a priority for counselors responding in a demonstrate the ability to respond in few days or weeks without mental health disaster or crisis is to help survivors regain situations of crisis and disaster, Webber treatment, Webber says. The majority a sense of safety. He contends the next says. “In this new normal in a post-9/11 of survivors will not develop PTSD, most powerful intervention is helping world, it is important for all professional she adds, and not everyone exposed to clients with basic needs such as finding counselors to understand the role of a traumatic event will show distress or a place to sleep, calling their loved ones disaster and trauma in people’s lives become traumatized. “Actively involving and similar tasks. “People who are trained and to be able to work effectively with and empowering survivors during the in disaster work know enough not to do clients who have experienced traumatic first days and weeks after the event speeds therapy at the disaster site,” he says. “You events,” she says. “Disaster response and the return to normalcy,” Webber says. don’t do that — [you] get the people crisis counseling are essential areas of “We know that many people experience what they need right now.” The goal is knowledge and skill for counselors in the psychological growth after experiencing to try to resolve the day-to-day issues 21st century.” traumatic events, and this awareness that have been disrupted, Dubi says, and transforms our understanding of the to help clients as much as possible in Creating safety in the midst of chaos power of trauma.” (For more on the reestablishing a sense of safety, normalcy Whether man-made or natural, concept of posttraumatic growth, see and predictability. disasters are terrifying, life-threatening “The transformative power of trauma” on Cecile Brennan, an ACA member and events, says Webber, a member of ACA. page 40.) coordinator of the counseling program “Both types of traumatizing events can Webber points to Judith Herman’s at John Carroll University in University destroy our sense of the world as safe triphasic model of trauma recovery as a Heights, Ohio, often tells her students and predictable,” she says. “Human- guide for counselors. “[The elements] that in a disaster situation, a traditional caused mass disasters such as terrorist are safety and stabilization, remembering counseling response isn’t the right one. bombings leave survivors traumatized and mourning, and reconnecting and And there’s a good reason for that. “A and vulnerable, propelling us to question healing. In the immediate aftermath of person [in a disaster or crisis situation] our fundamental belief in a safe world.” a disaster, providing a safe and secure does not have the sort of mental state to Among survivors of terrorism, Webber place, physically and emotionally, is really be reflecting on their emotional says, feelings of sadness and grief are paramount.” state — they’re in a response mode,” often intertwined with anger, hatred and Dubi agrees, stressing that the first Brennan says. “So to ask the kinds of revenge. “When others destroy our safety, there is something dreadfully fearful that disrupts our inner core. Before healing can occur, counselors must help survivors Disaster Mental Health restore a sense of safety and security and control over their lives.” and Crisis Stabilization “After natural disasters such as for Children hurricanes or floods,” she continues, “grief, sadness and shock are mixed presented by Jennifer Baggerly with resignation and resolve to This live demonstration DVD presents guiding principles and techniques for return to normal, to rebuild homes helping children recover from trauma after disasters. Dr. Baggerly shares her and neighborhoods, and to restore expertise from working with children in Louisiana following Hurricane Katrina connections among families and friends. and with children in Sri Lanka after the tsunami. The emphasis is different, and the resolve of the survivors may focus more on DVD Features recovery without the fear of terrorism.” • Key disaster mental health and cognitive-behavioral concepts Since 9/11, Webber says, the • Physiological, cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and spiritual impacts of disaster counseling profession has become • Basic grounding and containment skills during and after a disaster more knowledgeable about how people • Initial individual disaster mental health interventions respond to disaster and traumatic events. • Group disaster interventions “There is a greater understanding of • Leader’s Guide that includes activities and discussion questions the stages of recovery in the immediate Produced by Microtraining and Multicultural Development. aftermath of a disaster and our role in 2007 60 minutes Order #78205 responding in each stage,” she says. “We List Price and ACA Member Price: $169.00 understand that most disaster survivors Please include $8.75 for shipping of the first DVD and $1.00for each are normal people who are responding additional DVD. to an abnormal event, and we avoid pathologizing or viewing people as sick AmericAn counseling AssociAtion because of their response to the event.” Counselors also now recognize that 800-422-2648 x222 • counseling.org most survivors of mass disasters will

February 2012 | Counseling Today | 29 probing, open-ended questions that you services. The core actions are not meant and talk, is there anything you need right might ask in traditional counseling is to be followed in a set sequence, Webber now, Mrs. Jackson? Water? Juice? Have just not appropriate. They’re in a kind says. Instead, the order of action should you had a chance to eat since you arrived of survival mode, and you don’t want be determined based on the needs of the here? Good. Let’s sit for a few minutes to undermine that process. It may be survivors. and talk.” important for someone working through According to Webber, among the most “This script is calming and supportive,” a crisis not to be feeling things intensely. helpful PFA techniques in the aftermath Webber says. “My plan would also And we don’t want to undermine that of a crisis are diaphragmatic breathing, include current information that they defense mechanism.” The best thing relaxation, containment, tapping, want. ‘Here’s what’s going to happen counselors can do for individuals in a anchoring to a safe place, entrainment next. You and your children are going disaster or crisis situation is to make sure and grounding. Entrainment involves together soon to a shelter with cots, they’re safe, be supportive and simply using your behavior to calm stressed blankets, food and clothing. Stay close listen, she says. individuals. “This process helps agitated by, and I will let you know when it’s Roxane Dufrene, an associate professor or distressed individuals who are speaking time to go. Do you have any questions in the counselor education program very loudly or rapidly to slowly calm now?’ I may begin by walking slowly in at the University of New Orleans, has themselves,” Webber says. “I adapt the the direction of assistance or to chairs, worked with survivors of 9/11 as well as volume, tone and pace of my voice to encouraging the person to follow and sit individuals who lived through Hurricane be in sync with the individual’s. I then down with me. It is important for me Katrina. She agrees that competently influence the individual’s next response to to think out and plan my response with working with survivors of disasters or resonate more with me and to be a little cultural respect and sensitivity, guiding crises means helping them find ways softer or slower.” my level of eye contact, touch and to meet their basic needs, while also “Grounding helps individuals reorient personal space by cultural norms.” listening with empathy. Dufrene points themselves and reduce emotional distress Cultural sensitivity is a central element out that the purpose of crisis intervention when they appear to be losing touch in working with survivors of a disaster work is to stabilize people and return with their environment, especially in the or crisis, Webber says. She offers some them to where they were before the crisis chaos of moving to a point of distribution advice along those lines to her fellow — not further beyond that. or a family center immediately after counselors: Avoid generalizations and The hard part for counselors is a traumatic event,” Webber says. stereotypes; adapt disaster response overcoming the desire to fix the situation “Grounding helps them turn their models to the cultural, familial, linguistic, or make it better for clients, says Dufrene, attention back to the outside world by political and community context; a member of ACA. The reality is that looking for and naming nondistressing understand cultural factors that figure counselors can’t fix it, she says, and they objects that they can see, hear or feel, into risk, resilience, coping and PTSD certainly should never tell clients that such as the table, the fans oscillating, [a] diagnosis; and recognize cultural and everything is going to be all right. blanket, while they breathe slowly.” spiritual distinctions in grief, suffering and mourning. Helping clients cope STOP and SOLER are two acronyms Psychological first aid (PFA) is now for crisis intervention strategies that help Preparing for the future considered the accepted evidence- the responder and the survivor connect, Counselors will generally work in two- informed practice for postdisaster Webber says. STOP stands for Sit, or three-week rotations at a disaster site, assistance, Webber says. PFA provides Think, Observe and Plan. This reminds which means their assistance to survivors scripts for responders, and from this counselors to thoughtfully plan their is short term. That makes connecting approach, counselors learn to provide responses and not to act impulsively, clients to long-term support a key safety, reduce distress, restore stabilization she says. SOLER stands for Sit or Stand function. Often, Brennan says, the full and promote coping skills, she explains. Squarely, with Open posture, Lean emotional impact of the disaster or crisis “Like medical first aid, psychological first forward, make Eye contact and Relax. won’t register with survivors until a few aid reduces immediate distress as well as When working with a client at a months after the fact, so it’s important the potential for long-term psychological disaster site, Webber makes sure her first to provide them with information about problems such as PTSD,” she says. contact is nonintrusive and respectful, where they can go locally to talk with “Psychological first aid builds upon understanding that the person might not someone if they need help down the the individual’s coping skills and social want her help at that moment. road. She says it’s also helpful to prepare support systems to enhance resiliency and She offers an example of how she might survivors for this possibility by telling recovery.” approach a client using and adapting PFA them that recovering from what they’ve The eight core actions of PFA are scripts: “Hi, I’m Jane, and I’m part of the experienced will be a bit of a journey and contact and engagement; safety and county volunteer team. I’m checking in that people sometimes need assistance comfort; stabilization; information with you to see how you are doing and to along the way. gathering about current needs and see if I can help in any way. Is it all right To effectively set up clients with concerns; practical assistance; connection if we talk for a few minutes? Can I ask support, Dufrene says counselors must with social supports; information on your name? Can I call you Yolanda, or familiarize themselves with the systems coping; and linkage with collaborative do you prefer Mrs. Jackson? Before we sit they are working in, whether that means

30 | Counseling Today | February 2012 the responding organization such as the and at times chaotic work environment. and fearing a recurrence of the event. American Red Cross or the community It can be equally hard to follow up on Many of the same symptoms will show and cultural systems of the clients. Truly the effectiveness of techniques after with adolescents, Roaten says, although understanding those systems will allow individuals and families have left the they may also feel embarrassed by these counselors to better connect survivors disaster area or shelter. fears and try to mask them and pretend with available resources and support, everything is fine. she says. Caring for kids In the early stages after a crisis or Once the immediate aftermath of a Attending to children and adolescents disaster, it is paramount to provide crisis or disaster has passed, the hope is who have endured a disaster or crisis kids with a sense of safety and to meet that basic safety will be secured and a requires a unique perspective, says their basic needs, says Roaten, who is a sense of normalcy will return. At that Gail Roaten, an assistant professor and member of ACA. After that, debriefing point, or even further down the road, coordinator of the school counseling groups can sometimes be beneficial, she survivors might seek out counselors for program at Texas State University. says, allowing the kids a chance to process more traditional therapeutic assistance. Children who survive a crisis are what happened and talk about the facts. Dubi points to cognitive behavior therapy unquestionably affected, but Roaten says Debriefing also gives counselors a built- (CBT) as one method of assisting clients. new research is indicating that kids who in opportunity to inform kids that what The idea behind CBT, he says, is that simply observe a crisis, whether in person they’re feeling is normal. It’s important what people tell themselves and how they or on television, internalize more than that counselors talk about what happened think in turn affects how they feel. “CBT was previously thought. in a developmentally appropriate way can help identify the negative distorted The reaction to a crisis might appear but without sugarcoating it or avoiding beliefs and their causes,” he says. “It can different with each individual child, it, Roaten says. If no one talks about the then extinguish the negative beliefs and Roaten emphasizes, but general reactions crisis or offers an explanation, children help create new, more adaptive beliefs.” among children can include seeming sometimes come up with far-fetched Neurobiological approaches using confused or numb, feeling helpless or ideas and might even assume personal eye-movement desensitization and hopeless, feeling afraid for their safety, responsibility for whatever occurred, reprocessing (EMDR) and Brainspotting, seeming in a fog, seeking to retell the she says. as well as evidence-based trauma story of the experience, acting out, Helping young children cope with approaches such as emotion-focused experiencing headaches or stomachaches, crisis sometimes requires techniques other trauma therapy, can also be helpful to clients, Webber says. Each approach requires that counselors have training, supervised practice and protocols in Recovery from Grief Is Possible. place, she emphasizes. Learn How to Help. Dubi describes EMDR as a type of exposure technique that helps to desensitize a person or alter how he or she reacts to the traumatic memory. With training, a counselor can guide the client Certification Training in bringing up the memory, and through 2012 repeated bilateral stimulations, the client slowly desensitizes, reducing the level of MARCH APRIL stress when recalling the memory. 9–12 Salt Lake City, UT 13–16 Phoenix, AZ When people go through a crisis, they 9–12 Indianapolis, IN 13–16 Columbus, OH 23–26 Birmingham, AL 20–23 Boise, ID often operate on autopilot and fail to 23–26 Princeton, NJ 20–23 Sherman Oaks, CA process their feelings, Brennan says. As 23–26 Sherman Oaks, CA 27–30 Ft. Lauderdale, FL time passes, clients might need to tell MAY JUNE their story repeatedly until they can 18–21 St. Louis, MO 8–11 Omaha, NE fully absorb it into their psyches. With 18–21 Denver, CO 8–11 New Orleans, LA children and some adults, it can be 18–21 Sherman Oaks, CA 22–25 Chicago, IL helpful to have them draw what they saw 22–25 San Francisco, CA as another way to access those memories, she says. 4-Day Training  30 CEU Hours  Maximum 15 Participants Webber says counselors still need Tuition $1995 (Early Registration Discount $200) to broaden their research base to For more information or to register determine which techniques work best. She acknowledges, however, the Call 800-334-7606 difficulty in studying the effectiveness of www.griefrecoverymethod.com techniques in a relatively uncontrolled

