Why all counselors need to know about addictions
Also inside: • Counseling military couples • Recognizing the danger of cyberbullying • Revising the ACA Code of Ethics
54 Extras esearch teamat theUniversity ofNew Orleans shares it theresults ofasurvey 50 49 44 referrals tociviliancounselorsareilitary increasing, butforcounselorstowork 40 Features ental healthcounselorsmightnotsetouttoseeclientswhobattleaddiction,but 30 Cover Today Counseling
Morris pens top pens essayMorris inRoss Trust competition counselor educationpr conducted onper A r H B Pr Reader Viewpoint social mediathatar and updateofexistingethicalstandar The firstr B ACA offmajor revision kicks ofprofession’s Code ofEthics they hearaboutadolescentsbeingharassed. mor Counseling exper B Bullies withbyte attempt toadaptandthriv effectiv M B Life intransition that hav depr the r M B Don’t turnaway y Louis V. Paradise, Adrianne Lolan, Dickens, Kristen Rollins y Jonathan y JimPaterson y Lynne Shallcross y Lynne Shallcross ideyuki ideyuki Tanaka, Paul Tran Doherty &Erin ogram coordinators react toCACREP Standards e dangerous thanthetraditionalformsofbullyingthatmanyadultsthinkwhen ession, anxiety, grief, career issues,familyissuesandothercommonproblems eality isthattheseindividualsoftenshow upincounselingofficesforhelpwith
Story
ely with military couples,theymustunderstandandrespect howely withmilitary thesefamilies e become intertwined withtheiraddiction. e becomeintertwined evision oftheACA CodeofEthics since2005willincludeacareful review
ts contendthatcyberbullyingisbothdifferent from andpotentially ceptions ofthe2009CACREP Standards amongcoordinators of e raisingethicalquestionsamongcounselors. ograms.
e within the military culture. e withinthemilitary ds, whilealsotacklingemergingareas suchas June 2011
June 2011 |
Counseling Today 40 44 30
|
3 Contents CounselingToday June 2011 Columns 10 Washington Update 11 Two-Minute Advocate
12 Counselor Career Stories Numbersby the Numbers 14 New Perspectives 16 Learning Curve 18 Private Practice in Counseling 20 Resource Reviews 24 The Digital Psyway 26 Spotlight on Journals 28 Inside the DSM-5 Teens in trouble After a decade of decline, a new study from the Partnership at Drugfree.org and MetLife Foundation shows that drug and alcohol use among teenagers is on the upswing. The 22nd Need to Know annual Partnership Attitude Tracking Study surveyed more than 2,500 teens in grades nine through 12, as well as more than 800 parents. Results included significant increases in 5 From the President teen use of marijuana and Ecstasy, as well as startling statistics among teens for alcohol use. Among the study’s findings: 7 Executive Director’s Message u Of those teens who reported alcohol use, 62 percent said they had their first full alcoholic drink by age 15, not 8 Letters including sipping or tasting alcohol; 25 percent had a full alcoholic drink by age 12 or younger. 39 CT Learning Exam u 45 percent of teens reported they do not see a “great risk” in heavy daily drinking.
58 NBCC Perspective u 73 percent of teens report having friends who drink alcohol at least once a week. Division, Region & Branch News 60 u 32 percent of teens said they drank to “forget their troubles,” 24 percent said they used alcohol to help them “deal with 61 News & Notes problems at home,” and 20 percent said they drank to “deal with the pressures and stress of school.” 62 Bulletin Board For more information and to see additional results from the study, visit drugfree.org. 63 Classifieds
4 | Counseling Today | June 2011 From The President CounselingToday
Counseling Today Staff Publisher Realizing a potential Richard Yep
Associate Publisher for leadership Carol Neiman
Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Rollins
Marcheta Evans 800.347.6647 ext. 339 [email protected]
an you believe how the year has opportunities. Whether this leadership Senior Writer just flown by and that this is manifested itself at the local, branch, Lynne Shallcross my last column to you? region or division level, I wanted to 800.347.6647 ext. 320 C [email protected] As I contemplated what I would say, encourage more diversity around the so many thoughts flooded my mind that leadership table. I hoped through the Advertising Representative I wondered how I could pull them all simplicity of my story, others would Kathy Maguire together and still stay within my limited be moved to realize their potential for 607.662.4451 [email protected] word count. One of the first things I did leadership as well. was review my goals statement and my At the ACA Annual Conference in Graphic Designer responses to the questions asked of all New Orleans, I received overwhelming Carlos J. Soto II the ACA presidential candidates when confirmation of this goal being 800.347.6647 ext. 377 [email protected] I was seeking this office. I smiled when accomplished. This confirmation came I realized how energetic, enthusiastic from young and mature counselors alike CT Column Editors and lofty those goals were for someone who came up to me and thanked me for Washington Update serving in this role for only one year. my example of leadership. It came in the Scott Barstow Yes, when you run for this office, you form of the many hugs I received and 800.347.6647 ext. 234 understand that you are making a three- the pictures I took with those who felt [email protected] year commitment (inclusive of your year comfortable enough to approach me and Counselor Career Stories as president-elect and another year as ask. It came from the many individuals Rebecca Daniel-Burke immediate past president), but you are who talked about their struggles as 800.347.6647 ext. 230 only president for a limited amount of minority counselors — whether because [email protected] time. Take my word for it, the clock goes of their race/ethnicity, gender, sexual Resource Reviews by very fast! You have the opportunity to orientation or disability — and how they Kelly Duncan effect change, but not to the extent I had felt inspired to do more for the profession [email protected] hoped. through advocacy and seeking leadership Private Practice in Counseling Let me begin by saying what an opportunities. These wonderful Robert J. Walsh and Norman C. Dasenbrook honor it has been to serve as your counselors simultaneously exuded a [email protected] president. This has been a phenomenal feeling of hope and the courage to risk Spotlight on Journals year, and I owe a debt of gratitude to having their voices heard. Sheri Bauman so many people. When you make the I cried through some of the hugs, tears [email protected] decision to serve in this capacity, so and stories that some of you chose to many considerations must be evaluated, share with me, and I want to send a big New Perspectives Donjanea L. Fletcher including the impact that service will Thank You to each of you and let you [email protected] have on your “real” job and your family. know how much that meant to me and You also must determine whether you to my personal growth this year. I might The Digital Psyway can exert a positive influence during your Marty Jencius not have accomplished all of my lofty [email protected] time of service. goals, but something happened along As I delved into my true reasons this journey that has impacted my heart, Inside the DSM-5 for wanting to be the president of a and that has been due to your personal K. Dayle Jones [email protected] 45,000-member organization, my stories. So, I am sending another big hug thinking encompassed the leaders I had your way! Learning Curve: Notes From a Novice been exposed to in the past as well as Mentioning goals, this has been a Suze Hirsh the question of what I could possibly phenomenal year for your association. [email protected] do differently. One of my primary goals was to inspire others to seek leadership Continued on page 59
June 2011 | Counseling Today | 5 Help ACA Complete Our Journal Archives
s part of ACA’s new partnership with Wiley-Blackwell, we are compiling back issue archives for full digitalization of A the 10 journals we publish. In order to provide this benefit to members and subscribers, we need your help. We are Journal of Counseling & Development (ACA) looking for a good quality copy of each of the issues listed below to complete our collection. All journals are listed by volume and issue number. 47 (1) 47 (10) 50 (9) 55 (6) 47 (4) 48 (4) 51 (9) 55 (10) 47 (5) 48 (9) 52 (3) 57 (8) The Career Development Quarterly (NCDA) 47 (6) 49 (3) 53 (5) 57 (10) 19 (2) 22 (2) 23 (4) 32 (3) 47 (7) 49 (8) 53 (7) 19 (4) 22 (3) 24 (1) 38 (1) 47 (8) 49 (9) 54 (4) 20 (1) 23 (1) 31 (3) 46 (1) 47 (9) 49 (10) 55 (1) 22 (1) 23 (2) 32 (2)
Journal of Employment Counseling (NECA) Counseling and Values (ASERVIC) 3 (1) V (1) 15 (3) 18 (4) 16 (2) 25 (2) 27 (4) 30 (3) 3 (3) V (2) 16 (2) 23 (1) 17 (2) 26 (1) 28 (1) 31 (2) 3 (4) VI (2) 16 (4) 23 (3) 21 (2) 26 (2) 28 (2) 31 (3) III (1) 8 (3) 17 (1) 23 (4) 23 (3) 26 (3) 28 (3) 36 (2) III (2) 9 (3) 17 (2) 24 (1) 24 (1) 27 (1) 29 (2) III (4) 11 (3) 18 (1) 24 (2) 24 (2) 27 (3) 29 (3) IV (1) 15 (1) 18 (3) 24 (3)
Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES) Journal of Humanistic Counseling (AHC) I (2) IV (1) 12 (2) 34 (1) 1 (3) 4 (2) 10 (3) 26 (2) II (3) IV (2) 13 (3) 43 (1) 1 (4) 4 (4) 11 (3) 28 (2) II (4) IV (3) 13 (4) 48 (4) 2 (3) 6 (4) 14 (2) 39 (2) III (1) V (2) 14 (1) 2 (4) 7 (4) 14 (4) 39 (3) III (3) V (3) 15 (4) 3 (3) 8 (1) 23 (2) 40 (3) III (4) 7 (2) 20 (1) 3 (4) 9 (4) 25 (2) 40 (4)
Journal of Addictions & Journal of Multicultural Counseling Offender Counseling (IAAOC) and Development (AMCD) 2 (1) 4 (2) 9 (2) 13 (1) 1 (4) 4 (3) 13 (1) 2 (2) 7 (1) 10 (2) 2 (1) 12 (4) 15 (1)
If you have any of these issues and are willing to part with them for the benefit of the profession, please contact Carolyn Baker at [email protected]/703-823-9800 x356. Archive contributors will be entered into a drawing to win a $100 Visa gift card!
6 | Counseling Today | June 2011 Executive Director's message CounselingToday American Counseling Association President Marcheta Evans 800.347.6647 ext. 232 [email protected] Richard Yep President-Elect Don W. Locke 800.347.6647 [email protected]
Executive Director Richard Yep With thanks for your 800.347.6647 ext. 231 [email protected] incredible efforts this year Counseling Today (ISSN 1078-8719) is the monthly magazine of the American Counseling s someone who has worked for their compassion, to the citizens of New Association, 5999 Stevenson Ave., Alexandria, VA 22304-3300; Telephone: 703.823.9800; the American Counseling Orleans. I then gave credit to the person Internet: counseling.org. Opinions expressed Association for more than 20 on whose vision the event was based in this magazine do not necessarily represent A opinions of the editors or policies of the years, you might think that I have seen it when I said, “This project was an idea American Counseling Association. all and heard it all. But truth be known, that started with the woman I am about I have been in learning mode the entire to introduce. She is part visionary, part Subscriptions are available for $150 for 12 issues time I have served the association, first in educator, part counselor. But what I have by calling PP&F at 800.633.4931. Single copies the area of public policy and then as your come to know is that for all the various are available for $12.50 each by calling ACA in- house fulfillment at 800.422.2648 ext. 222. executive director. Sure, some ideas that roles she takes on, Marcheta Evans is may not be “new” per se seem to come 100 percent committed to whatever she Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria, Va., and up every few years, but because society devotes herself to.” additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send and the profession continue to change, I went on to say, “I have learned from address changes to ACA Member Services, 5999 Stevenson Ave., Alexandria, VA 22304. an idea that was discounted in the 1990s Marcheta this year. I’ve learned more All rights reserved, 2011 by the American might be worth reconsidering today. about diversity, about trying to listen to Counseling Association. I learn from our staff, our members all sides of an issue and about taking the and our leadership. All of you constantly time for those who are in need of that Editorial Policies Counseling Today reviews unsolicited articles amaze me with your ideas, your creativity time. Marcheta has this energy that she and guest editorials for possible publication. and your suggestions that enhance our just shares with those around her. It isn’t Not all articles will be accepted for publication. role as the world’s largest organization the kind of energy that leaves those in Send articles or request a copy of the writing serving professional counselors. I think her wake fatigued. Rather, it is an energy guidelines by e-mailing [email protected]. maintaining an open mind to such ideas that makes you know that listening, being Anti-Discrimination Policy and suggestions is what has led ACA to compassionate and moving together There shall be no discrimination against any its premier position among the helping toward a common goal really does result individual on the basis of ethnic group, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age and/or professions. With what has been rolled in an even better outcome than what may disability. out to members over the past few years, have been envisioned.” and what we have planned for you as Most of you who know me are aware Mission Statement we begin our seventh decade of service, that I don’t make remarks like this unless The mission of the American Counseling Association is to enhance the quality of life I am confident we can maintain our I truly believe what I am saying. It was in society by promoting the development momentum in supporting and advocating yet another example that despite my of professional counselors, advancing the for the counseling profession. having worked for 23 different ACA counseling profession and using the profession In terms of learning from those with presidents, I am still learning. Each ACA and practice of counseling to promote respect for human dignity and diversity. whom I work, I referenced this at the president has been unique, which means Opening Keynote session of the ACA I have benefited from learning something Annual Conference & Expo in March. new every single year. In introducing our president, Marcheta I encourage all of you to take a Evans, I mentioned the previous day’s moment and think about someone who Giving Back to the Community event, has opened your eyes this past year. It during which more than 100 counselors spread out to lend their hands, and Continued on page 59
June 2011 | Counseling Today | 7 Letters
School counselors are still capable what attracted me to the field and what I of helping the “whole” student believe makes school counseling unique My comments come to you following and efficient. Adolescents deserve and my review of the article on the benefit from as much adult involvement Association for Child and Adolescent and caring as possible. However, Counseling in your April issue (“ACAC they do not live their school lives in becomes newest organizational affiliate compartments, and trying to divide them of ACA”). Although collaboration up this way among counselors will only Editorial policy amongst counselors is result in inefficiencies and necessary and valuable, Counseling Today welcomes disconnect. Picture the I felt some cause for letters to the editor from ACA sobbing student holding concern when reading members; submissions from a college rejection letter Randy Astramovich’s nonmembers will be published being sent down the suggestion that school only on rare occasions. counselors’ roles would hall or home by her Only one letter per person per likely change and college adviser to wait topic in each 365-day period that it is “unrealistic” for her counselor — not will be printed. Letters will be for one school-based to mention the extra published as space permits and are counselor to wear both class time she will have subject to editing for both length academic and emotional missed. and clarity. Submissions can be It seems that ACAC is sent via e-mail or regular mail and counseling hats. School Also inside: • Association for Child and Adolescent Counseling • Sensory processing disorders among adults counselors’ need for • The dynamics behind hoarding behaviors not the only organization must include the individual’s full assistance is evident and suggesting, quite name, mailing address or e-mail critical, but I see it in frankly, that trained address and telephone number. terms of an improved school counselors be ACA has the sole right to student-to-counselor ratio, reduced reduced to academic advisers. I sense it determine if a letter will be administrative tasks and, consequently, in conversations at our county, state and accepted for publication. increased “face time” with students — national levels, too. I wish that the energy Counseling Today will not not the elimination of the comprehensive invested in this issue would instead be publish any letter that contains counseling role. directed at stronger advocacy for an unprofessional, defamatory, I am grateful that my school counseling appropriate student-to-school counselor incendiary, libelous or illegal statements or content deemed degree program prepared me to be a ratio and increased availability for face as intended to offend a person multifaceted counselor who can help the time with students. In the end, this “whole” student, which includes offering or group of people based on would benefit the students most. assistance in navigating the personal/ their race, gender, age, ethnicity, social, academic and career domains. This Jennifer M. Allen, NCC, M.Ed. religion, sexual orientation, opportunity to serve as a connector for Professional School Counselor gender identity, disability, all three pieces of the student puzzle is Baltimore County, Md. u language, ideology, social class, occupation, appearance, mental capacity or any other distinction that might be considered by some What stories as a liability. ACA will not print letters that include advertising or represent a copy of a letter matter to you? to a third party. The editor of Counseling Today will have What topics would you most like responsibility for determining to see Counseling Today cover in if any factors are present that upcoming issues? We value your warrant not publishing a letter. feedback. Send your suggestions E-mail your letters to ct@ counseling.org or write to to [email protected]. Counseling Today, Letters to the Editor, 5999 Stevenson Ave., Alexandria, VA 22304.
8 | Counseling Today | June 2011 Follow your passion. Advance your career.
As the world’s leading psychology graduate school, The Chicago School Master’s and Doctoral of Professional Psychology is dedicated to helping passionate professionals Areas of Study broaden their impact and go even further doing what they love. We offer an unrivaled range of programs—from certificates to accelerated Clinical Psychology doctorates—to help expand your expertise in the specialty areas that Counseling Psychology matter most to you. Marital and Family Therapy Forensic Psychology • On-campus and online-blended graduate programs Business and I/O Psychology Applied Behavior Analysis • Accredited, not-for-profit institution School Psychology • Recognized by the National Council of Schools International Psychology and Programs of Professional Psychology Organizational Leadership
Call 800.721.8072 or visit thechicagoschool.edu for more information.
Chicago | Los Angeles | Irvine, CA | Westwood, CA | Washington, DC | Online-Blended
June 2011 | Counseling Today | 9 Washington Update - By Scott Barstow Federal budget, spending work dominate agenda in Congress
embers of Congress are Medicaid and Medicare as they exist mental health therapist positions within engaged in a seemingly today. For anyone younger than 55, the VA. Many VA positions are advertised Mcontinual struggle over guaranteed coverage under Medicare as being open only to social workers competing visions for federal budgets, would end, replaced by a voucher system or to marriage and family therapists, spending and deficits. The debate is for buying private insurance. The value effectively shutting out counselors from overshadowing consideration of other of the vouchers would not keep pace with consideration. issues, and its resolution will set the health care cost inflation and, according ACA continues to push for appropriate framework for decisions on federal to the CBO, the average Medicare recognition of the counseling profession education, health care and social services beneficiary’s out-of-pocket costs would by the VA. These efforts include policy — including funding for the roughly double to more than $12,000 a fostering contacts within both the VA Elementary and Secondary School year. Similarly, the House-passed budget and congressional offices. Ultimately, it Counseling Program (ESSCP) and would turn Medicaid into a block grant may take action by Congress before VA Medicare coverage of counselors — program, raising the cost of nursing facilities fully open their doors to the for years to come. home care and leading to a loss of health hiring of counselors. Round one concluded with enactment insurance coverage and supports for Arizona law permits counseling of a resolution making final federal seniors and individuals with disabilities. students to refuse certain clients The House budget also would cut billions spending decisions for Fiscal Year 2011. Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer signed of dollars from the Pell Grant program, Both the House of Representatives and legislation into law that will allow taking college off the table for many the Senate passed the resolution April students in state counseling graduate low-income families. 14, and President Obama signed it programs to refuse to counsel clients Obama released his own deficit into law the next day, thus averting a whose goals “conflict with the student’s reduction plan that calls for a mix of government shutdown. According to the sincerely held religious belief” as long as spending cuts and tax increases, and other Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the the student consults with the supervising competing proposals are being debated. resolution will reduce federal spending instructor on how to avoid harming The statutory federal debt limit is about by $20 billion to $25 billion. For FY the client while doing so. Both ACA to be reached, and without enactment 2011, the plan cuts ESSCP by $2.5 President Marcheta Evans and Arizona of legislation to raise the ceiling, the million, career and technical education Counseling Association President Gordon U.S. Treasury will be forced to default by $138 million, TRIO by $25 million Gray had written to Brewer to urge her on repayment of government securities and GEAR-UP by $20 million, while to veto the legislation. The letters are for the first time in the nation’s history. completely eliminating other programs. posted on ACA’s website at counseling.org/ The American Counseling Association Total budget authority for federal publicpolicy. is working with other national advocacy education programs is cut by more than “The Arizona law is clearly in organizations to protect federal $2 billion under the agreement, and opposition to the best interests of our investments in education and health another $10 billion is cut from programs clients,” says ACA Chief Professional care programs from being inordinately within the Department of Health and Officer David Kaplan. “It invalidates the targeted for cuts within deficit reduction. Human Services and the Department nondiscrimination section of the ACA of Labor. ACA participates in VA mental Code of Ethics and permits counselors to A day after completing work on health services stakeholders group abandon clients. Professional counseling the FY 2011 spending resolution, the ACA staff participated in an has always operated under the assumption House voted on a budget resolution informal stakeholders meeting that the that our clients are more important than for FY 2012 that would make radical Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) we are. Arizona’s law stands that precept changes to federal programs such as convened in April to help improve on its head.” ACA is considering options Pell Grants, Medicare and Medicaid. delivery of mental health services for continued advocacy against the law Although proponents tout the budget as to veterans. The meeting included to ensure that clients have equal access necessary for deficit reduction, it would representatives of mental health to services regardless of their sexual spend hundreds of billions of dollars on provider organizations, veterans service orientation, ethnicity, race, religion, reducing tax rates for the highest income organizations and VA staff. During disability or any other characteristic listed households as well as for corporations. the meeting, ACA staff discussed the in the nondiscrimination standard (C.5.) The House-passed budget would end difficulties counselors face in applying for of the ACA Code of Ethics. u
10 | Counseling Today | June 2011 The Two-Minute Advocate - By Scott Barstow new
Ask representatives to cosponsor Ask senators to cosponsor mindfulness Put School Counselors Where Seniors Mental Health They’re Needed Act Access Improvement Act & compassion In February, Rep. Linda Sanchez Legislation has once again been intro- (D-Calif.) introduced the Put School duced in Congress to establish Medicare books Counselors Where They’re Needed Act reimbursement of state-licensed professional (H.R. 667). This bill would create a counselors and marriage and family thera- $5 million pilot project to support the pists — at the same reimbursement rates hiring of school counselors in at least 10 and in the same settings as those for clinical troubled, low-income high schools to social workers. Sens. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) help reduce dropout rates. Sanchez has and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) introduced the championed this legislation in previous bipartisan legislation, the Seniors Mental sessions of Congress as well. Health Access Improvement Act of 2011 We applaud Rep. Sanchez for her (S. 604), on March 17. The legislation continued work in support of school would cover only medically necessary out- counselors for at-risk youth. The patient services. American Counseling Association Medicare is the single largest health insur- encourages all counselors to ask their ance program in the country, covering more representatives to cosponsor H.R. 667. than 47 million Americans. Many Medicare 978-1572249356 • US $16.95 ISBN: Current cosponsors include: beneficiaries have a hard time finding quali- fied mental health professionals, and access “The Gift of Anger Rep. Raul Grijalva (Ariz.) problems are going to get substantially presents concrete steps Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (Calif.) worse as more and more Americans become Rep. Grace Napolitano (Calif.) eligible for the program even as more and for moving from anger Rep. Loretta Sanchez (Calif.) more mental health professionals retire from to empowerment.” Rep. Bob Filner (Calif.) work. Nationwide, more than 120,000 Rep. Jared Polis (Colo.) licensed professional counselors are autho- —Marla Estes, founder of The School of the Examined Life Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (District rized to practice independently under state of Columbia) law. Private sector health plans have covered Rep. Corrine Brown (Fla.) LPCs for many years. Rep. Keith Ellison (Minn.) Ask both of your senators to cosponsor Rep. Rush Holt (N.J.) S. 604. You can identify your senators at Rep. Edolphus Towns (N.Y.) capwiz.com/counseling, and all senators’ Rep. Tim Ryan (Ohio) offices can be reached through the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at 202.225.3121. The current cosponsors of S. 604 are: Help us improve access to school counseling services to improve Sen. Mark Begich (Alaska) students’ success. You can identify your Sen. Barbara Boxer (Calif.) lawmakers and see draft text for sending Sen. Daniel Inouye (Hawaii) them a letter or an e-mail on ACA’s Sen. Dick Durbin (Ill.) Internet advocacy website at capwiz.
