Identifying and treating depression
Also inside: • Helping clients heal from heartbreak • NBCC’s Minority Fellowship Program grant • Using a cultural lens with military clients
ACA 2013 Conference & Expo • March 21-24 • Cincinnati (Pre-Conference Learning Institutes March 20-21)
65 60 62 52 48 44 40 Features 30 Cover Story Today Counseling
Extras
By Nicole A.Adamson & Nicole By E.Kress Victoria ACA graduateSupporting students’ needs Graduate Student Committee: candidatesQ&A withACA president-elect LyleBy Labardee, Pat Williams &ShannonHodges Counselors whocoach Opinion Monroe Natosha K. By It’s notallgunsandPTSD: Counseling withacultural lens Knowledge Share money toaspecialneedsschoolin Tanzania. ACA award winnerBrandé Flamez hopesto inspire othersby donatingherprize HeatherRudow By Putting is hermoney where herheart populations. health care forunderserved Counselors are now ofadecades-longprogram aimedatimproving part mental LynneBy Shallcross NBCC awarded federal Fellowship Minority Program grant Counselors have optionswhenhelpingclientstohealfrom heartache. NotarasMurphy Stacy By What becomes ofthebrokenhearted? treatableis thefirststepinaddressing illness. a very Recognizing depression inclients,especiallyamongthosewhoare often“invisible,” LynneBy Shallcross Eyes wideopen specialization thatrequires specific,focusedtrainingtomeetacceptedbestpractices. From a counselor’s perspective, coachingcanbeconsidered acounseling limitthequalityofcarerapport, ormisdiagnose. during provision even damageclient thebestcounselorcaninadvertently ofservices, If theclient’s culture isnot clearlyunderstoodorproperly accountedfor military
November 2012 November 2012| Counseling Today |3 40 48 Contents30 CounselingTodNovembera 2012y Columns ACA 10 Washington Update 12 Counselor, Educator, Advocate Celebrating 60 years 14 Counselor Career Stories 60 years 16 Through a Glass Darkly The American Counseling Association is celebrating its 60th anniversary as an organization in 2012. The following items 20 The Digital Psyway appeared in Counseling Today between 1995 and 2000: n For the first time in the history of the counseling profession, New Perspectives competencies are articulated to guide interpersonal counseling interactions 22 with attention to culture, ethnicity and race. The Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development, a division of ACA, is 24 Private Practice Strategies responsible for developing and approving the multicultural competencies. (September 1995) Recent Books by ACA Members 26 n The ACA Governing Council unanimously approves the application of the Association of Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Issues in Counseling to 29 Risk Management for Counselors become an organizational affiliate of ACA. “I think the timing of the vote had a lot to do with the overall cultural awareness of ACA leaders who are concerned that diverse groups have a voice in ACA leadership,” said ACA President Joyce Breasure. (June 1996) Need to Know n ACA publishes Childhood Bullying and Teasing: What School Personnel, Other Professionals and Parents Can Do by Dorothea Ross. It is one of the 5 From the President first books to provide detailed procedures for primary prevention and management of bullying in the U.S. school system. (February 1997) 7 Executive Director’s Message n During a White House conference on school safety to discuss the causes and prevention of youth violence, President Bill Clinton joins the U.S. 8 Letters to the Editor Conference of Mayors in its call to put more school counselors in the na- tion’s schools. Clinton says he wants to develop a plan to have a counselor 28 CT Learning Test in every elementary school in the United States. (November 1998) n The ACA Governing Council votes to give Counselors for Social Justice CACREP Perspective organizational status. CSJ grew out of a series of workshops and symposia 56 held at the ACA 1997 World Conference in Orlando, Fla., when more than 100 counselors met to discuss ACA’s social agenda and the need for 68 Division, Region & Branch News an organizational entity. CSJ leaders say the organization is dedicated to fixing the social ills that are a detriment to the overall mental health of 71 Bulletin Board many clients. (June 1999) n The first ever surgeon general’s report on mental health is released 72 Classifieds and is expected to be one of the building blocks for change in the arenas of treatment and health care options. The 487-page report says that approximately 50 million Americans struggle with different types of mental illness, including depression, phobias and eating disorders. Surgeon General David Satcher acknowledges that many people with mental illnesses do not receive treatment because of stigma and the cost of proper treatment, with many health care plans not offering coverage for mental health care needs. (January 2000)
4 | Counseling Today | November 2012 From The President CounselingToday Focusing on Counseling Today Staff Publisher wellness: Putting Richard Yep Associate Publisher the health back Carol Neiman Editor-in-Chief into mental health Jonathan Rollins Bradley T. Erford 800.347.6647 ext. 339 ver the past few months, our focus is central to how counselors address [email protected] country has been deeply sad- clients’ mental health struggles. We help Associate Editor and Senior Writer dened by numerous violent our students and clients focus on wellness, O Lynne Shallcross tragedies, including the massacre of 12 but as counselors, do we regularly focus on 800.347.6647 ext. 320 moviegoers in Aurora, Colo., and six Sikh our own personal wellness? How many of [email protected] worshippers in Wisconsin. In addition to us live by the mantra (of myriad financial the tragic deaths, many others were injured advisers), “Pay yourself first”? We all know Staff Writer and numerous others traumatized or other- that if we do not take excellent care of Heather Rudow wise affected by these events. Although all ourselves, we will be less able to care for 800.347.6647 ext. 307 of these events are painful to our collective those who depend on us — our children, [email protected] society, some hit much closer to home than our parents, our friends, our colleagues Senior Graphic Designer others. One of the victims of the Colorado and, yes, our clients and students. And shooting was a student member of the ACA Carlos J. Soto II because counselors often deal with those 800.347.6647 ext. 377 family. Many ACA professional and student who are undergoing great suffering, if you [email protected] members are faithful Sikhs. In an August feel “burnout” setting in — if you feel school shooting in Baltimore County, Md., demoralized and exhausted — it is best Contributing Writer in which a student with Down syndrome for the sake of everyone to withdraw and Stacy Notaras Murphy was shot and, fortunately, survived, a gradu- restore yourself. Whether you are a client or ate of my school counseling program sub- Advertising Representative a counselor, the point is to have a long-term dued the shooter before more devastation Kathy Maguire wellness perspective. could take place. At ACA, our thoughts, 607.662.4451 Yet, we too often run ourselves ragged, prayers and most heartfelt condolences go [email protected] deteriorate and then focus on fixing what to all those affected by these and numerous is broken. We are told there is not enough other tragedies. money to pay for wellness and prevention CT Column Editors These violent tragedies occur for many reasons, although in the aftermath, none of services and also fund remediation and crisis Washington Update these reasons seems to make much sense. services. This begs the age-old question: Scott Barstow Why is there never enough money to do it What we do know is that the perpetrators Counselor Career Stories right, but there is always enough money to often feel socially disconnected and mar- Rebecca Daniel-Burke ginalized. Whether perpetrators, victims or do it over? But I believe our advocacy efforts Private Practice Strategies bystanders, many of those involved in crisis promoting the cost-effectiveness of wellness situations will suffer mental health-related are paying off, systemically and individually. Anthony Centore complications. From time to time in our day-to-day New Perspectives One of the mental health complications struggles, it is important to ask our clients, Donjanea Fletcher Williams that affects many in our society is depres- our students, our friends, our loved ones The Digital Psyway sion. This month’s cover story focuses and ourselves, “What makes us ‘come Marty Jencius on depression, which unfortunately is an alive’”? Wellness and health affect your all-too-commonly encountered problem body, but they also reflect the well-being of Learning Curve: Notes From a Novice among those with whom we work. Depres- your state of mind, your relationships — Suze Hirsh and your spirit. These attitudes make us sion has touched all of us in some way, and Through a Glass Darkly each of us has at some point pondered the resilient as we face the challenges of living Shannon Hodges question, “How has depression taken such a full and meaningful lives. As advocates for hold on people in our society, and what can our clients and the counseling profession, Risk Management for Counselors we do to prevent it?” we all need to do our part as individuals and Anne Marie “Nancy” Wheeler A philosophical cornerstone of the professionals to keep the “health” in mental counseling profession is wellness, and this health. Be well! u
November 2012 | Counseling Today | 5 Enrich Your Professional Development With These New Resources From ACA
The Counselor and the Law: A Guide to Legal Casebook for Counseling Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and and Ethical Practice Sixth Edition Transgender Persons and Their Families Anne Marie “Nancy” Wheeler and Burt Bertram edited by Sari H. Dworkin and Mark Pope In this bestselling book, the authors discuss This captivating book contains 31 case studies the legal and ethical dilemmas that can arise in that examine contemporary issues facing the practice. This edition contains a new chapter on LGBTQQI community. The emphasis is on the use of social media and other Internet-related what is said and done in actual counseling issues, updates to HIPAA through the HITECH sessions, including diagnosis; interventions, Act and regulations, a new legal/ethical decision- treatment goals, and outcomes; transference and making model, and discussion of the specific countertransference issues; other multicultural legal risks for counselor educators. The issues considerations; and recommendations for further surrounding civil malpractice liability, licensure counseling or training. Experts in the field board complaints, confidentiality, duty to warn, suicide and threats of address topics across the areas of individual development, relationship harm to self, professional boundaries, records and documentation, and concerns, contextual matters, and wellness. 2012 | 395 pgs managing a counseling practice are also addressed in detail. Order #72917 | ISBN 978-1-55620-306-0 2012 | 292 pgs Order #72919 | ISBN 978-1-55620-315-2 List Price: $54.95 | ACA Member Price: $39.95 List Price: $54.95 | ACA Member Price: $42.95 Integrating Spirituality and Religion Into Counseling: A Guide to Competent Practice The Creative Arts in Counseling, Fourth Edition Second Edition Samuel T. Gladding edited by Craig S. Cashwell and J. Scott Young In this detailed examination of the expressive therapies, Dr. Gladding demonstrates how music, Designed as an introductory text for counselors- dance, imagery, visual arts, literature, drama, in-training and clinicians, this book describes the and humor can be used effectively in counseling. knowledge base and skills necessary to successfully Combining history, theory, and application, he and ethically integrate spiritual and religious issues provides a rationale for using each art form with into counseling in a manner that is respectful how-to strategies for working with clients of all of client beliefs and practices. Through an ages and diverse cultural backgrounds to promote examination of the 2009 ASERVIC Competencies positive change and growth. This fourth edition for Addressing Spiritual and Religious Issues includes Creative Reflection sections that give readers an opportunity in Counseling and the use of evidence-based to ponder their own creativity and, for greater ease of use, a new tools and techniques, it will guide you in providing services to clients chapter that briefly describes each of the 117 exercises found in the presenting with these deeply sensitive and personal issues. Strategies book. 2011|308 pgs for clinical application are offered throughout the book and new chapters on mindfulness, ritual, 12-step spirituality, prayer, and Order #72909 | ISBN 978-1-55620-314-5 feminine spirituality enhance application to practice. List Price: $48.95 | ACA Member Price: $33.95 2011 | 328 pgs Order #72906 | ISBN 978-1-55620-310-7 List Price: $54.95 | ACA Member Price: $39.95
Please include $8.75 for shipping of the first book and $1.00 for each additional book. Order by phone: 800-422-2648 x222 M–F, 8 a.m.–6 p.m., ET Order online: counseling.org/publications
6 | Counseling Today | November 2012 Executive Director's message CounselingToday American Counseling Association President Bradley T. Erford 800.347.6647 ext. 232 Be one for all [email protected]
Richard Yep President-Elect Cirecie West-Olatunji 800.347.6647 [email protected] Executive Director s autumn marches toward winter One letter, one email, one phone call, Richard Yep here in the United States, you one town hall meeting or one meeting 800.347.6647 ext. 231 A can already feel the change in that helps to inform public policy officials [email protected] the air in some parts of our country. The may not seem like much. But before you Counseling Today (ISSN 1078-8719) is the beginning of November also signals change know it, people who make decisions about monthly magazine of the American Counseling at the local, state and national levels of what you do, how you will practice, if you Association, 5999 Stevenson Ave., Alexandria, VA 22304-3300; Telephone: 703.823.9800; government. Regardless of the outcome will get hired, if you can be reimbursed Internet: ct.counseling.org. Opinions expressed of the presidential election, thousands of and how you can be counted on for expert in this magazine do not necessarily represent individuals running for office or seeking opinions of the editors or policies of the advice really will look to you for guidance American Counseling Association. re-election will begin new terms during the and counsel. next few months. I encourage you to visit counseling.org/ Subscriptions are available for $150 for 12 issues. The American Counseling Association Email: [email protected] publicpolicy. Read the articles in Counseling Americas: 1-800 835 6770 and its members must not sit idle. Now Today about legislative and regulatory issues Europe, Middle East & Africa: is the time to provide education and that have an impact on the profession. Go +44 (0)1865 778315 Asia: +65 6511 8000 information to public policy officials, to the ACA YouTube channel to hear our Single copies are available for $12.50 each elected or appointed, who might have an public policy broadcasts. We really try to by calling ACA in-house fulfillment at impact on the counseling profession and communicate in a way that will reach the 800.422.2648 ext. 222. those whom you serve. Now is the time — most members possible. You can also call Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria, Va., and in fact, now is our time — to ensure that the public policy staff at 800.347.6647 ext. additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send whoever controls legislative and regulatory 354 if you prefer. address changes to ACA Member Services, 5999 Stevenson Ave., Alexandria, VA 22304. bodies will know of the good work that Participating in the public policy arena, All rights reserved, 2012 by the American all of you do for millions of individuals, especially with such critical issues coming Counseling Association. couples and families each and every day. before those in decision-making positions, Editorial Policies The journey to spread the word really is both timely and critical. Being involved Counseling Today reviews unsolicited articles does begin with the first step. Ask yourself does not take so much time that you written by ACA members for publication. Not and your colleagues what message and all articles will be accepted for publication. are unable to do your “real job.” In fact, Send articles or request a copy of the writing information needs to be conveyed, and an hour here or there is all that it might guidelines by emailing [email protected]. then find out with whom you need to require. The objective is to get on the radar Anti-Discrimination Policy communicate. Professional counselors, of those who make decisions about your There shall be no discrimination against any counselor educators and graduate students ability to practice, while learning how you individual on the basis of ethnic group, race, are the very best advocates for the can be the best advocate for your clients religion, gender, sexual orientation, age and/or disability. profession. In fact, that is why ACA now and students. boasts a staff that includes eight professional Today, I am asking you to join me in an Mission Statement counselors at the master’s and doctoral effort to “Be One for All.” Help yourself The mission of the American Counseling Association is to enhance the quality of life levels. I know how important it is to have and the profession in general by being in society by promoting the development professional counselors at the table when it ONE counselor who, when combined with of professional counselors, advancing the comes to advocating for the profession. the others in this effort, is really helping counseling profession and using the profession and practice of counseling to promote respect If you need help in figuring this all ALL who are positively affected by the work for human dignity and diversity. out, we are here for you! Contact the that you and your colleagues do. very talented ACA Public Policy and As always, I look forward to your Legislation staff. They will assist you as comments, questions and thoughts. Feel you begin the journey of informing elected free to contact me at 800.347.6647 ext. 231 and appointed public policy officials about or via e-mail at [email protected]. You can our issues and what needs to be done for also follow me on Twitter: @RichYep. your clients and students. Be well. u
November 2012 | Counseling Today | 7 Letters
Much more to explore regarding way to make contact with a client for an evidence-based practice effective therapeutic alliance. However, “Proof positive?” in the September issue for others, thinking is their “trapdoor” — of Counseling Today is an amazing article. that is, using thinking might prevent a I don’t recall seeing anything close to it in therapeutic alliance from forming or even terms of clarity and balance. The expert exacerbate the client’s dysfunction. Feeling sources all came across with important or behavior would be a more appropriate information. It even helped me understand and effective approach for such individuals. found at least 25, some of which seemingly the issues in evidence-based research more 3) Being a counselor for more than 40 conflicted with others. For example, clearly, although I have followed the area years and a clinical statistician for more evidence-based practice is important versus since its beginning. I’m impressed with than 30 years, I have never seen any report evidence-based practice is based on deeply the writing of Lynne Shallcross and the of any particular counseling technique that flawed assumptions. Another example: way she was able to organize the diverse would confirm it is more effective than Randomized, controlled studies with thinking so well. any other. This is not because the research multiple replications is the most respected To me, this is a must-read for all our has been poorly done. Rather, so many approach versus the overall context of students and professionals in the American critical factors in the dyadic counseling counseling should be evaluated. Counseling Association. In a fuller version, situation might affect the outcome that it Additional themes indicated there I’d hope also to see something about cannot be properly understood through were preferred approaches and potential multicultural and social justice issues, and randomized clinical trials (RCT) that focus impediments to them. For example, perhaps even a mention of neuroscience. on one or two variables. Imagine trying to counselors should participate in the research But the main message remains fully solid. use an RCT to discern which pitch is more versus counselors are more grounded And in the space you had available — effective than others in baseball — each in theory than research, and some are wonderful! pitcher, batter and pitch is part of a unique even resistant to research. Counseling I am excited to learn about ACA’s major situation. The counseling situation is even practitioners received considerable attention effort in addressing research on counseling. more dynamically complex. Unfortunately, from the contributors. We have a solid tradition here, but there many organizations with which we interact The themes from the article were is a great need for more work. Perhaps we are more familiar with the critical role RCTs shared with a group of doctoral students can consider an e-journal to support and play in research for medical practice, but and generated a lively discussion. The follow up the great article on evidence- as most counselors are aware, the medical discussion introduced another feature of based practice. model is not the most effective model for the evidence-based practice debate that was not mentioned in the interviews. There Allen E. Ivey, Ed.D., ABPP what we do as counselors. appear to be at least two different sets of Distinguished University Professor 4) Finally, to end where I began, I believe counselors dealing with the evidence-based (Emeritus), University of Massachusetts, it is critical for every counselor to practice practice challenge — those responding to Amherst evidence-based counseling. As part of the third-party payers and those not having to Courtesy Professor, University of South Florida counselor’s process, he or she needs to do so. The former group is locked into what w be recording what worked and what did Here are four points about evidence- not work. And in statistical terms, each the payers demand — data from controlled based practice that I feel need to be stressed. session is an “n of one.” Perhaps models studies. The latter group has more freedom 1) I have never known a counselor who from systems theory or chaos theory would and flexibility when it comes to evidence- does not strive to be effective. We all strive be more appropriate than models from based practice. Consequently, we are to practice evidence-based counseling all medical research. Like the butterfly wings challenged to recognize and understand the time, and any help we can get will only flapping, one word or phrase or look from these differences and to help both groups. make us better counselors. a counselor has been known to completely One set of recommendations will not serve 2) Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is change a client. It can be the unexpected all counseling practitioners. Now, it is even often offered as the technique that claims to tipping point for change. more complicated! have clear evidence from clinical trials for Ray McKinnis Stan Baker, Ph.D., NCC, LPC being effective. It is true that some research Winfield, Ill. North Carolina State University at Raleigh suggests that CBT is effective for some [email protected] [email protected] clients. But it must be just as emphatically w w stated that it can be detrimental to Lynne Shallcross’ interviews about I applaud ACA President Bradley T. some clients. In their book Personality evidence-based practice were interesting Erford’s comments in his “From the Adaptations, Vann Joines and Ian Stewart and provocative, and the themes across President” column (“Where’s the beef?!”) describe how individuals with certain the interviews indicate how complex and and associate editor/senior writer Lynne personality adaptations offer thinking as challenging finding “proof positive” actually Shallcross’ cover story in the September their “open door” — that is, the easiest is. I reread the article seeking themes and issue about the need for evidence-based
8 | Counseling Today | November 2012 counseling practice. Ten years ago, I and counseling interventions that focus common factors were averaged over time received first place in the ACA Foundation on growth, development and wellness. or evaluated at a point when a great deal graduate student essay contest for writing This level of investigation necessitates of symptom change already had occurred. about the need to use evidence-based that we discontinue survey-based, This study showed that one needs to interventions over the next decade to better convenience sampling, Internet research determine temporal precedence, because serve clients and society. Unfortunately, and start using advanced, quantitative, the average over time of the common factor professional counselors are producing experimental designs that include statistical (typically alliance) or measurement after tiny hamburgers on huge buns! In a 2011 power, mixed methods, meta-analysis much change already has occurred cannot article for the Journal of Counseling & and advanced qualitative designs. These be causal to that change, but rather a Development (“Research in Counseling: A should include credible grounded theory, consequence of change in symptoms. 10-Year Review to Inform Practice”), Dee phenomenology, consensual qualitative It was also suggested that members of Ray and her co-authors found that less research, ethnography, narratology and the evidence-based community adhere than 6 percent of all the articles in ACA participatory action research to stimulate to assumptions inherent in the medical division-affiliated journals published studies a mature research identity. Only then can model. Some do, and many of them have focused on counseling effectiveness and professional counselors show the beef. indeed demonstrated specific efficacy for specifictreatments for specific disorders. The intervention. These results prompted the Jason H. King, Ph.D., CMHC, ACS entire community does not endorse these authors to ask if professional counselors Clinical Director and Co-owner assumptions, however. Many are quite were looking to social workers and Life Enhancement Center critical of the Diagnostic and Statistical psychologists for a counseling identity. [email protected] Manual of Mental Disorders and the medical My recently completed doctoral disserta- w model more generally. Importantly, there tion used ethnographic content analysis to The recent article on the very important is no reason empirical investigation cannot explore how ethical codes define counselor topic of evidence-based counseling was occur outside of a medical model. professional identity. Results indicated that wonderful. Although I was interviewed A quote concerning my description of the psychology ethical codes are distinguished and quoted for the article, I would like to critical incident stress debriefing literature from counseling ethical codes because of contribute a few additional points to that was followed with this notation: “… its a stronger emphasis on scientific research important discussion. proponents take issue with claims that there and psychometric practice. Speaking of When psychotherapy research comes up is no evidence of its effectiveness or that it psychologists, Raymond D. Fowler, a past in discussion, it’s not long before someone has been proved to be harmful.” Although president of the American Psychological voices the “common factors mantra.” I can’t review the scientific literature here, Association, boldly claimed, “Our scientific This occurs when one pronounces that the following quote from the esteemed base is what sets us apart from the social common factors (for example, quality of Cochrane Reviews may be helpful: “There workers, the counselors and the Gypsies.” the therapeutic relationship) accounts for is no current evidence that psychological The Publication Manual of the American most of the outcome in psychotherapy. I debriefing is a useful treatment for Psychological Association and the research agree the relationship is important, but to posttraumatic stress disorder after traumatic databases PsycEXTRA and PsycINFO fur- maintain it’s the most robust predictor of incidents. Compulsory debriefing of ther support psychology’s prominence and treatment outcome is to be unaware of the victims of trauma should cease.” What niche of scientific research in comparison psychotherapy process literature. will guide the counselor’s behavior — the with that of professional counseling. It’s difficult to unpack this fully in limited scientific literature or the enthusiasm of ACA Chief Professional Officer David space, but to offer an example, DeRubeis proponents? Kaplan’s poignant 2009 article, “A Radical and Feeley (1990) evaluated early and late Thought on Counseling Research: Let’s measurement of process variables, including R. Trent Codd Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Center of Stop Doing It,” concurred that professional specific factors of cognitive behavior Western North Carolina counseling lacks a rigorous research base therapy and the alliance and facilitative [email protected] in comparison with that of psychology conditions. The general findings were that because our profession attracts members early change in specific factors predicted Home-based counseling and who are more investigative-minded and it later change in depression (subsequent meeting multicultural needs offers more training in outcome research change), while common factors did Kudos to Dawn Friedman and to methods. He also critiqued our profession not. Notably, early change in depression Counseling Today for publishing her article for allowing doctoral students to conduct (prior change) predicted later common on home-based counseling (“Home is survey research designs that only give factors. Thus, symptom change led to where the client is”) in the September issue. us a collection of opinions instead of improvement in common factors (possibly I began doing home-based counseling just empirical outcomes documenting our causal), while common factors were the out of my master’s program and was told work with clients and the evaluation of consequences of change (not causal due to by my former adviser that I was doing a potentially helpful techniques, approaches, lack of temporal precedence). “disservice to the profession.” interventions and programs. This study demonstrated that the way in Time and experience have taught me Professional counselors are at a critical which common factors have traditionally what my gut told me way back then — that crossroads for developing a culture of been evaluated as predictors of outcome rigorous scientific inquiry into clients in psychotherapy has been wrong. Often, Continued on page 67
November 2012 | Counseling Today | 9 Washington Update - By Scott Barstow, Art Terrazas, Guila Todd & Jessica Eagle
Congress passes resolution to fund federal government for six months
ederal Fiscal Year 2013 started 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 school work harder to bring licensed professional Oct. 1, and to avoid a potential years. According to the figures, the mental health counselors on staff at VA Fgovernment shutdown, Congress national average student-to-counselor facilities. Jones is a past recipient of the passed legislation at the end of September ratio has increased significantly since the ACA Federal Legislative Service Award to maintain funding for federal agencies 457:1 ratio reported for the 2008-2009 for his work in pushing for independent at current levels until the end of March. school year. The American Counseling practice authority for counselors within Although the partisan disagreement in Association recommends a student-to- the TRICARE health care program for Washington between the two political counselor ratio of no more than 250:1. military families and retirees. parties is at historically high levels, With the effects of the economic Counseling leaders from North lawmakers on both sides chose to resolve downturn on state and local government Carolina met with staff in Jones’ office their disputes on this year’s spending spending, the national average student- in July to discuss the dire need to (at least for the first half of the year) to-counselor ratio edged up to 459:1 in to let them focus on bigger issues: the 2009-2010 and then rose significantly improve veterans’ access to mental health November elections and several huge in 2010-2011 to 471:1. NCES data treatment in VA facilities by hiring more budget and tax issues they need to tackle indicate that U.S. elementary and clinicians and the very slow pace of before Jan. 1. secondary schools had 2,400 fewer school counselor hiring. Thanks to their efforts, Enactment of the continuing resolution counselors in 2010-2011 than they had Jones agreed to send a letter to Shinseki means programs within the Department in 2009-2010, while the U.S. student asking that the VA: of Education, including the Elementary population grew by more than 120,000 1) Create paid training positions for and Secondary School Counseling students. counselors Program and others of interest to school Despite the overall trend, 13 states 2) Issue guidance to the VA medical counselors, will continue to be supported. improved their student-to-counselor community regarding the hiring of However, all federal government ratios from the previous school year. licensed professional counselors programs will be cut significantly More information on individual states’ 3) Adopt “grandfathering” provisions in January under automatic budget professional school counselor trends that would expand eligibility provisions sequestration rules put in place. The is available on the ACA Public Policy for positions sequestration (a fancy word for spending and Legislation website at counseling. 4) Work with ACA in filling vacancies cuts) will take effect for health, social org/publicpolicy. For more information in the VA services, education and other program on how you can advocate for school The fact that we succeeded in working spending, as well as defense spending, at counselors, please contact Jessica Eagle at with Jones to send a letter to the VA the beginning of January unless Congress [email protected]. and President Obama jointly enact a after just one meeting demonstrates the Members of Congress continue deficit reduction package by the end of power that individual counselors have to asking VA to hire more counselors 2012. Although funding for the first half influence policy in Washington. ACA has been renewing its push of FY 2013 has been provided, federal All too often, many of us think our toward more grass-roots organization agencies are unlikely to spend money voices will not be heard. Often, advocacy and having ACA members engage in freely because it is hard to predict what work does not result in success (at least advocacy themselves. At the Institute will happen on the broader federal budget initially), but the times when it does for Leadership Training in July, ACA picture or what the political landscape are the result of advocates speaking up, leaders from across the country took their will look like next year. working together and being persistent. message directly to Capitol Hill and asked U.S. student-to-school that federal lawmakers begin focusing on ACA is committed to giving counselors counselor ratio rises issues that matter the most to counselors the tools they need to influence the The National Center for Education and the profession. policymaking process. To find out how Statistics (NCES) within the U.S. This work continues to bear fruit, with you can be an advocate for the profession Department of Education has released Rep. Walter Jones (R-N.C.) becoming and how to use your time most efficiently updated data on the number of students the latest member of Congress to write in doing this, contact Art Terrazas at and school counselors in U.S. elementary to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) [email protected] or 800.347.6647 and secondary schools for both the Secretary Eric Shinseki to urge the VA to ext. 242. u
10 | Counseling Today | November 2012 25%
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November 2012 | Counseling Today | 11 Counselor, Educator, Advocate - By Jessica Eagle
School counselors making a difference
t the beginning of the school around students’ questions and concerns supervisor for year, I put out a call for regarding their sexual orientation. Some the Hopewell A professional school counselors of these students felt they were being Valley Regional to share stories about advocacy work discriminated against in their own homes School District they have done with students and within as well as at school. Laura noticed that in New Jersey. their school communities. The results some students were displaying behavior She took an were remarkable, yet I know we have issues that seemed tied directly to feelings innovative, just scratched the surface. Every day, of anger regarding the discrimination they systemic school counselors are running schoolwide faced. approach to comprehensive programs that address the Laura identified the need for a safe address the multifaceted needs of our youth. They are place in which these students would difficulties Christine Abrahams implementing evidence-based curricula feel they belonged, as well as a proactive students and data-driven interventions. They are platform from which the students could displayed with math. providing the necessary safe space for advocate for themselves. Laura went on to After hearing comments such as “I students to focus on underlying social create Idaho’s first Gay-Straight Alliance can’t do math” at her school, Christine and emotional issues and reframing these (GSA) club at the junior high level. The approached the math supervisor and feelings and events so students can put group members organized a National Day asked if they could try an experiment. their best self forward in the classroom — of Silence at the school, an event in which She suggested that they test the lowest and in life. students took a vow of silence for the level of math students for learning styles School counselors are distinctively day, symbolizing the silence that lesbian, and group them by their predominant equipped with the skills, knowledge and gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or style. She also suggested testing the passion to advocate for and with students questioning (LGBTQ) students often feel learning styles of the teachers. Christine who are facing obstacles. For the next they must live in. “I felt like I was able to hypothesized that teachers would three months, numerous stories of school help these students find some confidence have an easier time differentiating counseling advocacy work will be shared and comfort in themselves and their instruction with students who had the in Counseling Today, and even more will be identity,” said Laura. same predominant learning style. She posted to CT Online at ct.counseling.org. In reflecting on the specific skills also believed students would do better We will continue to collect stories from and competencies that she learned because their confidence in math would professional school counselors because while pursuing her professional school increase, enabling them to advance in they paint a colorful picture of how school counseling license, Laura said, “First math levels. “For me, this was placing counselors are uniquely poised to make of all, I had to really listen with a students by ability rather than by the kind of impact other educators often compassionate heart and open mind inability as it has always been done,” said cannot. Please encourage any school to understand what was going on in Christine. Together, the math supervisor counselor you know to submit their stories these kids’ lives. Then I had to have the and Christine applied for a Hunterdon to me at [email protected]. courage to act on what I believed to be Central Regional High School the rights of these students. Using the Advocacy within a new Foundation Grant, which they received to Gay-Straight Alliance ACA Advocacy Competencies model implement the program. of advocacy at different levels — client/ Laura Mundy has been a professional Christine took her knowledge of tiered student empowerment and client/student school counselor for two years at North interventions with her to the district advocacy, community collaboration Junior High level, where she was still able to run small and systems advocacy, and public School in Boise, counseling groups, marking a big change information/social/political advocacy — I Idaho. She for the staff and school. During severe feel I was able to address the needs of hadn’t been state budget cuts, she became concerned these students on a personal level as well meeting with because New Jersey did not have a as a systemic level.” students for prescribed student-to-counselor ratio, very long before Leadership at the and school counselors were considered a number of school and district levels “ancillary services.” It was important conversations Christine Abrahams has been a school to her to maintain the counseling staff took place counselor for 10 years and currently is because the students needed them so that revolved Laura Mundy serving as a school district counseling much.