February 2012 | Counseling Today | 31 than talking, Roaten says, because these family can offer support. This also allows Disaster mental health clients won’t necessarily have the words to counselors to provide the family with at the ACA Conference accurately convey their feelings. Sand tray resources for the future. Heading to the ACA Annual Confer- therapy, play therapy and art therapy are Even if children and adolescents have ence in San Francisco in March? Here’s among the effective options for helping only watched a crisis unfold on television, a partial list of the disaster mental kids work through their experiences, she Roaten says it is still important to talk health sessions being presented by the says. She adds that play therapy supports with them about what happened. For experts interviewed for this article. children in developing new neural example, a school counselor might n Program ID #12007: Essential Skills pathways, helping their brains to heal. do some basic work with students on for Disaster Mental Health and Crisis “A lot of kids and adolescents will react identifying their own coping skills and Counseling (Preconference Learning emotionally out of the amygdala,” Roaten processing what they might do in a Institute) says. “Through play, sand tray and art, similar crisis situation. n Program ID #115: Strategies for children work through emotions while The most important thing to keep in Disaster Mental Health: Lessons the brain processes the trauma through mind, Roaten says, is that children aren’t From the Field the prefrontal cortex.” adults and shouldn’t be treated as such n Program ID #264: Tools of the Trade: CBT techniques are also useful with following a crisis. Counselors should A Resource-Rich Model for Teaching older children and adolescents because validate children’s feelings concerning Disaster and Trauma Skills for they encourage kids to first identify the crisis or disaster and then help them Counselors the negative thoughts and beliefs process those feelings, she says. Roaten n Program ID #347: With Crisis and then reframe them, Roaten says. also warns against telling children Comes Opportunity: Counseling With adolescents, it can sometimes everything is going to be OK. “You don’t Children & Adolescents in the be beneficial to teach breathing and want to offer false assurances,” she says. Aftermath of a Disaster relaxation techniques and then try some “We tend to do that more with kids than For a complete listing of sessions exposure therapy, she says. [with] adults.” covering disaster mental health, crisis Family education is also helpful when For anyone interested in working on response and trauma at the ACA An- children and adolescents are involved in a disaster mental health with children and nual Conference, review the Program crisis, Roaten says. Counselors can assist adolescents, Roaten points to trainings Guide given to all conference attendees the family in understanding how the through the National Institute for or visit counseling.org/conference. kids are feeling and how the rest of the Trauma and Loss in Children, as well as the National Organization for Victim Assistance Crisis Response Team training. Do’s and don’ts from the field With their experience in disaster and crisis situations, these counselors offer their best advice on what to do — and what not to do — when assisting survivors. n Do not self-deploy, Webber says. GUÍA DE ESTUDIO Do connect and train in advance with PARA a disaster mental health response unit or organization, and be ready to be NCE – Examen Nacional de Consejeros deployed. Profesionales y – Examen Comprensivo n Don’t assume everyone who has CPCE experienced a disaster or crisis situation de Preparación para Consejeros wants or even needs to talk, Dufrene says. n Don’t assume that all survivors are La muy popular Guía de Estudio para el NCE y CPCE (2011, 6ta ed.) traumatized after a disaster and need del Dr. Andrew Helwig está ahora disponible en español. Este manual mental health counseling, Webber says. contiene las ocho áreas de CACREP al igual que información acerca del n Do make yourself visible and NCE y CPCE. Contiene consejos útiles al momento de tomar un examen, available, Dufrene says. estrategias de estudio, dos exámenes prácticos y el Código de Ética del ACA. n Don’t try to lead folks, Brennan says. Esta conveniente Guía de Estudios tiene más de 430 páginas, traducidas al español por Maximiliano Nealon, quien es consejero profesional. Instead, let their needs guide you. Para más información o para adquirir un ejemplar en inglés o español n Don’t underestimate the value of de la Guía de Estudios para NCE y CPCE ($79.95) o los DVDs del Taller, promoting safety and support, Webber visite: www.counselor-exam-prep.com. E-mail al Dr. Helwig a: says. [email protected]. Continued on page 38

32 | Counseling Today | February 2012 ACA Author Book Signings!

Thursday, March 22 • 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm h Sheri Bauman, Cyberbullying: What Counselors Need to Know h Ellen Cook, Understanding People in Context: The Ecological Perspective in Counseling h Gerald Corey, Robert Haynes, Patrice Moulton, and Michelle Muratori, Clinical Supervision in the Helping Professions, Second Edition h Sam Gladding, The Creative Arts in Counseling, Fourth Edition and Becoming a Counselor, Second Edition h John Murphy, Solution-Focused Counseling in Schools, Second Edition h Joe Pangelinan, Experiential Activities for Teaching Multicultural Competence in Counseling

Friday, March 23 • 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm h Ford Brooks, A Contemporary Approach to Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling h David Capuzzi, Counseling and Psychotherapy, Fifth Edition and Suicide Prevention in the Schools, Second Edition h Craig Cashwell and J. Scott Young, Integrating Spirituality and Religion Into Counseling, Second Edition h Sari Dworkin and Mark Pope, Casebook for Counseling Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Persons and Their Families h Norm Gysbers and Patricia Henderson, Developing & Managing Your School Guidance & Counseling Program, Fifth Edition h Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson, Counseling Children: A Core Issues Approach h Mark Pope and Angela Coker, Experiential Activities for Teaching Multicultural Competence in Counseling h John Sommers-Flanagan and Rita Sommers-Flanagan, Tough Kids, Cool Counseling: User-Friendly Approaches With Challenging Youth, Second Edition h Jane Webber and J. Barry Mascari, Terrorism, Trauma, and Tragedies, Third Edition h Anne Marie “Nancy” Wheeler and Burt Bertram, The Counselor and the Law, Sixth Edition

ACA Bookstore • Booth 301 • Moscone West Convention Center

February 2012 | Counseling Today | 33 You help others all year long. Now it’s time to reward yourself. Join more than 4,000 counseling professionals at: ACA 2012 Conference & Expo San Francisco, CA — March 23–25 Pre-Conference Learning Institutes — March 21–22

n 450+ Peer-reviewed Education n First Timers Orientation Sessions and Mentoring Luncheon

Reward #1 n 42 Peer-reviewed Pre-Confer- n Meet the author sessions Vital Professional ence Learning Institutes in the Bookstore Development. n 2 dynamic keynote speakers— n Opening Night Celebration Dr. Irvin D. Yalom and NPR’s n ACA and Division meals and Dr. Craig Windham social events n 7 ACA Division-sponsored day-long programs

n CCA and CALPCC Programs

n Feel the energy from your peers n Continuing Education Credit

n Gain new insight n ACA Conference Academies

n Return home inspired, enlight- n ACA National Awards ened, and refreshed Ceremony & Gala n 60th Anniversary Celebrations Register Today. You deserve it. Counseling.org/conference Reward #3 703-823-9800, x222 • 800-347-6647 x222 Renewed Passion. (M-F, 8am to 6pm ET)

Register by Feb. 15, 2012 to receive your registration materials in advance!

34 | Counseling Today | February 2012 Windham to offer keynote in San Francisco

lthough counseling and newscasting might not seem very similar at first Aglance, Craig Windham knows firsthand that both professions afford him the chance to examine human nature up close, effecting change both by telling people’s stories and by listening to them. Windham, who will be a ACA 2012 keynote speaker at the American Counseling Association’s Annual Conference & Exposition in San Conference & Expo Francisco in March, is both a professional counselor and a daily San Francisco, CA — March 23–25 newscaster for NPR’s Morning Edition. Pre-Conference Learning Institutes — March 21–22 Before NPR, Windham was a national correspondent covering presidential campaigns, hurricanes, earthquakes and the first Persian Gulf War for the Unistar/RKO radio networks. After Unistar/RKO was shut down in the mid-1990s, Windham took the opportunity to delve into some new arenas. He took what was at first a part-time job with Reward #2 NPR and wrote a book, Reggie Lewis: Quiet Grace. Powerful Networking. “I was also ready for a new challenge,” Windham told the William & Mary Alumni Magazine for an article published this past spring. “I decided to take one counseling course at George Washington University (GW). I went to talk to the department head and ended up signing up for the entire program before I left.” Windham, who subsequently earned a master’s and a doctorate in counseling from GW, now works as part of a private counseling practice and teaches graduate counseling courses at GW, in addition to his work at NPR. Windham, who is a volunteer leader of the youth group at his church, says counseling teenagers spurred the topic for his dissertation and ongoing research, which focuses on the impact of social media and online communication on adolescent social development and academic performance. Throughout his accomplished career, Windham has earned several honors, including two prestigious Gabriel Awards, the Champion Media Award for Economic Understanding, and Gold Medals for Best Network Anchor/Reporter from the International Radio Festival. In his interview with the William & Mary Alumni Magazine, Windham reflected on how some of his most memorable reporting experiences happened during and after natural disasters. While natural disasters are clearly devastating, Windham told the magazine, the human kindness that follows such devastation is remarkable. “I love seeing how people come together for the better to help one another,” he Reward #4 said. “It shows the resilience in people.” Impressive Recognition. Influential psychiatrist Irvin D. Yalom, the author of several “teaching novels” popular with counselors and related helping professionals, returns to the ACA Conference to provide the keynote for the Opening General Session on March 23 from 9-10:30 a.m. Craig Windham will offer the keynote on March 24 from 9-10 a.m.

February 2012 | Counseling Today | 35 ACA AUTHOR BOOK SIGNINGS March 20, 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm ACA Author Content Session Series March 21, 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm Moscone West Convention Center, Room 2016 Leaders in the field discuss their new ACA books in this highly informative series. Friday, March 23, 2012 11:00 am – 12:00 pm The Counselor and the Law: Avoiding the “Dirty Saturday, March 24, 2012 Dozen” Legal and Ethics Traps 10:30 am – 12:00 pm Anne Marie “Nancy” Wheeler and Burt Bertram This session will summarize issues covered in the newly revised Clinical Supervision in the Helping Professions sixth edition of The Counselor and the Law such as updates to Gerald Corey, Robert Haynes, Patrice Moulton, HIPAA (HITECH), client referrals, documentation, and reporting and Michelle Muratori duties. The presenters will also provide an overview of current legal The coauthors of the book Clinical Supervision in the Helping and ethical problems for counselors; tools to help clients achieve Professions will describe why and how they wrote their book their goals while avoiding lawsuits and licensure board complaints; and address the following topics: roles and responsibilities of updates on new trends in confidentiality, privilege, privacy, and supervisors, the importance of the supervisory relationship, social media; and a decision-making model. multicultural competence in supervision, ethical issues in supervision, legal and risk management issues, evaluation in 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm supervision, and becoming an effective supervisor. Questions and Techniques to Help Challenging Youth Make participation from the audience will be encouraged. Positive Life Changes 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm John Sommers-Flanagan and Rita Sommers-Flanagan Perspectives on Comprehensive School Guidance In this workshop, the authors of Tough Kids, Cool Counseling will focus on three overlapping counseling themes: (a) relationship and Counseling Programs connection strategies; (b) solution-focused and narrative Norman C. Gysbers and Patricia Henderson (constructive) techniques; and (c) using intuition and timing to Based on the new edition of the authors’ bestselling book maximize goodness of fit between client (or student) and counseling Developing & Managing Your School Guidance & Counseling interventions. Participants will be provided with an online link to Program, this session will describe the evolution and current the authors’ counseling resources. status of comprehensive school guidance and counseling programs and offer new perspectives on program development. Participants 3:45 pm – 4:45 pm will learn effective leadership strategies for school counselors and Creating Your Professional Path: Lessons From other school staff to meet students’ mental health needs, and for My Journey responding to and advocating for diverse student populations. Gerald Corey 3:45 pm – 4:45 pm This presentation is based on Gerald Corey’s book Creating Your The Creative Arts in Counseling Professional Path. Topics discussed will include turning points in the Samuel Gladding author’s personal and professional journey, the counselor as person and professional, developing a personal perspective on counseling This session, based on Dr. Gladding’s new book, will focus on theory and group work, becoming an ethical counselor, being how the creative arts (literature, music, dance/movement. drawing, mentored and mentoring others, creating a career in counseling, humor) can be used effectively in a wide variety of settings to help becoming a writer, and self-care. Questions and participation from clients gain insight into problems and negotiate solutions to the the audience are invited. concerns they bring into counseling. 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm Working With LGBT Persons and Their Families Cyberbullying: What Can We Do? Sari H. Dworkin and Mark Pope Sheri Bauman In Casebook for Counseling Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender This presentation, based on the author’s new book Cyberbullying: Persons and Their Families, Drs. Dworkin and Pope fill the training What Counselors Need to Know, will provide effective prevention gap in work with LGBTQQI clients. Case studies focusing on what is strategies for responding to cyberbullying. Specifically, brief said and done in actual counseling sessions examine contemporary solution-focused counseling, the support group approach, and issues affecting these populations to assist students, practicing the Method of Shared Concern will be outlined and features of counselors, and other mental health professionals in assessment and restorative justice that can be incorporated into these approaches treatment planning. The presenters will discuss how the cases can will be discussed. Dr. Bauman will also review recent legislation be used to train competent counselors. and court decisions related to cyberbullying.

36 | Counseling Today | February 2012 ACA BOOKSTORE Moscone West Convention Center • March 22–24

The ACA Bookstore will be open during all exposition hours. For your convenience, an ACA Pre-Conference Bookstore will be located in the ACA registration area March 21–22 before the Exhibition Hall opens.