Sen. Sherrod Brown (Ohio) 978-1572249660 • US $17.95 ISBN: com/counseling. You can also contact Sen. Tim Johnson (S.D.) your members of Congress by phone Sen. John Barrasso (Wyo.) A mindfulness-based through the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at 202.225.3121. Simply provide the name Regardless of whether you call, write or stress reduction path of the member of Congress you wish to send an e-mail, take a moment to put your to overcoming shame. reach. request in your own words. Studies show that one individualized message delivered in a constituent’s own words carries signifi- newharbingerpublications cantly more weight with congressional of- To order, call us at 1-800-748-6273 fices than 100 form e-mails or letters. or visit our online bookstore at For more information, contact Scott Barstow with ACA at 800.347.6647 ext. www.newharbinger.com 234 or [email protected]. u
June 2011 | Counseling Today | 11 Counselor Career Stories - By Rebecca Daniel-Burke
A mission to meet unmet needs
ather Kevin Conroy has a master’s in community Fcounseling and a doctorate in clinical counseling. His dissertation was on resiliency from torture. He works with the Little Sprouts, children orphaned by HIV/AIDS in Cambodia. All 270 of these children are HIV-positive. The youngest is 6, the oldest 18. Conroy is also helping students in Phnom Penh to treat locals with mental health issues. He told me recently about a mentally ill woman in Cambodia who spent nine years in a cage because her family didn’t know what to do with her and no services were available. I asked him how that case turned out. “With a little medication and some TLC, she is doing pretty well, meaning she is Father Kevin Conroy (pictured) believes working with vulnerable children in the developing functioning,” he said. Here is Father world is an important specialization in the counseling profession. Conroy’s career story. Rebecca Daniel-Burke: What are your became interested in the work of a social children living with HIV/AIDS in current counseling positions? psychologist, Father Martin-Baro, one of Phnom Penh? How do your students fit Kevin Conroy: I am an instructor at six Jesuit priests killed in El Salvador in into your work? the Royal University of Phnom Penh in 1989. I arrived in El Salvador a month KC: Maryknoll has a motto: “Go where the master’s in clinical psychology and after they were killed. While I never met you are needed but not wanted. Stay trauma treatment program. I am also him, I liked his idea of a “psychology until you are wanted but not needed.” psychological adviser for our Maryknoll of liberation.” In El Salvador, I became This also might be a good motto for Seedling of Hope HIV/AIDS programs. interested in understanding what counselors. Our HIV/AIDS work began Finally, I am a psychological adviser in happens to people who live in situations because nobody was filling this need in the establishment of a pilot community of war and extreme forms of violence. Phnom Penh. When I was offered the mental health program in Takeo Province, While I didn’t know the technical term opportunity to work with our children, I a province two hours outside of Phnom — resilience — I felt like I was seeing felt that I could exercise both my role as Penh that was extremely traumatized extreme forms of resilience and, once priest and counselor. during the Khmer Rouge Killing Fields. in awhile, PTSD among the RDB: How is working with these RDB: Did the priesthood come first, or campesinos did a career in counseling come first? (farm workers) with whom I worked. children different from working with kids KC: Priesthood was definitely first. After my return in 1995, I found out in other countries? I have been a priest for 29 years. As a that John Carroll University, a Jesuit KC: I think our HIV/AIDS programs priest, I have had many opportunities to university, had a program in community are more than a social service agency. do pastoral counseling. I began studying counseling. At John Carroll, I could study For some of the children, our program professional counseling after I returned and continue my work as a priest. I was becomes like their family. Working from working in El Salvador in 1995. also drawn toward counseling because it with orphans and vulnerable children Counseling has been a good ally in living has such a natural connection with be- in the developing world is an important the priesthood. ing a priest. Professional counseling has specialization in the counseling field. RDB: What led you down the path given me another tool in my work with RDB: It would be very hard not to toward a career in counseling? the poor. get personally attached to many of these KC: When I worked in El Salvador, I RDB: What led you to work with children. Is that a concern for you?
12 | Counseling Today | June 2011 How do you keep boundaries — if it RDB: Has studying counseling been even matters to have boundaries in this transformational for you? FREE Shipping on ALL Books situation. KC: When I finished my M.A. in KC: My first responsibility to these counseling from John Carroll, I thought children is not as their counselor. I am of spirituality. I think the study of like their “uncle.” Although I still do counseling has opened up new ways of some of the counseling, I try to help set up a system where others can do looking at spirituality. I think studying counseling with our children. counseling has been transformational Counseling RDB: Is there one theoretical because it gives me more tools that can orientation that you gravitate toward help me in my work with the poor. children more than others? Why? RDB: Is there a saying, a book or a KC: I have always asked myself the quote that you think about when you just got following questions: What Western need inspiration? theoretical orientation would fit best in KC: When I need to be inspired, I read Cambodia? What theoretical orientation my friend Regina Brett’s book God Never easier! is able to cross the huge cultural divide Workbooks, between Cambodia and the U.S.? What Blinks: 50 Lessons for Life’s Little Detours. theoretical orientation can help the most One of my favorite saying is “Caminante games, toys, people in Cambodia? What theoretical se hace camino caminando” — hiker, you orientation works best in Cambodia, make the road by building the road. plus everything where there are 19 psychiatrists, 15 RDB: You actually are building a road psychologists and a couple of social in Cambodia, and it is hard work. Your you need for workers in the whole country? My work is definitely intense. What ways do Sand Play answer: The theoretical orientation that you find to take care of yourself? a person is willing to try. There has KC: Daily prayer and meditation and Therapy. been little research done in Cambodia almost daily physical exercise. Spiritual on culturally appropriate clinical interventions, but I believe all of them direction. And once a year I travel to visit might need to be adapted to Cambodia. family and friends in the States. Good RDB: As you look back on your career friends matter. in counseling, what has been your favor- RDB: Is there anything I have left out ite position? Why was it your favorite? that you want our readers to know about KC: Without a doubt, I am currently you and your work? in my favorite positions in counseling. KC: Every time I walk into my class Why? Because our work here in of counseling students, I feel hopeful. Cambodia is forging new roads in The best is yet to come for mental health the field of multicultural counseling. Hopefully, when we leave, the survivors in Cambodia. Each of these students of the Khmer Rouge will have a small is studying because they want to make group of Cambodian professionals who Cambodia a better place in terms of can assist them with the scars of the mental health and HIV/AIDS. I hope Killing Fields trauma. Hopefully, our that counselors who are reading this will children orphaned and living with HIV/ make these words part of their counseling AIDS will have the psychosocial support career: Act locally, but think globally. u they need. RDB: Was there someone in your life who saw something special in you early Rebecca Daniel-Burke is the on and valued you as a unique individual? director of professional projects Who are your heroes? and career services at the KC: I think my mother and father American Counseling Association. saw something special in me because I Contact her at rdanielburke@ was born on the first anniversary of their counseling.org. marriage. I was the first of their eight We Carry Spanish Language Books & Games “special children.” We could probably Letters to the editor: solve many of the mental health problems [email protected] www.childtherapytoys.com of our world if children received the kind Enter coupon code: ACA and get 10% off of love I received from my parents.
June 2011 | Counseling Today | 13 New Perspectives - With Donjanea L. Fletcher
Transitioning into the role of new professional
he graduation caps have been from Grand Canyon University in Another challenge was less flexibility. tossed, and many recent Phoenix and recently was appointed as There were frequent changes to my work Tcounseling graduates are a student member of the ACA Public schedule. I worked on holidays such as now preparing for their next role as Policy and Legislation Committee. Labor Day. I also had minimum contact new counselors. In this edition of New with my peers from my master’s program, Perspectives, we spoke with a new What were your greatest lessons and there were few counselors or counsel- professional about her first job and a learned from your first year? ing interns at my site. This made it more master’s student who is already working Chantrelle Varnado-Johnson: As a difficult to actually apply what I learned in a counseling role with the U.S. new professional, I learned to take risks, in the classroom to the field. I dealt with military. be willing to adapt to different clients, these challenges by staying motivated and Chantrelle Varnado-Johnson obtained increase openness to others and push my learning the norms of my worksite. I also her master’s degree in human services boundaries. I also learned that if I don’t used my supervision sessions to listen counseling from the University of New know something, ask. Most important, I and learn and became more involved in Orleans (UNO) in 2006 and has been learned that it was OK to keep learning professional organizations such as ACA licensed since 2009. During her first although I’d earned my degree. Learning and LMHCA. Finally, I had to remember year as a new professional, she worked in never ends. what I wanted to achieve in my career. Louisiana with survivors of Hurricanes Kevin Watson: I learned that this is a KW: After the first few weeks, you’re Katrina and Gustav at St. Charles Parish field that requires ongoing reading and on your own. It took me a little while Hospital and at a rehabilitation center research. The information that is covered to figure out that whatever problems operated by the National Alliance on in class only touches the surface. It takes my clients brought to me were mine to Mental Illness (NAMI). In this role, additional research on the part of the deal with. I learned to use the books that Varnado-Johnson provided individual counselor to get a better picture of a are on the shelves at many treatment counseling, family counseling and client’s problem. facilities. There are treatment planners group therapy and conducted diagnostic and many great resources that a new assessments. She is pursuing a doctorate What were your major challenges on counselor can use to prevent drowning. in counselor education at UNO and the job? How did you deal with them? serves as secretary of treasury for the CVJ: There were many stumbling Tell us about your biggest Louisiana Mental Health Counselors blocks, including receiving less direct accomplishments during the first year. Association and as president of the Alpha feedback, a more structured schedule, CVJ: I was awarded the St. Charles Eta chapter of Chi Sigma Iota. She is a constant changes at work and less Parish Hospital Heals of Recovery Award member of the American Counseling support from peers. For example, I for Human Interaction & Caring. I also Association and the Association for was used to specific feedback from my became more familiar with my role as Counselor Education and Supervision. counseling faculty supervisor, my on-site a group facilitator and master’s-level Kevin Watson, an officer of the Army supervisor, my group supervisor and my clinician. National Guard, completed a U.S. Army peers while completing my practicum KW: I received an award from my job behavioral health training program and internship. I did not realize then [at the prison] for having my clinical in 2009. He serves as a mental health that I was receiving several hours of free files in order during the audit season. I’m specialist for the Army National Guard supervision plus consultations. In my proud of this because I had just learned in Washington, D.C., and works as a first years out of school, I was limited the ropes, and I survived an audit while contract counselor in a Delaware state to one hour of individual supervision still maintaining a caseload. prison through MHM-Services Inc. In with my LPC supervisor due to financial both roles, he provides mental health constraints and one hour of supervision Describe your job search process. counseling, develops and implements with my immediate supervisor. My What do you think helped you land a treatment plans and assesses and identifies supervision date frequently changed with position? clinical issues. Watson is also pursuing a my site supervisor to accommodate the KW: My military and law enforcement master’s degree in professional counseling unexpected. background, as well as networking,
14 | Counseling Today | June 2011
My life, my story
“My life, my story” profiles individuals new to the counseling profession who are proving to be exceptional. To nominate a student or new professional to be featured in this section, e-mail [email protected].
This month, new counseling graduate Undoubtedly, these experiences were students. Despite my desire, I recognize Megan Moran is featured as the first- extremely beneficial as I continue to that there will likely be resistance as I place winner in the 2011 Chi Sigma grow as a professional, and they served try to change the status quo. But I am Iota Leadership Essay Contest. to reinforce the important role that willing to intentionally invest time and professional development opportunities energy to make the process of change Age: 24 will play throughout my future career as successful. I will certainly need to a school counselor. exercise patience. And, of course, there Current residence: Nesquehoning, Pa. is the big challenge of finding a job! Biggest challenge as a recent Education: M.S. in school counseling graduate: I am enthusiastic to get out Words of advice for students and from the University of Scranton into the field and begin immediately. new professionals: Keep an open (finished in May 2011); B.A. in With that said, I am very aware that mind and be willing to learn even after elementary education with a psychology I will face numerous challenges as I you’ve left the classroom. Throughout minor from West Virginia Wesleyan transition into my role as a professional College school counselor. I believe that one of my graduate studies, I was extremely my biggest challenges will be realizing fortunate to have had the opportunity Proudest professional that as much as I try to prepare and to learn from wonderful and insightful accomplishments: Having the plan, each day will bring new surprises counselor educators who encouraged opportunity to present twice at the and unexpected predicaments. Another and, at times, demanded both personal Pennsylvania School Counselor challenge is that I am going to want to and professional growth. It is my hope Association as a graduate student enact change immediately to promote that I will never grow complacent in my in spring 2010 and spring 2011. the best possible outcomes for my development in either area.
really helped me obtain both jobs. I CVJ: The job search process was Don’t forget to participate in professional am a former sheriff’s deputy and police very rigorous. I made connections at development opportunities. Remember officer. A friend who turned down the professional conferences. I also thought this: Your goal as a new professional is to position in the prison told me about about what I wanted in the position, establish yourself as a counselor. u the job opening. I submitted an online experience I would gain in my position application and was called literally within and the type of benefits I received. I an hour. However, the hiring process was actually obtained my first job at St. long. The Department of Corrections Charles Parish Hospital by volunteering Donjanea L. Fletcher is a student runs an extensive background check, and there during my last semester in my affairs counselor at the University of West Georgia. If you are a the process from start to finish was nearly counseling program. When a position student or new counseling eight weeks, but it was worth the wait. became available, I was considered for professional who would like to Regarding my counseling job with the the job. submit a question or an article Army National Guard, I attended a U.S. for this column, e-mail dfletche@ Army school in San Antonio, Texas, that Any other advice for surviving the first westga.edu. focuses on assessment, evaluation and year as a new professional? treatment of mental health disorders. The CVJ: Your first job will be one in a long Letters to the editor: training concludes with an internship in a career as a professional counselor. Help [email protected] forensic unit located in state hospitals. other new professionals who follow you.