12 | Counseling Today | November 2012 “To make sure that counselors would coordinator to see if the small group intervention not be cut, I invited administrators to co- in 2011. In was having an impact on their academic facilitate groups in the department. The their regular success. Encouraged by the results, business administrator, the principal and conversations, Matthew pulled together the data and the vice principal co-facilitated groups they discussed created graphs to show the department with me and my counselors, and it truly the need to chair and school administrator. Matthew opened their eyes to what goes support the intends to hold this group again in the on in a high school counseling young fathers in future because it proved to meet the department,” Christine said. “This the school. needs of students who were at risk of was extremely valuable because when “The topic dropping out. I presented to the board of education of helping Matthew Armes w on what counselors do, the business adolescent males Professional school counselors who administrator, the principal and vice greatly appeals to can address students’ social, emotional, principal were able to corroborate the me, so I was excited about the chance to academic and career-readiness needs challenges our students face and the dig deeper into this area of counseling,” are a resource that schools need. School challenges school counselors face in said Matthew. counselors make a school climate safer trying to help and advocate for them.” Matthew did his research and reviewed and help keep students engaged in In both examples of advocacy, available curricula for working with this learning. They are natural school leaders Christine implemented an intervention population. After screening the young and student advocates ready to meet the that had great impact, both on individual fathers in the school, he pulled together wide variety of student needs. A huge students and on how things were done a small group of three. The ETAP thank you goes to Laura, Christine, systemwide. She shared that one of the coordinator and Matthew conducted Matthew and the many others who have greatest struggles during a time of budget eight sessions with these adolescents shared their stories with the American cuts was helping the board of education and discussed a number of topics, Counseling Association. More stories understand that the “guidance counselor” including their relationships with their will be shared in next month’s Counseling role from several decades ago has changed parents and their girlfriends’ parents, to meet the expectations and standards Today, and in the meantime, check out graduating high school, employment and CT Online to read what other school of a comprehensive, professional school money management. The group offered counselor model. counselors are doing to make a newfound support and a sense of hope difference. u Small group for teenage fathers for these students. Martinsburg High School in West “At the end of the last session, one of Jessica Eagle, a licensed school Virginia has an extensive program to the boys approached me and asked if we counselor, works in ACA’s link pregnant teenagers with community would have the group again next year. public policy and legislation resources, academic assistance when I knew then that I had made a positive office. Contact her at jeagle@ unable to attend school and counseling change in their lives,” recalls Matthew. counseling.org. through the county’s Educating Teen Age That is not the only way Matthew Parents (ETAP) program. Professional knew he had made a difference. Each Letters to the editor: school counselor Matthew Armes built week, he gathered the young men’s grades [email protected] a strong rapport with the county ETAP for each class and calculated the averages
If you’re not visiting CT Online, you’re missing out on exclusive content not available in Counseling Today, including:
u An interview with Carlos Zalaquett on diversity’s role in depression u How reading fiction might make you a better counselor u How an ACA member’s passion for running led to improved physical, mental and social health for female Alaskan inmates u An introduction to Will Stroble, director of ACA’s new Center for Counseling Practice, Policy and Research u Profiles of counselor practitioners doing interesting and innovative work in a diverse range of areas, from adventure-based counseling to sex offender counseling to faith-based counseling To see what you’ve been missing, visit ct.counseling.org today
November 2012 | Counseling Today | 13 Counselor Career Stories - By Rebecca Daniel-Burke Working with the American Indian population
was on a conference call with always interested me, and I also wanted NK: I utilize the Deborah Black Ignace from the to be in the helping field. I have always strength perspective Behavioral Health Division of the been interested in people, their culture and within the therapeutic I Nikki Kirkendoll Indian Health Service in Rockville, Md. I personality development. I have been a change process. This told her I wanted to interview an American counselor for a variety of populations, all of may entail identifying Indian counselor for the November issue which have been very rewarding. cultural, spiritual of Counseling Today in honor of American RDB: How did you find your position [or] community involvement as a source Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month. in Indian Country? of additional support for reduction of She connected me with Nikki Kirkendoll, a NK: I was working as a school counselor, symptoms and stressors, as well as working licensed professional counselor and licensed which was not a very good fit for me. I with patients to identify potentially alcohol and drug counselor who is director wanted to provide therapy services, which untapped strengths such as resiliency, of behavioral health at the Oklahoma City was not an option in that position. The coping skills and implementing health Indian Clinic. This is Nikki’s story. OKCIC’s behavioral health department lifestyle choices. A common problem Rebecca Daniel-Burke: I had my was beginning to expand and looking for among any population in need is the lack ancestral DNA done a few years back and an additional therapist. It was the perfect of self-confidence to believe in the strengths discovered I have Dogrib Indian blood opportunity to be a therapist and work they already possess. [now called Tlicho Indian], along with a with the Indian population. RDB: What mistakes have you made small bit of Navajo. Do you have a tribal RDB: What are the most prevalent while working with this population? affiliation? presenting problems a counselor might What lessons have you learned from those Nikki Kirkendoll: Yes, I am from the work with in Indian Country? mistakes? Delaware Tribe of Indians. NK: While working with this NK: As with most mental health RDB: Thank you so much for speaking population, I’ve learned that balancing departments, we see a great deal of patients with us today about your work in Indian cultural and professional boundaries can who suffer from severe depression and Country. What is your current position? sometimes be difficult. A lot of our patients anxiety. One of our main priorities is What primary tasks do you perform? are related to each other or related to to screen, assess and reduce suicide risk. NK: I am the director of behavioral employees. Sometimes you have to take Suicide was the leading cause of death in health at the Oklahoma City Indian Clinic special precautions to ensure confidentiality Oklahoma in 2011 and is also a leading (OKCIC). I was hired as a therapist in and also set limitations on how far you can cause of death among the American 2006 and promoted to director in 2007. I go to help a patient. Indian/Alaska Native population. Many supervise 14 staff, which includes licensed RDB: Was there someone in your life therapists, grant program coordinators, things contribute to and increase suicide who saw something special in you early on behavioral health clinicians and mentors. risk in Indian Country, including and valued you as a unique individual? I also provide therapy, crisis intervention, substance abuse, historical trauma and NK: I played sports since I was young screenings and assessments for patients access to care. and all the way into college. I was lucky with mental health and/or substance abuse RDB: Is there a particular skill set to have coaches who believed not only concerns. one needs to address these issues? How in my athletic abilities, but also believed Our behavioral health department about particular treatment strategies and in the young woman I was becoming. is completely integrated into every techniques? They provided me a strong foundation department at OKCIC. Every patient 15 NK: Along with the knowledge and for success, and I learned skills that would and up, regardless of what department skills to provide current evidence-based stay with me forever, such as teamwork, they are being seen in, is screened quarterly treatment modalities, I believe a therapist dependability, integrity, leadership and for depression, alcohol and drug abuse, in Indian Country must be educated on having a good attitude. tobacco and domestic violence. Behavioral traditional healing methods [and] practice- RDB: Has being in the field of health clinical staff are available for based theories, and have continuing counseling been transformational for you? consultation, assessment and follow-up on education in cultural aspects that NK: One of my first positions was as a all positive screens. We also administer a contribute to mental health and substance child therapist for foster children. I believe Teen Screen on patients [ages] 11-15. abuse issues. this helped me grow as a person and as a RDB: What led you down the path RDB: When working with this therapist. Not only was I new to the field, toward a career in counseling? population, is there one theoretical but most of these children’s stories were NK: I knew I wanted to be a counselor orientation that you gravitate toward more gut-wrenching. I learned very fast that I since about ninth grade. Human behavior than others? Why? couldn’t “save” all the children, but what
14 | Counseling Today | November 2012 I could do was be a positive influence in their lives, be a person they could trust when most of them couldn’t even trust their own parents, and try to instill self- NEW EDITION OF BEST-SELLING TEXT JUST RELEASED! worth even after all they had been through. Also, transitioning from a therapist to administration was an influential period for Multicultural Issues in Counseling: me and presented new challenges. RDB: Is there a saying, a book or a quote New Approaches to Diversity that you think about when you need to be Fourth Edition inspired regarding your work? NK: The behavioral health department edited by Courtland C. Lee at OKCIC has grown and expanded so much over the past six years. It inspires me “This book is a godsend. It can be used to see the number of patients that we serve by professors of counseling, psychology, continue to grow, as well as the services social work, and psychiatry to help that we provide. Also, we have an amazing students understand and more effectively staff that motivates and encourages each intervene on behalf of culturally other daily and treats each other like family. diverse clients. It will also benefit I am grateful every day for the OKCIC, psychotherapeutic practitioners.” administration and staff. They’re one of the —Clemmont E. Vontress, PhD many blessings in my life. Professor Emeritus of Counseling RDB: Your work is intense. What do George Washington University you do to take care of yourself and refill yourself? This widely adopted, seminal text provides comprehensive NK: One thing I do is document funny direction from leading experts for culturally competent things that happen with family or friends. practice with diverse client groups in a variety of settings. Fully So, anytime I want, I can go back and read, updated—with seven new chapters and inclusive of feedback relive good times I’ve had and laugh. It is from educators and practitioners—this book goes beyond something I have done for many years. counseling theory and offers specific information and effective RDB: We have more than 50,000 techniques for work with the following client groups: American Counseling Association members American Indians Older adults who will be receiving Counseling Today this African Americans LGBQQT clients month. Is there anything else you want our Asian and Pacific Islanders People with disabilities members and readers to know about you Latinos/as Deaf children and their families and your work? NK: In July, I was diagnosed with Arab Americans Socioeconomically disadvantaged a rare form of lung cancer called Multiracial individuals clients carcinosarcoma. I have always believed and families Military personnel in a holistic approach with patients, and Women and men now more than ever, I realize the power of hope, support and maintaining emotional 2013 | 352 pgs well-being. Order #72916 | ISBN 978-1-55620-313-8 RDB: ACA members, let’s all send some List Price: $69.95 | ACA Member Price: $49.95 healing thoughts to Nikki as she works, stays strong and tries to beat this. u Please include $8.75 for shipping of the first book and $1.00 for each additional book.
Rebecca Daniel-Burke is the director of professional projects and career services at the American Counseling Association. Contact her at rdanielburke@ counseling.org. Order Online: counseling.org Letters to the editor: By Phone: 800-422-2648 x222 (M-F 8am – 6pm) [email protected]
November 2012 | Counseling Today | 15 Through a Glass Darkly - By Shannon Hodges
The Divine Horror
he image is permanently from a horror film, just before the truly and the ordered stillness of its bucolic imprinted in my mind’s eye: frightening occurs. But my starkest surroundings was profoundly disturbing Tthat grim, gothic, forbidding, impression was of that ominous building to me. But during the excursion, my dark stone edifice perched raptorlike and its “early Halloween” architecture. mother appeared happy, smiling and on a grassy hill. The driveway a long, The mere sight of it awakened some talkative about nature and books. She meandering ribbon winding through vestigial survival impulse, and I asked had evidently read up on the history of well-manicured green lawns, landscaped my dad if we could go home. “We’re the hospital and area, explaining that with a tranquil arboretum of flora’s going to see your mother!” he snapped, Osawatomie was the name of a local vibrant beauty, providing stark contrast emphasizing the word your. He parked Indian tribe, and she spoke of patients to Osawatomie State Hospital’s menacing the car and then led my brother and me providing the landscaping. But she also architecture. through a grand front entrance. Inside exuded wariness evident even to a 5-year- I was a 5-year-old on my neophyte visit was a large sculpture of the globe in old, as if she sensed some dangerous to see my mother, who was a psychiatric healing hands. A church in the Kansas predator stalking about. patient. Though I did not understand City area had a similar model of God’s During our stroll, I asked innocently, her hospitalization, I sensed it was a hands upholding the world. Naturally, “Are you coming home with us?” She serious matter. It was spring 1965, when my child mind’s conjecture was that the stopped and looked away into the far psychiatric issues were a scarlet letter state hospital was somehow connected distance, as if scouting for sight of some on a family’s name, particularly when to the Almighty, and all was well. I was anticipated Godot. Then she turned that family had rural Southern roots. quickly disabused of this notion, however. abruptly, and for the first time during our Dixie literature, exemplified by Faulkner The doctors, nurses and orderlies visit, her mask slipped. She lashed out, among others, chronicled mental illness sporting spotless whites shuffled past hurling angry words, each like a slap on in macabre, embarrassing ways, and the as if in some dream sequence, faux the face. My brother and I were hurt and mentally ill were fair game for ridicule by smiles creasing their faces, periodically confused by her outburst at what seemed comedians — and everyone else. patting my brother or me on the head. A a natural question. She paced a bit, then The background to this story is that matronly nurse shepherded us through led us in silence around the gardens my mother was a teen bride who had the vast, seemingly endless labyrinth until she recovered her equilibrium, five children, all boys, in a span of six of hallways and wards. The scenes we whereupon she continued in her “Grand years. Financial, marital and emotional encountered were Dante-esque: screams tour” manner. pressures far exceeded her juvenile coping echoing down the long corridors and Aftermath skills and, as the vernacular saying went, patients urinating in the hallways, Decades later, I would discover my she “had a breakdown.” I had witnessed debating invisible opponents or reaching mother initially had been diagnosed as her fits of rage, punctuated by extended out for my brother and me, though paranoid schizophrenic — a common periods of inconsolable sobbing. She had whether in animus or for rescue was diagnosis for psychiatric patients at that struggled with mood swings since early in unclear. Frightened, we hung close to our time. This was later corrected to manic- her marriage, necessitating brief stays at dad, who seemed oddly detached from depressive. The treatment of choice for Osawatomie. In fact, my younger brother the tumult. her was electroshock therapy, which just missed being born at Osawatomie, Finally, our feminine Virgil delivered was far more Frankensteinian than the but the attending psychiatrist discharged us to a calmer locale in the hospital’s electroconvulsive therapy practiced our mother just prior to her delivery date. far wing. I noticed my mother drawing today. Even so, she preferred electroshock Due to mom’s fragile mental health and or painting something. She glanced up to taking massive doses of Thorazine. my father’s minimal earnings, three of my in puzzlement, as if unable to place us. Admittedly, the treatment did provide siblings had been farmed out to relatives, Then, a spark of recognition ignited, some mood management, though at leaving only my youngest brother and me and she strode over to embrace us. I significant cost to her intellectual and with our parents. studied my dad, who hung back from emotional functioning. Myth and symbols our reunion. Then, while dad took refuge To help calm her, she was locked in Though my early recollections are in the coffee shop or elsewhere, my a dimly lit room with a tiny wire mesh fragmented, I have vivid memories of that mother led my brother and me on a tour window. Rebellious patients (and she was visit to Osawatomie, located in Kansas. of the spacious, well-manicured estate a rebellious patient) were confined in that A surreal silence hovered ghostlike about grounds. The juxtaposition between the room for days on end with no human the grounds in a gauzy pastoral scene seeming anarchy within the hospital interaction, save for with the detached
16 | Counseling Today | November 2012 hospital staff. She once recounted to me other colorful colloquiums were some of mirror that fateful day, I feared I’d never that she considered the isolation room the the less objectionable terms uttered by see my mother again. Fortunately, things worst aspect of her treatment — worse classmates, much to my chagrin. Thus, for my mother turned out far better than electroshock, worse than sedating normal, well-intended peer questions than could ever have been envisioned. drugs, worse than unruly patients. A such as “Where’s your mom?” were She was eventually transferred to the religious woman, she maintains that profiles in shame because I was torn state hospital in Little Rock, Ark., then her faith saw her through, although one between honesty and family honor. “She’s to a halfway house and, years later, back could easily feel abandoned by God, or away,” was my typical cryptic refrain. whatever else one holds as true, in such To the community’s credit, only once home. She held a job for more than circumstances. did anyone ridicule my mother to my 30 years and, for the most part, has My mother did identify a couple of face. Another time, however, I had the functioned reasonably well given her helpful aspects of her treatment. She misfortune of overhearing a peer’s mother illness and the Neanderthal treatment particularly enjoyed the psychodrama say, “… and their crazy mother,” in she received. When I asked what she theater. A natural performer, she and reference to my family. would have changed regarding her in- her fellow patients would re-enact Looking back, looking forward patient treatment, she responded, “More their illnesses, playing the roles of counseling and physical activity.” family members, nurses and especially It’s always difficult to assess what psychiatrists. It was the one time she impact traumatic experiences have on us felt free to express herself regarding her in the long run, but some 47 years later, I Become A Distance tm illness, treatment and family. Doctors, am still occasionally haunted by my visit Credentialed Counselor (DCC ) nurses and even patients occasionally to Osawatomie. Something will jog my complimented her on her thespian memory — a sound, a clip from a movie, ONLINE TRAINING prowess — some of the rare affirmations a scene in a novel — and flickering, COURSE grainy, Technicolor images of that visit she recalls. • Reach More Individuals begin rolling past like old 16 mm film. Then there were the group sessions • Learn More About Legal & Ethical run by a social worker in which the What I do understand as the son of a Issues Involved patients simply talked. From these group mentally ill parent is the enduring pain • Stay Current With New Advancements encounters, she was able to make a couple of unintended consequences. I believe In The Distance Field of friends. One group member, evidently the majority of staff at Osawatomie were • Receive CE Hours a former graduate student in philosophy, well-intentioned professionals doing instructed my ninth-grade-educated what they perceived to be in the patients’ Register Online: mother on the likes of Hegel and best interests. They likely provided the www.readyminds.com/onlinedcc Spinoza over lukewarm instant coffee. standard of care they had been taught and enter special code DCC125 Interestingly, the alliance between this and, in truth, the mid-1960s likely stood to receive $125.00 DISCOUNT! patient, an African American, and my as the tail end of psychiatry’s dark ages, as $595.00 ONLY $470.00 mother, a white Southerner, is what mom hundreds of patients could be confined in cites as being the most therapeutic aspect massive, castlelike fortresses. In essence, Training or CEU Courses: of her treatment. the staff was playing out a scripted role, www.readyminds.com/dcc – (888) 225-8248 A few months after our visit to but to my 5-year-old mind, Osawatomie DCC Credential: Osawatomie, my grandfather arrived and resembled hell, and “Abandon hope all www.cce-global.org – (336) 482-2856 took my brother and me to live in rural ye who enter” could have been inscribed Arkansas. During my formative school over its doorway. years, the mentally ill were fair game to Watching the foreboding hospital poke fun at. Crazies, coo-coo, loco and gradually disappear in our car’s side-view
November 2012 | Counseling Today | 17 Resolution In retrospect, the image of “caretaking New! hands” seems a cruel, idolatrous irony. Patients who improved in that capricious setting must have been very resilient. Developing & Managing Your School Though I’m no Scientologist, I lean toward William Glasser’s opinion that Guidance & Counseling Program traditional psychiatry may indeed be hazardous to one’s health. I certainly do Fifth Edition not want to paint psychiatry with a broad brush, because medication is sometimes Norman C. Gysbers and Patricia Henderson necessary. But a more balanced, humanistic, culturally competent “…A rich resource for school counselors, approach to psychiatric treatment (for school counseling program leaders, and example, the Wheel of Wellness) also counselor educators alike. I have relied seems advisable. Counseling, creating on previous editions to help me organize human connections and cultivating my own campus program, lead a district purpose in life — not simply dispensing medications — must be vital components program, and educate graduate students. of any mental health plan. A real I highly recommend this book!” need also exists for children to have a —Elias Zambrano, PhD supportive environment in which to ask The University of Texas at San Antonio questions and debrief regarding a family member’s mental illness. The fifth edition of this bestseller I still cringe when witnessing the expands and extends Gysbers and disaffected lampoon of the mentally ill. Henderson’s acclaimed five-phase model This is a function of my mental health training and experience, I’m certain, but of planning, designing, implementing, evaluating, and enhancing also a reflex from having a mentally ill Pre-K–12 guidance and counseling programs. This enduring, parent. Ironically, Osawatomie is partially influential textbook has been fully updated to reflect current theory to thank for my sensitivity toward people and practice, including knowledge gained through various state and grappling with mental illnesses because local adaptations of the model since publication of the last edition. it provided me a front-row seat to Exciting additions to this new edition are increased attention to dehumanizing treatments and the effects diversity and the range of issues that students present, counselor on family members. accountability, and the roles and responsibilities of district- and I long for the day when mental illnesses are as understood and as accepted as building-level guidance and counseling leaders in an increasingly physical ailments are. Meanwhile, I complex educational environment. An abundant array of examples, meditate on Osawatomie, its meaning sample forms, job descriptions, evaluation surveys, flyers, letters, and and its lessons. And sometimes, in the procedures used by various states and school districts clearly illustrate shelter of my mind, I take that long, each step of program development. At the end of each chapter, a new quiet, winding road back to that dark feature called “Your Progress Check” functions as a tracking tool for edifice on the grassy hill.u growth at each stage of the change process. 2012 | 544 pgs Order #72915 ISBN 978-1-55620-312-1 List Price: $69.95 ACA Member Price: $49.95 Shannon Hodges is a licensed Please include $8.75 for shipping of the first book and mental health counselor and $1.00 for each additional book. associate professor of counseling at Niagara University. Contact him Order Online: counseling.org at [email protected]. By Phone: 800-422-2648 x222 Letters to the editor: (M-F 8am – 6pm) [email protected]
18 | Counseling Today | November 2012 PSYCHOLOGICAL STUDY IS THE KEY. HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE IS WHAT TURNS IT.
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November 2012 | Counseling Today | 19
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Working with adolescents
“No adolescent ever wants to be The most valued perspective I would n Society of Clinical Child & Adolescent understood, which is why they complain share with these families was the Psychology (Division 53 of the about being misunderstood all the time.” uniqueness of adolescent development. American Psychological Association): — Stephen Fry Adolescents are wired to explore and try clinicalchildpsychology.org new things for the purpose of crystallizing n International Association for Child their identities and to differentiate have always managed to be and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied comfortable working with themselves from their families. Families Professions: iacapap.org adolescents in the counseling would come into counseling and identify I n Child and Adolescent Mental Health relationship. When I started out, I was their teenager as the problem on the actually closer in age to my adolescent basis of his or her current behaviors. Project (part of the National Center clients than I was to the ages of their The challenge these parents faced was for Cultural Competence): tinyurl. parents. In fact, in the parents’ eyes, there to help their adolescents navigate those com/8fdryne was often a credibility gap between my developmental changes, while avoiding n International Association of life experience and my potential ability risks that could be detrimental to their Adolescent Health: iaah.org to work with their teenagers. A common welfare. question asked of me during this time This approach involved developing a was, “Do you have any children?” which, trusting relationship among all members Adolescent development of course, was code for, “How can you of the family and emphasizing that they So many changes happen during an counsel us about our teenager when had the personal capacity to work through emerging adolescent’s development: you are so young and have so little life these issues together. Once we established emotional, cognitive, social and physical. experience?” a working alliance as a group, we had These links offer a good review for I appreciated that these parents saw to accept that family members would any practicing counselor working me as being closer to their children’s sometimes have differing viewpoints. The with adolescents and a good overview age so that I could more easily identify family also had to accept the responsibility for parents who need to know more with (and perhaps “fix”) these adolescent to work to improve the situation. From about the transition their child is going clients. I was simultaneously distressed, that point forward, counseling with through. adolescents and their families took its own however, that these parents also viewed n “Adolescent Growth and me as an inexperienced counselor (even natural course and pace. Development” (Virginia Cooperative For the beginning counselor working though I was at the time). Luckily, I had Extension): tinyurl.com/cw2llhh a great supervisor who was willing to with adolescent clients and their families, n “Developing Adolescents: A Reference support me through my early stages. I it is especially helpful to tap the resources for Professionals” (American also took the opportunity to learn more of professional associations, consider the Psychological Association): tinyurl.com/ about family therapy and working with uniqueness of adolescent development, cwrfaez challenging adolescents. I enthusiastically explore counseling techniques and attended weeklong workshops by understand particular treatment strategies. n “Cognitive and Affective Development Salvador Minuchin, Maurizio Andolfi in Adolescence” (Lawrence Steinberg): and Carl Whitaker and read all of their Professional associations tinyurl.com/cbb3p4o works. I developed a strong professional n Association for Child and Adolescent n Psychology: The Human Experience: belief in not seeing the adolescent in Counseling (an organizational Adolescent & Adult Development (four- isolation, and my approach shifted to affiliate of the American Counseling part video series): youtu.be/c5rJZN-Ie7s working with as many family members Association): tinyurl.com/8udux5f as possible. When I examined my own n “Adolescent Brain Development” adolescence and that of my friends n Society for Research on Adolescence: (three-part video series): youtu. growing up, I was able to use those s-r-a.org be/Hl-R5vtERj8 lessons to better connect with families of n American Academy of Child & n “Adolescent Emotional Development” adolescents. Adolescent Psychiatry: aacap.org (Angela Oswalt): tinyurl.com/c2s9r6h
20 | Counseling Today | November 2012 n Social and emotional changes in youtu.be/kFS6KAu6EQA com/8bct8r6; depression treatment: adolescence (Raising Children n “The Beginning Counselor’s tinyurl.com/cfaqoxe; disruptive behavior Network): tinyurl.com/9ukq9sb Survival Kit: 30 Creative Activities treatment: tinyurl.com/d8pozzr; trauma n Psychflick theme index for popular and Interventions” (handouts from treatment: tinyurl.com/8ehbqaf) movies that deal with different issues presentation at the ACA Annual of adolescence: psychflix.com/theme_ Conference): tinyurl.com/c2s3hcr Looking back, I can better understand index.html n “Group Counseling for At-Risk those parents’ questions about whether Counseling approaches Adolescent Girls to Improve Decision- I had my own children. I have since What are some basics you need to Making Skills” (Jennifer L. Daka): experienced my own remarkable journey remember when working with adolescents tinyurl.com/cl2xogq raising adolescents — both of whom, I and their families? The following Internet n “The Effects of Group Counseling on am thankful to say, seem to have made it resources offer information about Adolescent Stress” (Melissa I. Kurlan): down that road with their sense of self- counseling frameworks and approaches tinyurl.com/cl9b4rh confidence and happiness intact. for working with adolescents. w Counseling techniques n Basic Counseling Skills: basic- Find complete links from this article counseling-skills.com n “The Mental Health of Adolescence: or contribute your own suggestions on A National Profile, 2008” (National n “Walking a Tightrope: Family Therapy “The Digital Psyway” companion site at Adolescence Health Information With Adolescents and Their Families digitalpsyway.net. u (Kenneth V. Hardy): tinyurl.com/ Center): tinyurl.com/cbezwc2 c3gnzp4 n Treating and Preventing Adolescent n Youth-Centered Counseling (Pan Mental Health Disorders (Annenberg American Health Organization): Foundation Trust at Sunnylands tinyurl.com/9m58h8x Adolescent Mental Health Initiative): Marty Jencius is an associate tinyurl.com/csrc859 n “Counselling skills training in professor in the counseling and adolescent sexuality and reproductive n “Preventive Health Counseling human development services health” (World Health Organization): for Adolescents” (American Family program at Kent State University. tinyurl.com/8srtr3b Physician): tinyurl.com/9z6ufov Contact him at [email protected]. n n The California Evidence-Based Five approaches to counseling Letters to the editor: adolescents (five-part video series Clearinghouse for Child Welfare: [email protected] from Microtraining Associates): cebc4cw.org (anxiety treatment: tinyurl.