ACA BOOKSTORE March 22, 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm – Welcome Reception March 23, 10:30 am – 6:00 pm March 24, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

KEYNOTE BOOK SIGNING ACA AUTHOR BOOK SIGNINGS Irvin D. Yalom March 22, 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm March 23, 10:30 am – 11:30 am March 23, 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm New Releases From ACA!

n Casebook for Counseling Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Persons and Their Families edited by Sari Dworkin and Mark Pope n Counseling and Psychotherapy: Theories and Interventions, Fifth Edition edited by David Capuzzi and Douglas Gross n Counseling Children: A Core Issues Approach by Richard Halstead, Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson, and Jodi Mullen n The Counselor and the Law, Sixth Edition by Anne Marie “Nancy” Wheeler and Burt Bertram n The Creative Arts in Counseling, Fourth Edition by Samuel Gladding n Cyberbullying: What Counselors Need to Know by Sheri Bauman n Developing & Managing Your School Guidance & Counseling Program, Fifth Edition by Norman Gysbers and Patricia Henderson n Experiential Activities for Teaching Multicultural Competence in Counseling edited by Mark Pope, Joseph Pangelinan, and Angela Coker n Group Work and Outreach Plans for College Counselors edited by Trey Fitch and Jennifer Marshall n The Handbook of Counselor Preparation edited and cowritten by Garrett McAuliffe and Karen Eriksen n Integrating Spirituality and Religion Into Counseling, Second Edition edited by Craig Cashwell and J. Scott Young n Licensure Requirements for Professional Counselors 2012 by the ACA Office of Professional Affairs n Play Therapy: Basics and Beyond, Second Edition by Terry Kottman n Statistical Methods and Validation of Assessment Scale Data in Counseling and Related Fields by Dimiter Dimitrov n Understanding People in Context: The Ecological Perspective in Counseling edited by Ellen Cook

American Counseling Association, Booth #301

February 2012 | Counseling Today | 37 Continued from page 32 to a highly abnormal event, Webber says. and compassion fatigue,” Webber says. The majority of survivors do not develop “Working in disaster response requires n Do prepare yourself that survivors PTSD. balancing self-care and other care in might either avoid you or flood you, n Do remain calm, courteous and field situations where practicing self-care Dufrene says. helpful, Dufrene says. techniques may be very difficult.” n Don’t make assumptions about what n Do not use traditional mental health Self-care takes on even more survivors are experiencing, Dufrene says. counseling approaches that promote importance when counselors find n Don’t try out crisis counseling personal change, Webber says, but do themselves in the dual role of being techniques for the first time after a help those who are affected to feel safe, to both a caregiver and a survivor who has disaster without training, Webber says, cope and to return to normalcy. been touched personally by a traumatic but do practice skills in disaster mental n Do remain within your scope of event in his or her community, Webber health and crisis counseling training expertise, Dufrene says. says. “In New Orleans [with Hurricane courses. n Don’t label what survivors are going Katrina] and at Virginia Tech [with the n Do recognize that many through. Do avoid holding an opinion mass shootings], counselors were not only posttraumatic stressors after a mass about how quickly they ought to process experiencing the impact of their clients’ disaster are normal, expected responses what has happened to them, Brennan trauma, but they were also personally says. affected by the traumatic event,” she says. n Don’t view individuals as victims Acting locally “In their community, who takes care of unable to help themselves, Webber the caregiver when all the caregivers are Counselors who want to help says. Do provide compassionate care to responding to the needs of others? This out in their own backyards in the empower survivors to be proactive. concurrent or dual traumatization may event of a crisis or disaster might n Don’t bypass local leaders in dramatically increase the impact on the consider seeking out their local communities or other cultures or counselor.” Community Emergency Response countries when providing services, Among Webber’s recommended self- Team (CERT), says Cecile Brennan, Webber says. Do follow their direction care activities: coordinator of the counseling and appreciate your status as a guest. n Identify and rely on your peer- program at John Carroll University. n Don’t ask for details, Dufrene says support family. Brennan, who volunteers with — survivors may share their stories, but n List a menu of relaxing activities a CERT, says the focus of these counselors shouldn’t probe for additional on an index card so you can refer to it groups is to train citizens in local information. whenever you need an idea of a quick communities to be able to respond n Don’t attempt to do therapy with way to reduce your own stress. in a disaster before first responders people who have been traumatized unless n Make a list of the triggers that affect are able to arrive or in case they they request the therapy or unless they you so you can recognize them and plan struggle to meet the demand, have been sent to you for therapy through ways to reduce their sensory impact. whether due to the widespread a formal referral process, Dubi says. n Commit to regular physical exercise nature of the crisis, communication n Don’t speculate or offer inaccurate even when working in the field. failures or other factors. For information, Dufrene says. For example, n Monitor self-awareness of somatic example, Brennan says, if your survivors in a shelter might ask when stressors. neighborhood were to get flooded supplies will be coming. Dufrene says n Practice diaphragmatic breathing. counselors should respond only with and first responders couldn’t arrive n Take time to journal. immediately, members of the CERT information that they’re certain of Webber says counselors who are could manage until the responders and tell survivors they will give them both caregivers and survivors can be were able to get through. additional details as soon as they hear pulled between dealing with their When counselors are part something definitive. own emotional reactions and helping n Do remain sensitive to issues of of a CERT, Brennan says the others. A good first step, she says, is for diversity, Dufrene says. team benefits from an added counselors to talk with their partners or n Don’t ignore the potential that mental health perspective and a field supervisors. They also need to work survivors have for positive experiences level of psychological expertise. under supervision in the field, guard and personal growth, Webber says. By participating in a CERT, against overworking and consider taking counselors can raise awareness of Being diligent about self-care a step back from the caring function so how to properly manage emotional Another piece of advice from these they can rest temporarily and recover. responses of individuals involved in experts is that counselors can’t afford to Self-care is key to prevention of a disaster. forget about their own well-being, even in the negative symptoms of secondary For more information about the midst of helping others in a crisis or traumatic stress, Dubi says. “These CERTs or to find one in your area, disaster situation. “Training for disaster symptoms often resemble PTSD, and visit citizencorps.gov/cert. and trauma work requires counselor they present a real risk to trauma workers — Lynne Shallcross self-care and self-regulation because of who are exposed, over and over, to the the impact of vicarious traumatization horrible stories of their clients’ traumatic

38 | Counseling Today | February 2012 experiences. Self-care should be part of counselors who don’t possess that training says. “Overwhelmingly, the clients that a balanced life that includes personal or would like to acquire additional come in have been abused, have been counseling, exercise, engaging in activities training, Dubi points to offerings by traumatized, whether we like it or not. that are not related to work, teaching IATP as well as the American Red Cross Most of the disorders my clients come friends and colleagues to be supportive trainings available at each ACA Annual in with are traumagenic. So, yes, every [and] developing spirituality, whether it Conference. PESI Healthcare and Cross counselor needs to be trained in it, and is religious, meditative, tai chi, journaling Country Education also offer seminars no counselor who practices with human or anything that is self-soothing.” and continuing education credits, he says. beings is going to escape it.” Statewide training initiatives provide Being prepared w Experts in disaster mental health another opportunity. For example, To contact Cecile Brennan, email and crisis counseling emphasize that Webber says, New Jersey provides [email protected]. training is a must, not just for counselors free training to become certified as a To contact Michael Dubi, email who plan to work in disaster and crisis disaster response crisis counselor. The [email protected]. situations, but for all counselors. “Most National Child Traumatic Stress Network individuals will experience traumatic is an additional venue for training, To contact Roxane Dufrene, email events in their lives,” Webber says. “Thus, Webber says, focusing on traumatized [email protected]. every counselor must be ready to provide children, adolescents, their families and To contact Gail Roaten, email gr17@ trauma-informed counseling and, in the communities. txstate.edu. event of a mass disaster, know the basics All counselors should have some To contact Jane Webber, email of disaster response.” training in the area of crisis and disaster [email protected]. u Thanks to new standards in 2009, work, even if they don’t plan to specialize graduates of counseling programs in it, Brennan says. “Crisis and disaster Lynne Shallcross is a senior writer accredited by the Council for are part of ordinary life. If you counsel for Counseling Today. Contact her Accreditation of Counseling and any number of people, you’re going to at [email protected]. Related Educational Programs now leave bump up against this. It’s just being well school equipped with the knowledge, prepared,” she says. Letters to the editor: understanding and skills needed to Dubi echoes Brennan’s sentiment. [email protected]. respond to disasters, crises and trauma- “Every counselor who works with people causing events, Webber says. For is responding to crises or disasters,” he Souldrama® The International Institute of Souldrama ® Connie Miller, NCC, LCP, TEP, ACS • 800-821-9919 www.souldrama.com • [email protected] SOULDRAMA®, is a therapeutic technique which combines group and individual therapy, psychodrama and transpersonal therapy. The main objective of Souldrama is the psychological and spiritual development of the person. Souldrama can be applied to all aspects of recovery including the 12 steps, relationships, grief, divorce, corporate, career and money issues. Participants will learn action based interventions for individual and group psychotherapy, basic psychodramatic and sociodramatic tools such as doubling and role reversal and how to put spirituality into action. Special attention will be paid to creatively working within a group and discovering the group issue. If you desire training at your facility, we will gladly come to you.

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February 2012 | Counseling Today | 39 The transformative power of trauma Unlike PTSD, which focuses on impairment, the concept of posttraumatic growth aligns with counselors’ focus on clients’ strengths, wellness and capacity for change By Jonathan Rollins

ince 9/11 and the United States’ Lawson, president of the Association for subsequent wars in Afghanistan Counselor Education and Supervision, Sand Iraq, many Americans have a division of the American Counseling grown all too familiar with the term Association, says a general awareness of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which “adversive growth” spans back to World was first popularly applied to veterans of War I, “but the language was always pretty the Vietnam War in the 1970s. Today loose, and the research was not there.” the term shows up regularly in headlines He credits Tedeschi and Calhoun with and in magazine articles, in TV news giving form to the concept of PTG but accounts and on websites. Although some acknowledges that it has taken some time mental health professionals protest that for the concept to catch on, especially posttraumatic stress is not a “disorder” but in the face of much greater publicity rather a normal reaction to extraordinary concerning PTSD. and disturbing events, the term is widely “We need to focus on the client’s growth understood to convey that a person’s and not just the disorder as it relates to ability to cope and function has been trauma,” says Lawson, who chairs the significantly impaired. ACA Crisis Response Planning Task Another trauma-related term developed Force. “This is right in our wheelhouse as in the ’90s is much less familiar to the counselors. What are the strengths that general public and perhaps even to this person continues to demonstrate counselors. But given counselors’ focus despite [his or her] traumatic experience? on wellness and growth, both Lea Flowers We need to be deliberate about and Gerard Lawson believe this term — highlighting those for our clients.” posttraumatic growth — should be on the Flowers, a licensed professional tips of their colleagues’ tongues in the counselor and ACA member who co- counseling profession. directs the Post-Traumatic Growth As defined by Richard Tedeschi and Research Team at Georgia State Lawrence Calhoun, psychology professors University, agrees. “As counselors, we are at the University of North Carolina positioned to really make this concept Charlotte who pioneered the development come alive,” she says. “Posttraumatic of research and theory concerning growth really fits with our wellness and posttraumatic growth (PTG) in the growth-oriented perspective. [With PTG] ’90s, PTG is a “positive psychological you’re not trying to figure out what’s sick change experienced as the result of the and what’s not working but rather how struggle with highly challenging life the person coped and was transformed circumstances.” To meet the criteria for because of [the traumatic event]. It’s less PTG, the transformation the person goes about identifying symptoms and deficits through must be a by-product of the and more about using the process as a traumatic experience itself. PTG is not root for growth. We will find that this is simply a “return to baseline functioning,” where counselors can come alive because which more accurately characterizes we’re facilitators of hope and change. resilience. We’re trained to do this. That’s not what

40 | Counseling Today | February 2012 our cousins in social work and psychology “But when I started talking to people, Flowers also points to Steve Jobs, the necessarily do.” I noticed their strength. There was a shift visionary co-founder, chair and CEO in our life perspective. It was a collective of Apple Inc., who in a commencement Personal experience experience. Up until that date [when address at Stanford University in 2005 Both Flowers and Lawson are strong Hurricane Katrina struck], my datebook described getting fired in a public and advocates for counselors applying had really mattered to me. After Katrina, I humiliating way at age 30 from the very PTG principles in their trauma work was just focused on the present moment. company he had helped to build from the with clients. This is due in large part, That was a huge transformation for me.” ground up. they acknowledge, to their personal Flowers recalled that most of the trauma “I didn’t see it then, but it turned out connections to two of the most traumatic studies and training she had been exposed that getting fired from Apple was the events in recent U.S. history — the to previously had been focused from a best thing that could have ever happened devastation wrought by Hurricane crisis perspective. Recognizing that she and to me,” Jobs told the audience. “The Katrina in 2005 and the mass shootings others she knew had been transformed in heaviness of being successful was replaced by a student on the campus of Virginia positive ways in the wake of a traumatic by the lightness of being a beginner again, Tech in 2007. event, Flowers began searching for an less sure about everything. It freed me to Lawson, an associate professor of alternative perspective and uncovered enter one of the most creative periods of counselor education at Virginia Tech, information on PTG. “I didn’t find that was among the key players on what my life. counselors were gravitating to trauma came to be known as the Mental Health “During the next five years, I started a work, so I was excited when I discovered Advisory Group, a collaborative panel that company named NeXT, another company there was a place in trauma where I could met the day after the mass shootings to named Pixar and fell in love with an be comfortable. Posttraumatic growth develop a strategy for providing mental amazing woman who would become my resonated with my training and who I was health support to the entire Virginia Tech wife. Pixar went on to create the world’s as a counselor. It still speaks to me today, community. In the near-term aftermath of first computer-animated feature film, both as a person and a professional.” the shootings, Lawson recalls, “there was Toy Story, and is now the most successful A former assistant professor at lots of exposure to PTSD, and the focus” animation studio in the world. In a Georgia State and clinical supervisor of — both in the media and within the remarkable turn of events, Apple bought counselors-in-training, Flowers now owns university community — “was very much NeXT, I returned to Apple, and the Chrysalis Counseling and Consulting, on that. But as the situation evolved some, technology we developed at NeXT is at a private practice through which she our counseling program decided that we the heart of Apple’s current renaissance. offers consulting services to organizations had to advocate for a focus on resilience … I’m pretty sure none of this would and professionals and provides growth- and posttraumatic growth. We started have happened if I hadn’t been fired from oriented counseling services for women. asking, ‘How do we tell how our campus is Apple. It was awful tasting medicine, but I The mission of the practice is explained doing?’ If you focus on the negative, you’re guess the patient needed it.” on its website: “To help facilitate a going to see the negative.” “When I read this,” Flowers says, “I transformative process for our clients While Lawson witnessed and helped thought, ‘This is PTG. This is PTG in a building upon her inner strengths and facilitate PTG on the Virginia Tech big way.” resilience.” campus, Flowers had an even more At the same time, Flowers cautions that personal brush with PTG. She was in the Domains of change all individuals who experience major life final stages of securing her doctorate at It is important for counselors to crisis will not necessarily experience PTG, the University of New Orleans (UNO) understand the distinction between and if they do, it may not show itself in when Hurricane Katrina bore down on resilience and PTG, Flowers says. a grand public manner. “Transformation the city. Like thousands of others, she was While resilience implies a resistance to is personal,” she says. “Everyone will not forced to evacuate. Tuning in to coverage the negative impact of trauma, PTG do something with large public impact of the natural disaster on CNN, she was implies a significant and positive change as a result of posttraumatic growth.” astonished to see police officers and Coast in the person. Another way to put it: What is important, she adds, is that the Guard personnel in a boat, cruising down “Resilience is how we get through the transformation is personally meaningful the street where her home was located. trauma using our coping skills,” Flowers and recognizable to the client, which is Flowers stayed with family members says. “Posttraumatic growth is how we are where counselors can be of great assistance. and lived in hotels while completing transformed because of the trauma.” In their research, Tedeschi and Calhoun her doctorate at UNO. “I remember She uses the organization Mothers identified five domains in which positive defending my dissertation and gutting my Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and changes take place in the PTG process: house in the same day,” she says. “I lost the TV show America’s Most Wanted n Greater appreciation of life and a everything I owned. I lost my whole city. as recognizable examples of PTG in changed sense of priorities. This suggests Everything I had was gone except for my action. In both instances, parents who that clients have faced their mortality dissertation. … What I was experiencing, experienced the loss of children to tragic and no longer take life for granted, what my community was experiencing, and disturbing circumstances were Lawson says. Flowers adds that this what my family was experiencing was transformed by the experience and took domain represents a change in philosophy PTSD. action to create positive change as a result. concerning what really matters in life.