June 2011 | Counseling Today | 15 Learning Curve: Notes from a novice - By Suze Hirsh
Welcome to my world
Learning Curve: Notes From a Novice from psychiatrists and clerical workers He had taken a position as a security is a new column exploring the unique to security guards and janitorial staff. guard at the agency to put himself challenges that fledgling counselors face Ironically, I was the only one among through college in hopes of becoming during their transition from the Ivory them whose orientation experience an accountant. He would be the first Tower of graduate school to the Real did not involve filling out a W-2 form college graduate in his extended family. World of clinical practice. Each column because I also was the only one who Then there was Queenie, a buxom will focus on a single topic as viewed would not be receiving a paycheck. By woman with daggerlike fingernails through the lens of a postgrad intern in the final day of the orientation, I had painted Day-Glo yellow. She was a single mental health counseling. Students, new completed a covert, five-axis diagnosis of mom raising five kids on a receptionist’s professionals, supervisors and seasoned everyone in the training room. But there meager salary. Anna was a 60-something counselors alike are invited to suggest were still eight whole hours left. What psychiatrist who had been logging 60- topics, offer comments and share their to do? hour workweeks, leaving her no time for experiences in future columns. Contact The only person left to analyze was me. her husband or her gardening, both of Suze Hirsh by e-mailing her at ct@ Much to my dismay, what I discovered which were dear to her. She had decided counseling.org. was that I am what my “Social and to ditch private practice and take a 9-to- w Cultural Foundations” professor had 5 job at the agency because decades of termed “class bound.” struggling and juggling the demands of I began the final year of my master’s Here’s the deal: I am the mom of a sole practitioner had “taken a toll.” program with visions of mortarboards a typical upper-middle-class family. And there was Luis, a quiet, churchgoing dancing in my head. After two years of Husband, dog, two-point-zero children man who read Scriptures in his car each 100 percent didactic training, I was ready living in a single-family home in the morning before entering the building for to turn my gaze from whiteboards and suburbs. Our community is ethnically training. A recovering alcoholic now 20 textbooks toward living, breathing bodies. years sober, he had been hired as a peer- The time for hands-on clinical work had diverse but socioeconomically finally arrived. Yippeeeee! homogenous. I had decided to pursue my support specialist whose responsibilities Fearful I would spend my practicum master’s nearly two decades after earning would include driving clients to their on a locked inpatient hospital unit or a my bachelor’s in an unrelated field. The appointments, assisting them in filing prison, I was thrilled to learn I had been graduate school I chose was a pricey disability applications and securing other assigned to a community mental health private institution, and I am blessed community services for them. He shared outpatient clinic for adults with chronic that I did not even have to think about that his motivation in doing this work mental health issues. This adrenaline applying for financial aid or student was to “pay it forward.” jolt quickly gave way to another type of loans. I must admit, though, that I did Remember that Sesame Street song, shock when I learned the hands-on work use the $1 discount at the local Regal “Which One of These Is Not Like the would be delayed just a wee bit longer. Cinemas for those who can produce a Others”? By the time we all were liberated My practicum site required each new valid student ID (mainly because I got a Friday afternoon, that tune was playing employee to complete a week of training kick out of the stunned expression on the on an endless loop in my brain. The song in policies and procedures. Forty hours face of the teen working the box office plagued me even as I returned to the of human resources paper pushing? Geez when a 40-something woman produced a agency the following Monday to begin Louise! How long can it take to fill out a student ID). my practicum in earnest. That is, until W-2? I consoled myself with the idea that Truth is, that orientation week was Supervisor handed me a file and said the this was a chance to snooze on the job — a wake-up call for me. I hadn’t realized magic words: “Here’s your first client.” payback for all those late nights studying what a sheltered existence I led until I sucked in my breath with an for exams. I started listening to the stories of my audible gasp, noticing soon after that I made it through the training by fellow new employees. I had neglected to exhale. Fortunately, silently psychoanalyzing the other There was Jamal, a 20-year-old go- respiration resumed naturally before individuals in my agency orientation getter who grew up in what the politically I could take a swan dive. I’m not sure cohort, an array of recent hires ranging correct call an “at-risk neighborhood.” whether Supervisor noticed my little
16 | Counseling Today | June 2011 attack, which certainly was subthreshold So I listened, and I learned. I would extended family and a tightly knit for Panic Disorder without Agoraphobia begin each session with an open-ended community. He simply needed to be 300.01 but symptomatic of panic question, and then Franklin would talk. reminded of that. nonetheless. “It’s a simple case of The topic of depression didn’t come up “You stopped listening to that voice of adjustment disorder,” she said. For a split much. Usually, he’d tell me about his fear in your head and started listening to second, I wondered whether she was family, or his job search, or his grandkids. the client,” Supervisor told me. “Trust in referring to me or to the client. “He’s At first, I worried that I wasn’t helping. that. It works.” been out of work for two years, and he’s I told myself I should be asking him to Franklin terminated after eight sessions. depressed. It will be a good one for you to keep thought records and teaching him Even though he had yet to find work, his start on. Do you think you can handle it?” to challenge his maladaptive beliefs. We depression had lifted and he was once “Sure,” I chirped. What I was really should be creating positive coping skills again participating meaningfully in his thinking was, “Ummm, yes?” to replace unhealthy behaviors. life. “My wife is so happy now,” he told “Well then, here you go,” Supervisor “Follow his lead,” Supervisor said when me as we shared our last goodbye. “She said brightly, dismissing me. I shared my concern. “Do you see any says she sees a real difference in me. I don’t remember much about that first improvement, or is he still stuck in his Thank you.” session except that I was so eager for it depression?” to end, I launched out of my chair and “Well, he says he looks forward to our I took my lunch break right after twisted the doorknob without giving the sessions and he enjoys talking with me,” Franklin left. I surprised myself when I client any verbal indication that our time I answered. “But I feel like maybe he’s began sobbing in my car. “Where’s this together had come to a close. trying to protect me from his problems coming from?” I wondered. I sat with the “Are we done now?” the client asked as by keeping the conversation superficial. tears, listening for an answer from the he haltingly stood up. All I can think to do is reflective listening still, quiet voice within. My heart told me I blushed under the harsh fluorescent and reframing. I feel useless.” I was crying because I had joined with lighting. “Real smooth,” I silently cursed “Check it out with him,” Supervisor this client. I hadn’t realized it until it was myself. advised. “Be honest. Tell him what you time for us to part. Later, Supervisor debriefed me. “How just told me.” I have never set foot in Mississippi, did it go?” she asked. So at our next session, I did just that. but this true Southern gentleman taught I desperately wanted to impress her, but “Franklin,” I began, my voice trembling me that I can enter into another person’s I didn’t want to lie. After all, I was here slightly, “sometimes I get the impression world, no matter how foreign the soil. to learn. I compromised, opting to leave that you’re holding back, that maybe you I simply must remember to use my ears out only the part about the premature are concerned you are going to burden instead of my feet. Thank you, Franklin. ejection at the end of the session. me with your problems. I feel like I’m not “I don’t know what I’m doing,” I told really helping you.” w her. “This guy described himself literally Franklin leaned forward in his chair, Note: These columns use some as the ‘son of a poor, Black sharecropper placing his left hand on his thigh. He illustrations from the lives of real clients. from the Mississippi Delta.’ How am I smiled as he looked me straight in the However, to protect confidentiality, these supposed to ‘join’ with this client when I eye, pausing for a second or two. “Oh, illustrations generally are composites or have absolutely no frame of reference?” you’re helping me for sure,” he said. have been fictionalized to a degree so that With that, I ticked off a list of our “When we talk, you help me see how the original model for the story cannot differences: I’ve already got what I need in my life to be traced. In some instances, clients have He grew up in an agrarian community feel better. I just was feeling so low that I given signed consent for their cases to be in the Deep South working on the wasn’t raising my head up to notice what’s discussed. u family farm. I grew up the daughter of been right in front of me all along.” Jewish parents, a stay-at-home mom and After that conversation, I started a white-collar dad, in the suburbs of a listening to the words I was reflecting major Midwestern city. back to Franklin in session. I came to Suze Hirsh is completing her He is indigent. I am affluent. realize how he drew upon resources hours for licensure while working He is clinically depressed. I am riddled that I never had considered as such. I as a postgrad, state-registered with anxiety. We are quite a pair. had been thinking I needed to force intern providing counseling under Supervisor was reassuring. “What him to adopt the tools and coping supervision at a not-for-profit you’re feeling is normal. You’re going skills I would have chosen for myself in community social services agency to encounter all sorts of people in this his situation. Franklin taught me that in Florida. She completed her profession,” she said, “especially in agency although members of his social stratum master’s degree in mental health work.” might be considered poor from a material counseling in August 2010. She told me that joining with the client perspective, they have cultivated much Letters to the editor: wasn’t so much about having shared more than cotton on their farm. In fact, [email protected] common experiences. “Just listen to he is the product of a rich network of him,” she said. “You’ll do fine.” loving, compassionate support from
June 2011 | Counseling Today | 17
Private practice in Counseling - By Robert J. Walsh and Norman C. Dasenbrook
The challenge of collecting outstanding balances
Q: I need some advice regarding Privacy Practices that is given to the client referral sources trusted me enough to private practice payment collections. before counseling begins. But keep in send me what they considered “tough” I have a few individuals who have mind that just because something is not kids. A junior high school boy had outstanding balances and are no longer considered a HIPAA violation does not superglued all the locks to the second my clients. Do you have a suggestion mean it is automatically OK. The most floor classrooms. The dean thought I about how to collect? In addition, are restrictive law applies. could help this kid. The boy entered my there any HIPAA (Health Insurance To find a reputable collection agency, office with a disgusted sneer, plopped into Portability and Accountability Act) just ask other providers in your area. the overstuffed couch and announced concerns about using a collection Collection agencies usually charge a he would never talk to me. Knowing he agency? percentage (approximately 30 percent) had been suspended, in addition to being A: Prevention is the first answer to your of the debt owed. This percentage can grounded for the rest of his life by his question. By the time the bill to the client increase if there is court action. We advise parents, I asked him if he knew what a is older than 90 days, chances are you against going to court to collect the debt. consequence was. “Yes,” he answered, “it’s will have a tough time collecting. If you You do not want to risk becoming the coming to see a lame old dude like you.” do not accept insurance reimbursements, target of a countersuit that can be more That “kid” is now 20 years old, a junior collect the fee at the beginning of each expensive than the debt you were seeking attending the same college from which session. It is prudent to accept credit to collect. I graduated. He stops by occasionally cards. You can get a credit card processing to catch up and once asked me if he service at paypal.com, professionalcharges. You need a sense of could have the old couch when he starts com or squareup.com. Make sure the credit humor in this business his own practice. “After you retire, of card processor accepts debit cards and During my practicum years at a course,” he added. credit cards issued by an employer to community social service agency, my Another client called and asked to access pretax savings accounts. supervisor told me the way to begin a make an appointment, saying he needed If you do take insurance, verify the session was to ask “What brings you here some help understanding his wife. benefits before the first appointment. today?” I thought that would be a cool Soon it became clear that what he really To be successful in private practice, way to get things rolling with a family wanted was for his wife to understand fee collection is essential. Even small I was counseling, so I asked that very him. “My wife has no taste at all,” he amounts of outstanding balances add up. question. complained. “Why, she decorated our You deserve to be fairly compensated for The family’s 5-year-old daughter whole house … a lot like your office your work. responded by answering, “Daddy’s car.” here.” At this point in my career, I was Fee collection starts with your informed I laughed until my eyes watered. Well, experienced enough to be able to control consent document. The informed consent that certainly broke the silence and the my red face, but I decided reflective is a binding contract between you and tension — both the family’s and my own. listening and “I” messages might be a your client. Before counseling begins, all I was hired by that same agency, my hard sell with this guy. charges, fees and debt collection processes first paying job. I was all of 26 years old. Even now as I contemplate retirement, should be detailed in writing. If you plan The first family assigned to me included recognizing the humor in situations with to use a collection agency, check your five kids plus mom and dad. I did my my clients helps to keep me young. I still state laws. Some states might treat this best to appear confident and in control, engage in play therapy with kids, always as a violation of client confidentiality. but halfway through the second session, moving to the floor so that we can be on If your state laws allow you to use a the dad interrupted me with a blunt the same level. But referring these kids to collection agency, that needs to be question: “How the hell old are you?” He my able colleague and office mate Carrie included in your informed consent, as was staring directly at me with piercing, is starting to look like a good idea. well as who is responsible for the fee for authoritative eyes. Somehow we managed Recently, a 6-year-old girl seemed counseling service. to continue, even with my face turning to enjoy our role-playing session that It is not a HIPAA violation to release Irish red. At home that night, I convinced involved the dollhouse. When it was information needed for billing and my wife to let me grow a beard, thinking time to clean up, she pitched right in, collection purposes. This potential it would age me enough to resemble a replacing all the characters in the house disclosure of information should be in the real, experienced family counselor. and closing it up. Before returning the payment section of the HIPAA Notice of Some years later, I found that certain dollhouse to the shelf, she turned to me
18 | Counseling Today | June 2011
and asked, “Mr. Walsh, can I help you get up?” Yes, my face was red. I told her I was fine, but I did need a nearby chair to get the old bones upright again. CounselingToday The years of counseling people has been rewarding. I have learned as much Advertiser Index as my clients have — possibly more. The Association for Advanced Training in the Private Practice: Starting best lesson was learning how to appreciate Behavioral Sciences...... Cover 4 or Expanding, 4E...... 27 the humor, fun and humanness that I ACA/ACES Syllabus Clearinghouse...... 52 California Southern University...... 44 experienced in working with wonderful ACA Annual Conference & Capella University...... 21 and challenging clients throughout the Exposition Call For Programs...... 53 Chicago School of years. u ACA Journal Archives...... 6 Professional Psychology...... 9 ACA Publications Child Therapy Toys...... 13 Robert J. Walsh and Norman C. A Contemporary Approach to Substance Core Values Counseling, LLC...... 35 Dasenbrook are ending their Abuse and Addiction Counseling...... 37 Department of Veterans Affairs...... 64 tenure as writers and section Cyberbullying: What Counselors Need to Education Management Solutions...... 45 editors for the “Private Practice in Know...... 46 Exam Prep Study Guide Counseling” column. Counseling Developing Clinical Skills for Substsnce by Andrew Helwig, Ph.D...... 23 Today and the American Abuse Counseling...... 32 Grief Recovery Institute...... 25 Counseling Association wish Experiential Activities HPSO Insurance...... Cover 3 to thank them for their service for Teaching Multicultural Institute for Life Coach Training...... 31 and to acknowledge their Competence in Counseling...... 48 International Institute of Souldrama.....19 many contributions both to the Learn the Latest Theory NCADD of Middlesex County...... 33 membership of ACA and the counseling profession as a whole. and Techniques from ACA...... 65 New Harbinger Publications...... 11 Group Work and Outreach Suicide Prevention Resource Center...... 47 Letters to the editor: Plans for College Counselors...... 57 Therapysites.com...... Cover 2 [email protected]
® SOULDRAMA®: A seven stage process Long Beach Island, NJ SOULDRAMA of transformation and growth designed June 8-12, 2011 – 35 Hrs The International Institute of Souldrama ® to move clients through their rational, Connie Miller, NCC, LCP, TEP emotional and spiritual intelligences, Bali 800-821-9919 remove blocks, live in the present and July 23 – 30, 2011 www.souldrama.com awaken their higher purpose. First International Conference [email protected] for Souldrama - 50 Hrs SOULDRAMA® is an transpersonal action method that applies to all aspects Sesimbra, Portugal of recovery including: The 12-steps, special October 28 – Nov. 1, 2011 – 30 Hours problems such as grief, divorce, addictions, relationships, corporate, career and St. Petersburg, Florida money issues. January 12 – 16, 2012 – 25 Hours
SOULDRAMA® Workshops Connie Miller received the Learn how to put spirituality into action! Association for Creativity in Learn effective creative action techniques Counseling’s Thelma Duffey Vision for groups and individuals. Enhance and and Innovation Award 2011 for embrace your creativity and spontaniety. cutting edge practice for Souldrama
The International Institute for Souldrama ® is an NBCC approved continuing education provider (5971) and may offer NBCC approved clock hours for events that meet NBCC requirements. The ACEP is solely responsible for all aspects of the program. Hours of certification in psychodrama, group psychotherapy and sociometry as approved by the American Board of Psychological Examiners in Sociometry, Group Psychotherapy and Psychodrama. Souldrama ® is an internationally registered trademark US 903
June 2011 | Counseling Today | 19 Resource Reviews - With Kelly Duncan
Doing Therapy With Children and for children with Asperger’s. He notes After almost 30 years of working direct- Adolescents With Asperger Syndrome that counselor authenticity is especially ly with children with Asperger’s, Brom- By Richard Bromfield, 2010, Wiley & Sons, important because these children possess field illustrates the challenges and rewards 240 pages, $36.95, ISBN: 978-0-470- a heightened sense of insincerity. Another of providing therapy for these clients, 54025-1 crucial issue of which to be aware is the applying his keen insight and sensitivity Imagine walking decreased overall functioning that many within the context of captivating real-life down a bustling of these clients present with because of stories. This book is an essential resource hallway surrounded their experience of extreme anxiety. In for counselors and other mental health by dozens of class- support of this point, Bromfield shares providers willing to accept the profoundly mates, locker doors the insights of Temple Grandin, a woman rewarding challenge of working with chil- slamming, kids distinguished by her innovative cattle dren with Asperger’s. corral designs who also has Asperger’s. shouting and laugh- Reviewed by Lori Evenson, master’s Grandin believes that individuals with ing, bodies moving student in clinical mental health Asperger’s almost invariably grapple with in all directions, counseling, University of South Dakota. bumping into you overwhelming anxiety on a daily basis. and causing you to Bromfield continues by explaining how stumble and fumble struggles with hypersensitivity, commu- Child-Centered Play Therapy your books. Now try to imagine all your nication challenges and social difficulties By Risë VanFleet, Andrea E. Sywulak sights, sounds and feelings magnified by add extra dimensions to the therapist- & Cynthia Caparosa Sniscak, 2010, a factor of a hundred or even a thousand. client relationship. The Guilford Press, 236 pages, $35, You just had a peek into the world that a By providing actual case studies, ISBN: 978-1-60623-902-5 Bromfield brings to life methods and child with Asperger syndrome may expe- A multitude of rience daily. approaches that proved successful as he resources are avail- Now what if you, as a counselor, are helped youngsters with Asperger’s ac- able to students given the opportunity to help this child? cept who they were, learn to cope with and clinicians in the What if this child’s parents or teacher personal challenges and develop relation- field of play therapy, brought him or her into your office and ships with themselves as well as with but Child-Centered asked for help? Would you be willing to others. One particular case addresses the Play Therapy offers take a chance to make a difference in this need that children with Asperger’s have child’s life? Working with children with for sameness. Daria was a 7-year-old girl a strong addition to Asperger syndrome can be both an exas- who would rearrange desks in her class- the current literature. perating and an incredibly rewarding ex- room and attempt to move her classmates One of the text’s perience. According to Richard Bromfield around like furniture in an attempt to strengths, apparent right from the start, in Doing Therapy With Children and Ado- control everything for everyone. During is its accessibility. The content flows well lescents With Asperger Syndrome, what you one session, Bromfield respected Daria’s from chapter to chapter, and each section need to begin are essential, basic, good need for control by sitting in his chair builds on the previous one. Risë VanFleet, counseling skills, “only more.” Bromfield when Daria insisted. In a following ses- Andrea E. Sywulak and Cynthia Capa- contends that children with Asperger’s are sion, however, he playfully moved a water rosa Sniscak have a combined 85 years’ more similar to other children than dif- glass just slightly after Daria repeatedly experience in practicing, teaching and ferent. They feel joy, desire friendship and returned it to precisely the same spot. continually learning about child-centered experience loneliness just like everyone Rather than battling her directly, Brom- play therapy (CCPT), and this experience else. In his book, Bromfield presents a field slowly and steadily gave in to some comes through in their use of personal compelling description of counseling ap- of Daria’s demands, while Daria gradually stories throughout the text. proaches and mind-sets that enable thera- grew more accepting of changes both at Although this text is more concise than pists to successfully care for and work home and at school. Although not instan- other volumes on the topic, it still of- with children and adolescents who face taneously “cured” of the need for same- fers an in-depth look at CCPT. Section additional daily challenges in part due to ness and control, children with Asperger’s 1 addresses the rationale and theory for having Asperger’s. can make slow and steady changes to CCPT. Section 2 covers essential CCPT Throughout this book, Bromfield ex- situations that once proved incredibly skills as well as playroom logistics. plores issues central to providing a safe distressing, both for the children and the and effective therapeutic environment people in their lives. Continued on page 23
20 | Counseling Today | June 2011 C M Y K
With the right education, the impossible becomes merely the challenging. Are you ready to learn what it takes to make a difference? To matter? Capella.edu
Accreditation: Capella University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), www.ncahlc.org. Capella University: Capella Tower, 225 South Sixth Street, Ninth Floor, Minneapolis, MN 55402, 1.888.CAPELLA (227.3552), www.capella.edu
June264096cwu01_Lckr_SngCT.indd 2011 | Counseling Today DM | 21 PACIFIC DIGITAL IMAGE • 333 Broadway, San Francisco CA 94133 • 415.274.7234 • www.pacdigital.com Filename:264096cwu01_Lckr_SngCT.ps_wf02 Operator:SpoolServerTime: 15:06:13 Colors:Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black Date:11-03-02
NOTE TO RECIPIENT: This file is processed using a Prinergy Workflow System with an Adobe Postscript Level 3 RIP. The resultant PDF contains traps and overprints. Please ensure that any post-processing used to produce these files supports this functionality. To correctly view these files in Acrobat, please ensure that Output Preview (Separation Preview in earlier versions than 7.x) and Overprint Preview are enabled. If the files are re-processed and these aspects are ignored, the traps and/or overprints may not be interpreted correctly and incorrect reproduction may result. Please contact Pacific Digital Image with any questions or concerns. Recent books by ACA members Introduction to School Counseling Latinas in the Workplace: An and promote healthier relationships. by Robert J. Wright, Sage Publications Emerging Leadership Force by These techniques are based on well- This comprehensive graduate-level Esther Elena Lopez-Mulnix, Mimi established concepts in adolescent and text prepares readers to handle the Wolverton & Salwa A. Zaki, Stylus young adult development, helping problems and responsibilities they’ll Publishing young people to internalize the beliefs, face as professional school counselors, This book, the third published in values and behavior necessary for preschool through high school. It the Journeys to Leadership series, high-intimacy relationships. covers a wide range of topics in depth, features the stories of eight successful w including effective interventions for Latina leaders in the United States. racism and bullying, addressing the Even though each took a different Peace Be With You: Christ-Centered continuing score gap between ethnic route to success, these women share Bullying Solution by Frank A. groups, playing a leadership role in an overarching, almost implicit, DiLallo and Thom Powers, ACE Press implementing school-based action understanding of what they aspired to: Written for Catholic and Christian research and advocating for and the freedom to choose where and how schools, this is a resource rich in providing services to children with to invest time and energy, to establish research, practical strategies, teacher- disabilities. professional and personal balance, and guided activities and connections to w to enjoy the luxury of defining that Christian Scripture to aid teachers, balance. counselors and administrators Starve the Ego: Feed the Soul! w in helping students build strong Souldrama: Ignite Your Spiritual Christian school communities. Geared Intelligence! by Connie Miller, Lulu Developing Self in Work and toward grades 4 through 8, there Take a journey through the method Career: Concepts, Cases and is a teacher manual and a student of Souldrama, a transpersonal- Contexts edited by Paul J. Hartung workbook (sold separately). theoretical model for achieving the and Linda M. Subich, APA Books highest degree of compassion for The digital age requires workers to w ourselves and other people while be more self-directed, managing their Peace Be With You: Three-Phase maximizing human potential. Using own work lives rather than relying Bullying Solution by Frank A. an imagined dialogue, the author gives on organizations to support them. DiLallo, ACE Press readers deep and profound insights This volume reassesses long-standing This program for grades 4 through into her skilled group processes, which emphases on fitting workers to jobs 8 focuses on building leadership skills, are aimed at promoting internal and moves toward empowering relational skills and intrapersonal healing and well-being. workers to adapt to change. Leading skills of self-care in order to recognize, w theorists and practitioners examine resolve and prevent bullying in the construct of self in career theory, Learning the Language of Addiction schools. A teacher manual includes assessment and intervention to more Counseling, third edition, by Geri research on the bullying dynamic, effectively meet the needs of a rapidly Miller, Wiley Press practical strategies and teacher-guided changing global workforce. This book offers an illuminating activities, while the student workbook view of the clinical, theoretical and w (sold separately) complements existing research work that constitutes the Sexual Civility: The Hot New student skill building and reinforces addiction counseling field. Presenting College Romance by Tom Bissonette, classroom activities. a pragmatic counseling framework BissCom Consulting rather than trying to reconcile The question of how to reduce differing theories, the text provides relationship violence and sexual the knowledge and guidance needed assaults on college campuses and in to choose appropriate techniques and general populations looms large. This best practices for treating addicted book has answers, including specific individuals. ideas and methods to reduce violence
Book descriptions have been provided by the authors or their publishing houses. Book announcements are for informational purposes only and do not indicate an endorsement by Counseling Today, Resource Reviews or the American Counseling Association. ACA members who have had a book published in the past six months can send the following information to [email protected] to have their book listed: ACA member number, title of book, name of author(s), publisher, date published and a two-sentence description of the book.