November 2012 | Counseling Today | 21 New Perspectives - With Donjanea Fletcher Williams My first year as a new professional
t this point of the year, recent 4) Regular, good supervision is critical. I counseling graduates are cannot emphasize this enough! A either getting adjusted in their 5) Be honest with yourself. Certain roles as new professionals or still on the settings or populations are not for everyone, and getting help from my supervisors and job hunt. We recently spoke with a new and it is OK to change jobs. Find the right co-workers and being open with myself. professional who has been in the counseling area for you. Communication and honesty are key. field for two years about her first job, as well Julie A. Brown: As soon as I received as a doctoral student who is an author and my license to practice, I opened a private Tell us about your biggest has her own private practice. counseling practice. (Note: It is up to accomplishments during the first year. Kelli M. Polo obtained a master’s degree individual state licensing boards to KP: Becoming a licensed professional in clinical psychology with a counseling determine if counselors with an associate counselor, becoming effective in crisis situ- specialization in December 2010. She is a or provisional license are eligible to go into ations, building my knowledge base and licensed professional counselor and works private practice.) I quickly learned how developing my skills are my biggest accom- for Thresholds, a social service agency in liberating and refreshing it was to work for plishments. Nothing out of the ordinary, Chicago for individuals with severe mental myself in a helping profession. I should have yet they are accomplishments that I am very health issues. Kelli handles outreach done this — worked for myself — many proud of and, in those certain moments, services for individuals with mental illness, years ago. It is an exciting field. In looking accomplishments that feel extraordinary. including counseling, case management, back, I am convinced that if a person has JB: As I previously mentioned, I opened advocacy, skill building and community the desire to run their own business, they a private practice. That was my biggest ac- support services. can. They should do their due diligence and complishment. During that same year, I Julie A. Brown graduated with a make it happen. published my first book,How to Pass the master’s in mental health counseling and National Counselor Exam … the first time! is pursuing her doctorate in advanced What major challenges did you face on Between the two, I feel a great sense of sat- studies in human behavior. Julie is in her the job? How did you deal with them? isfaction knowing I am able to help many second year as a private practice clinician JB: The major challenge encountered in individuals with my counseling services, as and is a licensed professional counselor my practice was handling clients who had well as others who desire to enter the coun- associate, a national certified counselor insurance other than Medicaid. As a provi- seling field so they, too, can help others. and a certified trauma specialist. She also sionally licensed clinician in my state, I was published a book titled How to Pass the allowed to bill Medicaid recipients. Howev- Describe your job search process. What National Counselor Exam … the first time! er, other insurance plans such as Blue Cross do you think helped you land a position Additional information about Julie’s work Blue Shield, TRICARE and the like require during the current recession? is available at sandhillsclearview.com. mental health professionals to be fully li- KP: I obtained my first job two months w censed before they will contract with them after graduation but started searching and What are your “greatest lessons” for reimbursement of services rendered. I applying [for jobs] three months before learned from your first year as a new dealt with that challenge by tactfully screen- I graduated. I constantly monitored professional? ing clients when they called for services. career websites such as Indeed.com Kelli M. Polo: There are many great However, I saw some clients regardless of and CareerBuilder.com and applied as lessons to be learned, especially in your first their insurance situation because I needed soon as the job was posted. I also used year. My top five are: to fulfill my hourly requirement for full memberships in professional organizations 1) Progress is measured in different ways licensure status. The majority of my clients to my advantage and searched their for different people. Not all clients make though were billable and private-paying. websites and periodicals for job postings. huge leaps, and sometimes progress can be There were no issues with them. Finally, I searched directly on the career very, very small, but it is still progress and KP: The biggest challenge for me — pages of websites of local health care and should be celebrated. finding balance. As new practitioners, it social service organizations. For each posi- 2) Burnout and compassion fatigue is sometimes difficult to manage all of the tion that I applied for, I tailored not only are real. Take time to engage in self-care demands put on us. The main pressures are my cover letter but also my résumé to it regularly and create balance in your life. negotiating time between meeting clients’ and followed up with a phone call or email. 3) Ethical dilemmas are prevalent. needs, the billing requirements of your I actually ended up [being] hired through Knowing the laws and ethical codes, organization and maintaining your own networking, which seems to be the way to receiving good supervision and acting sanity. Sometimes, it is tough to do all three go, especially during the current recession. diligently, with the client’s best interest in at the same time. I deal with these pressures JB: I was not searching for a job per se. mind, will help you through anything. by being in constant communication with However, I was searching for clients. Then
22 | Counseling Today | November 2012
My life, my story
Nominate an exceptional student or new professional to be featured in “My life, my story” by emailing [email protected].
This month, new professional Geneva M. Gray is featured as president of the International Association of Addictions and Offender Counselors. Gray is also an assistant professor in the counseling department at Argosy University-Atlanta Campus. Age: 37 Home: Originally from Chicago but resides in Atlanta Education: Ph.D. in counselor education and practice, Ed.S. in professional counseling and M.S. in professional counseling from Georgia State University; B.A. in psychology from Emory University; associate of arts in liberal arts from Oxford College of Emory University Greatest professional accomplishment: The day that I defended my dissertation and became “Dr. Gray.” This was Words of advice for new professionals and students: an important day both for me and for other people who Think beyond the classroom and the office to determine struggled, sacrificed, prayed and encouraged me along the how you can be an agent for change in society. Use small and way. That day was a great accomplishment for my ancestors. seemingly insignificant moments in your day-to-day life to Biggest professional challenge: Learning to narrow my advocate for and support the rights of others. Never ignore interests and invest my time and energy in projects and injustice. Use your voice to speak for others who don’t have a activities that are meaningful to me. voice, and make it acceptable for others to do the same. again, I guess that could be considered a to learn and grow in my current role. and stimulant to overcoming challenges you job. What helped me to begin building Down the line, I am open to taking on may face. By doing so, down the road you my client base was networking — letting supervisory and administrative roles, while will look back and see how much you have people know that I was “out there” and thoughts of private practice and teaching grown, personally and professionally. about my services. Those folks told other are always lurking. KP: Know yourself. Be aware of your folks … and it went on from there. So, strengths and weaknesses, biases, etc., during the current economy, word-of- What advice do you have for recent and never stop working toward self- mouth marketing was my most effective counseling graduates? improvement. Personal and professional method and helped to yield about 99 JB: Once you get started in whatever percent of my client base. direction you decide to go, enjoy yourself. development is a lifelong process, and even Have fun. Learn to laugh, both at your- the most seasoned clinician has room to What is your future career plan, self and with your clients. Relax — the develop and grow. u and how to you plan to accomplish it? hard part is over. Donjanea Fletcher Williams is a JB: My plan is to continue what I am Second, try to maintain the connections student affairs counselor at the currently doing — building my practice. I you made during your internship because University of West Georgia. To really enjoy my career, so I enjoy each day I they can serve as bridges to your future. submit a question to be answered am granted. I set short-term goals and reach They can be sources for a wealth of in this column or an article them. The future comes soon enough, and experience from which to draw, as well as detailing the experiences and when it arrives, I set another short-term professional references. Do not burn those challenges of being a graduate goal. I have devoted my life to engaging in bridges once you are done as an intern. student or new counseling activities that involve helping others to have Last, remember that we, as clinicians, professional, email her at a better life. There is no reason to believe are part of a culture — the helping culture. [email protected]. that in the future, that would change. Having active involvement in this culture KP: My short-term goal is to obtain my — by attending conferences, participating Letters to the editor: licensed clinical professional counselor in [electronic mailing lists] and even peri- [email protected] licensure in Illinois and to continue odic supervision — will serve as a support
November 2012 | Counseling Today | 23 Private Practice Strategies - By Anthony Centore
How to avoid hiring a nightmare counselor employee
ounseling practices struggle role” that gets in the way of the therapy characteristics you require, try a situation- with employee turnover. relationship. style interview question. For example, to CHigh turnover is sometimes a Practice on the side: The counselor inquire if an applicant is clinically strong, product of poor working conditions or opens his or her own practice on the side, instead of saying, “Tell me about your low compensation. In other instances, it cutting into the counselor’s availability and clinical experience,” you could say, “Tell is because the hiring party does a poor fostering a lack of loyalty to your company. me about a time when you were in session job of determining whether an applicant Debates everything: The counselor with a client and he or she presented a would be a good fit for his or her thinks that he or she can manage the very challenging problem. What was the company. This article will focus on the company better than you and argues every problem, how did you attempt to help, latter reason. administrative decision. and what was the outcome?” A situation- Turnover is an issue in many fields, Makes everything an ethical style question will help you better assess but in counseling private practice, it issue: The counselor demands that whether the applicant truly possesses the presents a unique challenge. It is bad for you accommodate his or her personal characteristics you are seeking. clients, bad for a practice’s reputation and preferences and soapboxes by claiming 2) Check supervisor references. very difficult financially because of the they are “ethical issues.” References are often poorly checked (if investment that clinics put into new staff, Won’t follow up with clients: The checked at all). It is important not just to including training, credentialing and counselor is too shy, too timid or too lazy check references, but also to do this well. the high cost of building a counselor’s to follow up with clients with whom he or First, only accept a professional reference caseload. Unfortunately, when counselor she has lost touch. from an applicant’s direct supervisor/ turnover occurs, the vast majority of a Technologically unwilling: The report. Co-workers are often friends and clinician’s caseload often is lost. counselor won’t commit the time or effort are biased. Conversely, if a reference is to learn technological procedures that are too high up the food chain (the CEO, What is a nightmare counselor? important to how your practice operates. for example), that person won’t have any What does it mean to have a “nightmare direct insights into the applicant’s work. counselor” on your team? Ethical issues Finding a rock star counselor Next, ignore the accolades and ask and clinical aptitude aside, here are some As the owner of a private practice, you the reference to tell you in what areas of the most common counselor traits that want to do your best to ensure that the the applicant is weak. Sometimes a can be a nightmare for an employer. person you plan on hiring doesn’t possess reference won’t want to shine light on Won’t complete notes: The counselor’s the characteristics discussed above. Hiring any weaknesses. In this case, you will notes are often behind schedule or an excellent counselor isn’t just about need to level with the reference and say, incomplete, thus creating a hassle finding someone who isn’t a problem, “We all have areas where we need to for medical billers and increasing the however. It’s also about finding someone grow. As a potential employer of [the practice’s liability. who is a great fit for your company and applicant], we want to make sure we Poor client retention: The counselor’s taking into consideration that every provide an environment that will set up clients don’t stay long, and many clients are practice is different. [the applicant] for success and foster his/ gone after their first or second appointment. Think about what you consider to be her growth. It is important that we know Wants more money: The counselor the four most important characteristics for [the applicant’s] weaknesses to do that.” isn’t happy with his or her compensation a new employee to possess to succeed in If the reference still won’t provide any and constantly tries to renegotiate wages. your practice. Some possibilities include weaknesses, it is a bad reference. Ask the Note: This doesn’t automatically mean clinically experienced, gentle, firm, flexible, applicant for a new reference, which brings you pay poorly; sometimes clinicians just customer service oriented, connected us to our next strategy … want more! in the community, extroverted, kind of 3) Ask applicants to jump through a Refuses admin work: The counselor weird, nurturing, follows instructions couple of hoops. Most employers want refuses to complete the simplest of well, technologically savvy, able to work team members who can problem solve and administrative tasks. The counselor won’t independently, able to work in a team, able overcome challenges. Test this during the print a form, make coffee or turn off a light to multitask, maintains a focus on personal interview process. Interviews don’t need because “that’s not my job.” growth and so on. Now, interview each to be easy! At our company, we often ask Copay issues: The counselor complains applicant for these characteristics. applicants to meet with us over Skype for about or refuses to accept clients’ copays, 1) Ask situation-style questions. the first interview. For many applicants, stating that doing so creates a “dual To survey whether an applicant has the this poses a challenge. If, at the time of the
24 | Counseling Today | November 2012 interview, the applicant’s computer isn’t working or he or she has a poor Internet signal, that’s a red flag. Also, applicants are interviewed at least three times. You will be New! shocked at how much you learn about an applicant by the end of the third interview that you didn’t know at the end of the first. Counseling Around the World: This brings us to our final strategy … 4) Watch for red flags. Here are two for which I have learned to be on the An International Handbook lookout. First, watch for the applicant edited by Thomas H. Hohenshil, who is overexcited about the company. Norman E. Amundson, and Spencer G. Niles This person might say, “I’ve looked at your website, and I love, love, love your “This book delivers on the promise company! I know this will be a great fit for to increase counselors’ global literacy me!” These individuals might seem like a through the collection of country great fit, but hire them and they will turn “snapshots” about the status of on you the second that things aren’t exactly how they thought they would be. counseling. Counselors will view their Second, pay attention to the impression professional identity in new ways the applicant makes on the phone. If you as they read about common issues reach a voice mail message that sounds between countries and the unique rude or crotchety, if the message isn’t in line country contexts that influence the with your brand, or if it takes the person practice of counseling.” 15 seconds to hang up the phone after —Nancy Arthur, PhD recording a voice mail greeting, beware! Also University of Calgary beware if an applicant answers the phone and comes across as rude before learning who you are. This fascinating book provides a global exchange of information about counseling activities and services; counselor training; It’s worth it and existing professional practices, beliefs, and values. Native Hiring well is one of the best things you counselors and leading experts from 40 countries discuss the can do for your company. As my ability opportunities for growth in their countries and the challenges to hire has improved through the years, my team has also improved. Today, I am they face. After an introductory section that discusses global proud and amazed by my employees, both diversity themes and issues, chapters focus on key countries in in their professionalism and in how they Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North America, Oceania, represent our company’s brand. On more and South and Central America. Each chapter covers the history than one occasion, I have had people join us and current state of counseling in the country, theories and for lunch or visit a peer supervision meeting techniques that have been shown to work best in meeting the and comment, “Wow! Your team is so needs of the population, diversity issues specific to the region, happy and positive. How did you do that?” counselor education and training, and possibilities for the future My answer: “Oh, I didn’t do that. They of counseling in the country. A comprehensive list of international came like that! I only hire really happy people.” u resources and counseling organizations is also included. 2013 | 450 pgs | Order #78077 | ISBN 978-1-55620-316-9 List Price: $59.95 | ACA Member Price: $44.95
Anthony Centore is the founder Please include $8.75 for shipping of the first book and of Thriveworks, a company that $1.00 for each additional book. helps counselors get on insurance panels, find new clients and build Order Online: counseling.org thriving practices. Contact him at [email protected]. By Phone: 800-422-2648 x222 (M-F 8am – 6pm) Letters to the editor: [email protected]
November 2012 | Counseling Today | 25 Recent books by ACA members
Chillax! How Ernie Learns to Chill Out, provides essential information that allows text on multicultural counseling features Relax and Take Charge of His Anger victims to begin recovering from their new chapters on multicultural counseling By Marcella Marino Craver, immense pain and suffering, and empowers competence for minority mental health Magination Press them to examine their specific issues to professionals, multicultural evidence-based In this graphic novel for preteens, Ernie become a true survivor. It helps those practice, culturally competent assessment, has a great life except for one problem — abused in childhood to grasp how their and poverty and counseling. he doesn’t just get mad, he gets really mad! experience impacted their development and w With the help of a school counselor and the extent to which it negatively affects their the support of his family, Ernie learns about present lives; encourages them to let go of Primer on Posttraumatic Growth: his angry outbursts and discovers that he the belief that they are damaged, dirty, or at An Introduction and Guide has the power to control and calm himself. fault; and provides an effective strategy for By Mary Beth Werdel & Robert J. Wicks, Chillax! includes a kid-friendly resource sec- externalizing the source of their anguish, Wiley tion with information about emotions, plus rather than blaming themselves. Drawing on the growing empirical and easy-to-use tools and strategies for dealing w theoretical material on posttraumatic with anger. This graphic novel received the growth — an outgrowth of the positive Mom’s Choice Award for Juvenile Books Groups in Practice: A School psychology movement — this guide Self-Improvement (Gold). Counselor’s Collection provides insight, depth and treatment w By Debra Madaris Efird, Routledge recommendations for both the clinicians This practical, user-friendly manual who work with those who have experienced Interviewing and Change Strategies will provide school counselors with the dramatic negative events in their lives and for Helpers, Seventh Edition information they need to set up and run for other professionals who support victims By Sherry Cormier, Paula Nurius 12 different counseling groups, covering of trauma and extreme stress. & Cynthia Osborn, Brooks/Cole such topics as Asperger’s syndrome, w This book is a compendium of interview- attention deficit disorder, juvenile diabetes, ing skills and change intervention strategies relational aggression and underachieving Trauma Counseling: Theories applicable to a range of therapeutic situ- boys. Included with each chapter are the and Interventions ations with diverse clients. The format of American School Counselor Association By Lisa Lopez Levers, Springer the book lends itself to documentation of a standards that are addressed in the course of This is a comprehensive, variety of specific learning outcomes. the group, as well as a rationale, step-by-step multidisciplinary guide to the theory and w breakdown of each session, reproducible treatment of survivors of a broad spectrum worksheets and activities, and a group- of traumatic events, including interpersonal Working in Your Major: How to specific evaluation form. violence, hate crimes, school violence, Find a Job When You Graduate w community violence, natural disasters, and By Mary E. Ghilani, Praeger war and terrorism. The author is a Fulbright This book tackles a daunting problem The Couple’s Match Book: Lighting, scholar who is internationally recognized for faced by many new grads — successfully Rekindling or Extinguishing the Flame her work with traumatized populations in finding a job in their area of study after By Daniel Eckstein, Trafford Rwanda, several southern African countries, graduation. The book begins by exploring In this book, Daniel Eckstein has taken Russia and the United States. The book the options available to college graduates 20 years of his “for couples” columns pub- discusses evidence-based trauma assessment and then details effective methods for find- lished in The Family Journal and collabo- and intervention techniques and integrates ing openings. It also covers communicating rated with others for additional experiential the latest findings from neuropsychology college experience on a résumé, navigating activities. All couple activities have been and psychopharmacology. the hiring culture unique to their college organized using Jay Haley’s four assessment w major and succeeding in that first critical tools of understanding and respecting per- year on the job. sonality differences, role perceptions, com- I Can Choose Better Behaviors w munication and problem-solving skills. By Emily Goodman-Scott & Judy O’Rorke-Trigiani, CreateSpace w Healing From Childhood Abuse: As school counselors, the authors Understanding the Effects, Counseling the Culturally Diverse: Theory and Practice, Sixth Edition created social skills workbooks to teach Taking Control to Recover students skills such as coping and self- By John J. Lemoncelli, Praeger Publishers By Derald Wing Sue & David Sue, Wiley regulation. After many requests from other Written directly to individuals who have This new edition of the most frequently counselors, these books were published on experienced childhood trauma, this book cited, widely used and critically acclaimed Amazon. This interactive workbook can
26 | Counseling Today | November 2012 be individualized for each student or client the street from Philadelphia’s Shibe Park, counseling and social media. Every entry is to teach and then practice specific social where Connie Mack’s A’s are challenging documented with bibliographical citations skills based on the individual’s need. Using the Yankees dynasty of Ruth and Gehrig. from the professional literature as well images, simple language, opportunities for His family — and their neighbors — has as up-to-date links to local and national practice and adult involvement, the book fans watching the games from their roofs online resources. is a crucial first step in teaching social skills and bedrooms, a practice that Mack tries w to youth with disabilities as well as typically everything to curtail. Neighborhood tykes developing children who are coping with sell hot dogs, lemonade and scorecards to Living With a Disability: temporary challenges. customers on the rooftops and charge for Finding Peace Amidst the Storm w watching cars parked on the street. By Susan Stuntzner, Counseling w Association of India Developing Resilient Youth: When Susan Stuntzner was 19 and in- Classroom Activities for Trauma-Informed Practices jured her spine, there wasn’t much informa- Social-Emotional Competence With Children and Adolescents tion available to demystify the process of By William G. Nicoll, Abbot Press By William Steele & Cathy A. Malchiodi, adapting to it. Her first book addresses that Routledge Based on the resilience research, a need, detailing the arduous process of men- conceptual framework is provided for This resource deepens clinicians’ tal, spiritual, social and physical adjustment, developing transformative, bully-proof understanding of the effects of trauma while exposing the dehumanizing cultural schools, improved classroom climate, and on children and adolescents. It effectively assumptions that people with disabilities are socially and emotionally competent youth. translates theory into helpful practice either weaker than or more courageous than Fifty classroom guidance activities are strategies, with an emphasis on the use of others. The resource incorporates questions provided for developing the five essential expressive therapies. Case vignettes and at the end of each chapter aimed at students social-emotional competencies of resilience. commentaries from noted trauma experts and professionals, and it concludes with an Each activity includes follow-up activities make this book an in-depth exploration overview of approaches. both for teachers and for parents to of helping practices that acknowledge engage home-school collaboration in the individual resiliency and the possibility of w development of resilient youth. transformative growth after trauma. On the Intuitive Spectrum: w w A Deeper Look Into the Amazing Value of Intuition Counseling LGBTI Clients Ecopsychology: Science, Totems By Susan Ozimkiewicz, CreateSpace By Kevin Alderson, Sage and the Technological Species This book is part of the Multicultural This well-organized and impressively Edited by Peter H. Kahn Jr. & Patricia H. Counseling and Psychotherapy Series under researched book offers a detailed historical Hasbach, MIT Press the general editorship of Paul Pedersen. It and practical review of intuition as a provides a comprehensive overview and We need nature for our physical and cultural value and personal transformative counseling interventions for lesbian, gay, psychological well-being. Yet we are also a power. This book could appeal to a range of bisexual, transgender and intersex clients. technological species and have been since readers, including therapists, their patients, we fashioned tools out of stone. One of this students, Jungian scholars and women and w century’s central challenges is to embrace feminists of all ages. u Breaking Out II: The Complete Guide to our kinship with a more-than-human Building a Positive LGBTI Identity world and integrate that kinship with our By Kevin Alderson, Insomniac Press scientific culture and technological selves. This book takes on that challenge and This self-help book nicely complements Book descriptions are provided proposes a re-envisioned ecopsychology. the author’s Counseling LGBTI Clients book by the authors or their publishers. published by Sage. This second edition w Book announcements are for provides very practical suggestions from a informational purposes only and cognitive-behavioral and hypnotic perspec- The A to Z of School Counseling do not indicate an endorsement tive for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender in New York State, 2012-13 Edition by Counseling Today or the and intersex individuals attempting to live By Edward A. Mainzer, CreateSpace American Counseling Association. positive, productive and fulfilling lives. Designed as the “go to” desktop reference ACA members who have had w work for everyone serving school-age youth a book published in the past in New York state, this volume contains four months can email jrollins@ Bleachers in the Bedroom: The both the latest state Education Department counseling.org for information on Swampoodle Irish and Connie Mack regulatory changes and dozens of entries having the book announced in By John J. Rooney, Zip, The Educational on counseling best practices and resources. Counseling Today. Publisher New in this edition are entries covering A nostalgic and humorous trip back topics ranging from non-suicidal self-injury to the author’s childhood home across to restraint and seclusion, social justice
November 2012 | Counseling Today | 27 READ Counseling Today, November 2012 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 earn1 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: Eyes wide open Learning Objectives: Reading this article will help you: 1) Understand how to better recognize depression in clients. 2) Examine treatment approaches counselors can use to help serve the needs of clients with depression.
Continuing Education Examination
1) Which factor increases a person’s likelihood of living with depression? 3) Depression may be more difficult to recognize in clients who are: a) Stressful life events a) In touch with themselves b) Loss of a loved one b) Unmotivated to continue therapy c) A past history of abuse c) Aware of their symptoms d) Conflict in interpersonal relationships d) More stoic in nature e) All of the above 4) Which treatment approach has not been empirically supported to treat 2) Certain medications such as beta-blockers and medical problems such depression across the general population? as cancer can increase the risk of depression. a) Behavior therapy _____ True _____ False b) Cognitive therapy c) Person-centered therapy d) Interpersonal therapy
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 was met ______Social Worker ______Student ______This offering met my expectations ______Other
Complete the test online at http://learning.counseling.org. You will be able to pay online and download your CE certificate immediately! Mail: Complete the test and mail (with payment made out 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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28 | Counseling Today | November 2012 Risk Management for counselors - By Anne Marie “Nancy” Wheeler
Considerations for records retention
Question: I am a licensed professional retention policy; this pertains to the documentation of care provided can counselor in a solo private practice. Can number of years after an injury or the frequently help your attorney get the you give me any guidance on how long I discovery of injury that a client has to file board complaint dismissed. should retain my records? a lawsuit. The statute of limitations for There is no “one size fits all” answer to Answer: You should retain your both negligence and breach of contract the question of how long to keep records. counseling records for at least the actions should be checked because the If you carefully consider the options minimum time set by state law, if there latter period might apply in a complaint mentioned above and obtain advice is such a law. (See also the 2005 ACA alleging breach of confidentiality. from your personal attorney, malpractice Code of Ethics, Standard B.6.g., Storage If there is no set minimum records company and licensure board, you will and Disposal After Termination.) retention period in your state, you should be well-positioned to make a reasonable Federal Health Insurance Portability probably consider retaining your records decision that fits your particular practice. and Accountability Act laws address for a minimum of seven years for adult w privacy and security but do not set record clients. If you see Medicaid clients or The question addressed in this column retention periods. Counselor licensure those receiving other federal government was developed from a de-identified law or regulations sometimes specify assistance, you may want to extend that composite of calls made to the Risk how long records must be kept. If not, period to 10 years (because federal “false Management Helpline sponsored by the consider your practice setting and why claims” actions can be brought against a American Counseling Association. This records may be needed. You may also health care provider for up to 10 years). If information is presented for educational wish to contact your licensure board you treat children, you may wish to keep purposes only. For specific legal advice, to see if it has guidelines for records their records until the time they reach please consult your own local attorney. retention. the age of majority. In some states, it is To access additional risk management Why would your records be needed advisable to keep minor’s records until Q&As, visit ACA’s website at counseling. in the future? Some of your clients may age of majority plus three years (or the org and click on “Ethics.” u return to you in the future, and records applicable length of time that pertains to may help you to remember details of the the statute of limitations). Some attorneys counseling relationship. Some clients may advise keeping records indefinitely, but want records to be sent to a new mental counselors must balance the possible need Anne Marie “Nancy” Wheeler, J.D., health care provider, and records can help for records with the cost and trouble of a licensed attorney, is the risk provide continuity of care. You will want storing them. management consultant for the your records to help defend yourself in Another consideration in setting a ACA Ethics Department. the event a malpractice lawsuit, ethics records retention policy is that licensure complaint or licensure board complaint board investigations may sometimes be Letters to the editor: is filed against you. Furthermore, the brought years after an alleged practice [email protected] “statute of limitations” may be relevant violation. There is often no statute in setting your records maintenance and of limitations in this venue. Your
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November 2012 | Counseling Today | 29 Eyes wide open Recognizing depression in clients, especially among those who are often “invisible,” is the first step in addressing a very treatable illness By Lynne Shallcross
elancholy piano music plays days, weeks, months or even years. in the background as people It can affect them not just mentally Mflash back to times in their and emotionally but also physically, lives when they felt happiness. Returning relationally, vocationally and spiritually. to the present, we see individuals in Regardless, these clients often describe obvious emotional pain. A voice asks, their depression on a continuum ranging “When you’re depressed, where do you from feeling blue or ‘in a funk’ to want to go? Nowhere. Who do you feel experiencing overwhelming emptiness like seeing? No one. Depression hurts in and despair. They feel helpless, hopeless so many ways.” and victims to whatever they are If you watch TV, you’ve no doubt experiencing,” says Walker, who has also seen this commercial advertising one of worked as a counselor in an outpatient the growing number of antidepressants physical rehabilitation setting and as part now on the market. Regardless of of an employee assistance program. how you feel about these medications, Having trouble concentrating, feeling a statistics suggest the message from that lack of desire to do anything and feeling a commercial — that depression can be general sense of malaise are also common debilitating and rob people of their sense among those experiencing depression, of joy — likely resonates with millions says Gary Gintner, an associate professor of viewers. In fact, the World Health and program leader of counselor Organization calls depression “common,” education at Louisiana State University affecting about 121 million people across and a past president of the American the globe. According to the Centers for Mental Health Counselors Association, a Disease Control and Prevention, nearly division of ACA. 1 in 10 U.S. adults reports symptoms of We all hit bumps in the road of life. depression. The question is why these bumps land American Counseling Association some people “in the ditch,” while others member Katherine Walker has a private seem to power through without losing practice in Wake Forest, N.C., and one course. Walker points to genetics and the of her counseling specialties is treating individual’s environment as two major depression. She says clients dealing factors that determine the likelihood with depression often feel stuck or of depression. Those individuals with a overwhelmed with some aspect of family history of depression — especially their lives. a biological parent who has struggled “Some may be experiencing a with depression — are more likely to significant loss such as loss of a job, loss experience depression at some point in of previous status or esteem, loss of a their own lives, she says. Moving beyond significant relationship or the death of a genetics, a history of abuse, stressful life loved one. Others may be dealing with events, loss of previous status or role, some internal conflict — body image, conflict in interpersonal relationships poor self-esteem, etc. — or experiencing and loss of loved ones can also increase conflict in their relationships with others. a person’s likelihood of living with We know that depression can either be depression, Walker says. Certain situational or recurrent, lasting hours, medications such as beta-blockers and
30 | Counseling Today | November 2012 medical problems such as cancer can also n Reported or observed signs of sadness, n Feeling a general lack of direction, increase depression risk, she adds. including poor eye contact, strain in meaning, purpose or motivation Says Richard Hazler, a professor the facial muscles around the eyes and Asking clients whether or how their of counselor education at Penn State mouth, slowed movement and speech, habits have changed can also provide University and a member of ACA, “No slumped posture, crying in session and possible indicators of depression, Hazler different than most disorders, genetics reported bouts of tearfulness says. For instance, if clients say their appear to make some people more likely sleeping patterns have changed recently, n Wanting to withdraw and hide from to suffer from depression and some less, their eating habits have changed recently responsibilities and relationships but it is the environment that tends and their interactions with friends and to trigger reactions [and] make the n Feeling either overwhelmed or family have changed recently, those might depression less severe or more severe.” underwhelmed in life roles be warning signs of depression, he says. Certain clients who seek counseling will present with clear symptoms n Experiencing a loss of appetite or Different paths to treatment and be “painfully in touch with their engaging in emotional eating Gintner says three approaches are depression,” Walker says, making it n Experiencing decreased sex drive empirically supported for treating relatively easy for the counselor to depression across the general population: n determine what is going on. “For Having sleepless nights or sleeping behavior therapy, cognitive therapy and others,” she says, “it might be more excessively interpersonal therapy. Behavior therapy insidious, especially for individuals n Feeling helpless and hopeless is often a good initial treatment, Gintner who may be unaware and not in touch says, because it is fairly straightforward n Feeling fatigued and achy with themselves, are in denial of their and encourages clients to make changes symptoms or tend to be more stoic n Having trouble remembering, in their activities or lifestyle. Cognitive in nature and put up a front for fear concentrating or making decisions therapy is beneficial when the main of being perceived as being weak or a component of a client’s depression is n Feeling a loss of pleasure for previously failure.” connected to his or her thoughts, he enjoyable or meaningful activities and In searching for clues of depression in says. Interpersonal therapy fits well with apathy for things once important to clients, Walker says counselors should clients experiencing a significant number them pay close attention to the following of interpersonal problems related to their symptoms: n Feeling worthless depression, Gintner says. MARYMOUNT UNIVERSITY Arlington, Virginia Doctor of Education in Counselor Education and Supervision (Ed.D.) Now Accepting Applications for 2013 Cohort!