February 2012 | Counseling Today | 41 n Greater sense of personal strength. involved intense fear, helplessness or that the client may be moving [through In this domain, clients have discovered horror.” the five domains of change]. We begin they are able to overcome challenges they More than 80 percent of people will talking about it with the client in terms might not have thought possible before, be exposed to a traumatic event in their of, ‘And where will this take you?’” Lawson says. At heart, Flowers says, this lifetime, Lawson says, and most of these Although there is no prescribed represents a change in perception of self events, such as instances of bullying or timetable dictating exactly when to — “If I could get through this, I can get domestic violence, will never make the incorporate the PTG concept into through anything.” news. “The work we do these days as treatment with traumatized clients, n Warmer, more intimate counselors puts us in direct contact more Lawson says the “immediate noise from relationships with others. This most often than we may recognize with clients the trauma begins to calm down” three often manifests itself as an ability to relate who have been traumatized,” Lawson to six months after the event. “In that to others in a deeper, more meaningful says. “Given the numbers of people window especially, we begin to look at way, Lawson says. Flowers says PTG in exposed to trauma, we need to not focus opportunities for growth,” he says. “We this area might also lead to reconciling solely on the negative side of the trauma don’t want to be there immediately [after relationships with others or bonding with equation.” the traumatic event] to pounce on them, another individual or group because of a In trying to implement the PTG but we want to be able to be there to offer shared experience. concept in their work with clients, support when they need support and n Recognition of new possibilities or counselors should keep several important before their trauma membrane fills back paths for one’s life. “They begin to see points in mind. over. It’s much harder to go back in after life with a broader view, perhaps because First, says Flowers, PTG is not an the fact.” they learned something about themselves intervention but rather a way of concep- “Posttraumatic growth is not something through the traumatic experience,” tualizing the client and the treatment to consider when clients are in crisis,” Lawson says. plan. “Posttraumatic growth is more of a Flowers adds. “Growth is further down n Spiritual development. Both Lawson perspective or a process that you integrate the line for these clients because we first and Flowers point out that this domain into whatever approach you are using with have to help manage the initial crisis, is not necessarily about an increase in the client,” she says, adding that it weaves then after things have stabilized, help religious behavior, such as attending particularly well into existential, narrative facilitate them through a more reflective religious services more frequently, but and cognitive-based interventions. process. ... Timing is a huge part of [the rather feeling a stronger connection to Second, PTG is not a given with every PTG process]. Counselors may have God or another spiritual power. In many client. “Just because there has been a terminated their work with these clients instances, this spiritual development helps traumatic experience does not mean there when growth finally happens. We may those who have gone through a traumatic will be a growth experience,” Flowers just be there to plant seeds. Likewise, event to make meaning of the experience says, “or that there will be a growth the client’s transformation might be very or to make meaning in other areas of their experience soon.” incremental instead of dramatic.” She life where it had been absent previously. Lawson adds that clients who were also points out that distress from the trauma might continue even as growth Windows of opportunity closer to healthy functioning before is happening, meaning the two are not The possibility that client growth exposure to a traumatic event generally mutually exclusive. can potentially be cultivated out of a are also better positioned to experience traumatic experience will be a revelation PTG than clients who were already The role of the counselor to some counselors. But Lawson says struggling to function before the trauma. No special training is needed to the fresh thinking shouldn’t stop there. This also aligns with the literature integrate the PTG process into counseling “Counselors really need to expand the regarding which individuals are more work, Lawson says, but a certain skill way they think about traumatic events in susceptible to experiencing PTSD, he set is required to support PTG properly. general,” he says. says. “Counselors need to be comfortable This includes having an understanding Third, PTG should never be forced on doing posttraumatic work and tuned in that trauma isn’t limited to large-scale or demanded of the client. “In embracing to the factors for posttraumatic growth,” natural disasters, terrorist attacks and posttraumatic growth in our work, we he says. “You also have to be willing to other instances of mass violence, or war- have to be careful that we don’t come sit with clients’ grief and loss and capable related experiences. According to the off as Pollyanna when the person just of identifying their strengths. Then you current version of the Diagnostic and lost their house,” Lawson says. “We have need to encourage them to answer some Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, to be sure that we are patient with the questions: How are you going to be able an event can be considered potentially process of grieving and allowing clients to to see the world in a broader way? Where traumatic if 1) “The person experienced, work through issues that are completely are we going to focus our energy? What witnessed or was confronted with an normal after a traumatic event. We don’t are we going to pay attention to?” event or events that involved actual or want to rush them to look better, feel Flowers says counselors have been threatened death or serious injury, or better, function better. But at the same provided with all the basic tools they need a threat to the physical integrity of self time, through the normal course of in their training programs to integrate or others” or 2) “The person’s response conversation, we want to highlight ways PTG into their work, but she suggests

42 | Counseling Today | February 2012 looking at growth-oriented models and their experience. But keep in mind that potentially, to break new ground in. frameworks to grow more comfortable you’re not the expert — they are. You’re “Right now,” Flowers comments, “there with the PTG process. “Posttraumatic coming along as the expert’s companion. is nothing that says, ‘These are the proper growth will change your clinical You don’t want to lead the client. That techniques you use for posttraumatic mindset,” she asserts. can be almost as damaging as the trauma growth.’ I believe counselors are best According to Flowers, the main role itself because it can sound like you’re positioned to perhaps identify or even of the counselor is to be a facilitator in diminishing what happened to them.” develop those techniques.” the PTG process (rather than trying to Flowers breaks the narrative approach Lawson concurs. “This philosophy be the “creator” of growth), to serve as a incorporating a PTG focus into simple- is so consistent with our approach as companion to the “expert” (the client) to-understand steps: Listen to the client’s counselors that the natural next step is and to help the client engage in meaning- story, reflect the story back to the client for counselors to take the lead in how making concerning what has happened to using his or her own language and then clients can maximize posttraumatic him or her. highlight for the client how he or she has growth. We need to be the ones to Using a narrative approach with clients emerged from the traumatic experience answer the unanswered questions about works particularly well in identifying and and been transformed in a positive way. posttraumatic growth.” cultivating PTG, Flowers says, although “You’re using very basic counseling she adds that counselors must exude skills in this process but helping to w patience, empathy and a willingness facilitate hope,” Flowers says. “Our For more information about PTG, to meet clients where they are at that job is to help clients see those areas of contact Gerard Lawson at glawson@ moment. “You listen to how they story transformation when they’re ready and vt.edu and Lea Flowers at drleaflowers@ their experience and stay alert to changes to help them make meaning of whatever gmail.com. u in perception they have had since is left. We’re trying to move them from experiencing the trauma,” she explains. a feeling of hopelessness to a feeling of “You want to help them restory their hopefulness.” narrative from traumatic and distressing Both Flowers and Lawson view PTG Jonathan Rollins is the editor-in- to positive and growth-inducing, but you as an exciting and beneficial yet relatively chief of Counseling Today. Contact first have to respect the trauma survivor’s undeveloped frontier in trauma work — him at [email protected]. struggle. You may listen to their story and a frontier that would seem particularly assess that they’re not yet ready to restory inviting for counselors to explore and,

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February 2012 | Counseling Today | 43 Occupational Outlook Handbook features new profiles for counselors ACA once again tapped to help the Bureau of Labor Statistics paint an accurate picture of the counseling profession for those exploring career possibilities

By Heather Rudow

o matter their specific area of and education, potential earnings, concentration, all counselors occupational outlook and employment Nhave the same overall goal: projections for hundreds of specific to help their clients accomplish their occupations. Both the Occupational mental health, wellness, education or Outlook Handbook and the Career Guide career-related goals. to Industries are released biennially, with Even though the underlying mission the handbook being available online at of the counseling profession is the the BLS website since 1998. same, the fact that there are so many Colleen Teixeira Moffat, an economist different types of counselors — ranging and occupational analyst in the BLS from school counselors to couples Office of Occupational Statistics and family counselors to addictions and Employment Projections, says counselors — makes it necessary to counselors should notice a change in the provide clarification for those interested content related to their profession in the in learning more about the vast career 2012-13 handbook. “The counseling opportunities within counseling. profession used to be covered in one That’s why the American Counseling profile, but this time they’ll be covered Association was only too happy to in four,” says Moffat, who researched assist when the Bureau of Labor and wrote the occupational profiles on Statistics (BLS) asked for its feedback in counselors. “There’s going to be more updating and expanding the counseling space, so I can talk about [each specialty] profession’s profile in the 2012-13 a lot more. I can jump right to counselor edition of the Occupational Outlook education without having to read about Handbook, which is scheduled for release rehabilitation counselors.” in late March. The four profiles will cover 1) BLS has published the Occupational addictions counselors, 2) mental health Outlook Handbook, recognized as counselors and marriage and family one of the top publications for career therapists, 3) rehabilitation counselors information, for more than 60 years. and 4) school and career counselors. The handbook, which is coupled Moffat says dedicating more space to with the Career Guide to Industries, each type of counselor also allows for provides readers with information about differences between the specialties to be working conditions, necessary training explained in greater detail. “There are

44 | Counseling Today | February 2012 different educational requirements for impact how a student performs in Keeping the counseling profession’s each profession,” she says, “and with school.” profile — now profiles — accurate and each profile, you can skip right to the Kaplan and ACA have been integral current in the Occupational Outlook [one you’re interested in].” in advocating for how counselors are Handbook is just one more way that For example, the profile that spotlights presented in the Occupational Outlook ACA can advocate for the profession rehabilitation counselors will provide Handbook. “The Bureau of Labor and help move it forward, Kaplan says. greater focus on their work with military Statistics sees ACA as the organization “The new OOH edition expands the personnel and veterans, in part because that represents the counseling presence of professional counselors in the number of these clients has increased profession,” Kaplan says, “and as far the national career database by providing greatly since the beginning of the wars back as I can remember, they have an exponential increase in the details of in Iraq and Afghanistan. asked for our recommendations [for specialties within our profession,” he says. Under the school counselor profile, the handbook] … to help keep the According to BLS, 2010-2020 the roles of school counselors will be profession’s profile current.” employment projections for counseling further defined, and the differences Some of ACA’s previous and other occupations will be released between elementary school, middle recommendations for the Occupational Feb. 1. school and high school counselors Outlook Handbook as it pertains to For more information about the 2012- will be made more distinct than in counselors included changing the 13 edition of the Occupational Outlook previous editions. There will also be an reference from “patients” to “clients,” Handbook, visit bls.gov/oco/oohinfo_faq. additional statement further explaining noting that professional counselors can htm. u the multiple roles that school counselors earn a doctorate in addition to a master’s play in the lives of students, says ACA degree, emphasizing multiculturalism Heather Rudow is a staff writer for Chief Professional Officer David as a component that is infused Counseling Today. Contact her at Kaplan. “The statements in previous throughout all counseling specialties [email protected]. [Occupational Outlook Handbooks] and identifying the Council for typically focused on just the guidance Accreditation of Counseling and Related Letters to the editor: ct@ aspect of what these counselors do,” Educational Programs as the educational counseling.org Kaplan says, “but they also directly accreditation body for counselors.