22 | Counseling Today | June 2011 Continued from page 20 Couples Therapy Homework Planner, tional and newly formulated homework second edition assignments. The manual includes a Section 3 discusses parent involvement By Gary M. Schultheis, Steffanie CD-ROM that provides assignments that and describes the use of filial therapy. Sec- Alexander O’Hanlon & Bill O’Hanlon, can be printed and handed out to clients. tion 4 focuses on detailed application of 2011, Wiley & Sons, 236 pages, $55, After counselors determine what problem CCPT with specific presenting problems ISBN: 978-0-470-522660 the couple wants to solve, the manual and also covers cultural/ethical issues in provides multiple assignments for treat- CCPT. Section 5 rounds out the text by The Couples Psychotherapy Progress ing the problem at hand. It is important examining research in CCPT and provid- Notes Planner, second edition to note that the authors do not consider ing guidelines for ongoing training in By David J. Berghuis & Arthur E. Jongsma this a one-size-fits-all manual. These CCPT. Jr., 2011, Wiley & Sons, 304 pages, $55, homework assignments should be tailored The authors have taken care to clearly ISBN: 978-0-471-27460-5 to the particular couple the counselor is cover the basic skills of CCPT. Structur- The second editions of these three re- working with, and the counselor needs to ing, empathic listening, child-centered ensure that the assignment fits within the imaginary play and limit setting are ex- sources provide counselors with a manu- alized treatment plan for treating couples. couple’s worldview. plained and explored thoroughly. Stories The Couples Psychotherapy Progress Notes and examples are used throughout to Each planner provides practical methods Planner provides prewritten progress bring life to the application of these skills. for treating couples, prewritten progress notes to counselors treating couples. In The authors also cover complex issues notes for many presenting problems and addition, the client presentation matches such as touch in play therapy, combining preset homework assignments that can be behavior problems described in The CCPT with directive play therapy ap- given to couples. These three planners are Couples Psychotherapy Treatment Planner. proaches, the use of CCPT with trauma- meant to be used together. In addition to The progress notes planner could be help- tized children and using CCPT in diverse being very practical, the planners touch ful for both novice and advanced clini- settings such as hospitals, schools and on relevant issues such as Internet sexual cians because it provides contemporary home-based settings. use, recreational activity dispute and and traditional relational terminology in This text would make an excellent financial conflict. the various clinical examples. As with the resource to complement a broader text The Couples Psychotherapy Treatment other planners, the progress notes plan- on counseling children and adolescents Planner contains 32 chapters dedicated ner provides very concise and easy-to-use within a master’s- or doctoral-level to informing counselors about clinical examples that would provide a strong graduate course. It also serves practicing developments over the past decade. This foundation for the creation of couples clinicians as an easy-to-use reference for is a very easy-to-read and well-structured counseling case notes. dealing with specific presenting issues in review of common treatments for con- Reviewed by Stephen V. Flynn, assistant CCPT or as an introduction to the field temporary clinical issues. Most of the professor in counselor education, University of CCPT. chapters promote an empirically validated of South Dakota. u Reviewed by Benjamin Kohls, doctoral theoretical model that includes a cogni- student, University of South Dakota, and tive behavioral and self-regulation focus. Kelly Duncan is an assistant clinical supervisor, Lutheran Social Services In addition, this treatment planner pro- professor in the University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls. vides a thorough review of common treat- of South Dakota Division of ment goals, objectives and interventions. Counseling and Psychology in The Couples Psychotherapy The Couples Therapy Homework Plan- Education. Contact her at Treatment Planner, second edition ner infuses creative experiments and [email protected]. By K. Daniel O’Leary, Richard E. Heyman homework assignments with contempo- & Arthur E. Jongsma Jr., 2011, Wiley & rary issues that face today’s couples. The Letters to the editor: Sons, 331 pages, $55, ISBN: 978-0-470- homework planner provides a parsimoni- [email protected] 40695-3 ous, highly structured review of tradi- NEW! 2011 EDITION!! NOW AVAILABLE!!! STUDY GUIDE FOR THE NATIONAL COUNSELOR EXAM AND CPCE Dr. Andrew Helwig announces the publication of the Sixth Edition of this very popular exam study resource. Over 400 pages cover the eight content areas of the NCE and CPCE. The book includes the new NBCC Work Behavior Analysis results and changes in the number of items per content area on the NCE. Also included are two practice exams, study strategies, exam taking tips, and the ACA Code of Ethics. The Study Guide costs $79.95. Workshop DVDs (over 6 hours during a one-day review) are available for $69.95. Save $20 by purchasing both at the same time. Order at website: www.counselor-exam-prep.com. Email: [email protected] for more information.
June 2011 | Counseling Today | 23
The Digital Psyway - By Marty Jencius
Express yourself
ne of the experiences that Definitions n American Cancer Society art therapy impacted my appreciation Proponents of each expressive art form information: tinyurl.com/3mht4q5 of art as a child was a weekly have their own understanding of how O Drama therapy trip to the Chicago Art Institute. A high their particular art develops therapeutic school art teacher had enrolled my older expression, but the following sites provide Drama therapy provides opportunities sister Fran in a weekend class, so our dad a general overview of expressive arts for clients to act out their stories, release drove us to the Chicago Art Institute therapy. emotions by taking on roles, solve problems through stories and experiment every Saturday morning and dropped us n International Expressive Arts Therapy with ways to have broader responses to both off for two to three hours. While Association: ieata.org Fran took her class, I strolled through their problems. Drama therapy has been n National Coalition of Creative Arts the museum on my weekly private tour. used in a variety of settings, including Therapies Associations: nccata.org Forced at a young age to spend hours mental health centers, schools, psychiatric with Picasso, Dali, Kandinsky and Seurat, n American Medical Association hospitals, prisons and in the workplace. I developed an appreciation for art and a Health Care Careers Directory: n National Association for Drama memory for artists that remain with me tinyurl.com/3qgkocd Therapy: nadt.org to this day. n ARTrelief’s expressive arts therapy n British Association of Drama None of the museum exposure theoretical frame: tinyurl.com/3kcvrj2 Therapists: badth.org.uk translated into personal artistic talent, however. My attempts to be the next n LiveStrong’s expressive arts therapy for n Drama Therapy Central: Bob Dylan, to write newspaper articles children: tinyurl.com/3u5vwzr dramatherapycentral.com (only to be kicked off my high school n The Focusing Institute’s expressive n Dramatherapy.net: dramatherapy.net newspaper), to star in my high school arts therapies reference list: tinyurl. n Robert Landy vimeo on how drama senior play and to date an opera fanatic com/3argvul therapy can help heal communities: in college were all brushes with artistic vimeo.com/3353538 expression that never truly matured for Art therapy me. If asked what I do for expressive Art therapy uses art supplies and n “Drama-therapy program helps mental artistic release today, I would say web combines traditional counseling theories patients work toward healing” (The design and creating elements for web- and techniques to help clients understand Seattle Times): tinyurl.com/434phps based learning. It is where I get into themselves and their creative processes. There are two main schools of thought Psychodrama and my zone, and whatever else in life is psychomotor therapies distracting me is gone in that moment. regarding the impact of art therapy. One emphasizes that the client process of Psychodrama and psychomotor Expressive arts therapy encompasses psychotherapy are powerful techniques a variety of forms, including sketch, creating art is therapeutic in itself. The other school emphasizes the symbolic for helping clients move through sculpture, dance, music, song, painting impasses that have occurred in their lives. and writing. Central to the concept communication of emotion that occurs when expressing oneself through art. Psychodrama draws from the personal of expressive arts therapy is the idea theater art form, whereas psychomotor n American Art Therapy Association: that clients can better understand their psychotherapy developed from dance, arttherapy.org thoughts, emotions, feelings and bodies identifying emotionally charged by engaging their expressive processes. n International Art Therapy movements that dancers could not, for Expressive arts therapy has benefits for a Organization: internationalarttherapy.org whatever reason, execute. Psychomotor wide range of problems, from personal n Art Therapy Credentials Board: psychotherapy finds the emotional blocks awareness issues to disabling mental atcb.org in the body that have settled there as conditions, and for a diverse pool of n Art Therapy Alliance: physical representations. clients, from children to the elderly. arttherapyalliance.org n American Society of Group Psycho- Traditional psychotherapy relies heavily n Art Therapy Without Borders: atwb.org on words to convey meaning. Expressive therapy & Psychodrama: asgpp.org n arts therapy often taps into nonverbal Art Therapy Blog: arttherapyblog.com n American Board of Examiners expression and opens up parts of clients’ n “So You Want to Be an Art Therapist in Psychodrama Sociometry lives that might have been hidden behind (PsychologyToday.com): tinyurl. and Group Psychotherapy: the talk. com/28bfecg psychodramacertification.org
24 | Counseling Today | June 2011 n British Psychodrama Association: Poetry/writing therapy n Jim Byrne’s guidelines for writing psychodrama.org.uk One of the simplest and freest forms therapy: tinyurl.com/44rbcd3 of expression is poetry. Poetry therapy n The Australian and New Zealand involves a trained therapist selecting a Psychodrama Association: anzpa.org It is never too late to discover the poem and having the client interact with expressive arts, whether for your own n Pesso Boyden System Psychomotor: the poem in an emotional and cognitive pbsp.com personal balance, as a resource for way. Choosing the correct poem requires improving client mental health or as a training and a firm knowledge of the n National Psychodrama Training means of engaging counselor trainees literature. Clinical skills assist clients in Center: nationalpsychodrama in creativity in the counseling process. examining the poem for comparisons and trainingcenter.com In all her years, my 90-year-old mother contrasts and then applying the meaning had never displayed much interest in Dance/movement therapy to themselves. craftwork. But on a recent visit home, I Movement can generate release, n National Association for Poetry found that her place was filling up with understanding and emotion. Dance and Therapy: poetrytherapy.org watercolors she had started painting as movement therapy is an expressive art n Poetry therapy and addiction recovery part of her personal expressive art therapy. form that provides a direct connection (article from Illinois Institute for w between mind and body. The American Addiction Recovery’s Paradigm Dance Therapy Association (ADTA) publication): tinyurl.com/3aqjsvl Find complete links or contribute your helps maintain professional training and own on The Digital Psyway companion n “Writing for therapy helps erase standards and has an annual conference site at digitalpsyway.net. u effects of trauma” (CNN.com Health): each fall. tinyurl.com/s42lm n ADTA: adta.org Marty Jencius is an associate n Poetry therapists (HealthProNet.org): professor of counseling and n ADTA informational slide show: tinyurl.com/3wvvvzo human development services at tinyurl.com/4xdabu6 n Center for Journal Therapy: Kent State University. n Association for Dance Movement journaltherapy.com Psychotherapy UK: admt.org.uk n Poetry therapy references on Letters to the editor: n National Coalition of Creative Arts psychology wiki: tinyurl.com/42pj4mu [email protected] Therapies Associations dance/ movement therapy page: tinyurl.com/3m6k7rl The Grief Recovery® n Musings of a Dance Movement Therapist: tinyurl.com/kvnree Certification Training Program n American Cancer Society dance 2011 therapy information: tinyurl. JULY com/4x9fvmp 15–18 Tampa, FL 15–18 Philadelphia, PA Music therapy 15–18 Dallas, TX Music therapy might involve the client 22–25 San Francisco, CA improvising music, re-creating music, 29–1 Sherman Oaks, CA composing music or simply listening to AUGUST music and responding to the emotive 5–8 Albuquerque, NM experience. Music therapists believe that 19‐22 Columbus, OH everyone, regardless of age or whether SEPTEMBER 9‐12 Oklahoma City, OK they can play an instrument, is capable of 16‐19 Hartford, CT musical expression and appreciation. 16‐19 San Diego, CA n American Music Therapy Association: 23–26 Sherman Oaks, CA musictherapy.org OCTOBER 14–17 Chicago, IL n The Certification Board for Music 21–24 Atlanta, GA Therapists: cbmt.org 28–31 Portland, OR n How Does Music Therapy Work (ABC 4‐Day Training 30 CEU Hours Maximum 15 Participants News video): tinyurl.com/3odqhf8 For more information or to register n Music therapy for autistic children (TV news report) tinyurl.com/3v47rld Call 800-334-7606 or visit The Grief Recovery Institute n Music therapy for cancer patients WWW.GRIEF.NET (video clip): tinyurl.com/3fobnhd
June 2011 | Counseling Today | 25 Spotlight on Journals - By Sheri Bauman
Getting college information into the hands of high schoolers
lthough estimates vary grade, and Hispanic students who did not our graduates to assume this essential somewhat, it is generally meet with a counselor were more likely to task. The importance of reaching students A accepted that college graduates apply to two or more colleges than those in lower SES areas, perhaps using creative earn more than high school graduates, are who met with the counselor after 10th delivery methods, cannot be overstated. more likely to obtain jobs with benefits grade. In addition, differential outcomes Finally, the school counselor ratio must and are better able to withstand layoffs in were found by student socioeconomic be such that it allows sufficient time economic downturns (see, for instance, status (SES). Those in the lowest three for counselors to perform this essential usnews.com/education/articles/2008/10/30/ quartiles who had no counselor contact function. We need to continue to how-much-is-that-college-degree-really- were less likely to apply to two or more advocate for funding levels that allow worth). colleges than students in the same SES for more appropriate student-to-school- An article in the Spring 2011 Journal category who had such contact after 10th counselor ratios. of Counseling & Development, “School grade. Further, students in the two lowest Counselors as Social Capital: The Effects quartiles of SES were less likely to apply Alcohol abuse prevention of High School College Counseling to two or more schools than students in It is widely known that once students on College Application Rates” by Julia the same SES group who had counselor get to college, they do not always persist Bryan, Cheryl Moore-Thomas, Norma contact by 10th grade. until graduation. An article in the Spring L. Day-Vines and Cheryl Holcomb- As the authors note, the study’s findings 2011 Journal of College Counseling (JCC), McCoy, examines the impact of college offer several important implications. “Decreasing Heavy Drinking in First- counseling services by the high school First, having contact with a high school Year Students: Evaluation of a Web- counselor. Using a large national dataset, counselor for college information is Based Personalized Feedback Program the researchers investigated the effect of positively related to applying to college, Administered During Orientation” by student-counselor contact for college and this effect is stronger when that Diana M. Doumas, Christina M. Kane, information before or during 10th grade, contact occurs no later than sophomore Tabitha B. Navarro and Jennifer Roman, after 10th grade or not at all on the year of high school. This suggests that addresses challenges faced by students in number of college applications submitted middle and high school counselors need the college environment. by study participants. Numerous to ensure that college information is Alcohol is a significant problem on variables were included in the analysis presented to all students by this time, most college campuses, particularly (for example, socioeconomic status, with a strong emphasis on ninth- and during a student’s first year. Many gender, race/ethnicity, parent and student 10th-graders. Waiting until junior colleges and universities have sought expectations for postsecondary education, or senior year, when applications are effective interventions to reduce the parental involvement and several school- submitted, deprives many students of problem, and one approach that has level variables). the opportunity to use that information gained in popularity is web-based The article merits careful reading to for effective college planning. School personalized feedback programs based on glean the wealth of information in the counselor contact was especially motivational interviewing principles. One findings. The results that stood out to me important for those students in the lowest such program, e-CHUG, has been found were that students who obtained college three SES quartiles, suggesting that to be effective in several studies. However, information from the school counselor school counselors are a primary source of the authors of this article note that by or in the 10th grade were twice as social capital for these students, who may the positive outcomes were not always likely to apply to one college than none lack access to other resources. maintained at follow-up. and were 3.5 times as likely to apply to In addition, these findings have The authors examined the effectiveness two or more schools (which increases the implications for the programs that of including such a program as part of the chances of being accepted). However, prepare school counselors. Given the orientation attended by some students several notable race/ethnic differences important role school counselors play in the summer prior to their first year at also became apparent. For example, Black supporting students’ decisions to go to college. The usable sample was relatively students who did not meet with the college, a more specific focus on that role small — 82 students. Students who did school counselor at all were more likely is called for in the course work for school not complete the follow-up assessments to apply to a college than those who did counselor trainees. I will be thinking three months later scored significantly not see the counselor until after 10th about how our program can best prepare higher on all three measures of alcohol
26 | Counseling Today | June 2011 problems (highest levels of peak drinking, Disordered eating it is fruitful to consider eating disordered frequency of drinking to intoxication Another problem frequently attitudes separately from eating and presence of alcohol-related negative encountered on college campuses, disordered behavior. The implication consequences) at pre-rest. The researchers particularly among females, is disordered for college counselors is that students grouped the 82 participants into two risk eating. In the same issue of JCC, who seek help for depression, self-esteem groups (high and low) on the basis of Katherine D. Veazey Morris, Gilbert R. or unwanted sexual contact should be participants’ initial assessment results. Parra and Sara R. S. Stender examined screened for eating disordered attitudes. Significant declines with a large effect the influence of known risk factors on In addition, the authors note that several size were found in the high-risk group “restricting” attitudes and behaviors in promising prevention programs have been on peak drinking quantity and drinking female college students (“Eating Attitudes developed that focus on attitudes toward eating and body image. They suggest to intoxication compared with a control and Behaviors Among Female College Students”). The variables of interest assessing participants’ eating attitudes and group. The low-risk group also had were eating attitudes and behaviors, behaviors and using interventions that declines on those behaviors, but the effect self-esteem, depression, sorority target the most problematic domain. u size was not as large. Similar findings membership and unwanted sexual were reported for the measure of negative contact. In the preliminary analyses, alcohol-related consequences. The authors sorority membership was not correlated found their results to be encouraging and with eating attitudes and behaviors, so supportive of the use of such programs it was not used in subsequent analyses. as part of an orientation process before The researchers conducted several students begin their first year of college. path analyses, and the final model Sheri Bauman is associate My university uses a program based demonstrated that depression, self-esteem professor and director of the on motivational interviewing, but to and unwanted sexual contact influence school counseling program at the my knowledge, it is not universally eating disordered attitudes, which in turn University of Arizona and editor of the Journal for Specialists in Group administered during orientation. I intend influence eating disordered behavior. Work. Contact her at sherib@email. to make the appropriate individuals The researchers acknowledge the arizona.edu. aware of this article in hopes that a more limitations of their study but emphasize universal approach to alcohol abuse the practical applications of their prevention will be considered. findings. This study demonstrated that
June 2011 | Counseling Today | 27 Inside the DSM-5 - By K. Dayle Jones
Ongoing controversies surround DSM-5
lthough my primary purpose vocal critic of the DSM-5 development Scale development is a time-consuming for writing this monthly process, has likewise repeatedly expressed process. It can take years to adequately A column is to educate counselors concern about the secrecy issue, stating develop a new scale. Items must be about the upcoming fifth edition of that the work groups have conferred written, expert-reviewed and pilot-tested. the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of largely in isolation and with little Then items have to be revised, tested Mental Disorders (DSM-5), as I research supervision from DSM-5 leadership. again and revised again, continuing the various proposed revisions and Responding to these criticisms, the in this way until enough validity and disorders, I continue to find reports of DSM-5 Task Force stated that the DSM-5 reliability evidence is obtained to support problems and controversies within the development process is the most inclusive that the scale measures what it is intended DSM-5 development process. The reports and transparent process in the DSM’s to measure. to which I pay particularly close attention history and that the confidentiality After reviewing the proposed come from highly respected psychiatrists, agreements are simply legal documents dimensional assessments on the DSM-5 including chairs of previous DSM task designed to protect intellectual property. website, I found many of the scales in forces, current DSM-5 work group They also pointed to the workshops their present state to be inconsistent, members and renowned researchers. and open forums at conferences, the confusing and unwieldy (as an example, These reports raise serious questions online postings of drafts and proposed review the personality disorder rating about the outcome of the DSM-5, as revisions (see dsm5.org), as well as the scales on the DSM-5 website). It is well as implications for the new manual’s public call for comments about the web- questionable whether there will be impact on counseling practice. posted drafts. Frances, however, criticized enough time to revise and retest these the allotted time period for public new scales before the DSM-5’s May 2013 The confidentiality agreement comments as being too short and said the publication date. Early on, the American Psychiatric process lacked a mechanism to provide Association (APA) Board of Trustees information about the nature of the Empirical basis stated that the process for revising the I am particularly concerned about criticisms or the work groups’ responses DSM would be “open, transparent the criticisms charging there is a lack to them. and free of bias.” However, a common of empirical support for the proposed complaint has emerged that all DSM- Dimensional assessments revisions. Any change to the DSM 5 task force and work group members Early in 2009, the DSM-5 Task Force should be well supported through a) were required to sign confidentiality announced the inclusion of “dimensional systematically gathered empirical evidence agreements. Similar agreements were assessments” with existing categorical and b) independent review of the quality not required for previous editions of diagnoses. The current DSM utilizes a of the evidence. Both should occur prior the DSM. Information identified as categorical (binary) classification system, to field-testing. “confidential” has included drafts, pre- whereas the dimensional approach uses Although the DSM-5 is intended to publication materials, group discussions, rating scales to measure characteristics be grounded in empirical evidence and internal correspondence and any written of a disorder. The goal of providing reflect new scientific understanding, or unwritten information related to the diagnostic rating scales to each disorder it appears there is inconsistency in the DSM-5 development process. is to help standardize interviewing and to comprehensiveness of empirical review. Robert Spitzer, chair of the DSM- increase the reliability of diagnosis. The 13 diagnostic work groups were III Task Force, was the first to express The DSM-5 work groups were given given the responsibility of conducting concern about the DSM-5 confidentiality the option of choosing existing rating literature reviews. However, there were no agreement and about trying to revise scales or creating new ones. Despite guidelines or standardized methodology the DSM without benefit of the the availability of hundreds of already for conducting these reviews and no wide, contemporaneous review that available, well-established rating scales quality control or editing of these characterized all previous editions. In July that cover almost every aspect of groups’ work. As a result, the different 2008, Spitzer wrote a letter to Psychiatric psychopathology, the work groups have, work groups varied in the thoroughness, News protesting that secrecy was for the most part, chosen to develop quality, methodology and clarity of their contradictory to the scientific process, new scales. It was surprising that the task proposals. which “benefits from the very exchange force would take on the enormous job An example is the proposal on of information that is prohibited by the of developing psychometrically sound personality disorders. In December confidentiality agreement.” Allen Frances, scales that would be ready for field 2010, John Livesley, professor emeritus chair of the DSM-IV Task Force and a testing (which is occurring right now). at the University of British Columbia,