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November 2012 | Counseling Today | 31 From his experience, Hazler believes a from depression. “Medication is mostly counselor’s best route is to follow his or used to ease the depressive thoughts her own preferred clinical approach. “If and feelings so that the client can more you are a good counselor and you have a appropriately consider cognitions and solid theoretical viewpoint and it works take actions that will be productive,” consistently, that’s what you should be Hazler says. doing,” Hazler says. “All the research Walker thinks an antidepressant may shows that the core relationship and be an important adjunct to therapy for counseling skills have the greatest impact some clients. That’s especially true, she on client outcomes, and those skills are says, in cases in which clients are dealing used across all major counseling theories. with pervasive depressive symptoms, We have counseling theories — plural have a family or personal history of — because no one theory has proven depression, have a history of suicide to be perfect or uniformly better than ideation or attempts, or have a serious others. The combination that seems most medical condition, chronic pain or important is a counselor with basic skills disability. “However,” Walker says, “I and a sound belief in and ability do not necessarily see medications as to implement a theory that will do the being the end-all-be-all and believe that best job.” a whole-body approach will provide Walker deems her theoretical greater efficacy in the treatment of orientation a bit “eclectic,” combining depression. I frequently encourage clients rational emotive behavior therapy to schedule an appointment with their and solution-focused therapy with general practitioner or internist for a full mindfulness and awareness, and that physical and blood work to determine if is the treatment path she follows with an underlying medical condition may be clients struggling with depression as well. contributing to their depression.” Walker says her goal with these clients In addition to the chosen counseling is to help them live more authentically approach and possible medications, rather than always striving to be what Walker says wellness is a key ingredient others expect them to be. in fighting depression. “[I] have found “I work with clients to help them that when clients engage in a good self- uncover their true potential and to [live] care program, which includes better life more assertively, meaningfully and nutrition, a regular moderate exercise adaptively, and to do so mindfully with program and keeping a consistent and awareness,” Walker says. “I try to help reasonable sleep-wake cycle, they often them make sense and find meaning out report that the intensity, frequency or of what may feel [like] insurmountable duration of their [depression] symptoms circumstances or traumatic events they diminishes,” she says. “I also believe have had to endure. While we can’t it is important that clients engage in change difficult situations of the past, we meaningful and productive activity and can work to better understand and resolve daily responsibilities, be fully present and challenges in our life by realizing our true engaged in relationships with important potential to be our own change agent. others, and participate in leisure activities By applying complementary therapy and recreation to help mitigate their approaches and techniques, I work with depressive symptoms.” clients to unearth long-standing behavior “Wellness comes apart during patterns or negative perceptions that may depression,” Hazler says, adding that be holding them back from experiencing many people experiencing depression a more fulfilling and meaningful life. I tend to decrease healthy life habits such believe as counselors, we need to help as good eating, exercise, spirituality and our clients identify areas where they feel sociability. “Not only does not doing stuck, establish reasonable and attainable these things change body chemistry, goals, break [from] feeling victimized [but] the person also knows they’re not by their circumstances, and feel more doing them, and they feel bad about it,” empowered and be more adaptive and which can further deepen the depression, resilient in their lives.” he says. In certain cases, these counselors say, Encouraging wellness is one piece of medication can aid clients in rebounding a holistic approach to helping clients
32 | Counseling Today | November 2012 combat depression, Hazler says. “In Zalaquett, who has trained school a message perpetuated by society that action, [a holistic approach] means that counselors throughout Florida on they should succeed and be competitive, you deal with the client’s cognitions, how to separate adolescent moodiness while simultaneously receiving another work with their actions/behaviors from depression, says counselors need message that they should be kind, take and consider all aspects of the client’s to stay alert for signals that a teenager care of others and show compassion. So, environment, culture [and] the various might be depressed. These signals can Choate says, these girls may worry about aspects of wellness,” he says. “Depression include attendance issues, behavior their friends’ feelings even as they try is not one-dimensional. It impacts and problems, academic problems, inability to compete against them in athletics or is impacted by all aspects of the client’s to concentrate, irritability, withdrawing academics, for instance. genetics [and] environment and all the from classmates and friends, and any Girls also are prone to excessive aspects of a wellness model that support a expressions of suicide or death wishes. empathy, Choate says. “If their friend is healthy life and lifestyle.” Most adolescents won’t show these going through a hard time, they allow Invisible no more symptoms for an extended period of time, the friend’s problem to affect them, and When it comes to diagnosing but if they do, Zalaquett says, counselors they feel it [too],” she says. “That can put depression, says Carlos Zalaquett, need to get involved or make a referral. them at risk for depression.” professor and coordinator of the clinical According to NIMH, adolescent Another factor is that girls are more mental health counseling program at the girls are even more likely than boys to likely to engage in corumination, University of South Florida, adolescents experience depression. Laura Choate, repeatedly obsessing over problems and older adults are often the most associate professor of counselor education verbally with their friends, Choate “invisible” populations. Why? With at Louisiana State University, says major says. “Yet they’re less likely than boys adolescents, symptoms of depression depressive disorder is rising among to problem solve and take action,” she are frequently chalked up to teenage adolescent girls, perhaps because they are says. “Instead, they just ruminate and moodiness, while among older adults, the reaching puberty earlier than in the past, talk about the problem, and this process symptoms are often mistaken as a normal are facing life stressors earlier and are less contributes to depression.” part of aging, says Zalaquett, a member prepared to manage those stressors and Although most adolescent girls will of ACA who has conducted research on pressures. Between the ages of 12 and experience a depressed mood from time depression in both groups. 15, rates of depression among girls triple, to time, Choate points out that the Especially troubling when it comes to according to Choate. By age 18, she criteria for major depression as set forth depression being overlooked in these two says, 1 in 5 girls will have experienced an in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual groups — by doctors, by mental health episode of major depression, and 1 in 10 of Mental Disorders (DSM) include professionals, by loved ones and even will have had at least one suicide attempt. having at least five of the nine following by the clients themselves — is that both Adolescent girls are under more symptoms that persist for two weeks or populations are known to be at high risk pressure today than in the past, says more: depressed mood, loss of interest for depression, Zalaquett says. According Choate, author of the book Girls’ or pleasure in usual activities, appetite to the National Alliance on Mental and Women’s Wellness: Contemporary disturbance (decrease or increase), sleep Illness, depression affects more than 6.5 Counseling Issues and Interventions, disturbance (insomnia or hypersomnia), million adults age 65 and older in the published by ACA. Not only are their psychomotor agitation or retardation, United States, or more than 18 percent bodies growing and their hormones fatigue or loss of energy, feelings of of that population. Information from changing, but they are also facing pressure worthlessness or guilt, concentration the National Institute of Mental Health to achieve academically and socially and problems or indecisiveness, and suicidal (NIMH) indicates that about 11 percent to measure up to often-unattainable ideation or gestures. These symptoms of adolescents have a depressive disorder ideals fostered in the popular media. must represent a change from previous by age 18. Choate says adolescent girls also soak up functioning in the adolescent, Choate
November 2012 | Counseling Today | 33 says, and must produce impairment in relationships or in the performance of New! typical activities. Early intervention Choate says cognitive behavior therapy Statistical Methods for Validation (CBT) is the theoretical approach for of Assessment Scale Data depressed adolescent girls that is most effective and most highly recommended in Counseling and Related Fields by research. “It really addresses girls’ negative core beliefs about themselves, Dimiter M. Dimitrov negative core beliefs about others and negative beliefs about the future that “Dr. Dimitrov has constructed a things will never be better,” she says. masterpiece—a classic resource CBT techniques also address coping that should adorn the shelf of every skills and problem-solving skills. Choate counseling researcher and graduate particularly recommends that counselors student serious about the construction check into what she calls the most studied and validation of high quality research program for adolescent depression — instruments.” Coping With Depression-Adolescents. Its —Bradley T. Erford, PhD manual and more information about the Loyola University Maryland approach are available online, she says. President, American Counseling In discussing the possible role of Association (2012–2013) medication in treating depression, Choate points to the Treatment for Adolescents This instructive book presents statistical methods and With Depression Study (TADS), a procedures for the validation of assessment scale data used in randomized, controlled clinical trial that counseling, psychology, education, and related fields. In Part evaluated the effectiveness of CBT on I, measurement scales, reliability, and the unified construct- its own, the medication fluoxetine on its based model of validity are discussed along with key steps in own and therapy involving a combination instrument development. Part II describes factor analyses in of both CBT and fluoxetine. In a 36- construct validation, including exploratory factor analysis, week study, Choate says adolescents confirmatory factor analysis, and models of multitrait- treated with CBT plus medication had multimethod data analysis. Traditional and Rasch-based the greatest recovery rates. “The TADS analyses of binary and rating scales are examined in Part III. researchers reported that combination Dr. Dimitrov offers students, researchers, and practitioners treatment reached maximum benefit valuable, step-by-step guidance on contemporary at Week 18 with a response rate of 85 methodological principles, statistical methods, and percent,” she says. When fluoxetine alone and CBT psychometric procedures that are useful in the development alone were compared, Choate says the or validation of assessment scale data. Numerous examples, medication produced symptom reduction tables, and figures provided throughout the text illustrate the more quickly, but adolescents who underlying principles of measurement in a clear and concise received only medication were twice as manner for practical application. likely to report suicide ideation. “This 2012 | 272 pgs concerning finding led researchers to Order #72914 ISBN 978-1-55620-295-7 conclude that clinicians may want to List Price: $69.95 ACA Member Price: $49.95 begin treatment with CBT alone to avoid risk of antidepressant-induced suicidality Please include $8.75 for shipping of the first book and only [add] medication to the and $1.00 for each additional book. treatment regimen if the response to CBT is inadequate,” Choate says. “By starting Order Online: counseling.org treatment with CBT, there is no increased By Phone: 800-422-2648 x222 risk for suicidality, and adding CBT to (M-F 8am – 6pm) medication helps protect from suicidality because it helps the client learn skills for managing stressful events, family conflicts and negative affect.”
34 | Counseling Today | November 2012 In making treatment decisions regarding ‘Depression is not mandatory’ and hidden, especially if you were a man, depression with adolescent clients, Choate On the other end of the human Gintner says, so they might remain hesitant suggests that counselors consult with development continuum, older adults’ to discuss those issues today. Counselors appropriate medical professionals and depression symptoms are often passed should also be aware of how depressive consider the recommendations provided off as something to be expected as people symptoms might vary at different ages, by the American Academy of Child and age, Zalaquett says. “As a society, we he says. For instance, among older adults, Adolescent Psychiatry Practice Guidelines value youth, vigor, enterprise and agency, depression is more likely to be indicated by for Child and Adolescent Depression. among other characteristics,” he says. a loss of interest in certain activities rather Early intervention needs to be a “Therefore, the declines in mobility and than by significant depressed mood. primary focus for counselors, Choate says, perceptual skills, as well as in intellectual Gintner says cognitive therapy, behavior especially because providing girls with the speed, plus health issues, emptying of therapy and interpersonal therapy each have skills to prevent the onset of depression the nest and loss of relationships due been shown effective in treating depression during adolescence can protect them from to death, make observers feel that older in older adults. Cognitive therapy looks many of the negative outcomes associated adults are unhappy and that later years at the older adult’s dysfunctional thoughts and beliefs; behavior therapy might aim to with battling depression throughout are depressive years. Moreover, many increase the frequency of a client’s pleasant their lifetime. Among important areas of professionals and nonprofessionals view events while decreasing the frequency of training for girls are emotional literacy depression as a condition naturally negative events; and interpersonal therapy and regulation, stress reduction, social associated with older age. This is not would examine how a client’s interpersonal skills, problem solving, cognitive skills, true, and depression is not mandatory relationships affect his or her mood, building positive support systems, for older age.” As with all other groups Gintner explains. participation in pleasant events, awareness of people, Zalaquett says, the diagnosis of major depressive disorder among older Medication is also an option for treating of mental health issues and knowledge of depression among older adults, Gintner how to access services, Choate says. adults is determined by classification tools such as the and the says, although it is often used more with Among the other recommendations DSM International Classification of Diseases. adults whose depression is in the moderate Choate provides for working with Although depression should not be to severe range rather than in the mild adolescent girls who are dealing with viewed as a “normal” condition among to moderate range. Choosing to add depression: older adults, Gintner acknowledges medication to the treatment regime is a n “Take the depressive symptoms a number of life stressors that often matter of preference for clients, Gintner seriously,” she says. “Don’t buy into the accompany aging can contribute to its stereotype that adolescent girls are just onset. For example, he says, older adults moody and that symptoms should be are often dealing with medical issues, dismissed as typical teenage behavior if the loss of loved ones and social support, the depressive symptoms are persistent.” potential cognitive impairment and life n Regardless of the theoretical transitions such as retirement. approach taken, address the adolescent Gintner says it is also important to girl’s relationships with significant others point out that undiagnosed and untreated in her life, including family, peers and depression can have serious consequences romantic partners. for older adults, including potentially n Assess her level of activity online. complicating any medical issue and even “While most girls report that social predicting a shorter life. However, studies VETERINARVeterinaryY SOCIAL Social WORK networking and texting help them feel have shown that psychotherapy is very WorkSUMMIT Summit 2013 closer to their friends, they also report effective at treating major depression University of Tennessee, Knoxville TN that it can cause them to feel jealous, among older adults, he says. April 11-13, 2013 depressed or sad when others do not What is tricky, Gintner says, is separating Abstract Deadline: 12/20/13 respond to their communication in the some of the typical physical problems and way they expected,” Choate says. symptoms of aging from the symptoms of “Is there a role for mental n Include her family in treatment. depression, because they often can mimic health in the care and “At this age, she is embedded in her each other. For example, he says, adults welfare of animals?” family system,” Choate says. “Family might automatically attribute forgetfulness, communication, her role in the family fatigue, loss of interest in activities or loss of http://www.vet.utk.edu/socialwork and overall family functioning should be appetite to aging. But in fact, those are also Keynote Speaker: addressed in treatment.” symptoms of depression. Dr. Temple Grandin n Check out prevention programs such In diagnosing depression among older author of Animals as the Penn Resiliency Program, which adults, Gintner says counselors must pay Make Us Human is an evidence-based program for the close attention and screen carefully. Many prevention of depression in adolescents older adults grew up in a time when ages 10-14. psychiatric symptoms were minimized
November 2012 | Counseling Today | 35 Want to read more? Visit CT Online at ct.counseling.org for an exclusive interview with Carlos Zalaquett about diversity’s role in depression says, and counselors should respect says. It used to be thought that pregnancy issues from their past and preparing to whatever the client’s preferences are. offered protection from depression, Choate transition into their new role. Preparing for Whoever prescribes the medication says, but it has since been found that just the transition may involve the mother-to-be should also be aware of the differences as many women are depressed during addressing what she is giving up as well as between older and younger adults in pregnancy as are depressed after or outside what she will gain, Choate says. terms of the side effects a medication of pregnancy. Counselors treating prenatal clients might have, Gintner says. And, of course, It is not known for certain whether with more severe depression might want antidepressants might also affect or interact biological factors such as hormones play to suggest that these women talk with with other medications that older clients a role in depression among pregnant their physicians and possibly be evaluated are already taking. “Counselors need to be women, Choate says, but a previous history for medication. In such cases, Choate aware of the benefits of medication for the of depression does make a woman more recommends that counselors offer to elderly but also [be aware of] potential risks likely to have a depressive episode during consult with the physician so that all three so that they can advocate for their clients if pregnancy, as does a family history of parties — counselor, client and physician they need to,” Gintner says. The obvious depression. Pregnant women also tend to be — can weigh the potential side effects of benefit of psychotherapy, he adds, is that it processing a variety of potentially emotional medication to the baby versus the risk to has no medical side effects. topics, Choate says, such as resolving the child if the mother remains depressed. Building on client strengths and focusing thoughts about the upcoming transition, Building relationships with physicians on wellness are other keys when working regardless of whether they are becoming is important even before a counselor with older adults, Zalaquett says. He a mother for the first time or becoming a sees a prenatal client, Choate says. She suggests that counselors talk with clients mother again. They may also be dealing suggests reaching out to doctors and about healthy eating, age-appropriate with interpersonal issues with their partners, offering to collaborate with them and take exercise, improvement of cognitive skills, external stressors such as finances and even referrals if their pregnant patients appear maintenance or re-establishment of social grief over a perceived loss of independence, depressed. Women might believe they are and family relationships, and how to find especially if the pregnancy was unwanted. automatically supposed to be happy during meaning in life. What makes prenatal depression pregnancy, she says, and feel embarrassed or Gintner recommends that counselors challenging to diagnose and treat, Choate ashamed when they feel depressed instead. interested in working with older adults on says, is that many of the symptoms of In such cases, they might not seek out a the topic of depression check out their area depression mimic pregnancy symptoms, counselor directly. Council on Aging, make contacts with including fatigue, trouble sleeping, mood Counselors who see depressed prenatal nursing homes and develop relationships swings and trouble concentrating. What clients should be careful not to impose their with physicians known to work in might help counselors determine if prenatal values or assume that pregnancy is neces- gerontology. depression is present, Choate says, is asking sarily a happy time for all women, Choate a question such as, “If you did experience says. “Try to understand her worldview, her Depression during pregnancy an increase in energy or you were able to role as a future mother and the pregnancy,” Prenatal women may be considered get better sleep, would you be interested in she says. “Make sure that you understand yet another partially invisible population doing the things you normally do?” the different stressors that are operating in as it concerns depression. Choate, who Research has not been conducted on her life. Look at her holistically, not just as co-authored an article on prenatal CBT techniques specifically with prenatal a depressed woman or a pregnant woman. depression with Gintner for ACA’s Journal women, but Choate believes CBT is Consider all the stressors and strengths in of Counseling & Development last year, likely a good approach to use because of multiple life areas.” says postpartum depression has become its effectiveness with depression in the more well known in part because of general population. A manualized form The threat of suicide media coverage of women who have acted of interpersonal therapy for pregnant All counselors, regardless of specialty violently toward their children while women, called interpersonal therapy for or the population with which they work, suffering from postpartum depression. pregnancy (IPT-P), does exist. It focuses should understand that depression is But depression among women who are on interpersonal skills and on the client a prominent risk factor for suicide. A pregnant is just as common as depression being able to resolve issues in her personal new report from the American Journal among women who recently have given relationships, Choate says. IPT-P places of Public Health revealed that more birth, according to Choate. emphasis on the skills women need as new Americans now die by suicide than die in The highest rate of depression for mothers, such as communicating with their car crashes. According to health officials, women occurs during childbearing years partners, parenting, getting medical care, almost 100 people die by suicide every between the ages of 25 and 44, Choate building a strong support system, resolving day in the United States.
36 | Counseling Today | November 2012 In September, U.S. Surgeon General Choate points out that adolescent girls for distress tolerance, emotion regulation, Regina Benjamin in September introduced are at especially high risk for suicide. coping with stressors and problem solving. a new suicide-prevention plan with the goal “Counselors should definitely assess for This will help her better manage suicidal of saving 20,000 lives in the next five years. suicide if the client is taking antidepressant thoughts if they should emerge.” Medicare has begun covering depression medication,” she says. “Treatment should According to NIMH, older Americans screenings, and Medicare and Medicaid include helping her become aware of the are “disproportionately likely to die by now reward doctors who screen depressed relationship between her thoughts and suicide.” Data from 2009 noted by the patients for suicide risk. feelings and should help her learn skills American Association of Suicidology shows
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November 2012 | Counseling Today | 37 that adults older than 65 made up almost Walker suggests that counselors also 13 percent of the population but almost attempt to find out clients’ intent, plans 16 percent of all suicides. “Suicide is a and means to carry out suicide; the significant concern among older adults,” frequency, duration and intensity of clients’ Zalaquett says. “This group has [a higher] feelings; previous suicide attempts, if any; rate of suicide [than] any other age group, and how hopeless clients feel (using a particularly among men. Counselors measurable scale). Counselors can also aim working with older adults should assess for to find out how specific, lethal, available depression and suicide risk. We should not and proximate the suicide plan is, she says. take these symptoms lightly or assume they For example, using over-the-counter drugs are a necessary component of aging.” might be lower risk than using a gun. The first step in combatting suicide “Use closed-ended questions that involve with any depressed client, regardless of ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answers so you can get a age or stage, is to understand that he or thorough assessment of specific plan and she is in intense psychological pain and intent,” Walker says. For example, “‘Have wants to get as far away from that pain your problems been getting you down as possible, Walker says. “It is imperative so much lately that you’ve been thinking that counselors listen openly and calmly about harming yourself?’ and ‘Have you with their clients who feel depressed and been feeling so hopeless that you’ve been demonstrate that they care,” she says. thinking of killing yourself?’ If the answer is “Don’t ignore the threats, and don’t be yes, the counselor must assess the degree of afraid to talk about suicide or the problems risk very quickly. Do not ask, ‘Why would that have caused the desire to commit you kill yourself?’ Instead ask, ‘How would suicide. If a counselor communicates a you kill yourself?’ Talking about it with fear of talking about it, [the counselor] them will most likely help to bring down will inadvertently convey to the client the agitation and lower the lethality.” that it isn’t OK for them to talk about it Help clients verbalize their difficulties either. Sweeping the problem under the and make an “options” list, prioritizing rug may cause the client to feel guilty, those options from best to worst, Walker misunderstood or unaccepted.” suggests. “If they can’t think of anything, Walker says counselors should assess for help them create alternative options,” she suicide risk factors, including the following: says. “If they absolutely insist on listing n History of chronic physical or emotional suicide as an option, try to get them to list illness it last. Additionally, help build a network for them and get them to do a verbal … n Family history of attempted and and written contract with you that they will completed suicides call a crisis hotline before they decide to do n Losing a significant other or close friend anything.” to suicide Hazler warns counselors not to lose sight n Increased anxiety, agitation, rage and of the suicide threat as a client’s depression emotional outbursts improves. Sometimes, he says, therapy or medication actually provides individuals n Social isolation, relationship loss or the little added energy they were previously stress, or perceived lack of emotional missing to carry out a suicide attempt. and tangible resources Offering a lifeline n Isolating and withdrawing from Walker recalls a depressed older male relationships and responsibilities (for client she counseled while working at a example, missing important family rural community agency. “[He started] events or absenteeism at work) off his first session with me with intense n History of impulsivity, poor decision- anger,” Walker remembers, “shaking his making or risk-taking behavior cane in the air, pounding it into the ground n History of mental illness [and] saying, ‘No one wants to help me, no one cares about me, and I have nothing left n History of drug and/or alcohol use to live for.’ He didn’t want to be there, but or abuse he had nowhere else to turn and knew he n Pervasive and unwavering feelings of needed help. He was at the end of his rope. hopelessness, worthlessness, helplessness, The week prior to his first session with me, guilt and/or despair he made the devastating decision to put
38 | Counseling Today | November 2012 his dog down because he couldn’t afford to that no one cared and that he was a fraction Walker continues, “There is a great quote feed it, and [he] felt so alone and lost in life. of a man due to his pain, disability and loss by an unknown author that says, ‘When He had not talked to his adult children in of identity, he had pulled away from his the world says, “Give up,” Hope whispers, months. He was living with chronic pain, family, friends and the support network he “Try it one more time.”’ As a counselor, could no longer work and had to survive on had in Alcoholics Anonymous and with his I believe in hope and I believe in client meager disability assistance. He felt helpless, sponsor.” resiliency, and I believe as counselors, that is hopeless and worthless. He had a definite Encouraged by Walker, the client agreed our mandate.” plan to take his own life and the means to to give his gun, which was part of his w carry it out.” suicide plan, to a family member, and the Walker did a substantial amount of active family member agreed not to give it back to The following individuals interviewed for listening and supporting during that first him. “We tapped into his support network this article invite readers to contact them: session. The client could tell she cared to help serve as a buffer to his emotional n Laura Choate at [email protected] tremendously, and he began to trust that pain,” Walker says. “He committed himself n Gary Gintner at [email protected] she was not going to give up on him. “As a to figuring out a way to make sense of it counselor, I believe in the power of human all and to re-create meaning in his life. He n Katherine Walker at potential and in helping my clients learn to began to spend time with his children and [email protected] overcome life challenges and trust in their grandchildren. He re-engaged in life and n Carlos Zalaquett at [email protected] u own resiliency,” she says. “I believe in hope reached out to his friends. He resumed and our ability to create meaning in our weekly AA meetings and began meeting lives instead of being victims to it.” regularly with his sponsor. He began to
Counselors often serve as guides, teachers, focus on what he still had in his life and coaches, mentors, mediators or lifelines, what he could still do with it instead of Lynne Shallcross is the associate Walker says. “For this client, I was the focusing on what he had lost. Throughout editor and senior writer for lifeline he needed. One test of strength and our work together, he learned to not give Counseling Today. Contact her at resiliency was the fact that he had been 20 up on himself and to trust the resources he [email protected]. years actively sober from alcohol. However, already had and the resources he could tap as he struggled with his loss of identity as a into to make it through in life. As he felt Letters to the editor: worker and wage earner, he found himself stronger, he felt better and began to believe [email protected] … in the depths of abject despair. Believing in himself again.”
November 2012 | Counseling Today | 39 What becomes of the brokenhearted?