February 2012 | Counseling Today | 45 Knowledge Share - By Andrew Peterson

Bringing mindfulness into your counseling practice

ometimes the easiest tasks can be myself to sit and meditate in the morning. The more I thought about it, the more so difficult to perform. It makes me feel like a bit of a hypocrite absurd this seemed. It was like trying to S Mindfulness meditation has as I persistently encourage my clients to teach a dog to sit by repeatedly forcing always fallen into this category for me. develop a meditation practice of their it into sitting position. It’s not that you I struggle so much to get myself to sit own. Who am I to be preaching the can’t make a dog sit that way, but the down and meditate on a regular basis, benefits of meditation when I seem to be change in behavior isn’t meaningful or even though I know from experience that the world’s worst meditator? lasting because all the dog has learned is when I sit in meditation for even a few This dilemma was in the back of my how to be made to sit. minutes in the morning, my entire day mind one morning as I finally managed The real question, I realized, was this: goes better. to sit myself down on my office floor to How do you make a dog want to sit? The practice itself couldn’t be simpler: meditate for a few minutes before my first And the answer seemed clear: You have n First, relax your body. client arrived. As I turned my attention to to start by changing its mind. So as I sat meditating on my failure to n Next, draw your full attention to your my breath, I felt a familiar sense of calm. breath as it moves in and out of your Then, as inevitably happens, a thought meditate, I asked myself a new question. body. came crashing into my head. How is it that we change our state of If only I could remember how good this mind? n When your mind wanders (as it’s feels, I’d definitely do it every day. And I realized that meditation itself guaranteed to do within 3.5 seconds), holds the answer. The calm state of notice that mental activity and give it As I knew I was supposed to do, I tried to direct my attention away from this equanimity that meditation promotes a name (worrying, planning, lusting, is the result of detaching from the flow thought and back to my breath. But the etc.). Then, with compassion, bring of our internal experience, separating an thought was persistent. your attention back to your breath. “observing” part of ourselves from the Why can’t I hold on to the way this feels n Repeat this process for a few minutes. “experiencing” part. It’s this shift in state so that I can use this feeling to motivate me Then go about the rest of your day. of mind that allows us to step back and to sit down and meditate next time? make constructive choices about our A growing body of research I tried once again to direct my behaviors. Without this shift, it’s unlikely, demonstrates that regular meditation attention back to my breath. But the practice heightens our immune if not impossible, to achieve lasting force of my thoughts was more powerful functioning, improves the quality of our behavioral change. than my will. I found myself barreling interpersonal relationships and helps But a catch remains: How do we get headlong into a series of insights that reduce subjective states of suffering. ourselves to engage in the behaviors that would fundamentally shift the way I And as authors such as Jon Kabat-Zinn lead to a change in state of mind that worked with mindfulness in both my and Dan Siegel have documented, then allows our behaviors to change? mindfulness meditation is a powerful counseling practice and my personal life. To put it another way, I still hadn’t adjunct to counseling because it First, I recognized that I was struggling figured out how to get myself to sit down strengthens the very skills that lead to with the same fundamental issue that I and meditate! positive outcomes in psychotherapy: the was trying to help my clients with every As I struggled with this question, I capacity to observe and attend to our day: I wanted to change my behavior. But began to consider the various ways I’d thoughts and feelings, the ability to stay then I found myself asking a question I’d been able to successfully enter into a present to those thoughts and feelings never fully considered before. How was I self-reflective state of mind in my own even when they’re unpleasant and the going about trying to make that change life. Not just the times when I literally ability to describe and label our mental happen? meditate, but also the times when I’m activity with words. That’s why I teach In contemplating this question, I able to be mindfully present in my meditation to nearly every client who realized that my method, though not everyday life. comes into my office these days. uncommon, was faintly ridiculous. I was It occurred to me that I’d actually But at the same time, I remain puzzled trying to change my behavior by forcing developed a highly effective mindfulness about why I find it so difficult to get my behavior to change. practice that I use regularly in my

46 | Counseling Today | February 2012 everyday life. It’s a mental game I play whenever I’m in situations that are inherently boring, repetitive or tedious — standing in line at the DMV, for example, or washing the dishes. I identify a small element of that scenario which I would usually do without awareness — taking a single step forward, for instance, or placing a cup in the dishwasher. Then I ask myself an absurd question. How would I teach this activity to someone who had never done it before? I next come up with simple instructions for performing that activity. Then I follow my own instructions. I try to take a single step as if I were doing so for the first time in my life. Andrew Peterson realized he had been taking too narrow a view of mindfulness. I’m not sure how I developed this habit, but in addition to entertaining routine experience feels when you do it who, like me, struggle to sustain a me, it never fails to bring me into a this way. Notice the shift in your state of traditional meditation practice. So I set focused, present-moment awareness. Try mind. to work writing a series of playful five- it for yourself right now with whatever It began to dawn on me that I’d been step exercises to help others cultivate a materials are at hand. What instructions thinking about mindfulness in much mindfulness practice that could be done would you give, for instance, to teach a too narrow a way — and I’d been within the nooks and crannies of their person how to turn a page in a magazine? inflicting this narrow view on my clients daily lives. Some of these exercises were Spell out the steps in detail, then try as well. It occurred to me that a casual, based on my personal experience, some turning the page by following your own lighthearted approach to mindfulness were based on therapeutic techniques instructions. Notice how different this could be very helpful to my clients and some evolved during my work with

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February 2012 | Counseling Today | 47 clients. In turn, these exercises became 2) Focus on the task. Don’t try to delay doing things without guilt, let the basis for my book, The Next Ten ignore it or put it out of your mind. yourself indulge fully in a sense of Minutes: 51 Absurdly Simple Ways to Seize (That is an advanced step that can lazy relaxation. This approach to procras- the Moment. come once you’ve mastered the basic tination misses the point. It’s like telling The best way to describe this process technique.) Feel all the pressure that someone who’s depressed that they should is by giving an example of one of the comes with the task and all the emotions just try to be happier. If you are able to exercises. that come from not doing it. Imagine truly avoid thinking about things you’re supposed to be doing, then it’s not w your loved ones all around you, looking on with disappointment, clucking their actually procrastination. The Exercise: Procrastinate tongues, lovingly scolding you. To experience the true benefits Make use of the secret technique that 3) Vigorously fail to do the task. of procrastination, you’ve got to all therapists learn on their first day of Refuse to do it. really embrace the stress. Because training: In situations where there is no 4) Pause. Take a deep, slow breath. procrastination isn’t about “doing imminent danger (i.e., nearly all of the Notice whatever thoughts and feelings nothing,” it’s about not doing time), doing nothing will cause no harm. rush in. Notice what happens in your “something.” Ten minutes of body. Say to yourself: “I will do it in 10 procrastination is good for you not because it’s relaxing, but because you’re What you’ll need minutes.” Repeat this phrase as often as acknowledging the reality of your life necessary, continuing to focus on the task A pressing task from your daily life. and acknowledging your power to act … that you aren’t doing. or not. How to do it 5) Go about your business. It is irrelevant to the success of this exercise Variations: Other ways to not do things 1) Choose a task. Identify whatever whether you return to the task or whether feels like the most stressful thing that you you ever actually get it done. Experiment with distractions. The should be doing right at this moment. natural impulse when going about It doesn’t have to be an objectively our daily, usually unconscious practice important task. Ideally, it will be Embracing the stress of procrastinating is to try to avoid something that you feel external pressure Plenty of people out there will tell awareness of the thing we’re supposed to do, but what matters most is that it is you that the art of procrastination is an to be doing. The basic version of creating stress in your life. It might be an antidote to the stresses and pressures of this exercise intentionally eliminates apology you know you need to make. Or modern life. In general, the idea is that distraction to heighten the experience of bills that need paying. you should give yourself permission to procrastinating. Once you have mastered Next ACA Webinar Spend an hour with Dr. Gerald Corey on February 15, 2012 Developing Your Own Integrative Theory of Counseling Members: $29.95 • Nonmembers: $39.95 1 CE credit • 1 pm ET Register now at webinar.counseling.org

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48 | Counseling Today | February 2012 the basic exercise, however, it can be very In actual counseling practice, I business: “just-in-time meditation.” enlightening to reintroduce distraction. weave mindfulness practices and I’m convinced our universal task as Do the first two steps of the exercise as techniques into the give-and-take of counselors is not to change our clients’ described above, then at step three, try therapy itself, allowing “exercises” behavior but rather to help them learn to force yourself to think about a subject to evolve spontaneously, creatively how to change their states of mind. No that has nothing to do with the task at and collaboratively in the flow of the matter what our theoretical orientation, hand. Start with easy distractions — therapeutic conversation. The target we all (even the most strict behaviorists) food, sex and money. Then move on to is usually a problematic behavior that ask our clients to do a version of the more boring, and thus more challenging, the client brings in. But the exercises same thing: move from an immersion distractions. Are you able to distract inevitably direct the client’s attention in the flow of their experience to a yourself from an important task by away from the behavioral concerns reflective observation of that experience. focusing on balancing your checkbook? themselves and toward a mindfulness It’s this shift in perspective that leads to Use visual aids. (For advanced practice about the behavior. practitioners only.) These are the big For example, I recently started working meaningful behavioral change. guns of procrastination, and when with a man who complained that his wife I still teach the formal technique of we’re trying to put something off, we was always asking him to do things for mindfulness meditation to nearly every usually go for them first: computer her that she could do perfectly well for client who walks in my door. But I no games, the Internet. Using these things herself. He didn’t know why she did this, longer worry about whether my clients to procrastinate is like taking heroin to and it drove him crazy. He knew there are actually able to sustain a formal cure a headache. They work so effectively were times when it was appropriate for meditation practice. In fact, I have that they don’t give us the opportunity him to say no to her requests, but he just more and more compassion for how to experience the full spectrum of the couldn’t make himself do that. Instead, he strangely difficult the “simple” practice of procrastination experience. Using these found himself repeatedly doing things for meditation can be. sorts of tools to procrastinate will call on her that he didn’t want to do. At the same time, I’ve become all your skills, so make sure to master the Rather than making a plan to try increasingly convinced that just-in- basic techniques first. to change (or even to understand) his time mindfulness practices — which Do it … but only half-heartedly. A behavior, I asked him to continue doing can be extremely brief, silly or even final way to vary this exercise involves exactly what he had been doing, but to badly done — can be just as beneficial harnessing your capacity for passive- experiment with a simple mindfulness aggressive behavior. Don’t procrastinate, as an adjunct to counseling as “proper” exercise as he did. meditation. Because in the end, the but don’t do it well either. We all do this “Every time you find yourself in this goal is not meditation itself but rather at times, but usually we do it more or less situation,” I told him, “I want you to the shift in perspective that meditation unconsciously. Try bringing full awareness notice it. And when you do, I want you facilitates. Mindfulness might be a single to a task while you’re doing a half-assed to say to yourself: ‘I’m doing something job on it. Can you stay focused on your that I don’t want to do.’” destination, but there are innumerable refusal to do the task well even as you are He looked at me like I was crazy. But paths leading us toward it. u doing it? he was willing to give it a try. When he w came in the next week, something clearly “Knowledge Share” articles are Counselors will undoubtedly recognize had shifted. adapted from sessions presented the therapeutic strategies embedded “You know,” he told me with a smile, “I at past ACA Annual Conferences. within these instructions. I’m using think I’ve been giving too much of myself a classic paradoxical intervention — away. And I think that isn’t healthy for Andrew Peterson is a “prescribing the symptom” — to put me in the long run.” psychotherapist, composer and the reader in a therapeutic double Over time, he did in fact wind up author of The Next Ten Minutes: 51 bind so that regardless of whether she changing the behaviors that were Absurdly Simple Ways to Seize the continues to procrastinate, she will have troubling him. But that change came not Moment. He maintains a private been tricked into recognizing that the from focusing on the behavior itself but practice in Missoula, Mont., and responsibility for making this choice is rather through the mindful observation teaches graduate counseling hers alone. of his own thoughts and feelings. Now classes in ethics and diagnosis But the point of this exercise is not to when he feels a moment of marital stress at the University of Montana. help the individual solve the problem approaching, he has taught himself to Visit his website and blog at of procrastination … any more than do a quick mindfulness practice that thenexttenminutes.com, and the point of meditation is to actually keeps him from becoming overwhelmed contact him at andrewpeterson@ empty your mind. Rather, the point is and allows him to remain grounded thenexttenminutes.com. to slow down our mental activity and and to assert himself appropriately. He observe ourselves in a habitual behavior even came up with his own term for this Letters to the editor: so that we can use the behavior itself to particular form of mindfulness practice. [email protected] strengthen our capacity for mindfulness. The term reflects his background in

February 2012 | Counseling Today | 49 Reader Viewpoint - By Doug Shirley

Why counselors make poor lovers

ounselors are good at profession can grant us a certain measure exhibited defense mechanisms, loading relationships, or so they say. of (therapeutic) distance in relationships, our relational cannons to shoot down CAs folklore would have it, wherein we can give without necessarily the perceived threat that our relational counselors are the “knowers” of all things receiving. Add this all together and it is partners represent to us. In this, we learn relational and, therefore, can and should apparent why our relational sight can be to use our skills to hide and defend. be “masters” when it comes to their own encumbered by the tint of our profession- Moreover, counselors can become quite personal relationships. But is this really endorsed hermeneutics. sophisticated in terms of their defensive the case? Can you relate? If so, I think you — relational frameworks. Our professional As a counselor, I thought I was good at like me and like many other counselors training can keep us entrenched in seeing relationship until I met and married my throughout the profession — are the patterns of thought and behaviors wife, who is also a counselor. Together, susceptible to a hermeneutic or relational in others (“You seem to do this” or she and I quickly learned that, although stance that might be prohibitive to the “You seem to think that”). Having been we were each quite good at the craft of intimacy we seek with the ones we love handed the constructs of transference counseling, neither of us was all that good outside of our counseling offices. It and countertransference, it becomes at establishing intimacy in our personal is here that I see Western culture and hard not to see our partners as just one relationship. Our clinical training had its introjects informing the images of more person looking to work out their taught us to rely on (if not hide behind) “counselor” that reside in each of us. own unfinished business on us and our the role of counselor to find stability in We as counselors end up holding the tabula-rasa backs. In other words, we can the shifting sands of relationship building mixed bag of messages that our culture stop seeing our partners for who they and maintenance. We had been taught to affords. We sit in and with dissonance. At are and begin responding to them and counsel rather than to relate. Ultimately, times we feel great about ourselves and their behaviors as though they are clients I would argue that this is true for far too the work we do. At other times it seems coming to us for “care.” many counselors. as if we’re a receptacle for others to use I find it remarkable that although Within our Western culture, taking for their refuse. And so it goes that we I’ve been practicing and teaching on the post of counselor proffers one a bring said dissonance into our personal counseling for well over a decade, it is certain amount of power, intended or relationships, trying to get a handle on still surprisingly hard at times for me to unintended. One such mantle of power who we are and how we are to operate in be open with my wife about what I am pertains to that counselor’s hermeneutic, and through these relationships. feeling. As a counselor, I have become or the lens through which that counselor What a mess! We can leave our a wordsmith, and I have become very sees the world. Just as lenses can come counseling offices and expect to find effective at hiding behind my words when in various forms of tint, so too can the same level of acknowledgment I want to. I can add a proviso such as “It hermeneutics be informed by a vast array at home. When our partners or our seems like …” or “It feels like …” to my of contributants. For many counselors, children don’t hang on our every word sentences to lambast a loved one or to our entry into the field was informed by like our clients seem to, we begin to take inventory of them in a way that is a quest to heal a past hurt. As counselors, think our family members are the ones ultimately uncaring. we’ve entered a profession that gives us with the problem (how could they be so In his text Nonviolent Communication, access to the hurts of others and allows ungrateful?). Or when our partners begin Marshall Rosenberg reminds us that a (even requires) us to focus on or name to question us, we may find ourselves phrase such as “I feel like” doesn’t actually the “stuff” of others. What is more, our prone to interpreting their apparently serve as an indicator for a feeling to