28 | Counseling Today | June 2011 distinguished researcher in the area revision includes a) reducing the number overdiagnosis to the point of creating false of personality disorders and a highly of symptoms to one out of four rather epidemics. In a letter to the APA Board respected member of the Personality than the DSM-IV’s criteria of three out of Trustees, Spitzer and Frances warned Disorders Work Group, published a of six and b) reducing the symptom about the unintended consequences of critique of the disorders, expressing duration from the DSM-IV’s six months adding these diagnoses, stating, “If these concerns about the lack of empirical to three months. Other examples include were to become official categories in support. Rather than basing proposed reducing the number of symptoms to DSM-V, they could add tens of millions revisions on existing, well-researched diagnose attention-deficit/hyperactivity of newly diagnosed ‘patients’ — the personality models or on an integration disorder in adults; subsuming substance majority of whom would likely be false of these models, the Personality Disorders abuse and dependence into one disorder positives subjected to the needless side Work Group chose to construct its own (making it substance use disorder); and effects and expense of treatment.” new, unique model that has no continuity incorporating Asperger’s disorder, autistic with the DSM-IV, is so complex as to be disorder and several other conditions into Implications for counselors unusable and has little empirical evidence a single autism spectrum disorder. Reading about so much criticism from to support it. Another controversial proposal is such credible sources leaves me extremely The lack of empirical support for the including subthreshold diagnoses in worried about what the finalDSM-5 proposed revisions led Jane Costello, a the DSM-5. Subthreshold conditions will look like, whether it will be valid neuroscientist and full professor at the are those that do not meet the full or reliable, how it will affect our jobs Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, to symptomatic or duration criteria for a as counselors to diagnose and what its resign her prestigious position on the specific disorder. For example, theDSM- ultimate impact will be on our clients. DSM-5 Work Group on Disorders in 5 Neurocognitive Disorders Work Group The manual is scheduled for Childhood and Adolescence. She voiced is proposing adding minor neurocognitive publication in 2013, just two short years concerns about the DSM-5 process disorder, a subthreshold condition in away. The criticisms leveled against being rushed to completion without which an individual experiences decline the DSM-5 have been ongoing since at adequate scientific basis. In her letter in just one of six neurocognitive domains: least 2009, and I keep finding articles, of resignation, she stated that “changes attention, executive ability, memory, published as recently as April, articulating seem to be made for reasons that have language, visuoconstructional-perceptual these same concerns. At this point, I little basis in new scientific findings or ability and/or social cognition. What fear putting my trust in a book whose organized clinical or epidemiological makes this disorder subthreshold is that validity is being questioned by renowned studies.” individuals are not required to have The APA Board of Trustees appointed any functional impairment as a result members of the profession for which it a scientific review work group to evaluate of cognitive deficits; however, they was designed — psychiatry. the quality of evidence supporting the may use “compensatory strategies” to I urge counselors to keep apprised DSM-5 proposals. Unfortunately, the maintain independence. An example of the DSM-5 development process by group is reportedly not independent, of compensatory strategies for an reviewing proposed revisions on the with all but two of the members involved individual with memory problems DSM-5 website (dsm5.org) and taking with the DSM-5 development process. includes increased reliance on list making part in the next call for public feedback, Furthermore, the scientific review began or a calendar to help remember tasks which is scheduled for August to after the field trials had already started. and events. Using this example, most September. u What purpose is there in field-testing a individuals older than age 50 (or, in my proposal that may be eliminated because case, older than 45) could be diagnosed of limited scientific support? with minor neurocognitive disorder. K. Dayle Jones is a licensed mental Diagnostic thresholds Other subthreshold conditions health counselor and associate An ongoing criticism is the overall proposed to be added as mental disorders professor and coordinator of the lowering of diagnostic thresholds include binge eating disorder, psychosis Mental Health Counseling Pro- across disorders — that is, reducing the risk syndrome (now called attenuated gram at the University of Central number of symptoms required to meet psychosis syndrome) and temper Florida. She chairs the American a diagnosis. For example, the DSM-5 dysregulation disorder. Counseling Association’s DSM Mood Disorder Work Group proposed The given rationale for reducing Task Force, which was formed to removing the bereavement exclusionary diagnostic thresholds and adding provide feedback to the Ameri- criterion from major depressive episode. subthreshold conditions is to improve can Psychiatric Association on This criterion excludes the diagnosis early detection and promote preventive proposed revisions to the DSM-5. from people with depressive symptoms treatments. Although this is a noble Contact her at [email protected]. that develop after the death of a loved, cause, the DSM-5 work groups have been criticized for failing to consider which historically has been considered Letters to the editor: a normal (not pathological) response the potential risks of increased stigma, [email protected] to loss. Another example is generalized unnecessary treatments (including anxiety disorder, in which the proposed needless psychiatric drugs) or even
June 2011 | Counseling Today | 29 Don’t turn away Most counselors don’t specialize in addictions work, but that doesn’t mean clients with addictions aren’t coming to them for help
By Lynne Shallcross
ulie Bates offers a sobering thought What helped the client finally make to anyone who assumes that certain inroads in beating her addiction was Jindividuals choose a life of writing letters to her mom, even though addiction. Bates, a doctoral the letters were never mailed. In the candidate in counselor education at Penn beginning, the letters were positive, with State University, the woman thanking her mom for her worked for sacrifices and love. But as time went on, three years at a the letters became more “real,” Bates says, methadone clinic expressing such thoughts as, “Mom, you in Massachusetts. said you loved me, but you injected me One of her when I was 13. What chance did I have?” clients, a Through the process of writing the 23-year-old letters, the client realized she had been woman who brought up to believe that when you love exhibited track someone, you lessen their pain through marks running Julie Bates drugs. Through counseling, she was able from her to tweak that worldview, learning that shoulder down to drugs do not equal love and that she was her knuckles, had already been addicted worthy of being loved on the basis of who to heroine and cocaine for a decade. she was, not what drugs she used or gave How had she gotten so far off track by to others. the tender age of 13? Because her mother Counselors who don’t work in had injected her. addiction clinics might not experience Bates, a member of the American situations quite this extreme, but Counseling Association, says that experts in the field warn that addictive story stays with her wherever she goes, behavior is often intertwined with reminding her very clearly that clients many of the problems for which clients with addictions need empathy and help, seek counseling. The realization that a not judgment. While in treatment with client has addiction issues is daunting Bates, the woman’s most difficult struggle to many counselors who don’t specialize involved rebuilding herself, redefining in that area. But Bates encourages those who she was after a decade of addiction counselors not to turn away. “Don’t be and learning how to function as an adult afraid to talk to the client,” she says. “A without the addiction component. big disservice In working with the woman for three would be years, Bates learned that addictions ignoring [the counseling is a long-term process. “Be addiction].” patient,” she advises. “It’s not something Gerald Juhnke, that changes overnight or even over a professor and couple months.” Although her client doctoral program was able to stop using heroine after only director in the about two months, it took closer to 10 Department of months before there was any decrease in Counseling at her cocaine use. the University Gerald Juhnke
30 | Counseling Today | June 2011 of Texas at San Antonio, says many counselors who Juhnke notes the licensure situation clinical mental health counselors start don’t specialize regarding work with addicted clients their careers not wanting to work with in addictions. can be complex. Requirements vary anyone who has an addiction. In fact, She recommends state to state, meaning that any licensed Juhnke admits, when he set out in that counselors counselor might be permitted to practice marriage and family counseling, he was seek supervision, addictions counseling in one state, while one of those counselors who wanted to educate in another state, the counselor must also avoid addiction issues. But the reality is, themselves on be licensed as a chemical dependency when it comes to fairly common issues the resources counselor to perform the same work. This such as depression, anxiety or career and available in the Kerrie Fineran can be frustrating and confusing, Juhnke family problems, there is often an overlap community acknowledges, especially for counselors with addictions, Juhnke says. Existing for addicted with advanced degrees who are then problems might compel a person to clients and refrain from automatically informed they need yet another license begin using drugs or alcohol or to engage referring or including language in intake to practice addictions counseling. On the in some other addictive behavior as a paperwork that indicates they won’t work positive side, he says, the effort to make coping mechanism, or the problems the with clients who are using. A referral may the field more professional with licensed person presents with might be the result be necessary if a client needs help beyond caregivers is laudable. of a preexisting addiction. “Even though what you’re able to provide, especially in Although master’s counseling programs you don’t plan on seeing people with cases in which outpatient therapy might touch on addictions, Fineran says addictions, it will happen,” says Juhnke, not be enough, says Fineran, a member counselors who want to specialize in a past president of the International of ACA and IAAOC. “But the process addictions work should seek additional Association of Addictions and Offender of referral should be something that training and continuing education Counselors, a division of ACA, and promotes hope and your belief in their opportunities such as conference former editor of the Journal of Addictions ability to change and doesn’t destroy the presentations, workshops and specialty & Offender Counseling. “People rarely trust they’ve built with you.” come in saying, ‘I have an addiction certification programs. If counselors are unsure about whether Addictions can come in the form of problem.’ They come in saying I lost my a client is exhibiting addictive behaviors, job, have problems in my family, etc.” process or substance addictions, but IAAOC President Juleen Buser says regardless of form, addiction is still Sticking with an addicted client research often references the three C’s of Even when counselors don’t think they addiction as a way to conceptualize some are skilled enough to work with addicted of the core characteristics. “Counselors clients, Juhnke says automatically making can be on the lookout for these three C’s Board a referral isn’t the best idea. Accredited as they work with clients as a preliminary master’s-level counseling programs way to assess the presence of addiction: Certified include training in addictions work, so loss of control over addictive behaviors, despite the client’s aim to stop; compulsive Coach most counselors possess at least some cce approved coach knowledge in this area. Juhnke strongly use; and continued use regardless of training courses recommends that counselors consult negative consequences,” says Buser, forming now with a supervisor and then attempt assistant professor in the Department to continue working with addicted of Graduate Education, Leadership The new Board Certified Coach™ clients. “The client might have a good and Counseling at Rider University in (BCC) credential from the Center for relationship with you as the counselor,” Lawrenceville, N.J. Credentialing & Education (CCE) The addictions counseling field has provides eligible counselors with a he says. “If the counselor panics and says, fast-track to board certification in ‘I can’t work with you anymore,’ then made a significant transition over the past coaching. Master’s and doctoral level the client feels abandoned. They feel like, few decades, according to Juhnke. It used coaches with a counseling degree ‘I won’t tell anyone again that I have an to be that most addictions counselors and others with NCC certification addictions problem.’ If you’ve already were former addicts in recovery, whereas meet BCC training requirements with got a good counseling relationship, don’t now, Juhnke as few as 30 additional hours of ILCT training. abandon the client. Get someone who says, there is a can give you ideas and direction, and movement of classes forming now follow what they have to say,” advises mental health Juhnke, who coauthored Counseling professionals LIFECOACHTRAINING.COM Addicted Families: An Integrated Assessment heading into phone: 1-800-961-3424 and Treatment Model with W. Bryce the field with Hagedorn. master’s-level Kerrie Fineran, an assistant professor degrees and a of counseling at the University of North specialization in Texas (UNT), offers similar advice to addictions work. Juleen Buser
June 2011 | Counseling Today | 31 addiction, Juhnke says. “All addictions are very difficult. One isn’t more difficult than another. In general, substance disorders Developing Clinical Skills for revolve around ingesting, inhaling, huffing, injecting or taking some type Substance Abuse Counseling of substance. Process disorders generally revolve around ‘doing behaviors,’ such D a n i e l Y a l i s o v e as gambling, shopping, eating, sex, pornography, running, weightlifting, etc. The No. 1 thing in treating addicted “This book takes the counselor-in- clients is respecting them and treating training from the beginning to the them as if they were your mother, father, end of the counseling relationship. The sister or brother. Failure to treat persons with addictive disorders as a loved one concepts of substance abuse counseling first often results in misperceiving the come alive in the classroom through client’s addictive behaviors as [being carefully prepared role-play exercises representative of] the person.” and an Instructor’s Guide, which is Understanding the struggle Students who enroll in Fineran’s drug a real bonus for teachers and students and alcohol counseling class at UNT alike. If I am a counselor, I want this are going to feel deprived — and that’s just the way she wants it. Each semester, on my bookshelf.” Fineran asks her students to commit to —James L. Sorensen, PhD giving up a substance or a process for the UCSF at San Francisco General Hospital duration of the course. The goal of the exercise is for the students to understand This handbook teaches the basic concepts and skills the process of addiction and develop necessary for effective substance abuse counseling. In Part I, empathy for the addicted clients with whom they’ll someday work. Dr. Yalisove discusses counselor roles and the principles of “Many of them think that people with substance abuse counseling. He then provides a synopsis of addictions should just stop, quit it and several key substance abuse theories as well as his own Building pull themselves up by the bootstraps,” Session Goals and Strategies method and the Eight Stage Process says Fineran, who likewise commits of Counseling approach, all of which are practical, compatible to giving something up each semester. “It seems like a simple thing to stop means for learning and mastering clinical counseling skills. Part something, but [with this exercise], they II illustrates applications of these approaches in clinical situations understand what the body goes through using experiential exercises, role-plays, and clinical scenario and what the mind goes through. examples. Chapters on group work, counseling clients with dual They really struggle with it. They start disorders, family counseling, and working with diverse client to understand what individuals with these problems go through and gain an populations follow, with a helpful chapter on creating client increased sense of empathy that they can treatment plans and writing clinical reports rounding out the tap into when working with individuals book. Dr. Yalisove’s practical approach to developing critical from this population.” thinking and counseling skills makes this an ideal supplemental At the beginning of the course, about text for addictions courses. half of the students are excited to accept the challenge because they’ve been wanting to give something up but needed 2010 | 232 pgs | Order #72895 | ISBN 978-1-55620-307-7 a nudge to follow through, Fineran says, List Price: $44.95 | ACA Member Price: $29.95 while the other half are terrified and don’t see how the exercise will help them Please include $8.75 for shipping of the first book and $1.00 for each learn anything. By the end of the course, additional book. roughly 95 percent of the students say the exercise was an excellent tool that taught American Counseling Association them about the process of addiction and about themselves. 800-422-2648 x222 • counseling.org/publications Many of the students give up something that has a physical impact,
32 | Counseling Today | June 2011 such as cigarettes or caffeine, so it etc., we see them as people, not as the After their own struggles to give up doesn’t take long for them to experience behaviors.” a substance or a process, Fineran says symptoms of withdrawal. Most of the It can be easy to focus on the behaviors most students realize that people with students relapse at least once during that often accompany an addiction — addictions are simply people with the semester, so Fineran addresses that such as stealing, lying or cheating to problems — just like everyone else. “It topic in class. Some of the students secure another hit — without realizing becomes less scary for them and less of a acknowledge that they simply no that those behaviors take place as a result mystery about what addiction is about,” longer felt like abstaining, whereas of a physical or psychological dependency, she says. “It’s really about people trying to others slip up without thinking, such Juhnke says. “Take, for instance, an make changes in their lives, which is the as by ordering a Coke at a restaurant. addict who steals his mom’s silverware or same as every other client who comes in Regardless of the reason, Fineran says, credit cards. We might say, ‘What a bad who might not be addicted.” the students learn about the shame and son.’ But those are the components of “Without that empathy and guilt that accompany a relapse and, more the addiction, not the person behind the understanding and care for our clients, important, learn about the process that addiction.” Putting his students in the I don’t understand how they could ever led to their relapse. Fineran works with shoes of an addicted person is an effective imagine that we believe in them,” Fineran the students to create plans to recognize way of building empathy, Juhnke says. says. “We need to believe in them. We warning signs of a possible relapse and Empathy is one of Carl Rogers’ core need to believe that these people are to head it off before it happens. The conditions of counseling, along with worth the change.” project is particularly worthwhile because congruence and unconditional positive Motivation for change these counselors-in-training may one day regard, but those conditions have a Historically, treatment for clients with create similar plans with clients who have tendency of disappearing when the client addictions has often been directive, addictions, Fineran says. has an addiction, Fineran says. “We often confrontational and harsh, Fineran says, The class also discusses how life look at people and think, ‘Just quit! You but the trend is moving toward a model presents continuing challenges in the lost your home, you lost your job, so just that is more supportive and inclusive recovery process. For instance, Fineran quit this.’ But empathy helps counselors of Rogers’ core conditions. That’s says, students who commit to giving up see that clients with addictions aren’t good news, she says, because research beer for the fall semester might not realize really any different than other counseling shows people do better when they are until later how this decision affects their clients.” encouraged and when someone helps football watching. Or perhaps they give up sweets only to realize what a challenge that will pose during the holidays. “They go home for Thanksgiving and find out Finally, what it’s like to live in a world where everyone else isn’t trying to give up what On-line they’re trying to give up,” Fineran says. In addition to giving up a substance or a process, Fineran asks her students Training to attend at least two recovery meetings in the community, followed by writing Solutions a personal reflection to share with their peers. The meetings are as impactful as for the the attempt to abstain from something, she says, because they show the students Global that real people — often those similar to themselves or even people they know — are struggling. In addition, students Addiction are often impressed and humbled by the sense of community and hope that they Professional! witness at the recovery meetings. “People with addictions are often maligned,” says Juhnke, who requires students in his addictions classes to give up both a process and a substance for the semester in addition to attending Go to www.ncadd-elearning.org multiple 12-step meetings. “We think they’re old drunks or old addicts and we or call today at shouldn’t pay attention to them. But if we think of them as moms, sisters, dads, 732-254-3344
June 2011 | Counseling Today | 33 them elicit their own motivation for which parts are not, the client can reach that are sometimes referred to as the change instead of simply “throwing the a clearer understanding of what is going “third wave” of addiction treatment, book at them.” on in his or her life, he says. For instance, including narrative therapy. “Counseling “One movement that has gained steam a client might present with marital strategies associated with this theory over the past two decades is a shift to problems, trouble holding a job or failing include externalizing the problem, which treatment models such as motivational grades before the counselor figures out often involves naming the problem,” she interviewing, which differ from earlier that an addiction is intertwined, Juhnke says. “Counselors work to separate the models that focused on more intensive says. Although the client at first might addiction from the client, often by giving confrontation of clients,” Buser says. deny that an addiction is part of the the addiction a name, such as ‘bulimia’ “Motivational interviewing works problem, as the counselor asks questions or ‘alcoholism.’ The idea is that, through from the premise that clients come to and the client continues to want a this process of externalizing, clients counseling at various levels of motivation. solution to the problem, he or she may will no longer internally connect with A counselor’s role is to meet the clients at begin thinking about the impact that the addiction. Clients may come into their current level of motivation — not addictive behaviors have on the situation. counseling with the view that addiction is presuppose a client is ready for action Motivational interviewing helps move a part of them. In this narrative therapy when, in fact, [he or she] may only be clients from a precontemplative stage to technique, however, the addiction is cast contemplating the need for change.” a contemplative stage, Juhnke says, and as an external force, and the client takes Buser says a counselor might first assess often encourages them to “bite into the on the role of actively working to fight a client’s level of motivation and then whole treatment process.” against this addiction. Optimally, this work toward increasing that motivation. If motivational interviewing doesn’t reduces self-blame and inspires efforts to “Authors have discussed the use of prove helpful, Juhnke next tries a combat the addiction.” scaling questions to assess readiness to solution-focused approach, which A different kind of referral change at the start of counseling. If a creates a target the client wishes to Clients with addictions won’t always client is ambivalent about treatment, aim for. Instead of focusing on the come through a counselor’s door by their gentle questions and door openers can be problem and how bad it is, which can own volition. Instead they arrive because used by the counselor to help the client be overwhelming for the client, Juhnke they are mandated to counseling by the explore this ambivalence. For example, a says solution-focused techniques urge the court system. Although that circumstance counselor might acknowledge the client’s client to think about what an improved might appear tentativeness about change, while also life would look like and what changes to create an pointing out the client’s dissatisfaction need to take place to get there. “Clients entirely different with at least certain elements of the can tell you what they need if you listen counseling addictive behavior.” to them, and this allows them to have situation, Empathy is a critical component of influence on the kind of treatment they Rochelle Cade motivational interviewing, Buser says. need,” he says. says much of “For example, clients who struggle If a solution-focused technique isn’t the the counseling with eating disorders, termed a process right fit for an addicted client, Juhnke process mirrors addiction, often hide their behaviors recommends trying a cognitive behavioral that used with and experience a sense of embarrassment approach in which the counselor helps other addicted Rochelle Cade about … binge eating and purging the client gain insight into his or her clients. Another behaviors. Empathy is critical in this addiction triggers and how to respond similarity is that sense, as clients will be more likely to once those triggers hit. For example, empathy and unconditional positive regard open up and disclose their disordered with a client who comes home from remain crucial to the process, she says. eating practices if they feel accepted and work to an empty house, feels lonely and Cade, a visiting assistant professor at understood by a counselor.” reaches for a beer, Juhnke might ask the the University of Houston-Victoria who Juhnke is also a proponent of individual for alternative ideas of how worked with court-mandated clients for motivational interviewing with addicted that void could be filled. Keep in mind, five years, often allowed these clients to clients. Through the process of a he cautions counselors, that the same use the first or second session to “get counselor asking questions about which solutions won’t work for every client. things off their chest,” she says. Many parts of a client’s life are going well and Buser mentions additional therapies clients are upset about why and how
Spotlight on eating disorders IAAOC President Juleen Buser’s work focuses on process addictions and, more specifically, eating disorders. For her thoughts on the circumstances that lead to eating disorders as well as helpful techniques for treatment, visit the Counseling Today section of the ACA website at counseling.org and read “Spotlight on eating disorders.”