Counselors have options when helping clients to heal from heartache
By Stacy Notaras Murphy
efore they understand the “I think that many people have various diagnoses and treatment expertise in the area of love and Boptions available, many heartbreak whether they wish to or clients present to counseling because not,” Vogel says. “I began focusing on of trouble navigating the same human this area due to a combination of life phenomenon: heartbreak. circumstances, interest and advanced Under this label fall countless events training in sex therapy. Certainly not such as a painful breakup, the death of a every person experiencing heartbreak loved one or the failure to attain a major needs sex therapy, but I approach life goal. Counselors are in daily contact the mental health discipline with the with clients struggling with some form of knowledge that intimacy and love — heartbreak, and many counselors initially and the ability to love after heartbreak focus on treating the symptoms, which — undergird healthy sexuality and might include sleeplessness, anxiety about attachment.” the future and hopeless thoughts. But Applying descriptions from a variety of some in the field are conceptualizing this sources, Vogel defines heartbreak as “an presenting problem as more complicated intense, overwhelming, crushing grief than major depression or adjustment or distress over the loss of something disorder. By considering heartbreak or someone.” She notes this definition through new diagnostic lenses, counselors covers more than simply romantic are developing integrated approaches to relationships, including the death of treat this universal human experience. loved ones; abandonment, abuse and/ One counselor delving into these or neglect from caregivers or others; nuances is Joanne Vogel, whose résumé and major changes in life course, such reads like a catalog of the varieties of as sustaining physical injury or moving heartbreak. The American Counseling and feeling uprooted. Vogel says the Association member and director of impact of heartbreak varies depending counseling and psychological services on the person or situation. “I try hard at Rollins College in Winter Park, Fla., never to minimize the experience and its began her career serving at-risk female potentially devastating effects,” she says. adolescents, followed by five years To that end, Vogel has likened working with children and families heartbreak to posttraumatic stress, acute navigating the foster care system. She stress and even substance withdrawal. later directed a federal grant program “For posttraumatic stress, the similarities aimed at strengthening couples’ stem from experiencing a traumatic event relationships, and then she went on to that overwhelms coping skills [in which] become a certified sex therapist. a person experiences threat of or actual
40 | Counseling Today | November 2012 injury. [In treating clients struggling with how a ‘status change’ or update affects Ballew notes that working with men heartbreak] I have noticed the reliving, heartbreak in romantic relationships regarding heartbreak often presents avoidance and arousal associated with and the difficulties inherent in limiting special challenges but adds that posttraumatic stress,” she says. She information dissemination,” she says. psychoeducation can help. “Men can be notes that heartbroken clients may have “Furthermore, the ease of information very uncomfortable with the feelings of upsetting memories, flashbacks, discovery on the Internet makes such hurt and vulnerability that are intrinsic re-experiencing, lack of interest in things as stalking after relationship to heartache,” he explains. “The hurt normal activities, inability to concentrate, dissolution a concern. may emerge as anger instead of pain. And irritability, angry outbursts or sleep “The addictive quality of cyberspace the therapist should be alert for signs that disruption. and relationships creates a bit of a perfect a male client may be experiencing shame Clients dealing with heartbreak may storm for those who might obsess or regarding his emotional distress. The also have reactions similar to individuals ruminate. I have worked with clients therapist is in a great position to help the experiencing substance withdrawal, to limit their use of Facebook, Google, client learn more about how emotions including obsessions, cravings and Twitter and the Internet until the work and to become more comfortable relapselike behaviors, such as getting emotionality and reactivity decrease. I with his interior landscape.” back into an unhealthy relationship, prepare clients for the likelihood that Ballew adds that care ought to be paid Vogel says. She says the comparison of they will discover or hear information to the physical well-being of all clients heartbreak to grief or bereavement “may about an ex, and we do some imaginal experiencing heartbreak, including be the easiest one for people to accept rehearsal to prepare for situations, people helping these clients to tune into the since it recognizes the loss component and places that may evoke emotion or possible physical manifestations of the of heartbreak in addition to some of trigger certain memories.” experience. “The intense distress is likely the familiar [Elisabeth] Kübler-Ross to be experienced in the body, especially stages such as denial, anger, bargaining, Psychoeducation: Heartbreak 101 if the distress goes on for a while,” he depression and acceptance.” John Ballew is an ACA member who says. “There is risk of hypertension, chest has been in private practice in Atlanta for pain and other physical manifestations Conceptualize the problem 25 years. He has found that a significant of grief. Trouble sleeping is very Viewing heartbreak as a kind of number of his clients enter treatment common, and that can precipitate other posttraumatic stress, substance withdrawal due to the heartbreak associated with problems, from anxiety and depression or grief can help counselors in considering the end of a relationship. He explains to distraction at work. [Also] be alert for treatment options, Vogel says. “I suppose that the breakup often makes it difficult changes in drug and alcohol use for the some may critique this approach for to ignore long-term intimacy issues, purposes of self-medication.” pathologizing the natural and normal which may manifest as a state of personal In treatment: Watch your language experience of heartbreak in life. However, crisis. Although this can present a good For Vogel, the first step in helping I would like to see all of the above notions opportunity for the counselor to educate and categories depathologized and used clients through heartbreak is allowing the client about how relationships really their experience to be individualized and to have a common language about work, Ballew emphasizes that the client conditions and experiences that affect contextualized. “I ask questions about should always set the pace for this work. the person, the pet or the situation, to many of us and the people whom we “If a client is in a place to hear it, I counsel or love,” she says. know — really know — that person, will let the client know that personal Kalpana Murthy, a licensed professional pet or event in a way that helps me to crises can be opportunities for personal counselor in private practice in Atlanta, understand the meaning, role and symbol growth,” Ballew says. “Obviously, it is also has observed heartbreak produce of such in the client’s life,” she says. “I important not to offer glib reassurance symptoms similar to posttraumatic stress find people are willing and relieved to or clichés about life when a client is and grief. “When a relationship ends share these things because many in their in distress. Clients are often troubled — particularly if it ends suddenly or social support network — if one exists — by feeling overwhelmed in the face of because of an affair — the client could may be tired of hearing about the loss and loss. I find it helpful to normalize their experience shock, loss of control or a sense may become frustrated in the amount of experience and to talk about it in the that what has happened isn’t real,” she time it takes to recover and heal.” context of grief.” explains, adding that these clients may re- When doing this work, Vogel says Murthy agrees that providing such experience conversations, images or events she focuses on three subjects: the role context can be useful when dealing with related to the breakup. Murthy also notes of language, creative techniques and heartbreak. “Psychoeducation helps them these clients may experience physical or learning to dream, live and love again. understand why people have different emotional distress triggered by moments The language piece is important, Vogel reactions to a relationship ending that run the gamut from calendar dates to says, because subtle changes in how and different timelines for heartbreak social media postings. counselors speak to clients can expedite Vogel points out that social media has recovery and grief,” she says. “It also treatment. “For instance, I begin to become a new venue for retraumatizing helps them understand why they feel add words like heartache or heartsick heartbroken clients. “Working in a the way they do and normalizes their to the discussion about heartbreak. college setting, I am acutely aware of experience.” When we think of something broken,
November 2012 | Counseling Today | 41 we are unsure if it can be fixed. When comparison with others,” she says. In clients dealing with grief and loss as well. I use ‘heartsick’ or ‘heartache’ in place trying to comfort someone, especially “If we look at the end of a relationship of ‘heartbreak’ as soon as it may be a friend, it can be tempting to tell the as a traumatic event, there are several appropriate, it indicates subtly that person that he or she can “do better” ways in which the EMDR protocol can wellness can be achieved from sickness next time, she adds. “While the phrase be applied based on the client’s needs and aches often go away as we use the ‘you deserve better’ might be acceptable, [and] treatment goals, and the clinician’s muscles more frequently or give them a this idea of ‘doing better’ reminds me assessment and case conceptualization,” rest,” she says. of a coach or teacher who wants me to Welz says. “If the client is struggling with Applying a language technique perform something more perfectly and overwhelming depression and sadness, she learned through a Rapid Trauma somehow suggests that I am responsible that emotion can be targeted with Resolution training with Jon Connelly, for my own pain because I could have EMDR. If the client is struggling with Vogel speaks in the present tense about done better. the memory of a terrible argument they the positive remembrances of the lover, “Likewise, any notion that ‘it would had with their partner, that can be an person, pet or situation, while placing the not have lasted anyway’ is equally EMDR target.” negative or conflicted memories about distressing because it seems equivalent to Welz notes an EMDR technique called these things in the past tense to create a funeral condolence of someone being resource development installation that distance. She also pays attention to how ‘in a better place.’ Perhaps some will find can help clients recognize, access and other people may be speaking to the solace in this, but most clients struggling reinforce their own resources to address client. with heartbreak or heartache will not the situation. “For example,” she says, “In the case of relationship breakups, I respond to thinking that it was going to “if your client is struggling with feelings tackle the ‘other fish in the sea’ idea and end at some point anyway.” of sadness after their partner has left, the tendency to tell someone simply to Vogel also cautions friends against you can explore earlier times in [the go out and find another person, or the reminding the person that the lost client’s] life when they struggled but idea of ‘just go out and get laid’ to forget partner wasn’t really fun or was never were able to be successful. Whatever the other person or feel better,” Vogel available during the relationship. “This resources the client identifies — says. “I find that these things may be well feedback may be appropriate at some courage, determination, the ability to be intended but dismiss the experience or point in the future,” she says, “but it is empathetic, spirituality, etc. — I can then attempt to distract the person from the better to focus more on your friend in the use EMDR to reinforce that resource so actual grieving process. Rarely do we find short term than on what you lacked when that it becomes more readily available. someone who tells you to go out and find your friend was in the relationship.” “So, instead of the client thinking, ‘I another mother after the loss of a parent feel so sad and hopeless. Things will never or to distract yourself with some other EMDR options get better,’ the client can think and feel, feel-good chemical. Certainly, people do Trina Welz, a counselor in private ‘Life was really hard when I was going to this, but it fails to address the issue.” practice in San Antonio, became college and working two jobs, but I made Vogel goes on to warn that the interested in helping clients facing the it. I can use that same strength to get very human response of normalizing trauma of heartbreak after many years through this breakup.’” or promoting the universality of the of walking clients through other sorts of Further, EMDR can be used to heartbreak experience may not provide trauma, including that experienced by desensitize the client to the places or actual comfort to the client. “You military personnel and their families. She things that activate the person’s grief, will often hear back [from individuals trained in eye movement desensitization Welz says. “After a particularly painful going through heartbreak] that you do and reprocessing (EMDR) to help that divorce, my client continued to live and not understand how different, unique population, but has found success in work in the same neighborhood. Driving or special this relationship was in applying that treatment approach to past the children’s school triggered his
42 | Counseling Today | November 2012 feelings of sadness and anger and the For some clients, this may be their first the breakup and become less sensitive negative belief, ‘I’m a loser.’ With the use experience of a healthy way to end a to thoughts about the relationship. of EMDR, we were able to desensitize relationship.” Clients also can bring in photos of the this trigger so that driving past the school relationship, create a scrapbook and Get creative stopped evoking those same negative even create a different ending to the Clearly, counselors can use many thoughts and emotions, and his negative heartbreak, she says. different methods to help clients get belief was replaced by the more positive Vogel avoids talking specifically belief, ‘I was the best parent I could be.’” through heartbreaking circumstances. Vogel emphasizes that creative techniques about the client moving on or finding a Murthy, also a certified EMDR “replacement” for the lost relationship, therapist, finds that an integrated can help clients transition from mourning their loss to envisioning a brighter future, but through the counseling process, she therapy approach helps her clients who says, that end result often happens on are facing heartbreak. “My approach while simultaneously incorporating its own. Says Vogel, “I find that using includes psychoeducation, ego state lessons learned from the previous creative approaches and honoring the loss work to increase a sense of security, relationship. “I try to learn about the allows clients to think about the things EMDR therapy, grief work, mindfulness types of creativity the client already and people that they want in their lives in meditation and cognitive approaches to uses in life,” she says. “I adapt activities the future.” u help with resisting the urge to contact the frequently and allow the client to help spouse [or] significant other when further determine what type of creative medium: contact would not be beneficial,” she writing, dancing, sewing, songwriting, Contributing writer Stacy Notaras explains. “After the acute symptoms have making a music mix, creating a collage, Murphy is a licensed professional been reduced, I then work on helping painting, gardening, etc.” counselor and certified Imago the client address relationship patterns or For example, Vogel uses a trauma relationship therapist practicing in other issues that may stand in the way of desensitization technique from researchers Washington, D.C. To contact her, a healthy relationship with someone new. James Pennebaker and Sandra Beall visit stacymurphyLPC.com. When the client decides to discontinue that invites clients to write about their therapy sessions, an effective transition heartbreak for 15-20 minutes on three Letters to the editor: process and closure session is especially to four consecutive days. In the process, [email protected] important with [those] who have just Vogel says, clients may be able to take gone through a relationship ending. more or less personal responsibility for
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November 2012 | Counseling Today | 43 NBCC awarded federal Minority Fellowship Program grant
Counselors now part of a decades-long program aimed at improving mental health care for underserved populations By Lynne Shallcross
n August, the Substance Abuse training opportunities in institutions and Mental Health Services of higher education. These institutions IAdministration (SAMHSA) must focus on the needs and conditions awarded the National Board for Certified of minority populations; the evidence for Counselors (NBCC) a Minority culturally adapted engagement, services Fellowship Program grant. The grant and interventions; and the compilation provides NBCC as much as $1.6 million of knowledge to strengthen the workforce over the next two years to “expand the serving minority communities. behavioral health workforce in order to The second aim, Hyde says, is to reduce health disparities and improve increase the number of minority Thomas Clawson health care outcomes for traditionally behavioral health providers so those in underserved populations.” need of professional care will have a diverse Thanks to a move by Congress, range of practitioners to choose from. And eligibility for the program was expanded third, it aims to increase the number of to include professional counselors for the researchers who focus on the behavioral first time this year. Thomas Clawson, health issues of minority communities and president and CEO of NBCC, calls this generate evidence-supported approaches to inclusion hugely significant. “Over the improve services to those populations. past 40 years, SAMHSA has awarded “The MFP (Minority Fellowship funds to other mental health professions to help bring more minority professionals Program) is a signature workforce into positions of practice and education,” development program that has created he says. “NBCC has sought federal a significant cadre of behavioral health Pamela S. Hyde legislative requirements for many years professionals in each of these disciplines so that counseling would benefit from focusing on services and research for new dollars set aside specifically for minority communities,” Hyde says. minority doctoral counseling students. It’s “Graduates who have received MFP a big deal because it immediately brings fellowships have gone on to become $600,000 a year to support minority leading researchers, policymakers and students in Council for Accreditation practitioners committed to reducing the of Counseling and Related Educational disparities and the excessive burden of Programs (CACREP) doctoral programs. mental health and substance abuse care for And we have to assume that this funding diverse racial and ethnic populations.” will continue for decades, thus helping An ‘ecosystem’ to prepare hundreds of quality doctorate- serve diverse clients holding counselors by the decade.” SAMHSA Administrator Pamela NBCC plans to award as many as S. Hyde says the Minority Fellowship 24 doctoral fellowships per year in Program, created in 1973, operates professional counseling, with a focus on with the mission of addressing and culturally competent mental health and rectifying long-standing disparities in substance abuse counseling, Clawson says. access, availability, quality and outcomes Through the Minority Fellowship Program of mental health and substance abuse grant, he says, NBCC will be able to help treatment for minority populations. strengthen the infrastructure that engages As outlined by Hyde, that mission diverse individuals in the counseling includes three aspects. First, she says, it profession and increase the number aims to increase the focus on minority of professional counselors skilled in behavioral health issues in professional providing effective services to underserved development through curricula and populations.
44 | Counseling Today | November 2012 “The NBCC Minority Fellowship counseling master’s students who make shared and developed to facilitate better Program will strategically promote and commitments to serve underrepresented behavioral health care for ethnically diverse provide fellowships to doctoral students in populations. populations.” the counseling profession,” Clawson says. Individuals chosen for the Minority Meeting a longtime need “The fellows will obtain training in mental Fellowship Program will receive training health and substance abuse, with specialty in multicultural issues and will have access Historically, Hyde says, the mental training in culturally competent service to experts in the counseling profession for health and substance abuse treatment delivery. Fellows will provide leadership consultation and development, Clawson needs of racial and ethnic minority to the profession through education, says. Fellows will increase access to mental communities in the United States have research and practice benefiting vulnerable health and substance abuse services for been underserved, in part due to a lack underserved consumers. The fellowship ethnic minorities by taking on leadership of practitioners properly trained to work program will increase system capacity roles in counseling practice education and with these communities. “This has led to by increasing the number of culturally research, he adds. a disproportionate burden of care for these competent professional counselors “NBCC will also reach out to counselor communities,” Hyde says. “In 2003, the available to underserved populations educators, counseling programs, minority president’s New Freedom Commission through engaging 24 doctoral fellows per organizations and consumer groups to on Mental Health released its report, year, by promoting national standards in find qualified counselors, obtain guidance ‘Achieving the Promise: Transforming culturally competent care and by providing and feedback to develop the program, and Mental Health Care in America.’ In its online and conference-based training to achieve the program objectives,” Clawson recommendations, the report highlighted practicing professional counselors. We like says. “The MFP will share new and the need for eliminating disparities to project this yearly number over a decade innovative research and evidence-based in mental health services, including to imagine more than 200 doctoral-level treatments relating to ethnic minorities the provision of culturally competent, counselors and counselor educators being in an effort to improve the behavioral recovery-based care and the need to added to our ranks.” health delivery system. Fellows will serve address workforce shortages. In particular, NBCC is well-positioned to implement as emissaries and leaders at conferences the commission noted that ‘… many the Minority Fellowship Program, and public events where information and providers are inadequately prepared to Clawson says, because it has already resources identified by the MFP can be serve culturally diverse populations, and established the infrastructure needed to shared. The MFP community will serve as investigators are not trained in research award NBCC Foundation scholarships to an ecosystem where information is jointly on minority populations.’ In 2011, the 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. ONGOING Early recovery groups and training for addiction counselors and mental health professionals in group action methods. These workshops can be used for personal growth and or training.
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November 2012 | Counseling Today | 45 secretary of the Department of Health and important that available counselors are to receive the Minority Fellowship Human Services released the ‘Strategic culturally competent and trained in the Program grant. When the program began Action Plan to Reduce Racial and Ethnic best evidence-based, culturally sensitive four decades ago, the first set of eligible Health Disparities,’ which similarly called practices. Further, addressing this need for organizations included the American for an increased focus on workforce increased numbers of culturally competent Nurses Association, the American development to better serve minority providers of mental health care directly Psychiatric Association, the American communities. And in the coming months, corresponds to SAMHSA’s mission to Psychological Association and the Council it is anticipated that the department will reduce the impact of substance abuse and on Social Work Education. “In 2007, mental illness on communities.” propose a plan for improved language Congress expanded eligibility to the access in health care delivery. The MFP Finding the right candidates American Association of Marriage and addresses each of these key national plans.” The primary barrier to successful Family Therapy, and in Fiscal Year 2012, Clawson echoes the need for the implementation of the program, Clawson to professional counselors,” Hyde says. Minority Fellowship Program. “In spite says, is an insufficient pool of qualified “These organizations recruit and support of the significant role of counselors in doctoral candidates. “Underserved providing care to U.S. populations, doctoral-level students who are trained minority populations targeted for this to teach, administer, conduct services only 12 percent of national certified project are underrepresented in master’s counselors (NCC) identify as members research and provide direct mental health/ degree counseling programs and in current substance abuse services for underserved of an ethnic minority,” he says. “There national counseling organizations,” he minority populations in the public sector, is a significant discrepancy between says. “This is a systems issue that the consistent with congressional intent.” minority representation in the overall Minority Fellowship Program is designed For more information on the Minority U.S. population and among NCCs.” Too to address.” Clawson says NBCC is few minority students are being drawn to planning a vigorous outreach program Fellowship Program, visit nbcc.org or counseling, Clawson says, so he believes to ensure that all qualified candidates are samhsa.gov. Fellowship availability is targeted outreach needs to occur and that aware of this fellowship opportunity. scheduled to be posted by the end of fellowships and scholarships need to be Making sure that counselors funded November. offered. He is hopeful that the Minority through the grant go on to serve ethnically w Fellowship Program grant is a big step in diverse populations after graduation NBCC would like to thank the the right direction. will be a top priority, Clawson says. following organizations for the support Attracting more minority counselors to “The eligibility criteria will require a the profession is one piece of the puzzle. demonstrated history or commitment they provided as NBCC pursued the Another, Clawson says, is training all to serving the identified populations. Minority Fellowship Program grant: mental health providers, regardless of [We] will prioritize candidates who n Council for Accreditation of race or ethnicity, to better serve minority come from underserved categories and Counseling and Related Educational populations. “The surgeon general’s 2001 demonstrate a desire to give back to their Programs report on culture, race and ethnicity found communities,” he says. “Moreover, the n American Counseling Association that cultural misunderstandings and program will be designed to foster cultural communication problems may prevent competency and delivery of services to n Association for Counselor Education ethnic and racial minorities from using these populations. Fellows will be required and Supervision mental health services,” he says. “Training to prepare a dissertation with a focus on n Chi Sigma Iota professional counselors to provide the mental health and substance abuse culturally appropriate care will decrease needs of ethnic minorities. Internships n American Mental Health Counselors misunderstandings and increase demand, and clinical practicum will require Association accelerating the need for more culturally service to underserved populations in n National Association of Alcoholism competent providers.” the public sector. The program will and Drug Abuse Counselors u The Minority Fellowship Program highlight the opportunities and benefits implements objectives from SAMHSA’s of providing services in the public sector eight strategic initiatives and the and in federally recognized underserved Affordable Care Act, Clawson says. “The areas, including, but not limited to, loan need for more culturally competent forgiveness programs.” Lynne Shallcross is the associate mental health counselors is consistent Although minority counselors will editor and senior writer for with SAMHSA’s strategic initiative to be given preference for the fellowships, Counseling Today. Contact her at address workforce shortages and provide individuals do not necessarily have to be [email protected]. recovery-based services,” he says. “As the minority counselors to be eligible. All Affordable Care Act expands health care individuals receiving a fellowship must Letters to the editor: insurance to ethnic minorities and lesbian/ be committed to serving a minority [email protected] gay/bisexual/transgender/queer [clients], population, however. and as counseling services become more Only six types of mental health and affordable, it becomes increasingly substance abuse organizations are eligible
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November 2012 | Counseling Today | 47 Putting her money where her heart is ACA award winner Brandé Flamez hopes to inspire others by donating her prize money to a special needs school in Tanzania
By Heather Rudow
ach year, the Gilbert and for Multicultural Counseling and Orphanage (an orphanage for children Kathleen Wrenn Award for Development, the Association for from birth to age 5), Upendo Orphanage Ea Humanitarian and Caring Assessment in Counseling and Education, Center (which houses older orphans), Person is presented to a member of the Association for Spiritual, Ethical two schools, Kibosho Hospital and the the American Counseling Association and Religious Values in Counseling, the Psychiatric Wing of Mawenzi Hospital, who goes out of his or her way to help Association for Counselor Education both in the Moshi area. In addition, others without fanfare or any thought of and Supervision, Counselors for Social she donated her $1,000 monetary prize receiving recognition. But Brandé Flamez, Justice, the Association for Creativity from the Wrenn Award to St. Francis, a who earlier this year was named the 2012 in Counseling and the Association for primary school for students with special Wrenn Award recipient, has arguably Humanistic Counseling, all of which are needs. taken the definition of a charitable spirit divisions of ACA. “St. Francis is close to my heart,” to another level, choosing to donate all of Flamez spent six months raising funds Flamez says in explaining why she her award money to a primary school for for hospitals, orphanages and schools in donated her award money to the school. students with disabilities in Tanzania. Moshi, Tanzania, where this past summer “This is the only special needs school in Flamez, a resident of Corpus Christi, she co-presented a mental health training the area, [and] it serves as more than a Texas, is a professor at Walden University program to teachers and priests. During school. I had no idea the way children and a counselor at the Antonio E. Garcia the fundraising effort, Flamez reached out with disabilities were sometimes treated Center, where she supervises the Life to the Corpus Christi community as well [in Tanzania]. I had no idea the need to Enhancement and Academic Direction as to past students and teaching assistants build schools not only to advance their program, which provides services and from Texas A&M University Corpus education, but also to give them a safe behavioral interventions to at-risk Christi. She also received contributions place to live.” students. She is a past president of the through her website and private The students St. Francis serves — Gulf Coast Counseling Association and donations. In addition, rather than giving children who are blind, hearing impaired, currently serves on the ACA Governing Flamez a gift when her term as president cognitively impaired or albino — do Council as the representative for the was over, the Gulf Coast Counseling not have their educational needs met International Association of Marriage Association made a monetary donation to in government or religious schools. and Family Counselors. She is also the cause. Moreover, these children are generally a member of the American College Flamez ended up raising a total looked down on by much of the Counseling Association, the Association of $9,000, which went to Rainbow Tanzanian community, Flamez says, and
48 | Counseling Today | November 2012 are sometimes the objects of hostility. justice and advocacy as a child, as well In fact, the location of St. Francis is as inspiring her empathy for others. “As purposely hidden to provide protection a single mom, she took me to Mexico for its students. City on mission trips,” Flamez says. “We Unfortunately, not every child escapes also delivered meals to AIDS patients harm before coming to the school. While [and] worked in soup kitchens when I at St. Francis, Flamez met one young girl was very young. The thing that stood out who was missing both of her arms. “A for me by watching her do this was that man from her village came in [the she always did everything with love and middle of the night] and chopped them respect. She took the time to show me off simply because she was albino,” what it means to be compassionate, to Flamez says. take time to listen to one’s story.” Flamez is currently working to help These defining experiences stayed add a secondary school onto St. Francis, with Flamez and played an important which would allow these special needs role in her college application process. students to continue their education there “When I was looking at a college, it was Brandé Flamez has a special place in her after graduating from the primary school. important that I find one that not only heart for the children of Tanzania, including During her month in Tanzania, which had a strong academic program, but one those who attend St. Francis (preceding page). began in late June, Flamez, along with that was committed to service and would another Walden professor, Judy Green, help foster and allow me to grow in my and the Rev. Matthew Munishi, a local she says. “Tanzania is one of the world’s commitment to service,” she says. priest who earned his master’s degree in poorest nations, where the average Flamez’s desire to help the less mental health counseling in the United person lives on less than $1 per day. fortunate in other countries grew further States, provided Mental Health Facilitator Most families have no running water or during her undergraduate studies at the training to teachers and priests in the area. electricity. They walk up to 10 miles a University of Notre Dame, which placed The training was done in conjunction day to sell their vegetables or fruit at local an emphasis on community service. with the National Board for Certified markets. Day-to-day living is a challenge Additionally, she was inspired by her Counselors International. The community on every front. The nuns running the professors, both inside and outside of the warmly welcomed and appreciated their orphanages are dealing with children who presentations, Flamez says. do not have enough food or clothing, classroom. “Several priests and teachers contacted in addition to [having] abandonment “Just seeing how they tied their us to return to Tanzania to present issues.” She reports that “the AIDS experiences with Third World countries again,” she says, “because they often find epidemic [in Tanzania] is very high, so it to [their lessons] made me realize no themselves in counseling roles, yet there is is not uncommon for men and women matter what profession you are in, not a higher degree offered in counseling to reach out to a priest or a teacher for you can always extend a hand to the in their country.” support.” underprivileged,” Flamez says. Flamez has seen firsthand how Next year, Flamez and Green plan to Flamez traveled to the Democratic important counseling skills are to the return to Tanzania and offer the Mental Republic of Congo as an undergrad and helping professionals in Tanzania, a Health Facilitator training to another donated medical supplies to the country’s country with no government-supported group of teachers and priests, as well as hospitals. And during a two-year stint social services whatsoever. “The people to nurses. with AmeriCorps after her time at Notre of Tanzania are facing struggles that we Flamez credits her mother, Rosemary, Dame, she helped to build the first all- in this country cannot even conceive of,” for sparking her interest in service, social girls school in Rwanda.
ACA National Awards nominations due Nov. 16 The 2013 American Counseling the counseling profession. The ACA and committees can also submit Association National Awards, including National Awards recognize excellence nominations. All nominations must be the Gilbert and Kathleen Wrenn Award in advocacy, research, professional postmarked by Nov. 16. for a Humanitarian and Caring Person, development, professional service, Complete information is available will be presented at the ACA 2013 best practices, government relations, on the ACA website at counseling.org Conference & Expo in Cincinnati in multicultural excellence, mentoring, under the “Resources” tab, or you may March. social interest, graduate studies, human request a 2013 National Awards Packet The ACA Awards Committee rights, emerging leadership, visionary by calling ACA Leadership Services at encourages ACA members to nominate leadership and other categories. 800.347.6647 ext. 212. Nominations one or more fellow members who have ACA divisions, organizational should be submitted electronically to made noteworthy contributions to affiliates, branches, chapters, regions [email protected].