50 | Counseling Today | February 2012 follow. Such a phrase can be duplicitous in that feelings don’t need warm-up phrases. Hence, a statement made with an Sign Up for opening qualifier ends up being nothing ACA Journal Content Alerts more than an intrusion on my relational and RSS Feeds So You Don’t Miss an Issue! partner’s boundaries. To this end, I would call myself a recovering co-dependent. In fact, many of the counselors I know would fit that category, regardless of whether Log in Here they espouse such a descriptor. Our Sign up for profession is one supposedly steeped with Content Alerts and RSS Feeds boundaries. If clients transgress and cross Here a boundary, they are called on it, whereas if counselors do so, it is often seen as therapeutic. For instance, when was the last time you named something in your client? Beginning in 2012, new issues of JCD and the nine division journals listed below will be available online at WileyOnlineLibrary.com—as Did you do so with humility and a will full digital archives for each journal! willingness to be wrong, or was your In order to receive notification when every new issue is published, pronouncement emphatic and delivered you must sign up for content alerts by following the steps below: with a triumphant edge? If the latter Sign Up for Content Alerts strikes a chord with you as it does for me, 1. Log in to WileyOnlineLibrary.com. 2. Select “Get New Content Alerts” from then I think we run the risk of taking If you are not already a registered user, Journal Tools on the you can create a profile. You will be asked top of the left-hand side menu. this type of energy or engagement into to supply your name, e-mail, location, and 3. You will now receive an e-mail when a areas of interest. Once registered, return to new issue publishes. relationship with those we love. With our the journal homepage. 4. Repeat on each homepage for the partners, children, friends and other loved journals you currently receive. ones, we can make pronouncements that Enhance your e-mail alerts by also choosing to receive RSS feeds. RSS (Really Simple we think should garner applause and Syndication) is a web feed that automatically downloads a list of the latest issue’s articles and abstracts as they publish. You can direct your feed to your inbox, blog, or RSS reader. usher in healing and growth. And I’ll say again, when this doesn’t happen, we’ve Sign Up for RSS Feeds 1. Log in to the journal home 3. You may now customize where you’d been taught to view this dynamic as the page or, if not yet registered, to like your feed. other being full of resistance. WileyOnlineLibrary.com as in step 4. Repeat on each homepage for the one above. journals you currently receive to Ultimately, I’m trying to speak to 2. Select “Get RSS feed” obtain more title-level feeds. my belief that we’ve been set up to fail from Journal Tools on the top of the left-hand side menu. relationally. So what is a counselor to do? I believe our skills and our attempts Content Alerts and RSS Feeds are at containment, which can seem to get • Free – You can sign up for each ACA journal on WileyOnlineLibrary.com even if you are not a member of ACA or the division. (Note. Full-text articles and us somewhere in the office, are the very digital archives are only available free to current members; nonmembers can things that can dismantle our interactions download pay-per-view articles for a nominal fee). with loved ones. We’ve been left with a • User-Friendly – Review current content at-a-glance and click to link directly to articles of interest. tool kit of really expensive gadgets that • Time-Saving – Stay current and save valuable research time. oftentimes have little pertinence to our • Convenient – Opt-in for automatic delivery straight to your inbox. Read immediately or file for later. Opt-out any time; no questions asked. needed relational repairs. And here’s the • Adaptable to Your Needs – You can change the frequency and format at any kicker: We think we should know better. time by selecting “My Profile” and then “Alert Manager.” I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had Wiley-Blackwell will publish the following journals on behalf of ACA and our the following thoughts when interacting divisions in print and online. Journal of Counseling & Development Journal of Employment Counseling with someone in my personal life: “I Adultspan Journal The Journal of Humanistic Counseling should know how to handle this” or “I The Career Development Quarterly Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Counseling and Values Development should know what to do here.” I mean, Counselor Education and Supervision Journal of Addictions & Offender Counseling after all, I am a counselor, right? Aren’t Journal of College Counseling AMERICAN COUNSELING ASSOCIATION counselors supposed to know how to handle complex relational moments?

February 2012 | Counseling Today | 51 February 2012 READ Counseling Today, TAkE the CT Learning Test, EARN Continuing Education Credit

Earn 1 CE Credit by reading the selected article in this issue. Read the article identified below and answer 3 of 4 questions correctly to earn 1 CE credit. It’s that simple! By reading Counseling Today every month, you can earn up to 12 CE credits each year. And you’ll be well-informed. Start reading now! Article: A calming presence Learning Objectives: Reading this article will help you: 1) Understand the role of a counselor in the aftermath of a disaster or crisis. 2) Examine how counselors can work effectively with clients who have experienced traumatic events. 3) Become familiar with key concepts of disaster mental health. Continuing Education Examination 1) In the immediate aftermath of a disaster, traditional counseling: 3) Most survivors of mass disasters return to normal functioning within a a) Is the first part of the recovery process few days or weeks without mental health treatment. b) Allows the client to focus on goal setting a) True c) Allows the counselor to provide interventions for change b) False d) None of the above

2) In the immediate aftermath of a disaster, which of the following is 4) When assisting survivors or responding to a disaster or crisis event, paramount? counselors should not: a) Resolving day-to-day issues that have been disrupted a) Self-deploy b) Helping clients with basic needs such as finding a place to sleep b) Underestimate the value of promoting safety and support and calling their loved ones c) Assume that all survivors are traumatized and need mental c) Helping survivors regain a sense of safety health counseling d) Asking probing, open-ended questions to help survivors work d) Ignore the potential survivors have for positive experiences and through the crisis personal growth e) All of the above

q I certify that I have completed this test without receiving any help. Signature ______Date ______

Rate the following: Profession: Strongly agree Agree No opinion Disagree Strongly disagree ______Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Counselor 5 4 3 2 1 ______Counselor ______I learned something I can apply in my current work ______Counselor Educator ______The information was well presented ______Psychologist ______Fulfillment of stated Learning Objectives were met ______Social Worker ______Student ______This offering met my expectations ______Other

Complete the test online at counseling.org/Resources/OnlineLearning.aspx. You will be able to pay online and download your CE certificate immediately! Mail: Complete the test and mail (with payment payable to American Counseling Association) to: ACA Accounting Department/CT, American Counseling Association, 5999 Stevenson Ave., Alexandria, VA 22304. Your CE certificate will be emailed, unless noted otherwise, in 2–3 weeks. Questions? 800-347-6647, x306.

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52 | Counseling Today | February 2012 I think Carl Rogers was on to to shove, however, very little of this plays “knowers” of the human condition who something when he claimed it is the outside of the counseling office. Outside “should” know what to do, say, think personal that is most general (à la On of my office, I am faced with the same or feel when it comes to our personal Becoming a Person). A dilemma I face as personal struggles that my clients face: relationships, I believe we exponentiate a person is that I don’t often grant myself to engage openly and honestly with the the likelihood that we will promulgate the luxury of being just that — a person. people I love. loneliness in those relationships. Let’s No, I think because of the work that I do So what’s the take-home message allow ourselves to be who we are and or the degrees on my wall that I should here? Don’t assume your clinical training where we are and be willing to chuckle have it all figured out and should offer will serve as an asset in your personal at our foibles, our failures and our good- pristine love and encouragement to all relationships. In fact, anticipate that it intentioned but ill-advised attempts to who come in contact with me. When I might act as a liability at points. Listen get our own needs met. In so doing, we am unable to fit this bill, I take it out on to yourself talk, and allow your use of might just become better lovers. u myself and cower in shame. I choose to language to inform you of your more disengage rather than staying present in deep-seated, hermeneutical leanings. the moment. I retreat, look for cover and Practice receiving care from others, hope for a moment wherein I can get especially from those who know and love back on solid ground. you best. Ask for feedback; our places A helpful reminder: Maybe there of work should not be the only avenues is no such thing as solid ground in by which we engage in “performance Doug Shirley is a practicing relationship. Maybe that’s the point review” processes. Seek out entitlement counselor and chair of of relationship. You’ve probably heard and/or power-laden energies in the ways undergraduate programs at it said that someone can have enough you carry yourself both personally and Argosy University, Seattle. Contact information about something to be professionally, and allow that voice of him at [email protected]. dangerous. I think this is true for many entitlement lodged within or the power counselors and therapists in their personal plays you display to point you toward Letters to the editor: [email protected] relationships. We’ve been given diagnostic unmet needs of your own that are very and interpretive categories, therapeutic much worth stewarding. skills to hone and a professional frame in And above all, let’s stop taking ourselves which to hold it all. When push comes so seriously. If we render ourselves

February 2012 | Counseling Today | 53 CACREP Perspective - By Amy Milsom, Sylvia Nassar-McMillan, Verl Pope, Jill Thompson & Derick Williams Revision of CACREP Standards under way

n July 2011, the CACREP move forward with the 2016 CACREP Conference this past October in Standards Revision Committee Standards, we are confident that the Nashville, and we have examined I(SRC) convened to begin its nearly 2009 Standards will serve as a foundation feedback provided directly to CACREP four-year process of developing the for the further development of both by accredited programs as part of their CACREP Standards to be implemented professional identity and outcome-based annual report processes. in 2016. Our work is guided by the assessment standards. We will be working on writing an charges given to us by the CACREP initial draft of the CACREP Standards Our approach Board. Specifically, we were asked to throughout the spring and summer. Consistent with the charge we were examine all aspects of the CACREP Our plan is to disseminate this first draft given, our plan for the standards Standards, seek feedback on all drafts sometime in late summer and to solicit revision process is to engage in focused, from a broadly defined constituency feedback both online and in person (at solution-oriented discussions about how (including programs, faculty, students, regional ACES conferences, for example) to enhance and refine the CACREP practitioners, counseling consumers, throughout the fall. Our work from that Standards. We also are approaching this state counseling boards and higher point on will involve a combination of standards revision process with an eye education administrators) and examine disseminating written materials such as toward the future. As a profession, we the following areas: drafts and gathering feedback through need to be forward-thinking, and we a) Professional identity of programs and electronic/online surveys, at conference hope to hear from you regarding how we faculty sessions (such as at the American can ensure that the CACREP Standards b) Process for implementing Student Counseling Association and ACES Learning Outcomes for all types of are aligned with current as well as conferences) and at board meetings (for program delivery anticipated future needs of the counseling example, at the American Association of c) The utility of some of the program profession in an ever-changing global State Counseling Boards). We anticipate areas society. going through two cycles of draft d) The relevance of the standards for Perhaps the most important question preparation and feedback solicitation, use in future years and for future program we are asking is: Where do we want to and our final draft is due to the CACREP delivery methodologies be 20 years from now, and how will the e) The prescriptiveness of the standards 2016 CACREP Standards help us get Board by its January 2015 meeting. f) Doctoral-level standards, as well as there? Other questions we will be asking Final comments standards for any specializations are: Which standards are working well? The 2016 SRC is committed to making In addition to focusing on these areas, Which standards need to be refined or our standards revision process as open the SRC is committed to developing clarified? Which standards are or will be and transparent as possible. Avenues for standards that help to promote a unified outdated? What content is missing in the both hard copy and electronic feedback counselor identity while also recognizing standards? How might the organization will be provided. Updates will be shared the uniqueness of the specialty areas. of the standards be improved? in CACREP’s biannual newsletter and We anticipate being able to do this by Our main goal is to engage in dialogue via the CACREP website. The members focusing on simplifying, clarifying and about developing time- and context- of the 2016 SRC are committed to a consolidating the existing CACREP sensitive standards for the future. comprehensive and thorough review Standards. We started our revision process Our work process that will develop standards with great respect for the significant that reflect the excellence of counselor amount of time, effort and work that Our intent is to solicit feedback from education and provide a professional is already represented in the current as many constituents as possible in as consensus for many years to come. u standards. The 2009 SRC made great many ways as possible. To complement strides in moving us forward in many that feedback, we will generate ideas for areas, especially regarding more fully revision based on our examination of the Amy Milsom, Sylvia Nassar- articulating professional identity and accreditation standards and processes of McMillan, Verl Pope, Jill Thompson introducing rigorous, outcome-based related professions (education, psychology and Derick Williams are members assessment. These changes have helped and so on) and by examining national of the CACREP Standards Revision to move the assessment of counselor trends related to outcomes assessment. Committee. education programs parallel with those To date we have gathered initial of other professions and more in line feedback through a roundtable session Letters to the editor: with Council for Higher Education conducted at the Association for [email protected] Accreditation requirements. As we Counselor Education and Supervision

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February 2012 | Counseling Today | 55 Recent books by ACA members