34 | Counseling Today | June 2011 they were arrested, the court process, to an attorney or judge,” Cade explains. “Unresolved trauma can be common their punishment or their perceived “The counselor may abide by the ethical with many diagnostic subpopulations,” treatment by a parole officer, among other and/or legal parameters of confidentiality Juhnke says, “For example, I have often things, Cade says. “In my experience, in providing these documents, but the found my clients who fulfill Axis II just listening with unconditional positive recipient of the documents may not.” borderline personality disorder have regard and empathy early in the counseling Client autonomy can be another unresolved trauma resulting from sexual process is probably the single most sticking point, Cade says, because abuse or incest, or feelings — real effective intervention for establishing the when clients are referred through the or imagined — of abandonment by counseling relationship with these clients. legal system, typically, their “problem” significant others. Drinking and drugging I have been told over and over again that has already been defined for them and behaviors were common ways of no one else — not the arresting officer, the goals of their therapy have been attempting to cope with such unresolved attorney, judge, probation officer, family predetermined. Many of Cade’s clients are or experienced trauma. Thus, asking members, friends or bosses — just listens.” ordered to participate in substance abuse clients about their history and paying Some people contend that clients counseling as a condition of probation close attention to potential traumatic who enter counseling of their own free for drug-related offenses. “The problem unresolved issues is important.” will are more motivated or ready for has been defined: marijuana use,” she One client told Juhnke that drinking the counseling process, says Cade, a says. “The goals have been established and using drugs were her way of dealing member of ACA and IAAOC who serves by the conditions of probation: Submit with feelings of abandonment after on the editorial board for the Journal to urine analyses and have clean results, her ex-husband ran off with a younger of Addictions & Offender Counseling. participate and complete counseling, and woman. “She was able to clearly articulate abstain from drug use.” “Some would prefer that clients enter why and how this unresolved trauma But if clients don’t agree that marijuana the counseling process with some insight led to her addictive behaviors,” he says. use is the problem or decide they’d simply into the problem or issue or at least have “Removing her addictive behaviors like to decrease their use, that can be out identified the issue for themselves. Court- without addressing the underlying trauma of line with the court’s goals. “I have had mandated clients by title and referral do would have left her extremely vulnerable. several clients who smoked marijuana not usually meet these prerequisites for Therefore, it is important to concurrently all day every day decide to cut their use entering counseling.” address any unresolved trauma and to one joint at night before bed,” Cade Although she uses the phrase “court- addictive behaviors.” mandated,” Cade prefers to think of says. “Is this reduction in marijuana use clients on a continuum of voluntarism [considered] progress? According to the rather than of dichotomies such as court, it is not. If the results of a urine voluntary/involuntary or mandated/ analysis are positive for TCH, indicating nonmandated. Many clients, not just the client is still using, [the court deems those who are court-mandated, first come this a] lack of progress or failure to to counseling on the involuntary side abstain from drug use.” of the continuum, she points out. For Termination often poses a final example, there is the client who goes to hurdle. Cade has had clients participate counseling because his wife threatens to in counseling for several weeks or even divorce him or because his boss threatens months and then suddenly stop showing to fire him if he doesn’t. up, oftentimes because they’ve been sent to Although much of the counseling jail for probation violations, new offenses process is the same, Cade does or other reasons. “When the client is acknowledge a few unique challenges in incarcerated, the counselor does not have the opportunity to process the closure of working with mandated clients. One is counseling and ethically terminate the defining the identity of the counselor’s counseling process with the client,” “client.” This most definitely includes she says. the person in the room engaging in the counseling process but might also Connecting the dots include the referral source, such as a Considering that people are complex, judge, parole officer or case manager, complicated beings, counselors say it’s not or other elements of the community. surprising that addictions often coexist Issues of confidentiality can also arise, with other issues. Certain personality she says. “Counselors, with a signed disorders, including antisocial, borderline, release of information from the client, narcissistic and dependent personality complete progress reports and submit disorders, seem to have a “robust” them to a probation officer, parole officer connection with addictions, Juhnke says. or case manager, report them to a drug Anxiety, depression and trauma also or mental health court, or submit them commonly accompany addictions, he says.
June 2011 | Counseling Today | 35 Grief and loss are also significantly Working through the grief interwoven with many addictions, Bates No matter what type of loss or when Recovery says, whether the losses occurred prior to it occurs, Bates says the best thing communities the addiction beginning, were incurred counselors can do is to address it with as a direct result of the addiction or took addicted clients. Counselors don’t Although popular among many place during the person’s recovery and set intentionally skip over grief work, she people recovering from addiction, the client back. In circumstances in which says, but sometimes more pressing 12-step programs aren’t a perfect fit clients were using when they experienced concerns pop up in the context of for everyone, says Gerald Juhnke, a loss, they may not have processed the addictions work, such as immediate professor and doctoral program loss properly and can come to counseling health, safety and shelter concerns. director in the Department of with built-up grief, Bates adds. But whenever possible, Bates suggests, Counseling at the University of Texas Common losses resulting from counselors should remember to address at San Antonio. For clients who don’t addictions are wide ranging, Bates says, losses the client has experienced along connect with the spiritual emphasis and can include family, friendships, the way because those losses might of 12-step programs, Juhnke says jobs/careers, freedom, health, finances be contributing to or sustaining the a number of alternatives exist, and educational opportunities. Even in addiction. In many cases, she says, grief including Rational Recovery and recovery, she says, addicted clients face the work enables the client to make better Secular Organizations for Sobriety. likelihood of loss, particularly as it relates progress in recovery. Some clients might not be to their friends and social identity because, Bates says the focus of these comfortable with the personal in many cases, those things were tied to interventions should be on recognizing interactions that 12-step programs the person’s addiction. In losing the old both the positives and the negatives require throughout the various stages support system, even if it was an unhealthy of the losses that addicted clients have of recovery. “If that is the situation, one, the person faces the daunting task of experienced. One intervention Bates the counselor needs to understand starting from scratch, Bates says. recommends is writing, whether it how to get the client the necessary “If you take the substance away, you involves clients keeping a journal of their environmental supports without have to reconstruct the identity,” Bates feelings and thoughts or writing letters. 12-step programs,” says Juhnke, a says. “When you have someone who hasn’t For instance, clients can write letters to past president of the International really had to form relationships without the addictive substance, both ending the Association of Addictions and the presence of a substance, it can be hard relationship and grieving the loss. Or they Offender Counselors, a division of to do. You have to relate to the new friends can write letters to their “using self,” such ACA. “I must say, however, that through personality, not through the as “Dear using self, this is why I don’t it is exceptionally difficult to try substance. Sometimes it’s really difficult for want to be with you, this is what you to recover without changing one’s people to do. They forget how to behave took away from me, and this is what I’ll interactions with current ‘using’ socially without the drug.” miss about you,” Bates says. A client in friends. Twelve-step programing Other losses that occur while the person early recovery might write to his or her immediately provides a group of is going through recovery, such as the “recovering self,” explaining what he or interpersonal supporters and a death of a family member or a friend, she is looking forward to in the future. social environment where all are in can trigger a relapse, Bates cautions. “It’s really having them acknowledge recovery and most, if not all, are very Counselors should work with clients on what things they’re going to miss about supportive of the client’s personal the area of prevention, talking about how the addiction, whether it’s numbing recovery.” they can rebound from losses that might their feelings or feeling high when they Although the 12-step approach take place while they’re working through need a pick-me-up,” Bates says. “It’s also won’t work for every addicted client, recovery. remembering why we need to get rid of it Juhnke says one significant benefit Grief can also stem from giving up and why it’s not useful.” of these programs is that they offer the addiction itself, Fineran says. “The Whereas writing letters encourages a good mix of people just beginning addiction has been their best friend and clients to take the time to acknowledge the recovery process with those who their coping mechanism. When they both the positives and the negatives of are further down the road. For those give that up, there’s a process of grief their losses, journaling can help them just starting out, he says, it can be they go through [in] reorienting to their create a log of their thought processes. vital to gain support from more lives without it.” Although counselors Seeing their thoughts on paper aids experienced peers, while also being can focus on many positive aspects of addicted clients in identifying triggers able to look to others for advice and recovery with clients, Fineran says it’s and patterns they may have been unaware wisdom when relapses occur. also imperative to recognize what clients of previously, Bates says — for instance, might be giving up, such as the sense of how having a fight with a parent led to — Lynne Shallcross comfort the addiction provided them the client using afterward. The client’s when things weren’t going well and the journaling can also alert the counselor to people, places and things they fondly grief and loss issues that had not come to associate with the addiction. light previously.
36 | Counseling Today | June 2011 Another intervention Bates suggests is the creation of memory books, which can take either a positive or a negative focus. A client might make a positive memory A Contemporary Approach book about a loved one who died, including what the client loved about to Substance Abuse and that person, photos of the client and the loved one together and words or pictures Addiction Counseling: cut out of magazines to describe the A Counselor’s Guide to Application relationship. Creating the book can help the client process and acknowledge the and Understanding loss, while memorializing the good things Ford Brooks and Bill McHenry the person contributed to the client’s life. On the other hand, Bates says, a negative memory book works well for “This is the first addictions addicted clients who are having a hard counseling text I have found that time ending their use. These clients accurately describes and addresses might make a book about their addiction, the real work done by substance including pictures of doctors or scars or any other bad memories associated with abuse counselors. I have searched for the addiction. “It’s a reminder of why I such a text for years; I will definitely shouldn’t be using this, even if my body’s be adopting it for my addictions telling me I should,” Bates says. counseling course.” Bates suggests additional techniques —Charles F. Gressard, PhD that can be helpful to clients dealing with College of William & Mary addictions and grief, or addictions alone. Bibliotherapy is effective, she says, as is role-playing in groups, where clients can Focusing on clinical applications and how-tos, this practice saying no to the addiction or book provides a basic understanding of the nature of work on new social interactions. Bates substance abuse and addiction, its progression, and also recommends using music to help clinical interventions for college/university, school, clients relax and having them draw or and community/mental health agency settings. Topics paint as a way of sketching out what their lives might look like with or without the covered include drug classifications; assessment; working addiction. Depending on the individual with ethnically diverse clients, the GLBT population, client’s coping skills, techniques such and women; the continuum from nonuse to addiction; as guided imagery, meditation and developmental approaches in treating addiction; relapse progressive muscle relaxation can offer prevention; grief and loss in addiction; group counseling; the client a tangible way of relaxing and working with families; spirituality; addictions training regulating his or her body without a substance, Bates says. and ethical issues; understanding and applying the 2009 Bates also points to Robert Helgoe’s CACREP Standards for Addiction Counseling; and book Hierarchy of Recovery: From counselor self-care. 2009 • 280 pgs Abstinence to Self-Actualization as a good resource for counselors working with Order #72888 ISBN 978-1-55620-282-7 addicted clients. Helgoe proposes two List Price: $49.95 ACA Member Price: $35.95 phases in recovery: the pull and the push. In the push phase, Bates says, addicts are pushed to remain sober to avoid the Please include $8.75 for shipping of the first book consequences of their addiction, such and $1.00 for each additional book. as jail time or liver failure. In the pull phase, the addict is pulled toward a new American Counseling Association way of being and enjoying the rewards of 800-422-2648 x222 recovery. Helgoe’s theory, Bates says, is that to move into the pull phase, a client counseling.org must first fully grieve the addiction and all the losses associated with it.
June 2011 | Counseling Today | 37 Bates says counselors may find it The spiritual side of addiction believe in, what gives them strength and worthwhile to talk with clients about the Throughout history, spirituality and what makes them feel full inside. two phases and what will help them want addictions have been linked, says Keith Counselors used to try to find out if to stay sober. “Consequences get you [the Morgen, assistant professor at Centenary clients had spirituality as a strength or client] into treatment, but will they keep College in Hackettstown, N.J., and a coping mechanism and then wouldn’t you here? We have to find something member of ACA. Using alcohol as an delve any deeper, but they need to do more valuable, and that’s [the client as example, Morgen says that leading up to more than simply “check the box” after a person],” she says. “If we can focus on Prohibition, it was thought that alcoholics asking the question, Morgen says. “If the client as a thing of value, that’s worth didn’t possess any morals, spirituality you conceptualize it as how [clients] have working on.” or godliness. fulfillment, courage, strength, how they “Addictions were see the world — if all that stuff rolls into considered as spirituality, you almost have to talk about ACA addiction being immoral,” that because that’s who the person is. To resources says Morgen, try to talk to [clients] about their issues, secretary-elect fears, addictions and trials without talking The following books can be of IAAOC about values, beliefs, where it comes from, ordered directly through the ACA and chair of how it has meaning, how it shapes them, online bookstore at counseling. its Spirituality it’s almost impossible to do.” org/publications or by calling Committee. Morgen’s advice to his fellow counselors 800.422.2648 ext. 222. “[The thinking Keith Morgen is to understand that everyone has a was], ‘Because different definition of spirituality, and u Developing Clinical Skills for they’re drinking each definition is right for that particular Substance Abuse Counseling or doing drugs, they’ve turned their backs person. Even if clients don’t believe in a (order #72895) by Daniel on society or God.’” god or a higher power, just talking about Yalisove provides a framework But when Alcoholics Anonymous and their philosophical sense of what makes for understanding substance the 12-step approach came into being the world spin can be helpful to them, abuse and teaches the basic in the 1930s, Morgen says spirituality Morgen says. concepts and skills necessary became a source of strength and comfort What benefit can spirituality offer to for effective counseling ($29.95 for addicted individuals, a way to addicted clients? For one thing, Morgen for ACA members; $44.95 for build themselves back up. “It’s a model answers, it provides a point of reference. nonmembers). for how [those with addictions] can Many times, he says, in living with an spiritually exist in the world,” he says. addiction, what addicted individuals u A Contemporary Approach to The spirituality or higher power invoked do, whom they hurt and what they lose Substance Abuse and Addiction in 12-step programs can be a traditional become a blur to them. Spirituality Counseling: A Counselor’s god or any other kind of spiritual, provides these individuals a sense of Guide to Application and philosophical idea that guides one’s life, foundation that they didn’t possess when (order Understanding Morgen says. “When you do reach that they were in the throes of the addiction, #72888) by Ford Brooks last step, you’re said to have had a spiritual Morgen says. “It gives you a way to look and Bill McHenry offers a awakening. It’s at the end of the 12 steps, around and make sense of what’s gained, basic understanding of the not the start. It helps you get to the point what’s lost, where you’ve come from, nature of substance abuse where you’re a spiritual, living member of where you’re going and how you fit in to and addiction, its progression the world around you.” all of that. It gives you an ability to find and clinical interventions for Reconnecting spiritually with family, some kind of meaning, direction and an college/university, school, and friends, society and oneself is a key piece anchor point.” u community/mental health of the 12-step recovery, Morgen says. agency settings ($35.95 for “The idea is that your addiction isolates ACA members; $49.95 for you from the rest of the world. The 12 nonmembers). steps are a road map to get back to the world, the community, the people in your u Critical Incidents in Addictions life and also yourself.” Counseling (order #78058) Outside 12-step programs, spirituality edited by Virginia A. Kelly and can still be a crucial ingredient in the Gerald A. Juhnke explores the Lynne Shallcross is a senior writer work that counselors do with addicted opportunities and challenges of for Counseling Today. Contact her clients, Morgen says. Tackling spirituality working with clients struggling at [email protected]. is intimidating to many counselors, so with addiction ($19.95 for Morgen recommends looking at it from Letters to the editor: ACA members; $24.95 for [email protected] nonmembers). the perspective of how clients see their place in the world — what they value and
38 | Counseling Today | June 2011 June 2011 READ Counseling Today, TAKE the CT Learning Exam, EARN Continuing Education Credit Earn 1 CE Credit by reading selected articles in this issue. Read the articles identified below and answer 7 of the 10 questions correctly to earn 1 CE credit. It’s that simple! By reading Counseling Today every month, you can earn up to 12 CE credits each year. And you’ll be well-informed. Start reading now!