November 2012 | Counseling Today | 49 Performing service work in Tanzania earlier this year “was kind of a journey of keeping my ties to Africa,” Flamez says. “[And] as far as counseling goes, there ACA 60th Anniversary weren’t a lot of counseling organizations going over there.” Members-Only Sale! Flamez hopes her story will encourage future recipients of the Gilbert Save $19.95! and Kathleen Wrenn Award for a now through December 31, 2012 Humanitarian and Caring Person to donate their prize money to a charity or to a cause abroad for which they feel passionate. She also emphasizes The ACA Encyclopedia the importance of all ACA members nurturing a holistic worldview and doing of Counseling what they can to perpetuate change on an international level. “Like no other reference in professional “Part of our role as counselors is counseling. Whether preparing for to promote social change through a a credentialing examination or an commitment to improve the human unfamiliar client issue, this book will and social condition by creating and serve as a review of salient information applying ideas, strategies and actions or a quick resource.” to promote the worth, dignity and —Thomas J. Sweeney, PhD development of society,” Flamez says. Professor Emeritus, Ohio University “There is a wonderful quote by John Donne that captures why I think service This premiere counseling reference and social justice is important anywhere book is ideal for students, educators, in the world: ‘No man is an island, entire supervisors, researchers, and practitioners seeking to quickly of itself; every man is a piece of the update or refresh their knowledge of the most important topics continent, a part of the main.’ To me, in counseling. More than 400 entries span the 2009 CACREP social change, advocacy and service are core areas used in counselor preparation, continuing education, not only evolutionary, but also reciprocal. and accreditation of counseling degree programs, making this We know from history that education a perfect text for introductory counseling classes or for use as a is the foundation for peaceful and just study guide when preparing for the National Counselor Exam. societies. As global citizens, I believe we Includes instructive examples that connect readers to practice, have a responsibility to not only work teaching, supervision, and research; helpful cross-referencing within our communities, but to extend of entries; boldfaced important terminology; and suggested our services to Third World countries.” resources for further study. 2009 • 672 pages w For more information or to donate to Order #72879 ISBN 978-1-55620-288-9 Flamez’s current Tanzania project, visit List Price: $104.95 Regular Member Price: $ 79.95 brandeflamez.com. u ACA Member Price: $60.00 — now through December 31, 2012
Heather Rudow is a staff writer for Please include $8.75 for shipping of the first Counseling Today. Contact her at book and $1.00 for each additional book. [email protected]. 800-422-2648 x222 Letters to the editor: counseling.org [email protected]
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November 2012 | Counseling Today | 51 Knowledge Share - By Natosha K. Monroe
It’s not all guns and PTSD: Counseling with a cultural lens
hen one counsels military visits another country, however, others service members and their may quickly identify him or her as being Wfamilies, the existence “American.” This is because people and impact of military culture on the outside of the American culture notice client and the therapeutic process is an subtle and not-so-subtle factors that levels. It is vital for counselors to keep important consideration. Many in our distinguish our culture from their own. in mind that cultural factors can have profession are ready and willing to help In its glossary of terms, the ACA Code a very real influence not only on the address the social and psychological of Ethics defines culture as “membership client’s behaviors but on the counselor’s challenges that many service members in a socially constructed way of living, behaviors as well. The counselor who face. These challenges can include marital which incorporates collective values, views the client and the therapeutic discord, sleep disturbances, military beliefs, norms, boundaries and lifestyles.” process through the appropriate cultural downsizing, residual effects of combat Although specific definitions of lens begins by acknowledging the exposure and mild traumatic brain injury. culture vary depending on the source, influences of culture and then approaches On the basis of their years of cultural components consistently work with the military client with therapeutic experience, treatment include language, cuisine, music, dress, increased respect and competence. expertise, vast knowledge and the purest government, gestures, grooming and In fact, all professional counselors of intentions, counselors working with technology. are ethically compelled to obtain and troops have much to offer. What might On the basis of those criteria, it is easy exhibit multicultural competence when be missing from some counselors’ to see the influence of military culture working with their clients. The ACA practice, however, is cultural competence. on a male Army soldier, for instance. Code of Ethics defines multicultural/ When the military culture is not clearly His language includes words and phrases diversity competence as the “capacity understood or not properly accounted for (Charlie Foxtrot, Class Six, jacked up, whereby counselors possess cultural and during provision of services, even the best civvies, rack, FUBAR, Hooah and roger, diversity awareness and knowledge about counselor can inadvertently damage client for example) that differ from those used self and others, and how this awareness rapport, limit the quality of care or even by other Americans. His dress is the and knowledge is applied effectively in misdiagnose. ACU (Army combat uniform). Music practice with clients and client groups.” The idea of the military representing on his iPod may include “The Army When the choice is made to view the its own distinct culture may not cross the Song” or even his favorite running military client through the appropriate mind of every counselor. After all, the cadence. His cuisine for the day may cultural lens, professionals increase their U.S. military is composed of people of consist of two MREs (meals ready to eat) odds of avoiding many pitfalls in therapy. many different ethnicities, races, cultures, or something from the “gut wagon” or socioeconomic backgrounds, ages and “chow hall.” His “government” (although Wasting valuable time on even countries of origin. It may seem still the U.S. government) includes his content rather than process odd to regard a client who is a military commanding officer and a court-martial A common mistake counselors make veteran as being from another culture if he is accused of a crime. His grooming when working with military service when he or she shares commonalities is clearly defined by his extremely short, members is not taking the time to learn with the counselor such as race, ethnicity barely there haircut (a mandatory style basic information such as rank structure or geographical area. However, as defined for which he can face discipline if not and the differences between military in the social sciences, members of the adhered to). branches. For example, the Navy rank military clearly meet the criteria for The American Counseling Association of captain is much higher than the possessing their own culture. is not the only professional organization Army rank of captain. Another common The term culture is often mistaken as to emphasize culturally appropriate misconception is that everyone in the referencing only ethnicity or race. But practice. The American Psychological military is a “soldier,” when in fact, this take the “American” culture, which is Association also encourages professionals term only describes those in the Army. unquestionably composed of people to use a “cultural lens” and to place There are also Marines, airmen, sailors from many different races and of many cultural competence at the forefront and others. The military client will not different ethnicities. When an American of their professional encounters on all expect a nonmilitary counselor to know
52 | Counseling Today | November 2012 everything about the military lifestyle, but There can be a fine line between truly “off,” or does the client’s expression it can quickly become a distraction and informed multicultural consideration and differ from the “norm” because of cultural an annoyance if the client regularly has stereotyping, so it is important to remain factors? to stop to answer a counselor’s questions clear regarding the differences between In the military culture, displaying about the military, clarify a word or the two. It is a good idea to periodically emotion or lack of control is commonly phrase, or address the confusion written refresh one’s memory of what was learned viewed as weakness, while composure across the counselor’s face. during that graduate-level multicultural is regarded as strength. For example, a These interruptions can, in fact, hinder counseling course. It only takes a Marine would most likely be shunned the therapeutic process for both counselor moment to search an online bookstore to or even disciplined for being visibly and client. Consider the following: download a book onto an e-reader or to confused or breaking down and crying Military clients become aware that the read an article online. At the very least, in front of others. So, what the counselor counselor hasn’t taken the time to get one can set aside time to conduct a quick perceives might just be the client to know basic military information and Internet search on stereotypes versus bias attempting to appear composed according doesn’t understand their lifestyle. When versus cultural considerations in therapy. to the norms of the military culture. their focus shifts to explaining basic Although much of the difference It may also appear to the counselor terminology or having to “dummy down” is defined by intent and accuracy, a that the military client is disconnected the conversation for the counselor, they counselor can still accidentally possess or otherwise acting inappropriately if the are not able to give themselves over fully or exhibit bias toward a military client client comes across as unremorseful or to the therapeutic process. despite having good intentions and emotionless when describing a situation The counselor’s focus is diverted away accurate information. Of course, in which the client killed another from the therapeutic process due to the harboring or exhibiting bias — regardless individual. But before passing judgment distraction of the content as well. When of intent — or reaching a conclusion, the counselor the counselor’s focus shifts to content in goes deeper must also consider the situation in which a struggle to understand what the client than just being the killing occurred and how this might is saying, the counselor is not able to give unprofessional affect the client’s reaction. Although it himself or herself over fully to the process and might be a difficult concept to grasp, either, thus not giving the client the level disrespectful. the context of death in military culture of service he or she deserves. The counselor’s can differ, thus potentially influencing role in the reactions and expressions of emotion. Stereotypes and bias diagnosis of Should killing in war automatically Counselors who have never served mental disorders elicit guilt? What about in cases of self- in the military themselves (and even is addressed defense? What about to ensure survival? those who have) should be aware of the under Standard Natosha K. Monroe What about if the act was committed potential to stereotype. The media tend E.5. of the ACA to save a child’s life or to stop a rape? to focus on theatrical drama, so extreme Code of Ethics. Standard E.5.c. speaks to When should a counselor be concerned cases are often showcased rather than the more specific dangers that lingering about the military client displaying (or the norm, which is the more resilient, bias and stereotyping may have in our not displaying) a certain emotion? When “typical” returning veteran. Exposure to profession, making it vital for counselors should a client’s reaction be questioned these negative and inaccurate portrayals to be culturally competent: “Counselors and brought to his or her attention? of veterans in movies and other forms recognize historical and social prejudices The counselor must understand of media is inevitable and can create in the misdiagnosis and pathologizing military culture and, more important, bias. Self-awareness and consistent self- of certain individuals and groups and must know the client very well to monitoring on the part of the counselor the role of mental health professionals correctly interpret what is going on and are vital. in perpetuating these prejudices through what is appropriate or inappropriate. When counselors notice they are diagnosis and treatment.” This is a hefty This is part of what makes the practice of quickly jumping to conclusions or ethical principle — one that probably counseling necessary, albeit challenging. It patterns of thought, this should be should be read several times and taken to requires not only knowledge, experience addressed internally. For instance, not all heart to emphasize how important our and skill, but also the ability to connect veterans returning from a combat zone role as counselors can be in someone’s life with another individual in a way that have seen combat; not all Marines have and in society. is unique to his or her profession and killed; not all military wives are stay-at- interaction style. home mothers; not all enlisted troops are Misinterpreted affect or expression without a college degree; not all clients At times, the military client may Misdiagnosis and with nightmares have posttraumatic stress exhibit a lack of expression that appears inaccurate assessments disorder (PTSD); not all troops have been robotic or cold to the point of seemingly Clearly, not all veterans who have deployed overseas; and, most important, justifying the descriptive “blunted affect.” nightmares have PTSD, although many not all counselors are smarter, wealthier, At other times, the client’s tone, rate of professionals jump to this conclusion, classier, more educated or better adjusted speech, emotion or expression might neglecting the rest of the criteria in the than their military clients. seem off or inappropriate. But is this Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of
November 2012 | Counseling Today | 53 Instructive DVDs for Your Practice or Classroom
Rooted Sorrows—Emotional Burden to Quality Circle Time in the Secondary School Emotional Health: Veterans With PTSD presented by Jenny Mosley presented by Mitchell Young In this DVD, Jenny Mosley presents her classroom behavior management model Quality Circle Time, In this compelling and heart-wrenching DVD, which encompasses a whole-school approach Mitchell Young, a licensed psychotherapist and to enhancing self-esteem and building positive combat veteran who has counseled Vietnam relationships. Through exercises with a group veterans for more than 15 years, discusses PTSD of students, she teaches the skills, crucial steps, and the lasting effects of combat and severe and key ground rules essential to effective circle trauma. Drawing from his own experiences in time. The group session is followed by a teacher Vietnam as a member of the Marine Corps, he question-and-answer session. Includes a PDF of examines the emotional scars that occur after a Mosley’s book Important Issues Relating to the Promotion of Positive traumatic event, night terrors, chronic isolation, Behavior and Self-Esteem in the Schools, as well as lesson plans and emotional numbness and complex and secondary PTSD. Produced by discussion points. Produced by Loggerhead Films R-Squared Productions, LLC • 2010 | 50 minutes | DVD Order #78241 2010 | 60 minutes | DVD Order #78240 List Price and ACA Member Price: $59.95 List Price and ACA Member Price: $129.00 Breakthrough: Art, Analysis, & the Liberation Bullying in Schools: Six Methods of Intervention of the Creative Spirit presented by Ken Rigby This inspiring film captures the experience Ken Rigby, an international expert on peer of eight artists of varying ages who have been victimization, gives clear, practical guidance on in therapy. It demonstrates the growth and how to prevent and respond to bullying in high freedom made possible by facing the pain that schools. Using actors and role play, the DVD both psychoanalysis and creativity can bring features a typical bullying scenario and then to awareness. The artists in Breakthrough—a demonstrates how the following six methods sculptor, a writer, a musician, three painters, and can be applied to the situation: the Disciplinary two visual artists—had found themselves held Approach, Restorative Practice, Strengthening back in their lives and work because of traumatic the Victim, Student Mediation, the Support events and unresolved emotional issues from the past. Through Group Method, and the Method of Shared Concern. By showing the moving scenes that examine their individual therapeutic issues and advantages and weaknesses of each method, the counselor or teacher healing process, the DVD shows how the combination of therapy and can see how each possible solution might work. Includes a PDF with creative work liberated them professionally, emotionally, and spiritually. a summary of important information and discussion guidelines. Sponsored by the Lucy Daniels Foundation. Produced by Expressive Produced by Loggerhead Films • 2009 | 35 minutes | DVD Order #78239 Media, Inc. • 2011 | 50 minutes | DVD Order #78242 List Price and ACA Member Price: $59.95 List Price and ACA Member Price: $129.00 Practical Strategies for Caring for Older Adults: An Adlerian Approach for Understanding and Assisting Aging Loved Ones presented by Radha Janis Horton-Parker and R. Charles Fawcett This DVD offers caregivers, counselors, and educators effective strategies to improve the lives of older people. Horton-Parker and Fawcett discuss the characteristics of older adults, followed by typical situations encountered by caregivers. Please include $8.75 for shipping of the first DVD and Engaging vignettes and presenter commentary $1.00 for each additional DVD. illustrate the underlying needs and mistaken goals of attention seeking, power, revenge, and assumed Order by phone: 800-422-2648 x222 inadequacy that often cause perplexing behavior M–F, 8 a.m.–6 p.m., ET in older people. The presenters’ simple techniques create win-win situations between caregivers and aging loved ones that improve the Order online: counseling.org/publications quality of life. • 2010 | 120 minutes | DVD Order #78238 List Price: $119.95 | ACA Member Price $99.95
54 | Counseling Today | November 2012 Mental Disorders that must be met to may see mental health care service justify the assignment of this disorder. (especially diagnosis) as a weakness or Although it may become standard even use this information against the “Knowledge Share” articles are practice to automatically screen service member. based on sessions presented at every service member for PTSD, it is As more professionals in our field ACA Conferences. irresponsible to assume the majority of begin working with the military, cultural military clients will have the disorder. competence must be emphasized and Natosha K. Monroe has been an Another mistake is to put too much faith given appropriate consideration. Thanks Army behavioral health specialist in assessment tools that were standardized largely to the efforts of ACA and for more than a decade. Her on nonmilitary populations. For example, work has included assignments many responses provided by someone counseling professionals passionate about to Afghanistan, Guantanamo in a combat zone to questions on the offering services to military members and Bay, Haiti and the Pentagon. She Minnesota Multiphasic Personality their families, jobs are slowly opening advocates for increased hiring of up that used to be offered exclusively Inventory would surely indicate abnormal professional counselors to work personality traits, but in fact, the to social workers and psychologists. with veterans and for obtaining responses would be quite normal given Although there are rarely prerequisites recognition of the counseling the person’s environment and culture. (such as graduate program requirements) profession in all military branches. A prevalent issue with service members to one’s first job working with military She currently works as a is sleep disturbance and nightmares. veterans, counselors must continue contracted researcher/analyst on Counselors could jump to the conclusion seeking ways to broaden their knowledge a project for the FBI and lives in that sleep disturbance results from and deepen their perceptions of the Northern Virginia. Contact her at exposure to combat or other potentially military culture. Seeing things through [email protected]. traumatic events when, in fact, different the cultural lens will help to ensure a factors might be the culprits. For Letters to the editor: stronger foundation for therapeutic example, if the client is an airman, he [email protected] might live near an airfield where jets are relationships and quality service between repaired at night, making it difficult to professional counselors and their military sleep. Or the client’s work schedule may clients. u have flipped from the day shift to the night shift recently. Another common experience on deployments or while living on military installations is shared living spaces, where sleep is disturbed by roommates making noise or coming and going at all hours of the night. It might be simpler to highlight “post-combat nightmares” and even recommend pharmaceutical treatment, STUDY GUIDE but to do so without thoroughly exploring the many other possible for the NCE & CPCE contributing factors is shortsighted and and may result in poor quality of service to the client. It is important that counselors take their role in diagnosis seriously and GUÍA DE ESTUDIO consider the impact on the client. An PARA overwhelming percentage of military clients walking through the door should NCE y CPCE not have the same one or two mental Dr. Andrew Helwig’s very popular Study Guide for the NCE and CPCE health disorders. (2011, 6th ed.) is also available in Spanish. This book has all eight CACREP Especially in certain work content areas as well as information about the NCE and CPCE. Included environments such as military are exam-taking tips, study strategies, 2 practice exams and the ACA Code installations or Veterans Affairs hospitals, of Ethics. This user-friendly Study Guide has 400 pages (430 Spanish). what is written in a service member’s PDF FORMAT FOR DOWNLOAD TO YOUR COMPUTER records will, unfortunately, be provided to many people. Privacy is not as much NOW AVAILABLE of a luxury in the military as it is in the For more information or to purchase the Spanish or English editions of civilian world. It is a sad reality that a the Study Guide ($79.95) or Workshop DVDs, visit: www.counselor-exam- prep.com. E-mail Dr. Helwig at: [email protected]. service member’s supervisor or leadership
November 2012 | Counseling Today | 55 CACREP Perspective - By Derick J. Williams, Amy Milsom, Sylvia Nassar-McMillen & Verl T. Pope 2016 CACREP Standards Revision Committee at Turn One …
ust two years after the Council for “Evaluation” section (Section IV) to clarify to which CACREP-accredited doctoral Accreditation of Counseling and requisite standards and the process of evalu- programs believe these five foci represent JRelated Educational Programs’ ation in counselor education programs. The a core curriculum for doctoral programs 2009 standards were implemented, SRC hopes creation of this new section will across various types of institutions. On the the 2016 CACREP Standards Revision abridge and refine the topic of evaluation in basis of the feedback received, the team Committee (SRC) was formed and charged the standards. proceeded to introduce the foci as the with the task of writing the next set of doctoral core curriculum. Simplify standards. Following the intentions of Additionally, the SRC sought to unify the the 2009 SRC, the 2016 SRC intends to, The SRC also attempted to simplify the doctoral-level internship by requiring that among other goals, continue to promote standards. To begin, it reworded many of students complete 600 hours of supervised the development of a unified professional the standards and eliminated the stems experience across three of the five core areas. counselor identity and ensure that programs embedded in individual standards. Further, It is hoped that even while creating more collect evidence that students have acquired the SRC incorporated the institutional unity across programs, there will be flexibil- knowledge and skill competencies. The requirements for doctoral programs into ity for programs to assist students in devel- SRC hopes to ensure that the standards Section I: Learning Environment, alongside oping individualized training experiences. are relevant through 2024, with efforts to those for entry-level programs, whereas Finally, the unification efforts are clarify the language of the current standards, the 2009 standards included Learning further highlighted by a requirement that simplify wording and the relationship Environment sections in both entry-level each entry-level program consists of an among core and program area standards, and doctoral-level program portions of the equivalent of 60 semester credit hours and unify the multifaceted aspects of document. The goal for this revision was by July 2020. Doctoral programs would counselor training. to eliminate redundancy and confusion. consist of a minimum of 48 semester or 72 Feedback received from annual reports In addition, Section II: Core Curriculum quarter hour credits beyond the required by CACREP-accredited programs, from was revised to include any similarly worded entry-level credits. attendees at the Association for Counselor standards that appeared separately in each Education and Supervision (ACES) program area. Through this revision, the Moving forward conference in 2011 and from CACREP- SRC was able to decrease the number of The SRC seeks feedback concerning the accredited doctoral programs through an individual standards in each program area. revised standards and our efforts to clarify, online survey was beneficial in helping the simplify and unify counselor education pro- Unify gram standards. Please provide feedback on- SRC complete the first draft of the 2016 The commonalities in entry-level CACREP Standards. This draft line at cacrep.org/template/page.cfm?id=141. program areas kindled the SRC’s mission The survey feedback link will be open for was made available electronically through to pursue unity among the standards. the CACREP website (cacrep.org) at the comments until Jan. 15. SRC members will Specifically, the SRC attempted to also solicit feedback during the fall regional end of August. Following the motto unify program areas by expanding the “Clarify, Simplify and Unify,” the SRC ACES meetings. The SRC plans to begin core standards to include those that are writing the second draft in 2013 and to took the following approach in creating important to all entry-level counselors in the first draft. solicit feedback concerning the revision pro- understanding the multifaceted nature cess at the ACA 2013 Conference & Expo Clarify of mental health, wellness, diversity and in Cincinnati as well as at other annual The SRC reviewed the current CACREP professional identity. To facilitate this meetings of professional organizations. u Standards in an attempt to clarify terms, unification process, the team reviewed each standards or sections of the standards docu- program area standard and determined Derick J. Williams of the University ment. The language was revised in many which standards should be required for all of Virginia, Amy Milsom of Clemson cases to make the standards more concrete counselors, regardless of program area. University, Sylvia Nassar-McMillen of Similarly, a core set of doctoral-level and specific. For example, it was deter- North Carolina State University and content standards was created to include mined that clarity was needed in describing Verl T. Pope of Northern Kentucky the multidimensional aspects of doctoral- what constitutes counselor education “core University are members of the level training. The SRC created a doctoral faculty.” In this effort, the SRC detailed 2016 CACREP Standards Revision professional degree requirements, refined core curriculum that includes standards Committee. credential and professional experience addressing 1) counseling, 2) teaching, 3) requirements, and defined professional supervision, 4) research and scholarship Letters to the editor: involvement in counselor education. In and 5) leadership and advocacy. The SRC [email protected] addition, the SRC created a stand-alone developed a survey to determine the degree
56 | Counseling Today | November 2012 Plan now to take advantage of powerful learning opportunities before the conference. Pre-conference Learning Institutes (LIs)* • March 20-21, 2013
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November 2012 | Counseling Today | 57 Wednesday | Daytime Sessions 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Pre-conference Learning Institutes Rates 13001 Advanced Career Construction and Life Design Super Saver Advance Onsite Mark Savickas, PhD 2013 LI Rates By December 15, 2012 By February 15, 2013 After February 15, 2013 Day Evening Day Evening Day Evening 13002 Introductory ACA Members The Tornado Within: Exploring the Professional/Regular $140 $95 $170 $125 $210 $165 Connections Between Children’s New Professional/ Anger, Unresolved Grief and Escalating $95 $70 $125 $100 $165 $140 Violence Student/Retiree Darcie D. Sims, PhD Non-Members General Attendees $200 $155 $230 $185 $270 $225 13003 Introductory Non-Member Student $155 $130 $185 $160 $225 $200 Doing Solution-Focused Brief Counseling With Youth Gerald Sklare, EdD 13004 Advanced Beyond the Basics: Advanced Reality Therapy for Understanding and Empowering Diverse Clients in Wednesday | Evening Sessions Multicultural Approach To Meeting Difficult Situations 5:30 p.m.–8:45 p.m. the Challenges of Counseling Robert E. Wubbolding, EdD the Military Client 13011 Introductory William J. Davis, PhD 13005 Advanced Essential Skills and Methodology of 13017 Introductory Counseling Challenging Teenagers Child-Centered Play Therapy Are YOU Prepared? Plan NOW for John Sommers-Flanagan, PhD Phyllis Post, PhD, Peggy L. Ceballos, Closing a Practice Due to Retirement, PhD, Angela Sheely-Moore, PhD, Hanne 13006 Introductory Voluntary Life Choice, Sudden Death Duindam, EdS Male Counselors and Male Clients: or Disability Sharing Counseling Experiences 13012 Advanced Nancy Wheeler, JD, Daniel B. Roe, CFP David Capuzzi, PhD, Mark David Clinical Supervision: Advanced 13018 Introductory Stauffer, PhD, Courtland Lee, PhD, Practices Across Multiple Models of The Flow of Counseling Research: Samuel T. Gladding, PhD Supervision From Research Question to Richard P. Long, PhD, 13007 Advanced Presentation and Publication Michael Baltimore, PhD Essentials of Disaster Mental Health and Robert Eric Heidel, PhD, Blair Sumner Crisis Counseling 13013 Advanced Mynatt, MS Jane M. Webber, PhD, J. Barry Mascari, Post-Divorce Counseling and Forensic 13019 Introductory EdD, Gerard Lawson, PhD, Karin Jordin, Family Interventions: The Professional Putting Art Back Into the Schools: PhD, Michael Dubi, EdD Counselor Working With High-Conflict Expressive Techniques for School Divorce 13008 Advanced Counselors Michelle Mitcham, PhD Walk a Mile in My Combat Boots: Suzanne Degges-White, PhD, Bonnie R. Honoring Grief and Integrating Loss 13014 Introductory Colon, MS for Military Veterans Throughout the Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts 13020 Introductory Life Span Therapy 101: A Primer for Counselors The Dynamics of Domestic Violence: Laurel I. Burnett, MA, Pam Lowe, MS Cathy Malchiodi, PhD, Elizabeth Sanders Assessment and Counseling Strategies Martin, MA 13009 Advanced Christine Murray, PhD, Allison C. Marsh, Indigenous Counseling Epistemology, 13015 Advanced EdS, Evette Horton, MEd, Lori Notestine, Research, and Practice Sharpening Your Skills As a PhD, Bethany Garr, MEd Lisa Grayshield, PhD Clinical Mental Health Counselor: Transitioning From the DSM-IVTR to Thursday | Daytime Sessions 13010 Advanced the DSM-5 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Grant Writing for Counselors: Carlos P. Zalaquett, PhD, SeriaShia Securing Funding for Evidence-Based 13021 Advanced Chatters, PhD Counseling Services in School and Culturally-Responsive Play Therapy Community Settings 13016 Introductory With Young Traumatized Children Elizabeth Mellin, PhD All Uniforms Are Not Alike: A Sue C. Bratton, PhD
58 | Counseling Today | November 2012 13022 Introductory 13029 Introductory 13035 Introductory Counseling Theory in Practice Exploring the Mind-Body Connection: Resiliency in Military Couples: Shifting Gerald Corey, EdD, Jamie Bludworth, PhD Therapeutic Practices and Techniques From Uncertainty and Fear to a “New 13023 Advanced J.W. Wayne Wagner, PhD, Normal” of Healthy Communication Neuroscience, Constructivism, and Jan C. Lemon, PhD Judith J. Mathewson, MEd Creative Arts: Exploring Movement, 13030 Advanced Music, and the Imagination in 13036 Introductory Counseling Skype? Email? 7 Legal and Ethical Thriving in Private Practice 2013: Leslie Armeniox, PhD, Andy Abbott, PhD Considerations for Best Practice Online Starting and Growing a Counseling Donna Ford, MS, Marlene M. Maheu, PhD 13024 Introductory Business Bipolar I Disorder Across the Lifespan: Thursday | Evening Sessions Anthony J. Centore, PhD, Fred Milacci, DEd What Counselors Should Know 5:30 p.m.–8:45 p.m. 13037 Introductory Elliott Ingersoll, PhD Neurology and Psychopharmacology: 13031 Introductory 13025 Advanced Current Medications, How They Work, The Art of Engagement: Twenty Ways to Becoming More Creative As a Counselor and the Counselor’s Supportive Role Get Group Members More Involved and Using the Creative Arts in Elisabeth Bennett, PhD, Ashley Sylvester, Ed E. Jacobs, PhD, Chris Schimmel, EdD Counseling William L. Bennett, MD, Holly Perry, Samuel T. Gladding, PhD 13026 Advanced Jessica Lunker Ethical Counseling Leadership: 13032 Advanced Strategies To Promote Organizational 13038 Introductory The Power of Sand Tray Therapy: Ethics and Effectiveness Creative Techniques for Therapeutic Grant Writing for the Counseling Richard Ponton, PhD, Patricia Henderson, Professional: Strategies for Success EdD, Alan Cavaiola, PhD, Suzanne D. Disclosure, Trauma, and Healing Megan Delaney, MA, Leslie Kooyman, PhD Mudge, PhD, Elias Zambrano, PhD J. Barry Mascari, EdD, Jane Webber, PhD 13027 Advanced 13033 Introductory 13039 Advanced The Spiritual, Religious, and Faith Advancing Your Suicide Prevention, Interviewing K–12 Students for School Dimensions of the Major Counseling Assessment, and Intervention Skills: Solutions: Advanced Techniques in Theories and Their Application to Practical Information for Counselors Solution-Focused Interviewing Clinical Work Darcy Haag Granello, PhD, Paul F. John J. Murphy, PhD Sharon Cheston, EdD, Joseph Stewart- Granello, PhD Sicking, EdD 13040 Advanced Getting Through to Teenagers and 13028 Introductory 13034 Introductory Retooling Your Counseling Conversations in Ethics: An Interactive Young Adults and Nurturing Genuine Technology Toolbox Skill-Building Experience for Counselors Connections in the Age of Social Media Marty Jencius, PhD, Debra London, MEd Jake Morris, PhD, Terry A. Casey, PhD Craig Windham, PhD, Lindsey Mitchell, MA
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November 2012 | Counseling Today | 59 Q&A with ACA president-elect candidates
The two candidates vying to become n establishing committees to develop the American Counseling Association’s strategies to increase student diversity next president-elect were asked to provide n hiring diverse faculty and subsequently answers to several questions about issues increasing student diversity. relevant to the association and to the n working in a Hispanic serving counseling profession. This month, institution, graduating over thirty first their answers to the final two questions generation Hispanic doctoral students appear. Answers to the previous questions working as professors across the were published in the October issue of country Counseling Today. ACA 2013 Elections: Additional information for each n hiring minority candidates in five of the last six faculty positions with one Online voting begins Dec. 3 candidate, including biographical information and reasons for seeking tenured and all moving toward tenure Online voting for all American office, will appear in the December issue. n mentoring and teaching diverse groups Counseling Association elections of students across the globe. will begin Monday, Dec. 3, at The December issue will also feature 12:01 a.m., and will close Thursday, biographical information for those As ACA President Goals of diversity Jan. 31, at 11:59 p.m. ET. The individuals running for office at the include: division and region levels. electronic vote process will again n diversity representation on all Editor’s note: The following answers be through our secure provider, committees and task forces are printed as they were submitted by the Votenet Solutions. Only members n diversity representation on governance in good standing as of Nov. 1 will be candidates. They have not been edited in n diverse leadership representation in eligible to vote. If you are unable to any way. Divisions, Regions, and Branches vote online or would prefer a paper ballot, please call ACA Member For six decades, the American n emerging leadership opportunities for Counseling Association has worked Services at 800.347.6647 ext. 222. diverse populations toward promoting the importance of If you choose to complete a paper multiculturalism in the practice of n mentorship of educators, counselors, ballot, the deadline to receive your professional counseling. Please share and students in promoting ballot at Votenet headquarters is your background, experience and multiculturalism. the same as it is for online voting: opinion regarding multiculturalism in Thursday, Jan. 31. counseling. Additionally, what specific Kelly Duncan: No matter what A new addition to the e-ballot goals would you have as president your work setting, multiculturalism being sent to ACA student members to continue to promote increased is a core issue. ACA has been a leader this year is that they will elect the diversity in leadership positions and a in promoting the importance of diverse membership base? first student voting member of the multiculturalism, but I feel much Governing Council. work still needs to be done in this Please watch for additional Robert L. Smith: I believe and teach that multiculturalism within area. My research and work focus have announcements and reminders about revolved around first-generation, low voting in ACAeNews. All members the practice of professional counseling is a fundamental principle of which income students and American Indian for whom we have an email address populations. I’ve seen firsthand the will receive via email a personalized we should adhere. This includes the difficulties marginalized populations e-ballot link for quick access to the endorsement of the multicultural face yet also seen the rewards gained Votenet secure site. competencies developed by AMCD. through education and awareness. The If your email address has changed Besides demonstrating multicultural voices of those from underrepresented recently, or if we do not have your competencies, counselors can best serve groups need to be heard. They provide email address, visit counseling.org and others if their personal philosophy is log in as a member to check your from an open multicultural perspective important perspectives. To continue member profile. advocating for individuals representing ACA’s movement toward the goal of If your membership is up for differences in ethnicity, gender, and increased diversity in leadership, I would renewal, be sure to renew prior to sexual orientation, particularly with those provide encouragement and mentoring to Nov. 1 so that your voice will be experiencing fewer opportunities because emerging leaders. I would continue the heard in the 2013 ACA elections. of differences. policies in place to ensure that we have In the academic setting I have a record underrepresented groups represented in of practicing what I believe including leadership positions.