Married to the Enemy: A Guide to and an extensive list of abbreviations, after the loss of a loved one. It gives a Overcoming the Obstacles to Intimacy organizations and websites are also reassuring voice to a child’s feelings of When We Are Raised in a Culture That included. loss and provides a safe space where hopes Uses Sexism and Stereotyping to can be expressed and memories can be w Divide Us treasured. By Dawn Kozarian & Mark James, AuthorHouse How Do I Help Him? A Practitioner’s w Guide to Working With Boys and Men The co-authors expose how gender roles in Therapeutic Settings Beyond Beautiful: A Journey of Hope create barriers in relationships and reveal By Michael Gurian, Gurian Institute Press tips to overcoming them in this new self- and Discovery in Photo and Verse help book. This resource goes beyond Males are underserved in the helping By Valerie Montgomery (poetry), understanding to empower readers professions. Boys and men often feel Suzanne Kostelic (photography), to unearth their own destructive and that counselors, therapists and human Beyond Beautiful LLC service professionals are not as well limiting gender beliefs. This book, an extension of the author’s informed or educated in what males need counseling support, presents an w as they should be. Only one in 10 new opportunity for women to be held as counselors and social workers is male. The Swiss Cheese Theory of Life: This book provides new gender theory, they journey through pain with Valerie How to Get Through Life’s Holes new science-based practical models and Montgomery and then amazed as they Without Getting Stuck in Them! outcomes-oriented strategic tools for find the beauty in themselves from the By Judy Belmont & Lora Shor, Premier transforming the counseling profession to process. Italian photographs set the Publishing and Media (PESI) work better with boys and men. backdrop for emotional catharsis and This whimsical yet informative self- renewal. This is a coffee-table-quality w help book is based on the notion that book intended for experiencing life life is not smooth and predictable like thoughtfully and beautifully. Freedom Through Forgiveness: American or cream cheese. Rather, life The Power of Forgiveness Can w has holes, and it’s how you get through Change Your Life them that counts. The 10 keys to a By Sandy Walker, The Book Patch Teddy Tales: The Adventures of a resilient and happy life are served to Rescue Puppy and His Friends readers in a user-friendly style with loads The power of forgiveness can release you of practical tips, psychological cartoons, from feeling afraid or anxious, feeling like By Karen Spruill (author), Mark Wayne case examples, self-tests, inspirational you don’t belong, feeling bad about who Adams (illustrator), Karen Spruill quotes, visualizations, mini-lessons and you are, feeling unable to break free from Designed as a “therapy dog in a book,” current psychological research by experts your past, feeling “stuck” in relationships this is a collection of stories to be in the field. and much more. This easy-to-read self- shared with children ages 6 to 10 and help book presents the concept that their adults. This rescue puppy’s real- w forgiveness is the power of letting go. It life adventures can assist in processing provides unique step-by-step exercises to children’s developmental issues and social The A to Z of School Counseling in help individuals work through issues of challenges, plus teach elements of pet New York State, 2011-12 Edition fear, anxiety, rejection, low self-esteem care. Discussion questions are added to By Edward A. Mainzer, CreateSpace and relationship conflict through the each chapter to facilitate classroom or This book is designed as a desktop process of forgiveness. adult-to-child interaction. reference for counselors concerned with w K-12 education in New York state. It Sacred Peace: A Journey to Inner includes brief articles on state regulations, I Will Remember You: My Catholic Freedom from serving students with disabilities to By Amy Lynn, Millennial Mind Publishing certifying high school graduates, as well Guide Through Grief as in-depth entries on hot topics such By Kimberly B. Schuler (author), Mary This creative book of spiritual fiction is as best practices in college counseling Joseph Peterson (illustrator), Pauline designed to help readers visualize and heal for undocumented students, tips for Books and Media from life’s burdens and pain. It challenges school policies to ensure educational Through reflection, prayer and specially the heart and imagination by painting a opportunities for LGBTQ youth and designed activities, this book helps picture of peace and hope through poetic strategies to work with students from children ages 7 to 12 understand death, words and guided imagery. It is filled with military families. Full bibliographical funeral rituals, the grieving process and ideas and strategies for personal discovery citations to current professional literature what to expect during the first year and spiritual growth.

56 | Counseling Today | February 2012 The School Counselor’s Study Guide to Credentialing Exams division, region & Branch News By Rita Schellenberg, Routledge Publishing ACCA to host events in Stay tuned to our website for more infor- This the only study guide on the market San Francisco and Orlando mation on the conference, and if you have based on the ASCA School Counselor Submitted by MJ Raleigh any questions, do not hesitate to contact Competencies, CACREP Standards, and Sylvia Shortt Sylvia Shortt at [email protected]. NBCC NCSCE content requirements, [email protected] See you at Disney! and the NCATE and NBPTS Standards. [email protected] NCDA launches 2012 webinar series The study guide prepares users for the The American College Counseling As- Submitted by Debbie Gann NCSCE, Praxis II School Counseling sociation will be hosting its annual open [email protected] Specialty Exam, NBPTS School membership meeting on Saturday, March The National Career Development As- Counseling national certification exam, 24, from 7:30-9 a.m. during the American sociation will launch its 2012 Webinar Comprehensive School Counselor Counseling Association Annual Confer- Series on Feb. 16 from 12-1 p.m. ET. Education program exams and state ence & Exposition. We will be conducting David Blustein will present on the topic of certification exams for professional school several critical votes, including voting to “Unemployment and Mental Health: Shor- counseling. Highlights include case change the by-laws to allow the hiring of ing Up Our Clients for the Long Haul.” scenarios, guided reflections and end-of- an executive director and allow online vot- Blustein will focus on the growing mental chapter and full-length practice tests with ing for future organization business. Please health challenges faced by unemployed and justifications for correct and incorrect remember to sign up and join us for our underemployed clients, highlighting the responses. productive and always fun breakfast. Our initial signs of trouble that often emerge in Neurological Reparative Therapy: very popular “roundtable” discussions will our counseling work. He also will review A Roadmap to Healing, Resiliency be held on Friday, March 23, from 4-5 p.m. strategies for integrating mental health in- and Well Being For members who were unable to attend terventions with career counseling, with the By Dave Ziegler, Jasper Mountain the College Counseling Day of Learning at goal of helping our clients cope with their the ACA Conference last year, you will have stress, find support in their communities (Note: Neurological reparative therapy is a chance to participate in San Francisco. distinct from and has no connection to and reduce the risks of greater psychic pain. On Saturday, March 24, the four College NCDA’s second webinar of the series will the controversial approach for attempting Counseling Day of Learning modules will to change a person’s sexual preference, be March 27 from 12-1 p.m. ET. Elisabeth be offered. Upon completion of all four known simply as reparative therapy.) This Sanders-Park will present on the topic modules, members will receive a certificate book presents a new integrative model of of “Job Search Smarts for the Job Crisis: of completion indicating that the individual treatment that incorporates the fields of Side Doors to a Shorter Search.” Sanders- has participated in training for our specialty brain development, attachment, resiliency Park will focus on a new perspective on area of college counseling. Our last event for and trauma recovery and outlines a the changing nature of the hiring and job the conference is the ACCA reception being science-based approach to achieving search processes. She will present practical held on Saturday, March 24, from 5-6:30 positive brain change. Developed out techniques to minimize time and energy p.m. This is our chance to celebrate with of practice-based evidence, neurological spent in the “screen-out” phase, to craft in- ACCA colleagues we don’t get to see often reparative therapy has been successfully dividualized job search strategies and to get and welcome new members. used with very challenging populations, directly to (and impress) decision-makers. On another note, make your plans now and this volume is designed to provide Register for the webinars on NCDA’s to come to the sixth ACCA Conference full information for the practitioner to website at ncda.org. Registration for each in Orlando, Fla., Oct. 3-6. We are now use the model. u webinar is $35 for NCDA members, $50 accepting room reservations to the Disney for nonmembers and $200 for groups. Contemporary Hotel on our website at CE certificates are included for individual Book descriptions have been collegecounseling.org/conference. We have a registrations. Group members can purchase provided by the authors great deal on the rooms; they typically cost CE certificates for a $5 fee. For more infor- or their publishing houses. much more! mation, contact Debbie Gann at dgann@ Book announcements are for The conference theme is “College Coun- ncda.org or call NCDA headquarters at informational purposes only and seling: A Whole New World.” Our past five 918.663.7060. u do not indicate an endorsement by conferences have been extremely successful, Due to Counseling Today’s Counseling Today or the American so I encourage you to join us. This is an production schedule, please Counseling Association. ACA event you will not want to miss! be advised of the updated members who have had a book Colleen Logan will be our keynote speak- deadline for submitting items published in the past six months er. Logan is a nationally renowned speaker can email [email protected] to “Division, Region & Branch who will speak on the topic of “Stop Bul- News” for the following issue: for information on having the book lying in Its Tracks: The Time Is Now.” We announced in Counseling Today. April issue: Friday, Feb. 24, at also have two preconference workshops for 5 p.m. ET those interested.

February 2012 | Counseling Today | 57 Bulletin board

Coming events Thousand Homeless Veterans and Their William Miller, founder of motivational Families.” To register online or for more interviewing. For more information, visit ASGW National Convention information, visit the CCA website at . Feb. 9-12 aservic.org coloradocounselingassociation.org. Albuquerque, N.M. The Association for Specialists in Group ACA Annual Conference & NCDA Global Career Work will host its biennial National Exposition Development Conference Convention with the theme “Creating March 21-25 June 21-23 Cultures of Caring: Using Group Work San Francisco Atlanta to Heal Ourselves, Our Communities Register now for the largest conference The National Career Development and the World.” Sessions will consist of in the world dedicated to the counseling Association Global Career Development experiential groups, skill-building and profession. As it celebrates the American Conference will be themed “Building conversation. Lee Man Wah, community Counseling Association’s 60th year as an On the Dream.” Take advantage of more therapist and producer and director of organization, the 2012 Annual Conference than 160 presentations, discussions and several documentaries, including The Color & Expo will also offer hundreds of peer- workshops, and network with more than of Fear, will be the keynote speaker and reviewed sessions, plenty of networking 1,000 career practitioners and educators. conduct a workshop. His new film will also opportunities, engaging social events, tours For more information, visit ncda.org. be premiered at the conference. For more of the city and keynote speeches by Irvin ASCA Annual Conference information and/or to register, visit asgw. D. Yalom and NPR’s Craig Windham. June 23-26 org. For more information or to register, Minneapolis visit counseling.org/conference or call SCCA Annual Conference The American School Counselor 800.347.6647 ext. 222. Feb. 23-25 Association Annual Conference will be Myrtle Beach, S.C. CCA Annual Conference themed “Be Brilliant: Celebrating ASCA’s The South Carolina Counseling April 27-28 Diamond Anniversary.” Dan Savage of the Association will host its 48th annual Danbury, Conn. It Gets Better project on YouTube, Stacey conference at the Marriott Resort at the Save the date to attend the Connecticut Bess and Jamie Vollmer will give keynote Grand Dunes. Themed “South Carolina Counseling Association’s Annual addresses. For more information, visit Counselors: Making the Connections,” Conference, themed “Counseling schoolcounselor.org. the conference will be loaded with great Connections 2012: Empowering Families workshops on numerous topics related and Communities.” ACA President Don FYI to mental health. CEUs for workshop Locke will be the opening keynote speaker Call for reviewers attendance will be available. For more on Friday. Jo Ann Freiberg, a school The Canadian Journal of Counselling and information, visit sccounselor.org or contact climate expert from the Connecticut Psychotherapy, the flagship journal of the Mary Jane Anderson-Wiley at manders9@ Department of Education, will speak Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy aug.edu. Saturday on bullying in schools and Association (formerly the Canadian the workplace. We plan to offer CEUs CCA Annual Conference Counselling Association) is seeking for counselors and play therapists. The March 9-10 reviewers from the United States. For conference usually attracts about 200 Englewood, Colo. further information, visit cjc-rcc.ucalgary. attendees. President Locke will join CCA The Colorado Counseling Association ca/cjc/index.php/rcc/announcement. President Karla Troesser in an evening will host its 2012 annual conference reception that all participants are welcome Bulletin Board at the DoubleTree Hotel DTC on to attend. For more information, visit submission guidelines March 9 (preconference) and March ccamain.com or email conference co-chairs Items for the Counseling Today Bulletin 10 (conference). This year’s theme Karla Troesser and Gabriel Lomas at Board must be submitted to lshallcross@ is “Imagine: Colorado Counselors [email protected]. counseling.org. Limit submissions to 125 Moving Forward, Looking Back.” words or less. The deadline for submissions Preconference workshops include a full ASERVIC Conference on is the first of the month at 5 p.m. ET for day on private practice, a half day on Spirituality in Counseling publication in the following month’s issue. psychopharmacology and a half day June 3-5 If the first of the month falls on a Saturday on Gestalt techniques. Our conference Santa Fe, N.M. or Sunday, the deadline is 5 p.m. ET on keynote speaker will be Jon Nachison, The Association for Spiritual, Ethical Friday. Please note: Due to Counseling co-founder of Stand Down for Homeless and Religious Values in Counseling will Today’s production schedule, be advised of Veterans and Their Families, with a host its third Conference on Spirituality the updated deadline for submitting items presentation titled “Stand Down: A Three- in Counseling at the Inn and Spa at to Bulletin Board for the following issue: Day Marathon Treatment Program for a Loretto. The keynote speaker will be April issue: Friday, Feb. 24 at 5 p.m. ET. u