Don’t Turn Away Life in Transition 1. When counselors don’t think they are skilled enough to work with an 6. To become better connected to military clients, Lynn Hall recommends addicted client, Gerald Juhnke recommends they: that civilian counselors: a) Make a referral to a more skilled counselor a) Volunteer to participate in programs such as Give an Hour b) Consult with a supervisor and attempt to continue working with b) Ask installation family support and mental health units to add the client their name to referral lists c) Engage in focused addiction counseling training c) Ask to be placed on National Guard and Reserve referral lists d) Partner with a second counselor more knowledgeable about d) All of the above addiction 7. It is crucial that counselors working with military couples understand 2 To fully comprehend the addiction struggle, Kerrie Fineran has found it what aspect of their culture? useful for counselor education students to: a) Roles and responsibilities of deployed service members a) Observe addicted clients participating in medical treatment b) Life and family styles b) Give up a substance or a process for a period of time c) The authoritarian structure of the military c) Review case studies prepared by experienced addiction d) The psychology of separation and loss counselors 8. What counseling approach does David Fenell suggest as a good starting d) None of the above point with military families? 3. As an initial step in working with an addicted client, Juleen Buser a) Rational emotive therapy suggests the counselor: b) Existential approach a) Assess the client’s level of motivation and readiness to change c) Humanistic approach b) Create a client support group d) Cognitive behavioral approach c) Require the client to participate in drug testing NBCC Perspective d) All of the above 9. The organization formed to protect and support public access to Bullies With Byte professionals and organizations who have demonstrated competence 4. According to experts, the percentage of students involved in in the administration and interpretation of assessment instruments, cyberbullying incidents, either as perpetrators or as targets, is: including psychological tests, is the: a) 5-10% a) National Center for Fair and Open Testing (FairTest) b) 10-20% b) Fair Access Coalition on Testing (FACT) c) 20-30% c) Appraisal and Measurement Alliance (AMA) d) More than 30% d) Test Users International (TUI) 5. Because cyberbullying is done with technology, Jessica Lingo has found 10. NBCC believes the proposed Standards for Assessment Service Delivery: the behavior to: Procedures and Methods to Assess People in Work and Organizational a) Spread much faster than other bullying acts Settings are important to counselors because of the stated emphasis on b) Be more permanent as a bullying tactic competency. c) Invade spaces previously thought to be safe a) True b) False d) All of the above q I certify that I have completed this test without receiving any help choosing the answers. Signature ______Date ______Complete the test online! Visit counseling.org/Resources/OnlineLearning.aspx. You will be able to pay online and download your CE certificate immediately! Mail: Complete the test and mail (with check or money order made payable to American Counseling Association) to: ACA Accounting Department/CT, American Counseling Association, 5999 Stevenson Ave., Alexandria, VA 22304. Allow 2–3 weeks for processing. Questions? 800-347-6647, x306. Please print clearly Total amount enclosed or to be charged q $20.00 member q $30.00 non-member Name: ______q Check/money order (payable to ACA in U.S. funds) q VISA q MasterCard q American Express q Discover ACA Member Number ______Card #: ______Zip: ______CVC Code: ______Exp. Date: ______(AmEx, 4 digits above card number; VISA, MC, Dis., 3 digits by signature line) Phone: ______Cardholder’s Name: ______Email: ______Authorized Signature: ______
June 2011 | Counseling Today | 39 Life in transition As military referrals to civilian counselors increase, understanding the military culture and how couples thrive within it is imperative
By Lynne Shallcross
avid Fenell has been on professor of counselor education in the both sides of the fence. As a College of Education at the University of Dretired colonel and behavioral Colorado at Colorado Springs. sciences officer with the U.S. Army and Fenell, a member of the American Army Reserve, he has counseled many Counseling Association, made a conscious soldiers returning from deployments decision to take it slow, respecting what on how to fit his wife had accomplished while he was back in with gone. But roughly three weeks after their families at his return, nothing had changed, so he home. He would broached the subject with his wife. “I advise them don’t feel like there’s really anyplace for to take it slow me in the house right now,” he told her. and to prepare “Every room is dedicated to a counseling themselves to subject, and it doesn’t feel like home find that their anymore.” His wife quickly moved things spouses had around and, before long, Fenell felt like changed in some David Fenell he had a place in the home again. way. “Recognize Fenell’s bumpy transition isn’t unique and value the among those serving in the military, but things he or she has done to keep the he was lucky enough to have a counseling home fires burning while you’ve been background that enabled him to remedy gone,” he would tell soldiers. the situation. Those aren’t skills that Fenell, who retired in 2009 after the average returning soldier possesses. 26 years of service, including tours in With increased deployments during the Afghanistan and Iraq, found it necessary past decade, more soldiers are in need to heed that advice himself when, of counseling support, Fenell says, and following a deployment of his own, the because there aren’t enough military transition back home ended up feeling providers to handle the need, referrals to a little less than seamless. While Fenell civilian counselors are on the rise. was deployed, his wife had enrolled Lynn Hall, dean of the College of in graduate school for counseling. He Social Sciences at the University of returned to find that she had turned Phoenix, echoes Fenell, saying that their house into a quasi-library, with because of today’s extended conflicts, each room serving as a study zone for military members are often experiencing a particular area of counseling. “I came multiple deployments. The stress on the back home, and the house was completely family and the couple is greatly enhanced changed,” says Fenell, interim dean and each time a service member is deployed,
40 | Counseling Today | June 2011 says Hall, an ACA member who worked local military installations and ask to be military acronyms or not being aware that for about 10 years as a school counselor added to their referral lists. Counselors service members don’t have the power to in Department of Defense schools in can also check with local National Guard decide when they’re going to move are Germany. or Reserve offices to inquire whether they common examples of mistakes counselors The makeup of the military has have referral systems in place. Another can make that will turn military clients changed through the years, Hall notes, option Hall mentions is Give an Hour off from the start, Hall says. with more of its members married now (giveanhour.org), a program for which It’s also crucial for counselors to than in the past, meaning multiple lives counselors can sign up to volunteer their understand and respect the authoritarian are affected by time to work with military families. The structure of the military, Hall says. frequent military program “would be a great way to get in “As counselors, we’re trained in an moves and the door,” Hall says. egalitarian mentality that everybody in deployments. Fenell also offers ideas for counselors a family should have their rights and After the who want to work with military everyone should be open to listening change to an personnel and their families, including and being respectful,” she says. “In a all-volunteer reaching out to military chaplains and military authoritarian structure, civilian military in requesting consideration as a referral counselors have to put their own values the 1970s, the source, placing ads in military installation on the shelf and realize that the military military began newspapers and informing local Veterans has to be the way it is in order to survive, Affairs hospitals and service facilities promising to Lynn Hall and the couples need to realize that is support military about their qualifications as counselors. the culture they live in. They don’t get to families, Hall The significance of couples counseling make decisions about when they’re going says, making it easier for service members with military couples shouldn’t be lost to move or where they’ll live. Their life to choose the military as a career while on counselors, Fenell says. “It is always is regimented.” Within the individual still maintaining a family. a plus for the warrior when he or she is household, a couple can respect each In general, according to Hall, military in a stable, loving marriage. It enhances other and care about feelings, Hall couples marry and have children earlier performance in combat or any other says, but it’s important for counselors than civilian couples. Although service military situation. On the other hand, to understand that the couple’s larger members receive the housing, salary and a highly stressful marriage can take the community might not share those same benefits to support a family, the military warrior’s focus away from the mission and values. life often necessitates that these young can lead to problems for the military unit If the nonmilitary spouse is feeling families move away from extended in life-threatening combat situations.” stress from the regimented structure, the family, leaving them with less familial Culture shock counselor can help that spouse express support, Hall says. With more military “There’s a much greater demand for how difficult it is to his or her partner, members deploying and leaving their civilian providers, and it’s especially help the couple respect each other’s families behind, the need for counseling, important that they have familiarity feelings and help the struggling spouse including couples and family counseling, with military culture and the things to meet his or her own needs within the is on the rise, says Hall, who wrote that military couples go through,” existing military structure, Hall says. Counseling Military Families: What Fenell says. Understanding the culture Fenell concurs that counselors must Mental Health Professionals Need to Know, of your client is integral to being an understand that service members have published by Routledge in 2008. effective multicultural counselor, and many of their decisions made for them. Like Fenell, Hall says more civilian the military is most definitely a distinct Certain decisions are ultimately beyond counselors are needed to help military culture, he emphasizes. Counselors need their control. “There’s a strict protocol in families. The military is stretched too to connect with clients in ways that terms of following orders and doing your thin to meet the current demand, she validate their culture, their ethnicity and duty,” he says, “and counselors are more says, in part because the military is their perspective. In counseling service inclined to want to help people find their deploying more mental health workers members and their families, that means own solutions and seek the best course overseas to be with the troops. In letting the clients inform you about their of action for themselves. Sometimes, addition, more members of the National lifestyle, Fenell says. those two dimensions can come into Guard and Reserves are deploying. When There seems to be a mentality among conflict.” Although military values and those individuals return to their civilian service members that civilians don’t strict obedience to orders might clash lives, they will be more likely to need understand the military, Hall says. “It with the values counselors normally civilian counselors, Hall says, especially could be something as simple as [the support and encourage in their clients, if they don’t have the ongoing support of counselor] calling an officer by his first Fenell says it’s necessary for counselors military resources. name,” she says. “And then the officer to understand the context of a military Hall recommends that counselors who says, ‘The counselor doesn’t get it. I don’t couple’s problems in terms of the values want to get connected with military want to be here.’” Not understanding the they work under. clients contact the family support centers differences between being an officer and A certain set of “givens” exists in the or military mental health providers on being enlisted, not being familiar with military culture, Fenell says, including
June 2011 | Counseling Today | 41 “When [the service member] returns, he or she has freeze-framed what it was like prior to the separation, expecting to step into a family dynamic that is unchanged. But it has changed.” anything having to do with following “Giving up autonomy is not a recipe for a the spouse determine ways to secure direct orders, such as when and where to good marriage.” more support in caring for the children deploy. “You don’t really have a choice The transitioning of one spouse out during the next deployment might offer a to say, ‘I don’t want to go this time and I of and then back into the household can possible solution. “But if it’s pure ‘I can’t think I’ll leave the military now,’” Fenell be extremely stressful, Hall says. When do it again, and I won’t,’ and the warrior says. “The goal for the counselor is to one spouse leaves, the remaining spouse won’t leave the military, then you can help the military member make the best and their children learn to function help them disengage in ways that are least of those givens, finding areas that are not as a single-parent household. But damaging to themselves and to the kids. amenable to change and those that are.” when the soldier returns, all roles and Make [the split] as amicable as possible.” responsibilities must be shifted again. In In many cases, Fenell points out, when Ever-changing family dynamics some cases, the returning spouse expects the nondeployed spouse is doing well As Fenell experienced firsthand, one of to take over right away. “Family members during the deployment, the kids are also the biggest hurdles for military couples think, ‘Hey, wait a minute. I did this managing well. But when the spouse is is the change that occurs when a spouse job for nine months. Why are you now feeling stressed out and overwhelmed, deploys. “I always tell my couples change telling me what to do?’” Hall says. In the kids pick up on that and might start is ubiquitous,” Fenell says. When spouses other cases, service members are unable struggling, too. The family’s anxiety deploy, they tend to think their family to help pick up the slack at home because can transfer to the deployed service will remain exactly as it was before they they are still overwhelmed by what they member as well, Fenell says, creating left, he says. “When [the service member] experienced during their deployment. extra difficulty in the combat situation. returns, he or she has freeze-framed what This can also heighten tension in the He believes the best-case scenario is it was like prior to the separation, expect- home. to encourage the nondeployed spouse ing to step into a family dynamic that is Part of the solution is for counselors to and children to seek counseling during unchanged. But it has changed.” If the help each person understand the other the service member’s deployment. This couple has children, they have grown. The person’s perspective, Hall says. The spouse offers them a sense of stability, an outlet spouse who remained behind has shoul- who remained behind might think he or where their concerns can be heard and dered additional responsibilities and has she has done a great job running certain a place to receive concrete suggestions likely grown into a more autonomous and aspects of the household and could be for overcoming life’s challenges as well as independent person as well, Fenell says. reluctant to surrender those duties now assistance in finding additional support He recommends that counselors that the service member is home. On systems. encourage the couple to identify the the other hand, Hall says, the service On a different front, combat stress changes that have taken place. It’s often member needs to feel that he or she can is something that can and often does the case that both spouses have changed, contribute to the household again. “Get return home with soldiers, Fenell says. Fenell points outs, even though each both people to hear the other person’s But in his opinion, post-traumatic partner is more likely to notice only the side,” she says, “and then start making stress disorder is being overdiagnosed changes in the other person. It helps some reasonable accommodations to get among returning military members. to have the couple discuss how things the service member back involved in the “Many returning veterans do have some played out during the deployment, how household without the spouse feeling like symptoms. However, most are having responsibilities shifted and how they she’s giving up everything.” normal reactions to very abnormal can renegotiate the division of labor, There are also instances in which circumstances,” he says. he says. One area in which problems the spouse who stayed behind makes it If everyone, from society at large can arise is when one spouse has grown known that she or he can’t take another down to the service members’ military more autonomous and the other feels deployment, Fenell says. If the service units and families, treats them as if they threatened by that development. member doesn’t want to consider giving are “damaged goods,” then the service When this happens, Fenell says the up a military career, the circumstances members are going to have a more counselor should help the threatened can turn into a major roadblock for the difficult time recovering, Fenell says. But spouse recognize that the relationship is couple. “One of the things you try to if the culture, the military and the service evolving, becoming more healthy and discover in working with the couple is members’ families come to perceive these less dependent. Having a service member whether it’s more than ‘I just can’t do it symptoms as a normal reaction to the return and automatically expect the anymore,’” Fenell says. For example, he stressors of combat, “they’re creating spouse to give up all the duties he or she says, the spouse might feel overwhelmed a context for healing rather than a was shouldering, essentially relegating by the prospect of handling the kids culture that pathologizes,” he explains. the person to a subservient role in the again solo while the military member is Counselors with expertise in trauma relationship, is not ideal, Fenell says. deployed. In that case, he says, helping therapy might be especially well equipped
42 | Counseling Today | June 2011 to help military couples navigate this their feelings,” Hall says. “If we go there Hall says that when she worked in healing process, he says. first, we’re basically going to lose them.” the overseas schools, military families Beyond deployments, Hall says the “We want to get in touch with often came to her looking for concrete repeated transitions military families must thinking in the realms of ‘What do answers and solutions to their problems. face in getting reassigned and moving you believe about this? What do you Befitting the authoritarian structure of every few years can place a strain on believe that relationships should look the military, these families pledged that them and make them feel as though they like? Where did you learn that? What if she simply would tell them what to do, don’t fit in with the way the rest of the do you think you could change that they would do it. “If we as counselors world works. When people don’t possess might make a difference?’ If we’re buy into that and it doesn’t work, then a feeling of belonging, Hall says, they lucky,” Hall continues, “we’ll be with we’re the bad guys,” she warns. Instead, often end up feeling “ less than.” Her them long enough that we’ll get to the Hall recommends turning the situation recommendation to counselors is to assist emotional piece. But first, focus on what around and helping these clients explore these families in acknowledging some of the military focuses on: ‘What are the for themselves what solutions might the positive aspects of being involved in goals? What do I have to change about work within the military structure in the military as well as ways the experience my thinking or attitude? And how do I which they operate as well as within their has made them stronger. change my behavior in order to reach my own families. “We can give them some At the same time, Hall says, it’s equally goals?’” things to consider or help them look for important to address the grief that A cognitive behavioral approach works the consequences of each one of their accompanies a life of constant transition, well with military clients, Hall says, actions,” she says, “but we’re probably not which includes saying goodbye to friends, as does solution-focused therapy and doing anyone a favor by saying, ‘Here’s family members and even pets. “The Adlerian techniques. With this particular the answer.’” military mentality is that you move on population, Hall is a proponent of Beyond the counseling sessions, Hall and you don’t worry about it,” Hall reducing the chaos and finding ways to advises that counselors stay on top of says. “You’re not allowed to grieve.” But get problems resolved in a timely manner. other resources in the community and working with military families means “We need to get in and help them make promote their availability to military allowing them — giving them — that a change quickly. If we do, then they’ll clients. Many military installations space to acknowledge what they are probably come back,” she says. Hall have family support centers, support leaving behind and what they will miss. adds that because of the ongoing cycle of mechanisms for families going through a deployment and even career counselors, That is an important piece in helping relocations and deployments, the “next but military members aren’t always aware these families make healthy transitions, session” is never a guarantee with military of these tools, she says. Hall says. clients. For that reason, counselors should Civilian counselors should understand focus on being goal oriented in each The right approach ahead of time that military couples are session, she says. When working with military couples, unlikely to look like or interact like Fenell agrees that a cognitive behavioral Fenell says basic counseling techniques civilian couples, Hall says, regardless of approach is a good starting point with such as establishing a healthy relationship the specific problem that has brought military families. As the counseling based on trust and reflecting each person’s them to counseling. “We’re not trying relationship grows and the couple learns perspective can go a long way. “A skillful to take them to a place where they can to trust the counselor more, he says therapist can connect with both partners sit down and make decisions about in each person’s own way without feeling the counselor might move into more whether they’re going to move to a new more of an inclination [that] one person affective approaches. When appropriate, community or not,” she says. “Hopefully is right and one is wrong,” he says. “Once Fenell recommends emotionally focused we can get them to make decisions as to they see you’re going to be objective, couples therapy because it is grounded how they raise their kids or spend their they’ll trust you more.” in a systemic viewpoint, recognizes money, but you always have to help them Family therapy can be helpful in letting healthy dependence as a strength and understand that it’s within the military the counselor experience firsthand how helps couples affectively tap into feelings structure.” u the family interacts and attempts to solve present in the relationship. Structural its own issues, Fenell says. This approach family therapy is another technique to also allows the counselor an opportunity which a military mind-set might more to normalize the reconnecting process in readily relate, Fenell says. situations in which a spouse is returning Guiding a struggling military couple Lynne Shallcross is a senior writer from a deployment and trying to bond to retrace why they selected each other as for Counseling Today. Contact her with the children. mates can also prove fruitful, Fenell says. at [email protected]. In terms of specific counseling The counselor can help the couple review techniques, both Hall and Fenell agree what attracted them to each other, what Letters to the editor: that going straight for the couple’s values they had in common and why [email protected] feelings isn’t the best approach. “Military they bonded, with the goal of enabling men are trained right from the beginning them to build on that foundation moving that they’re not supposed to acknowledge forward.
June 2011 | Counseling Today | 43 Bullies with byte Experts contend that cyberbullying is different and potentially more dangerous than the harassment typically associated with school-age youth
By Jim Paterson
here are those who think concerns me. It is an important issue, and cyberbullying is an it’s here to stay.” Toverpublicized issue, a passing That perceived knowledge gap led fad that counselors and school authorities Bauman, an American Counseling should be able to handle in the same way Association member of 25 years, to as they would schoolyard bullying. write Cyberbullying: What Counselors But bullying experts have grown to Need to Know. The new book, published realize that these online attacks are both by ACA, describes the problem of different from and more insidious than cyberbullying, the reasons why it occurs traditional bullying. For one thing, and recommendations for prevention and perpetrators of cyberbullying may not be treatment. the type of students one would normally Bauman and others in the field suggest expect to find involved in traditional it is imperative that counselors quickly bullying. For another, the attacks can get up to speed on the complexities of take place anonymously and quickly the problem and possible counseling involve hundreds of other participants approaches to address the problem, and onlookers. Cyberbullying effectively including the need to educate young isolates its intended targets and haunts people and their parents. its victims relentlessly because the attacks A pervasive issue reside and proliferate throughout a Cyberbullying is not only a different primary social network for today’s youth problem than traditional harassment, — the Internet. experts say, but also a growing one. Some experts worry that despite the Most estimates suggest that 20 to 30 growing frequency and severity of such percent of young people are involved incidents, counselors either don’t believe in cyberbullying incidents, either as that cyberbullying is a critical concern or perpetrators or as targets. Cyberbullying don’t know how to address this modern- can involve sending e-mails or text day problem effectively. messages, posting on social networking “I don’t see the topic much discussed in sites or participating in “trash-polling” counseling circles,” says Sheri Bauman, sites, where visitors are invited to post associate professor and director of unflattering comments about someone, the school counseling program at the often on the basis of the individual’s University of Arizona. “That really photo.
44 | Counseling Today | June 2011 Unfortunately, plenty of examples Jesica Lingo, a school counselor victim because it is hard for a betrayed speak to the impact these tactics can have: at Lake Chelan Middle School in or embarrassed teen to seek help from a n Ryan Halligan, a middle school Washington state, conducted her thesis parent or other adult knowing that the student with a learning disorder, was on cyberbullying and has been close to adult might be offended or angered by the focus of bullying and suggestions cases at nearby schools. “Because the the information or photos,” explains that he was gay. He hanged himself bullying is done with technology, it can Bhat, who has studied cyberbullying and after a girl who claimed to be his friend spread much faster, is more permanent spoken broadly on the topic, including (a relationship he sought out to dispel and invades spaces that were previously at the 2011 ACA Annual Conference in conjecture about his sexual preference) safe,” says Lingo, a member of ACA. “At New Orleans this past March. told him publicly that he was a “loser” the very least with traditional bullying, In addition, she says, although adults and that she had been pretending to a victim could get a reprieve at home. normally have a general grasp of tradi- like him just so she could post their Now, there is the possibility of 24-hour tional bullying, they are not always famil- conversations online and humiliate him. victimization.” With time, she adds, iar with new communication technology, n Ghyslain Raza, a slightly overweight past verbal assaults and past incidents making it harder for them to detect a Canadian youngster, was famously of traditional bullying can be partially problem or to intervene to help resolve it. dubbed the “Star Wars Kid” for a video forgotten and can begin to lose their “Several things make cyberbullying he made in private pretending to fight power, but with online bullying, the potentially more harmful,” Bhat says. with a lightsaber. Another student made taunts and insults remain in cyberspace to “A large number of people are privy to it public by posting it to a website and, be read over and over again, causing the the humiliation of the victim, not just eventually, it was viewed more than 900 target to relive the bullying each time. those on the bus or in the cafeteria. It million times, with music and other Because online social connections have could be online for the world to see, features added on. Raza dropped out of taken on such importance for today’s laugh at or comment on. Victims become school after being taunted repeatedly and students, having that environment overwhelmed with the idea that everyone sought psychiatric help. contaminated by a personal attack can is tuned in [to their humiliation].” n Megan Meier, 13, hanged herself serve to dramatically isolate any young after a boy she developed a relationship person who becomes a target, Bauman Supportive therapy with online dismissed her by telling her, says. “Also, the anonymity of the Those most familiar with cyberbullying “The world would be better off without Internet, and sometimes text messages, say the issue oftentimes isn’t taken you.” The boy, however, was fictitious, increases the boldness of the perpetrator seriously, which is a mistake. “The created by the mother of one of Meier’s and the fear of the victim,” she adds. “If former friends and rivals. the source of the behavior is unknown, it n Jesse Logan sent nude pictures could be anyone, including an assumed of herself to her boyfriend, who then friend. So, the victim’s basic trust is circulated them online after they broke undermined.” up. She was ridiculed and began skipping By its very nature, cyberbullying often school. The school was notified, but draws in young people who wouldn’t didn’t act, according to her mother. normally be bullies, Lingo says. “There Logan went public with her story in a TV aren’t consequences because of the interview but shortly thereafter hanged anonymous nature of the Internet and herself. because they don’t see firsthand the Increasingly, instances of cyberbullying negative effects of the bullying,” she says. are being reported in school counseling “There is a lack of empathy.” According offices nationwide, often starting early in to Lingo and others familiar with the middle school. Even elementary school issue of cyberbullying, that divide children can harass each other online between victim and perpetrator can through seemingly friendly chat rooms. have an even more serious effect on the A different animal emotional health of a young person who How is cyberbullying any different feels powerless and vulnerable. from other types of bullying that take Sexting, the practice of sending sexually place during adolescence? “The nature suggestive or explicit messages or pictures of technology magnifies the potential via a mobile phone (as in the Jesse Logan for harm [with cyberbullying],” Bauman case), adds another problematic layer to says. “The size of the audience who could the issue of cyberbullying, says Christine potentially witness the humiliation of a Bhat, assistant professor of counselor target is enormous. The bullying takes education at Ohio University and a place without restrictions of time and member of ACA. “The sexual component place, so the target has difficulty finding a in sexting or ‘outing’ someone who safe haven.” isn’t ready to be outed can silence the
June 2011 | Counseling Today | 45 consequences of any type of bullying are not trivial,” Bauman says. “They are long-lasting and, in many cases, very serious, resulting in depression, anxiety and social withdrawal.” The emotional Cyberbullying: concerns of young people often cascade, she says, meaning that the anxiety and fear brought about by cyberbullying What Counselors can cause social withdrawal and a lack of attention to schoolwork, then lower Need to Know grades and, eventually, more unhappiness “Dr. Bauman does a great job at home. Bauman says the resulting of providing readers with a state is comparable to that of someone experiencing post-traumatic stress comprehensive and illuminating disorder. overview of this disturbing “When someone writes a nasty issue. The ton of resources and comment on their wall in Facebook, it research she presents makes can be devastating for teens,” Lingo says. this book a valuable, ready “Not only can all of their 352 [Facebook] friends read what was said, but all of the reference.” 576 friends of the person who wrote it —Russell A. Sabella, PhD can read it. For many adolescents, their Florida Gulf Coast University Internet world is as real and as important to their social lives as their daily lives and This informative book offers complete, up-to-date coverage of school.” the growing problem of cyberbullying. Written for counselors, As is the case with traditional bullying, teachers, school leaders, and others who work with children and teens, Cyberbullying addresses the real-life dangers students’ face counselors have three responsibilities when it comes to the phenomena of on the Internet. 2011 • 215 pgs cyberbullying: assisting targets of the Benefits and Features bullying, assisting the bullies themselves and educating young people, parents and n Discussion of the different types of cyberbullying other adults. and cyberbullying environments Marilyn Campbell, associate professor n Overview of prominent theories of aggressive behavior of psychology at Queensland University n Examination of the developmental differences in cyberbullying of Technology in Brisbane, Australia, and victimization across the life span specializes in the study of bullying and n Practical tips to identify and follow cyberfootprints offered four principles she believed n Proactive responses to cyberbullying counselors should follow in a 2007 report n Effective, nonpunitive strategies for responding to cyberbullying on the topic. n Useful information for parents on current technology and First, she said, counselors should ask popular websites targets of bullying how they want to be n Guidance on the role of counselors in prevention, helped. “As with any client, one needs intervention, and advocacy to individualize the solution,” Campbell wrote. n Chapter on adult cyberbullying Second, counselors should reinforce n List of helpful websites, books, and media with young people being bullied that n Appendix with review of the latest cyberbullying research they are not at fault. “Avoid saying, ‘You need to be assertive. You need to stand Order #72900 ISBN 978-1-55620-294-0 up to the bullies. Just tell them to stop or List Price: $29.95 ACA Member Price: $24.95 ignore them.’ [The person being bullied] may feel blamed for the event and may Please include $8.75 for shipping of the first book retaliate,” Campbell wrote. While being and $1.00 for each additional book. careful not to blame the individual being American Counseling Association targeted, other experts note that it is important to educate young clients about 800-422-2648 x222 • counseling.org why they might be a target for bullies and discuss when and how these clients can be more assertive.