60 | Counseling Today | November 2012 The 20/20: A Vision for the Future with States regulating the scope of education requirements vary greatly from of Counseling initiative is currently practice or protecting the use of title state to state. Licensure is most definitely focusing on issues of licensure “Licensed Professional Counselor.” a public protection issue and it is going portability, which includes title, scope Having served as a charter member of the to take cooperation of those in various of practice and academic requirements. Licensed Professional Counseling Board How will you, as president of the roles (state licensure boards, professional American Counseling Association, in Texas I am familiar with licensure organizations, and etc.) to solve this work with sister organizations to issues and irregularities across States. I problem. Standardizing counselor have one voice now and in the future support collaboration with the American licensure requirements across states is promoting these initiatives? Association of State Counseling Boards in the best way to insure those in need of developing a model that can be expanded services can be assured, regardless of the Robert L. Smith: As a leader I have the across states. state in which they currently live, that following experiences: As ACA President I will collaborate they are accessing service from a qualified n Past President - two Divisions in an intentional manner with State provider. The 20/20 initiative has brought n Licensure Boards, AASCB, Accreditation Past President - Branch Division together over 30 organizations that Boards (CACREP), Legislators, n Member - Southern Region identify themselves as focused in some Counselor Preparation Programs, NBCC, n Past Member - Midwest Region way on the profession of counseling. The and other entities with the goal of n Past Member - Rocky Mt. ACES licensure portability. I will advocate for group has been able to build consensus n Governing Council Member Licensed Professional Counselors who on an endorsed definition of counseling. n CACREP Board Member have moved from a State where they They are now working to come to an n Parliamentarian - ACA Governing were licensed to a State questioning their agreed consensus on title, scope of Council license. This issue borders on “right to practice, and educational requirements. n Member of organizations outside work” practices needing the attention of If I am elected ACA President, I would of ACA state and national legislators. work to continue to support this process These experiences have taught me the by encouraging the work to continue, importance of collaboration and setting Kelly Duncan: License reciprocity is doing what I can to address concerns, and common goals. complicated by the fact that licensure insure that all feel they have voice in the Licensure portability is challenging titles, scopes of practice, and sets of process. u
November 2012 | Counseling Today | 61 Opinion - By Lyle Labardee, Pat Williams & Shannon Hodges
Counselors who coach
ccording to the International foster the interest and welfare of clients identify the 30 additional coach-specific Coach Federation (ICF), and promote formation of healthy training hours a master’s-level counselor A“Coaching is an ongoing relationships.” The manner in which a would need to complete to augment his relationship which focuses on clients counselor goes about encouraging client or her counseling skills with the core taking action toward the realization of growth and development varies based on competencies of coaching and qualify their vision, goals or desires. Coaching the needs of the client. This may range for the CCE’s board certified coach uses a process of inquiry and personal from psychological first aid and assistance (BCC) certification. In comparison, discovery to build the client’s level of coping with grief and loss at one end professionals without the foundational, awareness and responsibility and provides of the spectrum to planning career human development theory and helping the client with structure, support goals at the other end of the spectrum. relationship principles that master’s- and feedback. The coaching process The former calls for support of a client level counselors already possess are helps clients both define and achieve in emotional distress, while the latter required to complete as many as 120 professional and personal goals faster and presumes the client is free enough from hours of training focused on the core with more ease than would be possible acute psychological distress to apply the competencies of coaching. Therefore, the otherwise.” necessary cognitive processes to engage in CCE determined that professionals with Does this sound pretty close to the career planning. a master’s in counseling are best prepared professional service you are already Coaching is a specialized approach for to acquire coaching competencies and providing to your clients as a counselor? assisting clients who are relatively free provide coaching services. Well, the National Board for Certified from acute psychological distress and who Coach training for counselors includes Counselors (NBCC) and its affiliate, the appear able, in the eyes of the counselor, the following: Center for Credentialing and Education to apply their resources to the pursuit n Fundamental coaching skills (CCE), would agree that the professional of the goals, actions and outcomes they n Coaching ethics and practice education and preparation of counselors have identified. If we were to think of the standards closely aligns with that of coaching. running condition of one’s car as analogous n Screening and orientation of In comparison with all other to one’s psychological condition, then coaching clients professionals, licensed counselors who the spectrum of counseling ranges from n Coaching for individuals are trained and qualified in coaching assisting drivers who are stopped alongside n Coaching for businesses are some of the best prepared to meet the road looking under their hoods as they n Explaining coaching processes to the burgeoning need for life coaching try to get their cars running again to, at clients services. Our goal in this article is to the other end of the spectrum, assisting n Providing coaching via distance bring to light how coaching fits into drivers as they navigate down the road and technologies the counseling profession and what scan the horizon for where they want to go n Facilitating client development of counselors need in terms of training and next. Coaching presumes the car is in good decision-making skills understanding of core competencies, running order and the driver is ready and n Assisting clients in role transitions ethics and practice standards to able to decide where to go next. n Facilitating clients’ use of coaching successfully add coaching to the services Training for counselors who coach resources they already provide. In 2010, CCE conducted a gap analysis n Applying coaching practice standards Coaching fits into counseling study in close collaboration with master n Promoting awareness of coaching From a counselor’s perspective, certified coach and psychologist Pat n Peer coaching coaching may be considered a counseling Williams (one of the co-authors of this The CCE verifies successful specialization that, like other areas of article) to identify the differences in core comprehension of core coaching specialization, requires specific and competencies between a coach trained competencies by requiring applicants to focused training to ensure the application through an ICF-accredited training complete a national standardized Board of globally accepted best practices. program and a professional completing Certified Coaching Exam (BCCE). According to the introduction a master’s degree in counseling. The gap Similar to the manner in which the to Section A (“The Counseling analysis revealed that the counselor’s Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Relationship”) of the ACA Code of professional preparation already covers Certification requires counselors Ethics, “Counselors encourage client many of the core coaching competencies. providing rehabilitation services to growth and development in ways that The results of the analysis were used to successfully complete a certification
62 | Counseling Today | November 2012 exam and adhere to the CRC (Certified n Obtain a written coaching agreement n Refer the client to another counselor Rehabilitation Counselor) Code of before initiating a coaching relationship or therapist for therapeutic services as Ethics, the CCE requires successful n Ensure that clients, sponsors and needed. completion of the BCCE and adherence colleagues understand that coaching n Explain to clients that they will do to the BCC Code of Ethics to ensure that the work of identifying and pursuing services are not counseling, therapy or all counselors who coach apply the same what is important to them and that your psychotherapy, and avoid providing understanding and coaching practice job is to help them clarify, hold them standards. counseling, therapy and psychotherapy accountable to and uphold what they In addition to a master’s degree and (this standard makes reference to have identified as important and valuable coach-specific training requirements, the “counseling” in the context of therapeutic objectives. counselor also needs to accumulate at services; it also cautions those who are n Remember that coaching services least 30 hours of post-degree coaching not professional counselors to refrain presume the client is healthy, whole and experience working with individuals, from presenting coaching as counseling fully resourced to achieve his or her own groups or organizations, and submit or psychotherapy) goals and objectives. professional verification and endorsement n Refrain from positioning yourself as forms acknowledging that the applicant Practice considerations the expert who is uncovering, assessing or has coached and is competent in the use for counselors who coach diagnosing the nature of a problem. of fundamental coaching skills. Counselors who coach need to adhere n Position yourself in a co-active role While the National Counselor to the following practice considerations: with the client wherein you support the Examination for Licensure and client’s effort to discover what is most n Clearly state in the informed consent Certification and theACA Code of important and to achieve his or her goals, that you are providing coaching services. Ethics serve to define the full spectrum dreams and objectives. n Explain that coaching services are of theoretical constructs, standards and Following are examples of clients who ethics guiding the counseling profession, designed to assist clients in identifying would benefit from coaching services: the BCCE and the BCC Code of Ethics and achieving goals and/or designing a n A 20-year-old single college student equip and guide the counselor’s delivery life consistent with their values, vision who has completed two years of junior of coaching services. and objectives. college and is contemplating starting his n own software company Ethical considerations Explain that coaching is not a substitute for counseling. n A 48-year-old married female who for counselors who coach is contemplating going back to school n Use appropriate assessments as Aspects of the BCC Code of Ethics for her nursing degree after raising three needed to ensure that your client is not in distinguish it from the ACA Code of children Ethics. For example, “sponsor” refers to need of clinical or therapeutic services. the individuals or employees who hire a n Do not provide coach to provide services to employees or coaching services to other individuals. clients who are in acute In addition, BCC certificants shall: DATO STRESS INVENTORY psychological distress. n Recognize the limitations of Perfect for monitoring therapeutic progress. n Do not provide coaching practice and qualifications, and Administered and scored in ten minutes. Free sample available upon request. provide services only when qualified coaching and n Avoid coaching techniques that therapeutic services to DATO STRESS INSTITUTE, LLC are harmful or have been shown to be the same client at the www.datostressinstitute.com ineffective same time.
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November 2012 | Counseling Today | 63 n A 54-year-old business owner who is e-news messages that include invitations to service, assess the individual’s interest and married and wants to achieve more work- complete BCC training and credentialing. readiness to receive coaching services, and life balance Numerous coach training organizations then proceed. n A small business owner who wants to have become qualified by CCE to provide Once the client expresses an interest in focus on “working smarter, not harder” BCC training for counselors interested in engaging your service and you have verified There are also clients who would coaching. Whatever your experience with his or her ability to benefit from coaching, not benefit from coaching services. For coaching has been up until now, there is be sure to carefully review and execute an example: accumulating evidence that the coaching informed consent and coaching agreement n A 20-year-old single college student specialization is becoming interwoven into with the client before proceeding. who has completed two years of junior the fabric of our counseling profession. In 1951, Carl Rogers’ book, Client- college, has been diagnosed with bipolar Thousands of counselors have already Centered Therapy, defined counseling disorder, has not been taking prescribed obtained their BCC credential and are and therapy as relationships in which the medications and has not slept for several actively developing their coaching services. client is assumed to have the ability to days but is contemplating starting his own Many are learning the nuances of building change and grow through the clinician software company a coaching practice and discovering that creating a therapeutic alliance. This n A widowed 48-year-old female who although there will always be clients who alliance evolved from a safe, confidential is despondent over the unexpected loss need therapeutic counseling because of the space, granting the client or patient what of her husband six weeks ago and is now life circumstances they are facing, many Rogers called “unconditional positive contemplating returning to school full time additional clients are eager to receive coach- regard.” This shift in perspective — to the to finish her nursing degree ing to help them explore, define and pursue client as whole and full of the potential n A 54-year-old business owner who their dreams, visions and goals. to grow — was a significant precursor wants to achieve more work-life balance Don’t go out and lease more office space to coaching. It is no surprise that today, because his wife threatened that she would just yet, however. Counselors who coach are counselors, in comparison with all other file for divorce unless he quits his job finding that acquiring new clients isn’t as helping relationship professionals, are n A 25-year-old graduate student who easy as hanging a sign on the door or put- exceptionally well-positioned to deliver has just been released from the psychiatric ting an ad in the paper. This is where it pays coaching services. center after a suicide attempt to understand a thing or two about social To learn more about BCC training and credentialing, visit cce-global.org/BCC. u Getting started as a media and how those looking for a coun- counselor who coaches selor who coaches go about finding help. As outlined in Standard C.2.b. of the We live in an increasingly consumer- Lyle Labardee is a licensed ACA Code of Ethics, “Counselors practice centric world, and health care industry professional counselor and board in specialty areas new to them only after experts are quick to point out that certified coach who has been a appropriate education, training and consumers are making decisions regarding member of NBCC and ACA for supervised experience. While developing their health and well-being by accessing many years. He most recently skills in new specialty areas, counselors online information and resources. served as CEO of the Institute for take steps to ensure the competence of Although a place remains for more Life Coach Training and has more their work and to protect others from traditional practice-building efforts such than 25 years of experience as a possible harm.” Standard C.2.f. further as informational sessions and professional professional counselor. Contact states, “Counselors recognize the need networking, counselors who coach him at [email protected]. for continuing education to acquire and in today’s culture also need to engage maintain a reasonable level of awareness prospective clients through the medium Pat Williams founded the Institute of current scientific and professional most familiar to these individuals — for for Life Coach Training and information in their fields of activity.” example, informational e-newsletters or continues to serve as its director The CCE has made a clear and even just email messages that includes an of training. He co-authored the efficient way for counselors to obtain invitation to take a simple, anonymous book Therapist as Life Coach. and document attainment of appropriate well-being assessment. Individuals who education training and supervision in take the assessment are provided with Shannon Hodges is associate coaching. In addition to defining training feedback and then asked if they would like professor of counseling at Niagara requirements and approved coach training to share their results with a coach (you) University. He is the author of schools, the CCE also requires BCC at no charge and receive some (no-cost) 101 Careers in Counseling, City of applicants to demonstrate completion of professional feedback. (You will want to Shadows and other books, and 30 hours of coaching experience and to ensure you are using secure and encrypted is a longtime member of ACA provide professional endorsements. BCC online applications and messaging here.) and several affiliate counseling certificants must also maintain 100 hours Upon receiving the request for your organizations. of continuing education credits over a five- review of their well-being assessment year period. results, you have an opportunity to make Letters to the editor: More than 50,000 counselors on the contact with a prospective coaching client, [email protected] NBCC mailing list are regularly receiving demonstrate your ability to offer a valuable
64 | Counseling Today | November 2012 Graduate Student Committee: Supporting ACA graduate students’ needs
By Nicole A. Adamson & Victoria E. Kress
xciting news: The Graduate are examples of materials that will be Promoting resources Student Task Force appointed provided in the Graduate Student and In line with our mission to support E by the American Counseling New Professional Center. Anyone who graduate students, we will be exploring Association recently became a standing wishes to have materials included in the avenues to educate students about ACA ACA committee. As the 2012-2013 lounge should contact ACA Director of resources. It is important for students and co-chairs of this committee, we would like Conference and Meeting Services Robin new professionals to understand how ACA to share our plans with you and invite you Hayes at [email protected]. resources can help serve their needs. It is to get involved and support ACA graduate Another exciting opportunity is our ACA also important that they understand how students. Conference presentation that will focus ACA supports counselors’ interests at the Mentoring program on providing graduate students and new macro level in terms of lobbying efforts and To directly address graduate students’ professionals with information about ACA counselor advocacy. mentoring needs, the prior year’s pilot resources that can support their needs. In Members of the Graduate Student mentoring program has been updated and addition to a review of ACA resources, Committee recently conducted a redesigned, and we are currently accepting participants will have the opportunity to presentation on ACA resources for students applications. The program is designed to network with one another in small-group at the Fourth Annual Virtual Counseling provide an opportunity for counseling discussions. Information about the most Conference, which was hosted in the online graduate students and newer counseling relevant conference presentations, meetings virtual world Second Life. During this professionals who have graduated within and networking receptions for graduate presentation, benefits of membership in the past year to pair with more-seasoned students and new professionals will also be ACA and ways for students to connect both professional colleagues who share similar provided through a “must-do” list in the personally and professionally with other interests, experiences and goals. conference Program Guide. professional counselors were discussed. The program is especially in need of mentors. To serve as a mentor, you must have a degree in counseling and at least two Recovery from Grief Is Possible. years of counseling experience. Participation in the program can involve as much or Learn How to Help. as little time as both parties are interested in committing. Please email mentoring@ counseling.org to receive an electronic link to the online application form. It takes only Certification Training 2012−2013 a few minutes to complete the application, but please have your ACA member number 2012 2013 handy because you will need to enter this NOVEMBER JANUARY information. 9–12 Winnipeg, MB 18–21 Phoenix, AZ 9–12 Denver, CO 18–21 Columbus, OH ACA 2013 Conference & Expo 9–12 San Francisco, CA 25–28 Atlanta, GA The ACA Graduate Student Committee 30–3 Nashville, TN 25–28 Sherman Oaks, CA plans to support graduate students by 30–3 Sherman Oaks, CA 25–28 Vancouver, BC providing and promoting networking, DECEMBER FEBRUARY educational and social opportunities at 7–10 Toronto, ON 8–11 Seattle, WA the ACA 2013 Conference & Expo in 8–11 Dallas, TX 22–25 Arlington, VA Cincinnati. We will be supporting the ACA 22–25 San Diego, CA Graduate Student and New Professional 22–25 Edmonton, AB Center, which will provide information 4-Day Training 30 Contact Hours Maximum 15 Participants for new professionals, mentoring program applications, socializing opportunities and a Tuition $1995 (Early Registration Discount $200) place to relax during breaks from the hectic For more information or to register conference schedule. Fliers about upcoming workshops and events, brochures about Call 800-334-7606 counseling programs and information www.griefrecoverymethod.com about conference programs and receptions
November 2012 | Counseling Today | 65 Graduate students and new professionals Graduate Student/New Professional Nicole A. Adamson is a doctoral from the United States, the United Mentoring Program student at the University of North Kingdom, Belgium, Greece and Australia n We need mentors (and mentees) Carolina at Greensboro. Victoria E. took part in this presentation. Kress is a clinic director, professor The ACA Graduate Student Committee n Sign up by emailing mentoring@ and the coordinator of the clinical will also have a presence on the counseling.org mental health, addictions and COUNSGRADS electronic mailing list college counseling programs at and will send a monthly resource email on Youngstown State University. topics of interest to students (for example, Graduate Student/New Professional Together, they serve as co-chairs licensure and certification). Members Center at ACA Conference & Expo of the ACA Graduate Student of this email platform can connect with n Students, professors and universities are Committee. one another about professional and encouraged to provide informational personal experiences and find support as resources (contact Robin Hayes at Letters to the editor: they navigate the process of becoming [email protected] professional counselors. Counselor educator [email protected]) Darcy Haag Granello and her graduate n Students and new professionals can students developed COUNSGRADS socialize and relax in this space in 1997, and it has been serving this important population for 15 years. To subscribe to the COUNSGRADS ACA Conference presentation electronic mailing list, email listproc@ n All members of ACA should attend lists.acs.ohio-state.edu with “Subscribe for an overview of ACA’s resources COUNSGRADS (first name) (last name)” in the body of the message. and information about optimizing There are also multiple tools for the mentoring relationship and the conveying information about ACA Mentoring Program graduate student resources that you may ACA find useful. An official informational video for students is available on YouTube (enter COUNSGRADS electronic mailing list American Counseling Association into the n Join for social connection and THANKS OUR search bar). A PowerPoint presentation that professional information/opportunities professors can use to educate students about ACA is available on the association’s website n Email [email protected] SPONSORS! at counseling.org. Just select the “Students” with “Subscribe COUNSGRADS Argosy University tab and scroll down to “ACA Is Where (first name) (last name)” in the body California University of You Belong — Discover ACA Student of the message Pennsylvania Membership.” Please email Nicole Adamson at Capella University Get involved [email protected] or Victoria Kress HPSO In summary, the ACA Graduate Student Liberty Mutual at [email protected] with any Committee will be very busy during the University of Phoenix questions or if you have an interest in 2012-2013 school year. We are working on Walden University the following projects and encourage you to volunteering to support the mission of the get involved. ACA Graduate Student Committee. u
66 | Counseling Today | November 2012 I hope that in the near future, an 7) Action: What losses could be expected Letters international counseling association in both the public and private sectors if the developed within ACA will stand shoulder counseling profession ceased to exist? What Continued from page 9 to shoulder with IAC. I believe these needs do we serve and what roles do we organizations would complement and play in public and private mental health? meeting client needs comes first, even if it is supplement, not supplant, each other. I believe that our patients and our less comfortable for me. Although there are Daya Singh Sandhu profession are worthwhile. With many of us safety and ethical concerns, these issues are facing unemployment, underemployment not insurmountable, and Friedman’s article Co-chair, ACA International Committee [email protected] and being told that we are “unqualified,” makes that clear. we cannot simply accept that our It has frustrated me that the counseling An open letter about representatives are doing the best that they profession has in recent years focused a great counselor parity can and that the current course of action deal of attention on multicultural issues Our country is currently facing a mental is the best one. We must be strong and we in counseling and yet overlooked this one health crisis. Many groups of professionals must be ruthless in moving the profession huge adjustment we could make to help are included under the umbrella of and ourselves forward. meet the needs of our multicultural clients helping professionals, but counselors are more effectively. Rayne Turner, LPC underrepresented and underutilized in [email protected] u Gregory K. Moffatt, Ph.D. many areas of employment and with many Professor of Counseling and Human Services client populations. Regardless of the reason Point University why the counseling profession has not [email protected] gotten further, we have the responsibility Editorial policy to find the solution. To remain viable, we Counseling Today welcomes letters Validating the necessity must be fearless in making the changes that to the editor from ACA members; of international counseling will sustain us as a profession and move us submissions from nonmembers will be I was thrilled to read “The promise forward. published only on rare occasions. Only of counsel(l)ing’s globalization” (in the The current climate and constant one letter per person per topic in each “Through a Glass Darkly” column) by push-pull has produced an “us versus 365-day period will be printed. Letters Courtland C. Lee in the September issue them” mentality among counselors, not will be published as space permits and of Counseling Today. I appreciate his only against the psychology and social are subject to editing for both length and encouraging and kind words applauding the American Counseling Association’s efforts work professions but also, sadly, among clarity. Please limit letters to 400 words to expand its role in promoting counseling ourselves. As time moves forward and or less. Submissions can be sent via email internationally. These efforts include our representatives are called into action or regular mail and must include the the recent establishment of the ACA to defend our profession and our very individual’s full name, mailing address or International Counseling Interest Network. livelihood, it is clear we need a new email address and telephone number. A statement of strong support validating the direction. ACA has the sole right to determine if necessity of international counseling means 1) One title: There are more than 15 title a letter will be accepted for publication. a lot to me personally, especially when that designations in 50 states. The term counselor Counseling Today will not publish any statement comes from the president of the is confusing, as is therapist, because it is not letter that contains unprofessional, International Association for Counselling synonymous with what we do. Encouraging defamatory, incendiary, libelous or illegal (IAC) and a past president of ACA. letters behind our names not only devalues statements or content deemed as intended I applaud the great efforts of IAC and the profession but also confuses the public. to offend a person or group of people the several initiatives it has launched, 2) One curriculum: One curriculum based on their race, gender, age, ethnicity, many under the pioneering and superb would ensure that all counselors are religion, sexual orientation, gender leadership of the late Hans Z. Hoxter. universally prepared and therefore should identity, disability, language, ideology, Without a doubt, IAC has had a significant be able to practice in any state. social class, occupation, appearance, impact globally through holding numerous 3) One test: Having one test would mental capacity or any other distinction annual congresses around the world and ensure that professionals meet a national that might be considered by some as a starting several new national divisions. I standard. liability. ACA will not print letters that strongly believe, however, that the practical 4) Portability: Professionals who have include advertising or represent a copy applications of IAC’s efforts and the taken a nationally standardized test should of a letter to a third party. The editor of counseling needs of recent immigrants to be able to practice in any state. Counseling Today will have responsibility the United States from various parts of 5) Joining forces: All helping professionals for determining if any factors are present the world remain unfulfilled. Moreover, are necessary in both traditional and that warrant not publishing a letter. I believe that a true understanding nontraditional roles. Professionals should be Email your letters to ct@counseling. of counseling is incomplete without compensated based on level of education, org or write to Counseling Today, Letters considering international perspectives experience and role, not professional track. to the Editor, 5999 Stevenson Ave., related to counseling theories, testing, 6) Public education: Intensive re- Alexandria, VA 22304. concepts and worldviews. education of the public needs to occur.
November 2012 | Counseling Today | 67 division, region & Branch News
ASGW seeks nominations work through any one of the following: status. Application materials must be for three awards research, development of a new technique received by midnight (Central Time) Submitted by Lorraine Guth or theory, public relations, legislative on Jan. 18 by the chair of the AMCD [email protected] activities or group work practice. mentoring program, Kimberly N. Frazier, The Association for Specialists in Electronic submissions for all awards via email at kimberly.frazier@tamucc. Group Work Awards Committee is are preferred and may be submitted edu or via ground mail at Texas A&M seeking nominations for the Group via email attachment to lguth@iup. University-Corpus Christi, Counseling Work Practice Award. The purpose of edu. Submissions via regular mail & Educational Psychology, College of this award is to recognize an outstanding should be sent to Lorraine J. Guth, Education, ECDC148, 6300 Ocean practitioner in group work. Recognition Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Drive, Unit 5834, Corpus Christi, TX may be for any area of group work Department of Counseling, 206 Stouffer 78412. Hall, Indiana, PA 15705. Applications covered by the ASGW Professional ASERVIC continues (nomination letter and supporting letters) Standards, and nominees must be teaching module project must be received by Jan. 31. The award members of ASGW. recipient will be announced at the ASGW Submitted by Shannon Ray A nomination letter and two Luncheon at the ACA 2013 Conference [email protected] supporting letters should address the & Expo in Cincinnati. In response to member support, the following points: Association for Spiritual, Religious and 1) Scope of practice of nominee to AMCD invites applicants Ethical Issues in Counseling will continue include: type of group work, client for 2013 mentoring program its teaching module project to assist population served and practice setting Submitted by Kimberly Frazier counselor educators with the integration 2) Innovations in group work practice [email protected] of spiritual and religious issues in the by the nominee The Association for Multicultural Council for Accreditation of Counseling 3) How nominee has disseminated Counseling and Development is and Related Educational Programs group work skills through workshops, accepting applications for its 2013 (CACREP) core classes. Currently, there conference presentations, supervision Mentoring Program. Graduate counseling are nine teaching modules that have and/or training students at the master’s or doctoral been uploaded to the ASERVIC website. 4) Evidence of nominee’s significant level are encouraged to apply. Selected Think of submitting some of your contribution to group work practice applicants will receive free registration for ideas, because it is a great way to infuse The ASGW Awards Committee is also the upcoming ACA Conference & Expo ASERVIC and spiritual, religious and seeking nominations for the Eminent in Cincinnati and a ticket to the AMCD ethical issues into the classroom. Career Award and for the Professional Luncheon. Graduate students will serve Original materials will be peer Advancement Award. Nominations as volunteers for the various AMCD- reviewed for an online publication on the in either category should address the sponsored events at the upcoming ACA ASERVIC website. If you are interested nominee’s outstanding activities and Conference. in submitting a module, please submit contributions to the group work field. For consideration, applicants must the following: Additional letters speaking to the become AMCD members by January, 1) Title page to include title, author(s), nomination are required. Letters should forward a letter of support from a current affiliation and contact information identify which award is being sought. AMCD member and submit a research 2) An abstract in Word format (only) n Eminent Career Award: This highest proposal (two-page limit) regarding with a maximum of 750 words, providing award is intended to recognize major an issue that mirrors the multicultural an overview of your module, a clear contributions made to the field of group mission and goals of AMCD. Selected identification of the CACREP core work by an ASGW/American Counseling research proposals will be presented in content area and appropriate objectives Association member. Credentials and a poster presentation at the Mentoring for the proposed module letters of recommendation for the Program Research Symposium held at 3) A PowerPoint presentation to nominee should convey the national the annual mentoring program meeting include a maximum of 15 black-and- and/or international influence the during the conference. Applications white (only) PowerPoint slides in Word individual has had on group work over a must include a cover sheet that includes format (only), Times Roman, 18 point. period of time. full name, institutional affiliation The PowerPoint must also include an n Professional Advancement Award: and applicant status (master’s level activity, experiential exercise and/or case This award is intended to recognize the or doctoral level). Graduate students study for discussion. On the first slide, outstanding activities of an individual must also submit a letter from their please list title, author(s), affiliation and who has helped advance the field of group adviser verifying graduate student contact information.