58 | Counseling Today | February 2012 News & Notes

Appeals court protects ACA Code the following requirements: disorders. The definition is the product of Ethics, GLBTQ nondiscrimination 1) Be a member of ACA in good of a yearlong effort by SAMHSA and a On Dec. 15, the 11th U.S. Circuit standing for a minimum of 10 years wide range of partners in the behavioral Court of Appeals upheld the Southern 2) Have had no major ethical sanctions health care community and other fields District Court of Georgia’s decision to for the immediate 10 years prior to to “develop a working definition of deny a preliminary injunction against nomination recovery that captures the essential, Augusta State University (ASU) for 3) Have served in at least two of the common experiences of those recovering expelling Jennifer Keeton, a graduate following three roles: as president of a from mental disorders and substance counseling student who refused to national division or an organizational use disorders.” SAMHSA led the effort participate in a remediation plan aimed affiliate of ACA, as an ACA region as part of its Recovery Support Strategic at addressing her views on counseling chair or as a representative to the ACA Initiative. gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and Governing Council The new working definition of questioning (GLBTQ) clients. 4) Be a member of the branch located Recovery From Mental Disorders and As a graduate student, Keeton openly in the jurisdiction in which the nominee Substance Use Disorders is as follows: stated her views to ASU professors and resides or works, if such branch exists “A process of change through which students that she would not be able to 5) Cannot be a candidate for president- individuals improve their health and counsel GLBTQ clients because of her elect of a division or organizational wellness, live a self-directed life and strive religious beliefs and that she supported affiliate or chair-elect of a region at the to reach their full potential.” reparative/conversion therapy. To same time the nominee is a candidate for “Over the years it has become address Keeton’s deficits in becoming ACA president-elect increasingly apparent that a practical, a multiculturally competent counselor, Those seeking to be a candidate comprehensive working definition of faculty in the ASU counseling program for ACA president-elect with a term recovery would enable policymakers, created a remediation plan to help beginning July 1, 2013, must be providers and others to better design, her become comfortable counseling nominated no later than Feb. 24, 2012. deliver and measure integrated and the GLBTQ population. Rather than Nominations must be made by a division, holistic services to those in need,” said comply with the remediation plan, organizational affiliate or region of ACA. SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Keeton opted to file a complaint against Nominations and required Hyde. “By working with all elements of ASU in federal court and a motion to documentation must be sent to Holly the behavioral health community and preliminarily enjoin ASU from enforcing Clubb, ACA director of leadership others to develop this definition, I believe her expulsion. services, at American Counseling SAMHSA has achieved a significant The ACA Code of Ethics featured Association, 5999 Stevenson Ave., milestone in promoting greater public heavily in the appellate court’s decision. Alexandria, VA 22304. The information awareness and appreciation for the In rebutting Keeton’s claim that ASU can also be emailed to hclubb@ importance of recovery and widespread effectively gave her the ultimatum of counseling.org. support for the services that can make it a “adhering to the Bible or to the ACA After all verifications have been reality for millions of Americans.” Code of Ethics,” Judge Rosemary Barkett made, candidates will be required to Through the Recovery Support of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals complete an official Candidate Data and Strategic Initiative, SAMHSA also has explained that the code regulates certain Information form provided by the ACA delineated four major dimensions that types of speech in the interest of requiring Nominations and Elections Committee. support a life in recovery: counselors to “separate their personal This form is due no later than June n Health: Overcoming or managing beliefs from their work.” 1, 2012. If you have any questions or one’s disease(s) as well as living in The American Counseling Association require additional information, contact a physically and emotionally healthy either Marcheta Evans, chair of the welcomes the decision of the appeals way. court. Nominations and Elections Committee, at [email protected] or Holly n Home: A stable and safe place to live. Governing Council changes Clubb at [email protected]. n requirements, nomination Purpose: Meaningful daily activities, process for ACA president-elect such as a job, school, volunteerism, At its October 2011 meeting, the SAMHSA announces working family caretaking or creative ACA Governing Council adopted a definition of ‘recovery’ endeavors, and the independence, motion changing the requirements and At the end of December, the Substance income and resources to participate in nomination process for candidates for Abuse and Mental Health Services society. ACA president-elect. Those seeking the Administration announced a new n Community: Relationships and office of ACA president-elect for the working definition of recovery from social networks that provide support, term beginning July 1, 2013, must meet mental disorders and substance use friendship, love and hope. u

February 2012 | Counseling Today | 59 u Classified advertising categories include: Calendar; Merchandise & Services; Consulting; Office Space Available; Business Opportunities; Educational Programs; Call for Programs/Papers. Other categories can be added at no charge. Classifieds u Rates: Standard in-column format: $10 Merchandise/ per line based on 30 characters per line, EMPLOYMENT $60 minimum. $8 per line for advertisers Services CLASSIFIEDS prepaying for six months. No cancellations or refunds. Classified ads can be placed online only at a rate of $8 per line, based on 30 ATTACHMENT-BASED ISSUES ARKANSAS characters per line; 30-day posting. Complex trauma history, parenting u Employment ads are listed under concerns, anxiety and depression. All HENDERSON STATE UNIVERSITY, international or national by state. ages. 802/451-9557 or laurah.tta@gmail. ARKADELPHIA, AR u Rates: $10 per line based on 30 characters com Tall Trees Associates Two Positions per line, $150 minimum. $8 per line for advertisers prepaying for three months. No THE FAMILY & MARRIAGE COUNSELING Asst. /Assoc. Professor Counselor cancellations or refunds. Employment ads DIRECTORY Education, 9-Month, Tenure Track can be placed online only at a rate of $8 per Position. Two positions available due to line, based on 30 characters per line; 30-day Get referrals from one of the top posting. ranked family & marriage counseling retirements. Teaching load consists of the equivalent of 9 credit hours per semester Display ads in the employment classified sites on the web. http://family-marriage- section are available and can be designed by counseling.com. including subjects such as Marriage and ACA’s graphics department. Call for details. Family Therapy, Practicum, Internship, LICENSURE EXAM REVIEW and related areas. Requirements Classified and employment ads are not NCE & NCMHCE Exam Prep commissionable and are billed at net rate include, but are not limited to, earned only. Review. Multiple choice questions, terminal degree in Counselor Education mnemonics. Exam Tips, online and u ACA Members: If you are seeking a or Marriage and Family Therapy; position you may place a 45-word ad for $10. interactive Check out our FREE demonstrate strong university teaching, This is a one-time insertion only. SAMPLER!! [email protected] www. research, service, and strong interpersonal CounselingExam.com u Deadlines: Vary per issue. Contact Kathy skills. Maguire at 607.662.4451 or kmaguire@ CRAZED BY CLIENT BILLING? To guarantee consideration, application counseling.org for further details. Visit www.ShrinkRapt.com today and materials must be complete and u Direct all copy or inquiries to learn more about ShrinkRapt™ the top postmarked by February 25, 2012. Kathy Maguire via email at selling billing and insurance program for Candidates should submit a letter of [email protected]. mental health practitioners. Easy to use! interest addressing position qualifications; Phone: 607.662.4451 Order today and receive a FREE Email & teaching philosophy; scholarship Fax: 607.662.4415 FREE Backup Module! Limited time offer! activities; current curriculum vita; names, u Ads are subject to Counseling Today Request a fully functional Demo Package addresses, telephone numbers and email approval; however, Counseling Today cannot at www.ShrinkRapt.com or by calling addresses of at least three references; screen or evaluate all products or services Saner Software Inc (630) 513-5599. and official transcripts. For details on advertised in the classified section and does positions and addresses for submission, not guarantee their value or authenticity. The DISSERTATION COMPLETION CONSULTING visit www.hsu.edu/Affirmative-Action or publication of an advertisement in Counseling Individualized program assists with all email [email protected] or olsonb@hsu. Today is in no way an endorsement by ACA aspects of dissertation and thesis writing. of the advertiser or the products or services edu. AA/EOE/ADA advertised. Advertisers may not incorporate By phone, by FAX, by e-mail, or in in subsequent advertising or promotion person. Call “toll free” 1-(888) 463-6999 ILLINOIS the fact that a product or service has been or [email protected] advertised in any ACA publication. ACA endorses equal opportunity practices and will DEPAUL UNIVERSITY not knowingly accept ads that discriminate Tenure-track Position, on the basis of race, sex, religion, national Continuing Education origin, sexual orientation, disability or age. Counselor Education

u Counseling Today reserves the right to edit DePaul University’s College of all copy, request additional documentation CRUISE, RELAX, EARN CEs Education is seeking to fill a full-time where indicated and to refuse ads that are You can have a Cruise Vacation and tenure track position in Counselor not in consonance with these practices. ACA Learn 20 CEs at very reasonable prices. Education. Candidates must hold a is not responsible for any claims made in BCT’s Cruising for Credits is a LPC doctorate in counselor education or advertisements nor for the specific position title or working of any particular position owned company specializing in CEs on a closely related field. Requirements listed in employment classified ads. cruises. Call Debbie at 877-901-4335 include work experience in community www.LandOrSeaCEUs.com settings and eligibility for Licensure as

60 | Counseling Today | February 2012 a Professional Counselor in the State of Illinois. The ideal candidate will display demonstrated clinical skills and New! membership in ACA with potential for leadership in professional organizations. Preferred qualifications include experience in community agencies, experience with Developing & Managing Your School counseling and clinical supervision, Guidance & Counseling Program evidence of effective teaching, research productivity, and experience with a Fifth Edition diverse student body. Responsibilities include teaching courses across three Norman C. Gysbers and Patricia Henderson concentrations: school, community, and college student development; face-to-face, “…A rich resource for school counselors, hybrid and online delivery methods; and school counseling program leaders, and advising and supervising of students. DePaul University welcomes applications counselor educators alike. I have relied from diverse candidates and candidates on previous editions to help me organize who support diversity. my own campus program, lead a district All application materials must be program, and educate graduate students. submitted online at http://faculty I highly recommend this book!” opportunities.depaul.edu Job Posting #0000202; Quick Link: —Elias Zambrano, PhD facultyopportunities.depaul.edu/applicants/ The University of Texas at San Antonio Central?quickFind=50859 Review of applications will begin on The fifth edition of this bestseller January 13, 2012. The position will expands and extends Gysbers and remain open until filled. Henderson’s acclaimed five-phase model of planning, designing, implementing, evaluating, and enhancing OKLAHOMA Pre-K–12 guidance and counseling programs. This enduring, influential textbook has been fully updated to reflect current theory NORTHEASTERN STATE UNIVERSITY Assistant Professor of Psychology and practice, including knowledge gained through various state and & Counseling local adaptations of the model since publication of the last edition. The College of Education, Dept. Exciting additions to this new edition are increased attention to of Psychology and Counseling at diversity and the range of issues that students present, counselor Northeastern State University, Tahlequah, accountability, and the roles and responsibilities of district- and Oklahoma invites applications for a building-level guidance and counseling leaders in an increasingly tenure-track Assistant Professor faculty complex educational environment. An abundant array of examples, position for August 2012. Candidates sample forms, job descriptions, evaluation surveys, flyers, letters, and will have an earned doctorate in Psychology and/or Counseling from an procedures used by various states and school districts clearly illustrate accredited institution or can be ABD each step of program development. At the end of each chapter, a new if degree will be completed within one feature called “Your Progress Check” functions as a tracking tool for year. This position requires candidate to growth at each stage of the change process. 2012 | 544 pgs teach both graduate and undergraduate Order #72915 ISBN 978-1-55620-312-1 courses in psychology and/or counseling List Price: $69.95 ACA Member Price: $49.95 and teach on any of the three campuses located in Tahlequah, Broken Arrow, or Please include $8.75 for shipping of the first book and Muskogee, OK. The department offers $1.00 for each additional book. an undergraduate degree in General Psychology and master’s degrees in Counseling Psychology, Substance Abuse Order Online: counseling.org Counseling, and School Counseling. For By Phone: 800-422-2648 x222 details https://nsuok.peopleadmin.com/ postings.Northeastern State University is (M-F 8am – 6pm) an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

February 2012 | Counseling Today | 61 the Center’s insurance carrier. $19.79 or license-eligible, graduates of a TEXAS -$21.84 hr ($1583.08 - $1745.92 CACREP program, and who have clinical bi weekly $41,160.00 - $45,420.00 counseling experience are highly desired. WEST TEXAS CENTERS annually). Salary dependent on There is particular interest in hiring a Mental Health Counselor experience. mid-level faculty member with prior West Texas Centers has an opening Applications available at www. experience in academic administration, for a Mental Health Counselor. This wtcmhmr.org or by calling JOBLINE as well as applicants who can contribute position will be responsible for providing 800-687-2769.EOE specifically to the enhancement of the a combination of both intake eligibility school counseling program and/or assist assessments and counseling duties. VIRGINIA with the anticipated development of Duties of the position will require programs in addictions and marriage routine interactions with individuals REGENT UNIVERSITY and family counseling. Applicants with mental illness and their families to Tenure-track Faculty Position adding to the diversity of the faculty complete eligibility assessments on new are encouraged. Faculty application and returning clients. This position will The Counseling Department in Regent available at: https://www.regent.edu/ be responsible for completing diagnostic University’s School of Psychology and admin/hr/new_faculty_application. assessments and making level of care Counseling is accepting applications cfm. Forward cover letter and current recommendations. This position will also for tenure-track faculty positions (rank be responsible for providing Cognitive open) commencing with Fall 2012. curriculum vita to Mrs. Lynnette Harris, Behavioral Therapy to an individual, The department is seeking faculty to Academic Services Coordinator, at email group, or family, depending on teach in both the master’s and doctoral- address: [email protected]. Selected assignment. Must be licensed by the State level counseling programs accredited candidates will be offered a nine-month of Texas as an LPC, LCSW, LMFT. Travel by CACREP. We seek persons who contract with separate summer contract required within service area. Position will can integrate the Christian faith with likely if desired, and these positions will be based out of Big Spring. Employee will the counseling profession in an ethical be housed at the main university campus participate on Crisis Consult Rotation and competent manner, and the in Virginia Beach, VA. All positions are by phone, providing support to Crisis positions balance teaching, research, subject to budgetary approval. Qualified Duty Staff & authorizing options for and service. A doctorate in Counselor prospective employees will receive interventions. Must have a valid Texas Education or closely related field with consideration without discrimination driver’s license and a driving record that a clearly established counselor identity because of race, color, sex, age, national is acceptable for insurability through is required. Applicants who are licensed origin, or disability. CounselingToday Advertiser Index ACA Member-Get-a-Member...... 26 Disaster Mental Health and Crisis Exam Prep Study Guide by ACA Author Signing ...... 33 Stabilization for Children DVD...... 29 Andrew Helwig, Ph.D...... 32 Excelsior College...... 6 ACA Author Sessions ...... 36 Girls’ and Women’s Wellness...... 47 Statistical Methods for Validation Grief Recovery Institute...... 31 ACA Conference...... 34-35 of Assessment Scale Data...... 18 HPSO Insurance...... c3 ACA Webinar...... 48 International Institute Advertisers ACA Bookstore...... 37 of Souldrama...... 39 Army Medical Civilian Corps...... 43 Loyola University - ACA PUBLICATIONS Association for Advanced Training in Pastoral Counseling ...... 25 Casebook for Counseling Lesbian, the Behavioral Sciences...... c4 Peachtree Professional Education.....53 Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Brain Science International...... 55 Therapysites.com...... c2 Brehm Preparatory School...... 13 Persons and Their Families...... 9 Thriveworks...... 45 California Southern University...... 43 Union Institute & University...... 21 Developing & Managing Chicago School of Professional Walden University...... 11 Your School Guidance & Psychology, The...... 19 Walsh & Dasenbrook Consulting....53 Counseling Program ...... 61 Child Therapy Toys...... 15 Wiley Online Library...... 51

62 | Counseling Today | February 2012 CT0212_CON-CT1211 12/22/11 3:33 PM Page 1

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