68 | Counseling Today | November 2012 All submissions should be sent encourage attendance and participation AHC gives feedback on electronically to [email protected]. in the ACA Conference and in ACCA proposed DSM changes The deadline for proposals is Feb. 15. See activities. Submitted by Donna Sheperis aservic.org for additional information. Multiple graduate students and/or new [email protected] professionals will receive grants to cover NCDA plays host to themed webinar The Association for Humanistic the cost of the Super Saver conference Counseling Current Affairs Committee Submitted by Alicia Kirkpatrick registration fee. Grant recipients recently submitted a response to the [email protected] will be asked to assist in professional American Psychiatric Association (APA) The National Career Development development activities such as the requesting the inclusion of humanistic Association will be hosting a webinar, following: considerations into the fifth edition of “Veterans Career and Employment Issues: n Helping with conference activities the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of The Role of Career Development in such as staffing the ACCA booth Mental Disorders (DSM-5). We indicated Military to Civilian Transitions,” on Nov. and helping with special ACCA that the views of counselors associated 14 from 1-2 p.m. (ET). Carmen T. Stein programming with humanistic counseling are grounded and NCDA Veterans Task Force Chair in a value system that places priority Robert A. Miles are the co-presenters. n Writing an article for the Visions on the uniqueness, welfare, worth, Stein is a co-author of the upcoming newsletter for publication in the personhood and dignity of every client. NCDA monograph, Career Resources and Graduate Student Column Humanistic counselors contend that Strategies for Achieving Success in Military n Serving as a member on one of the the development and revision of to Civilian Transitions. Miles retired from DSM ACCA committees for at least one diagnoses should be consistent with this Gateway Community College, where he year counseled veterans and was a Veterans set of values. n Attending the ACCA social and Affairs certifying official for 10 years. Specifically, humanistic counselors are graduate student/new professional Both Miles and Stein are veterans. concerned that a number of proposed During the webinar, Stein and events to network with others in changes currently being discussed appear Miles will describe the need for a college counseling to be inconsistent with the humanistic comprehensive approach to the career- For more information or to request philosophical approach to counseling. related transitions facing returning an application packet, contact ACCA For example, the proposed change to veterans in settings that include the Graduate Student Member-at-Large the definition of “mental disorder” military’s Transition Assistance Programs, Hannah Bayne at hannah.b.bayne@gmail. suggests that all mental disorders Labor Department One-Stop offices and com. Applications require submission of a can be reduced to biology. If mental colleges. They will summarize resources curriculum vitae, personal statement and disorders are primarily the result of and information available to career statement of financial need. Applications neurobiology, it becomes unnecessary development professionals interested are due electronically by Dec. 14. to consider meaning, purpose, morality and culture — the very qualities that in assisting veterans. The webinar will ACC offers two research grants introduce issues that will be developed define our humanity. Such a change can further in presentations at the 2013 Submitted by Victoria Kress produce an undesired effect and could NCDA Conference in Boston. [email protected] work against efforts “to improve the Register online at ncda.org or mail a The time has come again for condition of individuals, organizations check to NCDA, 305 N. Beech Circle, Association for Creativity in Counseling and society” (APA). A misinterpretation Broken Arrow, OK 74012. Your webinar members to seek research assistance could undermine the client’s efforts to invitation/access code will be emailed through the ACC Research Grant self-advocate and advocate on behalf to you along with your receipt. For Committee. Each year, ACC provides of others. Humanistic counselors ask questions, contact Debbie Gann at one professional and one student member that APA exercise caution as it works to [email protected] or 918.663.7060. with a $250 research grant. Practitioners establish a definition of mental disorder are encouraged to apply. that is empowering to clients. ACCA invites Emerging The purpose of these grants is Humanistic counselors have a Leader Grant applications to support research that increases concern regarding the proposal to lower Submitted by Taffey Cunnien understanding of the use of creativity in diagnostic thresholds. The planned [email protected] counseling. Previous grants were awarded removal of major depressive disorder’s The American College Counseling to promote research on adventure- bereavement exclusion and the reduction Association announces its annual based counseling, creative approaches in the number of criteria needed for the invitation for graduate students and new in counseling supervision and the diagnosis of attention deficit disorder professionals to apply for an Emerging therapeutic efficacy of digital storytelling. and generalized anxiety disorder may Leader Grant to attend the ACA 2013 The submission deadline is Jan. pathologize expected natural human Conference & Expo in Cincinnati. The 15. Contact co-chairs Victoria Kress responses to typical life occurrences. ACCA Graduate Student Committee ([email protected]) and Laura Humanistic counselors are concerned oversees the selection process for graduate Bruneau ([email protected]) for more about the proposal to add paraphilic students and new professionals to information. coercive disorder. If one medicalizes
November 2012 | Counseling Today | 69 criminal activity, it increases the 2) A record of scholarly publications in MACD will be offering several exciting likelihood that persons who deliberately refereed journals events this year. President Marsha Riggio and continually commit malicious and 3) Demonstrated expertise in will be welcoming ACA President- harmful acts will be able to avoid taking assessment and research methods (for Elect Cirecie A. West-Olatunji to Johns responsibility for such acts. This proposed example, quantitative, qualitative, SSRD) Hopkins University (Columbia campus) change could have negative unintended 4) An understanding of and on Nov. 9 for the MACD Annual social consequences if it makes it more commitment to the mission of AACE, Conference. This year’s theme is the socially acceptable to perpetrate violence including AACE membership and “Impact of Modern Life on Mental against others. involvement if selected Health.” Visit our website for updates on Overall, humanistic counselors have 5) Preference for those with a history of other upcoming events, including our deep misgivings about a number of involvement with AACE/ACA-affiliated Multicultural Workshop on Saturday, proposed revisions to the DSM and organizations Feb. 23, and our Spirituality Workshop find that the proposed changes are Interested individuals should submit on Friday, May 3. u inconsistent with the core values of formal application materials containing humanistic counseling. the following by Dec. 1: AACE plans conference 1) A current curriculum vitae events, seeks journal editor 2) A complete list of publications and reprints of no more than five of the Submitted by Amy McLeod applicant’s most significant publications [email protected] 3) A statement of vision for the Submit your news Please join the Association for editorial direction for CORE and upcoming events Assessment in Counseling and Education 4) A statement from the applicant for the following AACE-sponsored events (cover letter) indicating that the at the ACA 2013 Conference & Expo in institution or organization will support All divisions, regions and branches Cincinnati: the appointment (allow the applicant of the American Counseling n Friday, March 22, from 6-8 p.m. time to serve as editor) Association can submit monthly — AACE, Association for Adult Reviews of the candidates will begin news articles of 350 words or less to Development and Aging, Association Dec. 1 and continue until filled. The “Division, Region & Branch News.” for Spiritual, Ethical and Religious appointment will be announced as soon In addition, divisions, regions and Values in Counseling, Association as possible, with the editor-elect expected branches are invited to list upcoming for Humanistic Counseling and to begin working with the current editor events in “Bulletin Board.” For International Association of approximately Jan. 1 so as to facilitate the submission guidelines, contact Lynne Addictions and Offender Counselors official transition on July 1, 2013. Shallcross at [email protected]. Joint Reception A verification of receipt will be sent Please be advised of the following n Saturday, March 23, from 8-9 a.m. — within 48 hours. Materials should be deadlines for submitting items to Business and Awards Meeting submitted electronically (Word or PDF) to either section. In other news, AACE is seeking Dale Pietrzak, AACE member-at-large for publications, at [email protected]. applications for the position of editor December issue: Oct. 26 at 5 pm ET of the journal Counseling Outcomes MACD revives newsletter, January issue: Nov. 30 at 5 pm ET Research and Evaluation (CORE). CORE announces upcoming events is a national, peer-reviewed journal with February issue: Dec. 27 at 5 pm ET Submitted by Marybeth Heather a readership composed of counselors, March issue: Jan. 24 at 5 pm ET educators and other professionals [email protected] April issue: Feb. 21 at 5 pm ET interested in providing leadership, The Maryland Association of training and research in outcomes Counseling and Development is happy May issue: April 1 at 5 pm ET research, evidence-based practice and to report that we are revitalizing our June 2013 issue: April 25 at 5 pm ET newsletter, , which was last program evaluation. Its mission is to Compass Points July 2013 issue: May 30 at 5 pm ET promote and recognize scholarship, published in 2008. The current issue of professionalism, leadership and excellence the newsletter, published in September, August 2013 issue: June 27 at 5 pm ET in these areas. The appointment of editor can be found at mdcounseling.org. September 2013 issue: July 25 at 5 pm ET is a three-year term beginning July 1, Articles presented in this issue include October 2013 issue: Aug. 28 at 5 pm ET 2013. “Spirituality and Counseling,” written November 2013 issue: Sept. 26 at 5 pm ET Appointment is conditional upon the by Lee Richmond, president of the following qualifications: Maryland Association of Spiritual, Ethical December 2013 issue: Oct. 24 at 5 pm ET 1) Experience as an editorial board and Religious Values in Counseling, member of a professional publication or and “Essential Top 10 Ways to Counsel similar experience (associate editor or Youth,” written by Elizabeth Kuttler, editor of another publication) MACD program coordinator chair.
70 | Counseling Today | November 2012 available. The conference is co-sponsored by mative for counselors in mental health set- Bulletin board the Connecticut Mental Health Counselors tings, schools, agencies and colleges, as well Association and the Connecticut Association as for counseling students. International Coming events for Counselor Education & Supervision, researcher and author Sheri Bauman will with additional sponsorship from ACA. give a keynote on “Cyberbullying: What ORCA Fall Conference Counselors Need to Know.” ACA Presi- Nov. 1-3 Expressive Therapies Summit dent Bradley Erford will give a keynote on Portland, Ore. Nov. 8-11 “Counselor’s Self-Care,” and he will also Please join us at the Oregon Counseling New York City help us “transform into the future” at the Association’s annual fall conference for con- A faculty of more than 150 creative closing session. Register at arcounseling. tinuing education and networking with your arts therapists and other mental health org. Questions? Contact Conference Chair fellow professionals. The theme of this year’s professionals from eight countries will Cheryl Edwards at 479.420.5343 or event is “Appreciating the Diverse Experi- offer a program of more than 100 papers, [email protected]. ence.” Visit or-counseling.org to register and to workshops, daylong master classes and learn about the featured topics and speakers. two-day training intensives emphasizing TCA Professional Growth Conference hands-on participation and cross-disciplinary Nov. 14-17 EB-ACA Annual Conference collaboration. Art, drama/psychodrama, Galveston, Texas Nov. 1-4 music, dance/movement, photography/ The Professional Growth Conference is Heidelberg-Wiesloch, Germany video, poetry/narrative and play therapy/ the Texas Counseling Association’s largest The European Branch of ACA’s 53rd sand play are featured approaches to working annual conference, held each year in No- Annual Conference will be held at the Best with clients throughout the life cycle. Topics vember. Join us this year at the Galveston Western Plus-Palatin Kongress Hotel, located include trauma/abuse, autism spectrum, Island Convention Center. The four-day 12 kilometers south of historic Heidelberg hospice/grief, dual diagnosis, dementia, conference opens Nov. 14 with preconfer- in the center of Wiesloch. Local attractions relationships/family, mindfulness/yoga, ence workshops and runs through Nov. 17, include the historic cities of Heidelberg integrative therapy, equine therapy, cultural/ when post-conference sessions are offered. and Speyer, the wine and asparagus region, international issues, assessment, LGBTQ This year’s conference will feature more “Kraichgau,” the world’s leading Formula issues and more. There will be a special than 150 sessions with topics covering One motor speedway in Hockenheim, symposium at the New School on Nov. 9: mental health, school and college counsel- attractive golf courses, and the car and “Neuroscience and the Therapeutic Power ing; counselor education and supervision; technology museum in Sinsheim with of the Arts.” CEUs are available. Attend addiction and offender counseling; marital, the Concorde plane F-BVFB. The annual one day or more. For registration or more couple and family counseling; career devel- conference is a great opportunity to connect information, visit summit.expressivemedia.org. opment and employment counseling; and with counselors from around the world diversity, multicultural and social justice who share the common goal of best practice MACD Annual Conference issues. Onsite registration is available. For and the use of innovative, interdisciplinary Nov. 9 counseling techniques. CEUs and college more information, visit txca.org/Galveston. Columbia, Md. credit for select sessions will be available. For The Maryland Association for Counseling TCA Conference registration and travel information, contact and Development will host its annual Nov. 17-20 EB-ACA President-Elect Elizabeth Pardo at conference, themed “Impact of Modern Nashville, Tenn. [email protected]. Life on Mental Health,” at Johns Hopkins The Tennessee Counseling Association CCA Regional Conference University (Columbia campus). The Conference will be held at the Sheraton Nov. 2 keynote speaker will be ACA President- Nashville Downtown. “Counseling as Music: Rocky Hill, Conn. Elect Cirecie West-Olatunji. For more Facilitating Harmony for Mind, Body and The Connecticut Counseling Association information, visit mdcounseling.org or Spirit” will be the conference theme. The announces its upcoming regional confer- email MACD President Marsha Riggio at keynote speaker will be author and motiva- ence, “Current Developments in Counsel- [email protected]. tional speaker Dave Weber. Contact Mike ing: Trauma, Suicide and the DSM-V — A Bundy, president-elect and conference chair, Day of Learning for Counselors, Counselor ArCA Conference at [email protected] with any questions, and Educators and Supervisors.” The day will Nov. 14-16 visit tncounselors.org for more information. focus on the continuing education needs Hot Springs, Ark. Call for Proposals of counselors in the tri-state area, with The Arkansas Counseling Association a special emphasis on trauma-informed 2012 Conference, themed “Back to the The National Board of Forensic Evaluators therapy, suicide assessment and prevention, Future: Treasuring the Past, Transforming is seeking proposal submissions for its first and a review of the DSM-V revisions. An the Future,” will be held at the convention one-day Forensic Mental Health workshop, expert panel will address national and local center. Last year, more than 700 attended; to be held via webinar, on March 1. The legislative concerns. ACA member rates we are looking forward to an even bigger submission deadline for proposals is Dec. 15. and hotel discounts are available. For more turnout this year. The many interactive For more information, contact Valerie Watt information, visit ccamain.org. CEUs are also presentations will be challenging and infor- at [email protected] or visit nbfe.net. u
November 2012 | Counseling Today | 71 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 per line based on 30 characters per line, $60 minimum. $8 per line for advertisers 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 MERCHANDISE/SERVICES HOME/OFFICE FOR SALE characters per line; 30-day posting. Upon My Word CONNECTICUT u Employment ads are listed under Professional Home and Office: international or national by state. Upon My Word offers English language services such as writing, editing, and Quintessential 1836 Colonial 1500 u Rates: $10 per line based on 30 characters sq. ft. on six acres with an attached per line, $150 minimum. $8 per line for proofreading, including help with APA 800 sq. ft., two room office in Western advertisers prepaying for three months. No style. Please see our website at www. cancellations or refunds. Employment ads CT. Separate entrance, stone fireplace, UponMyWord.biz today! can be placed online only at a rate of $8 per bathroom, sound proofing, cathedral line, based on 30 characters per line; 30-day ceilings. $349,900. Contact: Kathryn posting. LICENSURE EXAM REVIEW NCE & NCMHCE Exam Prep Clair [email protected] Display ads in the employment classified 860.868.6926. section are available and can be designed by Review. Multiple choice questions, ACA’s graphics department. Call for details. mnemonics. Exam Tips, online and Classified and employment ads are not interactive Check out our FREE commissionable and are billed at net rate SAMPLER!! [email protected] www. EMPLOYMENT only. CounselingExam.com u ACA Members: If you are seeking a Georgia position you may place a 45-word ad for $10. DISSERTATION COMPLETION CONSULTING This is a one-time insertion only. Individualized program assists with all u Deadlines: Vary per issue. Contact Kathy aspects of dissertation and thesis writing. GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY Maguire at 607.662.4451 or kmaguire@ By phone, by FAX, by e-mail, or in Tenure-Track, Assistant Professor, counseling.org for further details. person. Call “toll free” 1-(888) 463-6999 Mental Health Counseling The Department of Counseling and u Direct all copy or inquiries to or [email protected] Kathy Maguire via email at Psychological Services at Georgia State [email protected]. University is searching for a tenure-track, Phone: 607.662.4451 assistant professor in the Mental Health CONTINUING EDUCATION Fax: 607.662.4415 Counseling Program to begin fall, 2013. This candidate is also expected to join the u Ads are subject to Counseling Today CRUISE & EARN 20 CEUs department’s Counselor Education and approval; however, Counseling Today cannot Earn Your CEs on an Amazing Cruise! screen or evaluate all products or services Practice doctoral program. advertised in the classified section and does Fresh topics, top notch trainers and Qualifications: The individual chosen not guarantee their value or authenticity. The exciting ports of call for a very reasonable for this position must meet the following publication of an advertisement in Counseling price. Check out our sailings and minimum criteria: have an earned doctorate Today is in no way an endorsement by ACA from a CACREP-accredited Counselor of the advertiser or the products or services seminars at www.LandOrSeaCEUs.com advertised. Advertisers may not incorporate or 877-901-4335. Education program; must show evidence in subsequent advertising or promotion of and/or potential for a focused line of the fact that a product or service has been research; have experience in and/or show advertised in any ACA publication. ACA potential for teaching core and specialized endorses equal opportunity practices and will TRAINING not knowingly accept ads that discriminate courses within the Mental Health on the basis of race, sex, religion, national HEAL YOUR LIFE® WORKSHOP Counseling curriculum ; license-eligible in origin, sexual orientation, disability or age. Georgia LEADER TRAINING Responsibilities: Applicants will be u Counseling Today reserves the right to edit Become a licensed workshop leader in all copy, request additional documentation primarily responsible for teaching clinical where indicated and to refuse ads that are the philosophy of Louise Hay. mental health core courses and specialty not in consonance with these practices. ACA All manuals and materials provided to counseling courses in the masters level is not responsible for any claims made in lead up to 14 different workshops. advertisements nor for the specific position Mental Health Counseling Program. title or working of any particular position Our training is licensed by Hay House, Additional responsibilities include but listed in employment classified ads. Inc., and approved by Louise Hay. are not exclusive to maintaining an active www.healyourlifetraining.com scholarship program; participating in
72 | Counseling Today | November 2012 curriculum assessment and development; chosen for this position must have an student advising; providing service to the earned doctorate in counselor education LOUISIANA community, university and professional from a CACREP accredited program, organizations. Preference will be given paid experience as a school counselor, LOYOLA UNIVERSITY NEW ORLEANS to candidates who have a well-defined and membership in regional and national Department of Counseling, research program that has the potential for professional organizations. The individual Assistant Professor external funding. Preference will also be must be prepared to teach courses in the Loyola University New Orleans given to individuals who have expertise in school counseling program, including Department of Counseling is pleased to counseling with children and/or who can supervision of school counseling practica announce an assistant professor tenure- teach basic and advanced counseling skills, and internships, as well as courses in track position beginning in the fall of introductory mental health counseling the master’s core. The individual must 2013. Responsibilities include teaching classes, and supervise practicum and be eligible for licensure as a Professional courses in the Clinical Mental Health internship courses. Counselor in Georgia. Counseling Program (a 3-3 load), The Mental Health Counseling Major areas of responsibility for this conducting research/writing for publica- Program, Department of Counseling and individual are teaching and service to the tion, advising students, and engaging in Psychological Services, and Georgia State department, College of Education and service activities for the university and University have a strong commitment to University. Preference will be given to profession. Potential courses may include diversity. Candidates from underrepresented individuals who have expertise working core counseling courses (e.g. Counseling racial and ethnic minority groups, with elementary aged students and their Theory, Vocational Counseling, Measure- women, and persons with disabilities are families. This individual will also be ment and Assessment, Group Counseling, especially encouraged to apply. Atlanta expected to develop and foster working Developmental) and marriage and family is an exceptionally diverse and vibrant relationships with school internship sites. courses (e.g. Family Systems, Marriage metropolitan area that provides numerous The School Counseling Program, and Couples, Intro to Family Counsel- opportunities for cultural events as well as Department of Counseling and ing). Summer teaching is also possible. professional collaborations within GSU and Psychological Services, and Georgia State Required qualifications include a the broader metro-Atlanta area. University have a strong commitment to doctorate in Counselor Education from Applications/Nominations: Applicants diversity. Candidates from underrepresented a CACREP-accredited program; a clear should send a letter of application, racial and ethnic minority groups, research agenda with publications; license curriculum vita, official transcript of women, and persons with disabilities are eligible as a LPC in Louisiana. highest degree earned, writing sample, especially encouraged to apply. Atlanta and three letters of recommendation to is an exceptionally diverse and vibrant Counseling Today Dr. Dennis Gilbride, Search Committee metropolitan area that provides numerous Issue: Nov Chair, Department of Counseling and opportunities for cultural events as well as Deadline ASAP Psychological Services, P.O. Box 3980, professional collaborations within GSU and 1/6 page Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia the broader metro-Atlanta area. ASSISTANT PROFESSOR 30302-3980. Preference will be given to applications Preference will be given to applications FOR PSYCHOLOGY and supporting documents received by and supporting documents received by Marist College, an independent and comprehensive October 30, 2012, but the position will October 15, 2012, but the position will liberal arts institution located in New York's historic remain open until a suitable candidate is Hudson River Valley, invites applications for two remain open until a suitable candidate selected. Applicants should send a letter tenure-track Assistant Professor positions with an is selected. Please be advised that should emphasis on School Psychology and/or Mental of application, curriculum vitae, official Health Counseling for the School of Social and you be recommended for a position, the transcript of highest degree earned and Behavioral Sciences. University System of Georgia Board of Candidates will be expected to teach courses in the Regents policy requires the completion of three letters of recommendation to the CPS Department Assistant, Clinical Professor area of research methods and there is flexibility in a background check as a prior condition of teaching undergraduate and/or graduate courses in employment. School Counseling Search Committee, the following areas: counseling skills, assessment c/o Dr. Andrea Dixon, Counseling and of disabilities, academic and behavioral Georgia State University is an equal interventions, consultation in schools, group opportunity educational institution and Psychological Services, P.O. Box 3980, psychotherapy, and measurement & evaluation. an equal opportunity affirmative action Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia For the Mental Health Counseling position, a employer. 30302-3980. Inquiries should be sent to doctorate in Counselor Education from a CACREP- Dr. Dixon at [email protected]. accredited program or a doctorate in Counseling GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY Psychology from an APA-accredited program is Please be advised that should you be required. For the School Psychology position, a School Counseling, Clinical recommended for a position, the University doctorate in School Psychology, preferably from an Assistant Professor System of Georgia Board of Regents policy APA-accredited program is required. The Department of Counseling and requires the completion of a background To learn more or to apply, please visit http://jobs.marist.edu. Psychological Services at Georgia State check as a prior condition of employment. Only online applications are accepted. University in Atlanta, GA is searching Georgia State University is an equal oppor- AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/ for a clinical, assistant professor in the tunity educational institution and an equal AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER school counseling program. The individual opportunity affirmative action employer.
November 2012 | Counseling Today | 73 Preferred qualifications include training The Department of Counseling and and experience in either Clinical Mental College Student Personnel seeks appli- VIRGINIA Health or Marriage and Family Counsel- cants to fill two tenure-track, Assistant ing, experience mentoring students with or Associate Professor faculty positions THE JEWISH SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCY (JSSA) research projects (e.g. presentations and (Student Affairs/College Student Person- Clinical Social Worker building data sets), a strong desire to nel and College Counseling/generalist) The Jewish Social Service Agency (JSSA) conduct research, publish/present at state/ beginning August 2013. Preference will is a community leader providing individuals national conferences, at least three years go to applicants with an earned doctorate and families a wide variety of social work, full-time teaching experience in a counsel- in Counseling or a related field from an support and educational services. Our ing program, and experience working with accredited institution; ABD status will Synagogue Liaison Program (SLP) is an a diverse faculty and student body. also be considered. Send letter of interest innovative partnership between JSSA and Applicants should send the following specific to which position applying for, select local Northern Virginia congrega- documents as email attachments to Dr. curriculum vita, copies of undergraduate tions. We are seeking a LCSW or LCPC Christine Ebrahim, Search Committee and graduate transcripts, and the names with strong clinical skills and a minimum Chair, at [email protected]: Letter of and contact information for three refer- of five years of experience working with ences to Dr. Todd Whitman, Search Interest that addresses the required and children and families in several synagogues. Committee Chairperson, Department of preferred qualifications; Curriculum Vita; The ideal candidate possesses a passion for Counseling and College Student Person- Statement of Teaching Philosophy and community-focused work. Responsibilities nel, Shippensburg University, Shippens- Theoretical Orientation and Research include on-site consultations with rabbis, burg, PA 17257. Shippensburg Univer- congregation staff, and congregants on a Agenda. sity is an Equal Opportunity Employer wide range of mental health and family In addition, applicants should send their committed to fostering a diverse and issues, and referrals to JSSA and community official graduate transcripts, three letters inclusive community and strongly en- resources. We offer a flexible schedule, but of reference, and a video demonstration courages all qualified individuals to apply. require some evening and weekend work. of their teaching by mail to Dr. Christine For more information on these positions, Please send resume with cover letter and sal- Ebrahim, Search Committee Chair, at their qualifications, and additional ap- ary requirements to: JSSA, 200 Wood Hill Loyola University New Orleans, 6363 plication instructions, please visit our web Road, Rockville, MD Fax 301-309-2596, St. Charles Ave Campus Box 66, New site at http://www.ship.edu/HR. email [email protected]. Visit our website: www. Orleans, LA. 70118. We will be accepting jssa.org EOE. applications until December 15, 2012. Minorities and women are strongly encour- aged to apply. Offered salary is competitive. Loyola University New Orleans, a CounselingToday Jesuit and Catholic institution of higher Advertiser Index education, welcomes students of diverse ACA Conference...... 57 Exam Prep Study Guide backgrounds and prepares them to lead ACA Webinar Series...... 37 by Andrew Helwig, Ph.D...... 55 meaningful lives with and for others; to DVD selections from ACA...... 54 Excelsior College...... 51 pursue truth, wisdom, and virtue; and to ACA PUBLICATIONS Grief Recovery Institute...... 65 work for a more just world. Inspired by Professional development resources HPSO Insurance...... c3 Ignatius of Loyola’s vision of finding God from ACA...... 6 International Institute in all things, the university is grounded in of Souldrama...... 45 the liberal arts and sciences, while also of- Counseling Around the World...... 25 LicensedTherapists.com...... 11 fering opportunities for professional studies Developing & Managing Your School Guidance & Counseling Program.18 Marymount University...... 31 in undergraduate and selected graduate Encyclopedia of Counseling...... 50 Mental Health Academy...... 39 programs. Through teaching, research, Multicultural Issues in Counseling... 15 National Board for Certified creative activities, and service, the faculty, Statistical Methods for Validation Counselors...... 63 in cooperation with the staff, strives to of Assessment Scale Data ...... 34 Peachtree Professional Education... 66 educate the whole student and to benefit Advertisers ReadyMinds...... 17 the larger community. Association for Advanced Training Somatic Experiencing Trauma in the Behavioral Sciences...... c4 Institute...... 29 PENNSYLVANIA Barry University...... 47 Therapysites.com...... c2 Brehm Preparatory School...... 21 Thriveworks...... 43 SHIPPENSBURG UNIVERSITY California Southern University...... 33 University of Tennessee College Two Tenure-Track Assistant Profes- The Chicago School...... 19 of Veterinary Medicine...... 35 sor Positions: Student Affairs/CSP and Dr. Dato...... 63 Walsh & Dasenbrook Consulting. 17 College Counseling.The Department of Counseling and College Student Personnel
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A counselor sued for slander triumphs in court.
A 52-year-old physician arrested for DUI, denies the counselor’s assessment of substance abuse and sues for slander and $700,000 in damages. Read the details of this case study involving a malpractice lawsuit against a counselor insured through HPSO at www.hpso.com/ct1.
This program is underwritten by American Casualty Company of Reading, Pennsylvania, a CNA company, and is offered through the Healthcare Providers Service Organization Purchasing Group. Coverages, rates and limits may differ or may not be available in all states. All products and services are subject to change without notice. This material is for illustrative purposes only and is not a contract. It is intended to provide a general overview of the products and services offered. Only the policy can provide the actual terms, coverages, amounts, conditions and exclusions. CNA is a registered trademark of CNA Financial Corporation. Copyright © 2012 CNA. All rights reserved. Healthcare Providers Service Organization is a registered trade name of Affinity Insurance Services, Inc.; (AR 244489); in CA, MN & OK, AIS Affinity Insurance Agency, Inc. (CA 0795465); in CA, Aon Affinity Insurance Services, Inc., (0G94493), Aon Direct Insurance Administrator and Berkely Insurance Agency and in NY and NH, AIS Affinity Insurance Agency. © 2012 Affinity Insurance Services, Inc. CT0312
Endorsed by: Counselor’s Professional Liability Insurance Learn the value of having your own ACA-endorsed plan by visiting www.hpso.com/ct1 Association for Advanced Training in the Behavioral Sciences
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