46 | Counseling Today | June 2011 Third, Campbell wrote, counselors Support groups. This approach can of bullying, Bauman points out should find out if the person being take on a number of different forms, that traditional punitive responses bullied has other serious emotional issues, Bauman says, including groups composed rarely change the person’s behavior. assess whether the other issues are related of various individuals who have been “Punishment teaches the offender to the bullying and explore those issues targets of bullying or groups made what not to do, not how to behave along with the more practical aspects of up of a single victim’s supporters and appropriately,” she says. “And it may be the bullying incident to ensure that the friends, plus individuals involved in the that what he or she learns is just not to client is fully treated. incident and the primary perpetrator, get caught.” Fourth, counselors should attempt to all of whom work together to come up ACA member Scott Schaefle, assistant provide the client with some “positive with supports for the victim. In school professor for counselor education at peer relations and social cohesion, where settings, administrators can establish rules the University of Colorado Denver, peers and friends can support and protect requiring that perpetrators participate in emphasizes that bullies need counseling, him or her,” Campbell said. such groups. Oftentimes, the perpetrators too. “Old-fashioned empathy is “Victims need supportive therapy that are repentant and willing to help in an important for victims and bullies,” he does not blame them and skills training effort to rectify the situation. says. “Many cyberbullies are also victims to help them behave differently in the Shared concern. Counselors hold of cyber- or traditional bullying, and future,” Campbell emphasized. meetings with cyberbullies and supporters empathy will help with rapport. Also, of the person who was bullied to a harsh approach can just drive online Treating both sides determine what happened and what activities further underground and make Bauman mentions six topics Australian might be done to improve the bullied them more harsh, compounding the psychologist Evelyn Field developed individual’s circumstance, especially in problem.” to help targets of bullying: regulating cases in which a group was involved. Bhat adds that cognitive interventions feelings, understanding their role in The perpetrators of the bullying are may be effective in correcting bullies’ the incident, building self-esteem, encouraged to help the person they thinking errors, including disengagement communicating confidentially, creating targeted and are supported in their and hostile attribution bias, in which personal power and developing a network efforts. Bullied individuals are also bullies assume that others are always of support. interviewed for their perspective on the acting against them. Bauman also recommends four types of problem, including what might have It is also critical to educate bystanders therapy she believes to be helpful in cases made them targets. about how they are contributing to the of cyberbullying — in some instances, Restorative justice. Reserved for problem of bullying when they choose both for the target and the perpetrator. the most serious cases, this more not to intervene and to recognize them Brief solution-focused counseling. formal technique is designed to rebuild when they step forward with information, This approach is “most appropriate for relationships, while also allowing bullies Bhat says. responding to incidents of low-level and other perpetrators to make amends. Schaefle supports that notion, severity,” says Bauman. She notes that The process allows targets of bullying to including in instances of cyberbullying. a 2000 study showed brief solution- express themselves in a session in which “If a slanderous web page gets hundreds focused counseling was very successful the goal is to reach a formal agreement of visits, it reinforces the bullying in helping both bullies and their victims. on how the victim can be aided. This behavior,” he says. “If it is reported The approach encourages clients to focus approach has prescribed steps and a tight to adults who follow through and do on exceptions to the problem, build on structure that might require additional something, that sends a very different their self-identified strengths, consider life training on the part of counselors, message.” without the issue and develop strategies according to Bauman. Educating parents and other adults so for similar situations in the future. When it comes to perpetrators they understand the technology, how it
Assessing & Managing Suicide Risk A One-Day Workshop for Mental Health Professionals Developed by leading clinician researchers Focused on 8 core clinician competencies for suicide prevention CE credits NASW, NBCC, APA, and CMEs
Sponsor a Workshop For more information, contact Isaiah Branton at [email protected]
www.sprc.org Developed in collaboration with the American Association of Suicidology
June 2011 | Counseling Today | 47 is being used inappropriately and how they can help cyberbullying targets is key, Bhat says. “People have realized that intervention in cyberbullying cases has to be systemwide. Having clear, Experiential Activities for Teaching widely known policies with descriptions of unacceptable behaviors and clear Multicultural Competence consequences evenly applied is necessary,” in Counseling she says. “There are some schools that have policies that no one knows about.” Counselors can also help their schools edited by Mark Pope, Joseph S. develop acceptable use policies (AUPs) Pangelinan, and Angela D. Coker and then make certain these policies are understood and adhered to by students “This is the text that I have always (samples of AUPs are available online needed for teaching multicultural courses and in the book Cyberbullying and and workshops. The array of activities Cyberthreats by Nancy Willard). Some and handouts is outstanding and schools have students sign pledges and provides endless ideas to keep teaching display the AUP prominently in the fresh and alive, while driving the most school building and online. critical concepts home.” Bhat also believes parents can be reminded that because they pay for electronic media, they should take —Allen E. Ivey, EdD, ABPP responsibility for its proper use by their Distinguished University Professor (Emeritus) children. She suggests that counselors University of Massachusetts, Amherst pass on the following tips to parents: n Set ground rules for the amount of “The extensive coverage in this text of groups discussed, topics time children can spend online. “Parents addressed, and authors who contributed material is masterful. need to be aware that online addiction Readers will find activities for all levels of student development. is becoming a mental health issue of This book fills a need for all counselor educators.” concern, with a pattern similar to other —Don C. Locke, EdD types of addictions,” Bhat says. Distinguished Professor Emeritus n Establish rules about whom children can interact with and where, as well as NC State University what information will be shared with
parents. This practical resource is for faculty teaching beginning and advanced n Discuss appropriate versus multicultural counseling courses or other core classes who want inappropriate content and public versus to infuse issues of cultural diversity into the classroom. It contains private conversations. 121 engaging and thought-provoking activities on a wide variety of n Discuss clear consequences for not multicultural topics. All activities are tied to the core content areas abiding by the agreed-upon rules for of the 2009 CACREP Standards, making this a perfect tool for the using technology. clinical training of counseling students. A CD-ROM with exercise “Educating students, parents and handouts accompanies the book for ease of copying and distribution teachers is a must,” Lingo says. “It’s in the classroom. 2011 | 372 pgs not just a school issue or a home issue Order #72904 ISBN 978-1-55620-284-1 anymore. It needs to be dealt with as a List Price: $54.95 ACA Member Price: $40.95 community.” u Shipping and Handling: $8.75 ($1.00 for each additional book) Order Online: counseling.org By Phone: 800-422-2648 x222 (M-F 8am – 7pm) Jim Paterson is a writer and editor and the head of counseling at Argyle Middle School in Silver Spring, Md. Contact him at [email protected]. Letters to the editor: [email protected]
48 | Counseling Today | June 2011 ACA kicks off major revision of profession’s Code of Ethics Social media to be among new areas of emphasis addressed in ethics code
By Jonathan Rollins
hen the American Revision Task Force will be reviewing who our members are at their very core, Counseling Association and updating all sections of the existing while also reflecting ongoing changes in Wlast completed and released ACA Code of Ethics as appropriate, while society. I would encourage every member a revised version of its Code of Ethics in also trying to anticipate emerging issues of ACA to participate in this process in October 2005, issues of multiculturalism that could present counselors with ethical some way.” and diversity received special focus dilemmas down the road. The proposed timeline for revising because they were increasingly coming to “The ACA Code of Ethics helps to define the ACA Code of Ethics calls for ACA the forefront of counseling practice but who we are, how we operate and how to solicit input from its members this had not been addressed in much depth in we function as counselors,” Evans says. coming fall regarding new areas that the previous versions of the ethics code. “Revising our ethics code periodically is code needs to address as well as existing The 2005 revision also highlighted the part of our professionalization. We want standards that may need to be changed in ethical use of technology applications, it to be as extensive and as inclusive as it some way. After collecting and reviewing including guidelines for a then- can be while also looking at issues that this input, the Ethics Revision Task Force burgeoning movement by counselors may pop up in the future. It’s a positive will turn its attention to composing a to launch and maintain professional for the public to see us examining draft revised Code of Ethics between April websites. Fast forward roughly six years, ourselves as a profession as we move 2012 and March 2013. Once the draft and a technological revolution that forward.” revision is released, ACA will issue a call wasn’t on many people’s radar screens in In appointing ACA members to serve for feedback from its members, and the 2005 — social media — has opened up on the Ethics Revision Task Force, Evans task force will then consider this feedback a new frontier of ethics questions and says she will be “looking for diversity of in developing a final draft to be presented implications for counselors. thought. That diversity covers everything to the ACA Governing Council. Not coincidentally, ACA announced from ethnicity to gender to background “The ACA Code of Ethics provides this spring that it would again be and experience. I’m really open to having the counseling profession with our undertaking a major revision of the ACA a lot of color and flavor on this task framework for acting in the best interests Code of Ethics, which began with an force so we can perhaps uncover some of clients, students and supervisees,” April call for participants to serve on the things that we may have missed or that says ACA Chief Professional Officer Ethics Revision Task Force. The process hadn’t become apparent yet when we did David Kaplan. “As such, we have taken of revising the ethics code is expected to previous revisions.” its revision very seriously, and President take three years, with a goal of presenting The desire is to assemble a task force Evans has mapped out a comprehensive a final draft for approval by the ACA composed of counselor practitioners from three-year approach for updating the code Governing Council in March 2014. varied settings and specialties who have that includes expert practitioners and The rapid rise of social media in and of experience applying the ACA Code of scholars and multiple layers of input and itself did not determine the need for a Ethics in their work as well as counselor feedback from a variety of constituencies revised code of ethics — in practice, ACA educators who have engaged in scholarly — the most important being the ACA reviews and revises the code every seven activities pertaining to the ethics code. membership.” to 10 years — but the widespread use of “I’m excited to be able to have a hand All ACA members agree to abide by Facebook, Twitter and other social media in moving this very important process the ACA Code of Ethics when they join applications did have some influence in forward,” says Evans, who will review the association, and more than 20 state getting the latest revision process started applications and appoint eight to 10 ACA licensing boards use the ACA code as the sooner rather than later. members to the Ethics Revision Task basis for their standards of practice and “There definitely are some newer areas Force before she concludes her term as the adjudication of client complaints. u of concern within our profession that ACA president at the end of June. need to be addressed by the ACA Code “It’s important to get a cross-section of Ethics,” says ACA President Marcheta of counseling professionals, inclusive of Jonathan Rollins is the editor-in- Evans. “Social media stands out as one of those teaching and practicing, involved in chief of Counseling Today. Contact those areas. With Twitter and Facebook, the revision process because it will make him at [email protected]. there are some ethical boundary issues for a richer review and update,” says ACA just floating out there with counselors.” Executive Director Richard Yep. “The Letters to the editor: Even so, the revision process will focus ACA Code of Ethics is a central part of the [email protected] on far more than social media. The Ethics counseling profession, and it helps define
June 2011 | Counseling Today | 49 Reader Viewpoint - By Louis V. Paradise, Adrianne Lolan, Kristen Dickens, Hideyuki Tanaka, Paul Tran & Erin Doherty
Program coordinators react to CACREP Standards
n 2009, the Council for Accredita- non-CACREP counterparts. Research has open-ended qualitative comments. Thus, tion of Counseling and Related yet to be done on whether improved NCE there would be no way for us to identify the IEducational Programs approved its scores lead to more competent practitioners. names of the program coordinators or their substantially revised standards for train- Nonetheless, the value of CACREP as an institutions. ing counselors at the master’s and doctoral educational accreditation choice among the The findings were revealing. The vast levels. After more than two years of re- nation’s counselor education programs has majority (89 percent) of program coordina- view, member discussion and comment, been well verified. tors answered that they were familiar to ex- revision, debate and controversy, the new At the same time, there was no research tremely familiar with the revised CACREP program accreditation standards were examining the impact of the 2009 Standards, while less than 2 percent said received with cautious concern by many CACREP Standards and how counselor they were unfamiliar with the standards. in higher education. With more than 550 education program coordinators viewed When asked if the 2009 standards were an CACREP-accredited counseling programs these new standards. Thus, I and my improvement over the old standards, 60 at approximately 250 different educational research team surveyed 580 CACREP- percent agreed that they were, 20 percent institutions, the impact of these sweeping accredited counseling programs at 240 did not see the new standards as an im- new guidelines loomed large. Program fac- institutions nationwide on their perceptions provement, and almost 20 percent were still ulty, administrators and university officials of the revised standards. What follows is a undecided on the revised standards more were concerned that the greater emphasis preliminary report on the findings of that than a year after their adoption. on program objectives for specific specialty survey. Asked whether the new standards would areas of counseling, as well as the methods be a hardship to implement, 42 percent of assessing outcomes, would be costly in Survey procedures and results agreed to strongly agreed that it would be terms of resources and time. Coupled with We developed a short instrument with a hardship, while 38 percent disagreed or the country’s economic downturn and fis- demographic and program information strongly disagreed with that statement. cal problems for states, these issues have together with nine items related to percep- Once again, almost 20 percent of respon- wreaked havoc with university budgets and tions of the new CACREP Standards. Items dents remained undecided. Asked if they left many counseling program leaders and were scored on a seven-point Likert-type believed the standards were arbitrary, 19 their university administrators quite vexed scale (strongly disagree to strongly agree). percent agreed or strongly agreed with the as to how to implement comprehensive We also asked one qualitative open-ended statement, while a majority of program co- new program standards with little advance question: “What do you perceive as the bar- ordinators (56 percent) disagreed or strong- notice and fewer university resources. riers to implementing the new CACREP ly disagreed. In line with several earlier Since accreditation of counseling pro- Standards?” questions, 23 percent were undecided con- grams began almost 30 years ago, a few re- Using various sources, we created an cerning the arbitrariness of the standards. search studies have looked at the perceived e-mail list of program coordinators at insti- Almost one-third of respondents indicated problems and benefits of accreditation. tutions offering master’s degree or master’s their belief that the new standards would Generally, most research has shown, at least and doctoral degree programs accredited by require more resources than their university qualitatively, that CACREP accreditation CACREP. After receiving our institutional could afford, while 48 percent thought the has produced improvements in the training review board approval, we used an online needed resources for implementation would of counselors, identifiable accountability survey program in November 2010 to send be affordable. The remaining 18 percent benchmarks, pride in the profession and a the survey to 246 different institutions. We were undecided on affordability. clear sense that the work toward CACREP received 135 usable complete surveys, a Concerning whether the new standards accreditation was highly valued by institu- response rate of approximately 55 percent. were “a step in the right direction,” 46 tions, faculty and students. In 2006, Susan Although many universities have multiple percent agreed to strongly agreed with the Adams reporting in the Journal of Profes- programs, we assumed that each respondent statement, while 22 percent did not. Sur- sional Counseling: Practice, Theory and Re- would be representing a separate university. prisingly, almost 32 percent remained un- search found a clear quantitative difference Unfortunately, there was no way to verify decided. On a related question, 49 percent in the National Counselor Examination this assumption because we deemed coordi- agreed that the new standards would require (NCE) scores of graduates from CACREP- nators’ reactions to the CACREP Standards all programs to be “essentially the same,” accredited programs and the scores of to be sensitive information and thought while 31 percent disagreed or strongly graduates from non-CACREP programs. it was important to have an anonymous disagreed. Once again, approximately 20 CACREP-trained students performed survey to further encourage honest report- percent were undecided. Finally, 40 per- significantly better on the NCE than their ing. This was especially important for the cent of the program coordinators agreed or
50 | Counseling Today | June 2011 strongly agreed with the statement that the The qualitative findings were helpful in ment and the most unnecessary is the arbi- new standards “will put counseling at the identifying some of the specific concerns trary exclusion of counseling psychologists. forefront of professional training.” Equally, of program coordinators. We reviewed … Counselor education and counseling 40 percent disagreed or strongly disagreed, the comments and saw certain themes or psychology share roots that should be re- while 20 percent had yet to decide. common concerns emerge in the written spected!” So, what are we to conclude from the responses. More than 60 percent of the Another common theme was concern quantitative data? It seems almost all pro- coordinators responded to the open-ended over the new supervision requirements for gram coordinators were familiar to some question “What do you perceive as the bar- practicums and internships and the added extent with the new standards, and most riers to implementing the new CACREP cost for staffing. Some respondents felt held a positive impression of the standards. Standards?” Many responded with detailed strongly that this would be a hard sell to In fact, a preponderance (60 percent) be- reactions and sentiments. The most com- their administrators. One coordinator re- lieved the new standards were an improve- mon responses dealt with perceived prob- flected a common frustration: “Some of our ment over the old ones. Conversely, almost lems related to their ability to assess learning current site supervisors will not meet the 20 percent thought the new standards outcomes. One person stated it well: new standards.” were not an improvement. One in five “[H]aving clear guidelines for what is ex- Money and resources were frequently program coordinators is a sizable minority. pected as evidence of outcomes is needed mentioned as being necessary to accomplish Additionally, depending on the exact ques- … examples of assessment systems are supervision requirements and student- tion, a rather large percentage (approxi- tedious and enough to make programs not faculty ratios for class sizes, but respondents mately 20 to 30 percent) were undecided want to be CACREP approved.” Another didn’t generally see their administrators as in their appraisal of the new standards. indicated a difficulty “operationalizing all of likely to approve additional money and This number seems large given the dis- the long-winded, multifaceted objectives!” resources. As one coordinator commented, cussion and debate periods surrounding One person captured a sentiment expressed “Key is having the support of your dean.” adoption of the 2009 CACREP Standards. by many others: “Standards keep being Despite the specific criticism concerning With about 60 percent of program coor- added without anything being taken away.” perceived barriers, it should be noted that dinators viewing the new standards as an Perhaps the most strident comments many coordinators reported that they did improvement and 40 percent either unsure concerned the hiring of only counselor not perceive any barriers to implementation of or not seeing them as an improvement, education-trained faculty. One pointed of the 2009 CACREP Standards, had al- it seems that the CACREP leadership has statement by a coordinator captured this ready met the new standards or were in the some work to accomplish. sentiment: “The most difficult to imple- process of meeting the new standards. huhungernger listens lOVes thetO music new, hit tdramaOO. , tOO.
1 in 6 americans struggles with hunger. tOgether 1 in 6 americans struggles with hunger. we’re
hunger is closer than you think. reach out to your local food bank for ways to do your part. Visit Feedingamerica.org today.
June 2011 | Counseling Today | 51 Conclusion Although the survey of CACREP program coordinators revealed majority support for the 2009 standards, the some- what large amount of uncertainty among Call for Syllabi! program coordinators, especially after more than two years of discussion and adop- tion of the standards, could bode poorly for certain currently accredited programs. While the ACA-ACES Syllabus Clearinghouse continues to grow, both in content Overall support for the new standards was (378 syllabi) and usage (over 13,000 visits in 2010), there are still some qualified and tempered with real concerns categories that need more contributions (see categories in red). Help us fill in related to limited resources, increased and the gaps by sending your summer syllabi to ACA-ACES Syllabus Clearinghouse. costly supervision, and a possible lack of Both members and non-members may contribute syllabi. university support. These issues, together with reduced financial support for public Visit www.counseling.org, click on the Syllabus Clearinghouse button on the institutions from state governments, suggest a need for programs to be proactive in their right side and sign in. Questions? [email protected] accreditation efforts. The most telling and instructive informa- Syllabus categories with the number tion came from the qualitative findings. of syllabi in each category: Many coordinators responded by detail- ing perceived barriers to meeting the new • Addictions / Substance Abuse Counseling - 16 standards. Although several coordinators • Career Development - 13 indicated that no barriers existed or that • Child / Adolescent Counseling - 10 they had already implemented the new standards, of those who responded to the College Counseling / Student Development - 6 • question on perceived barriers, the majority • Counseling Theories - 25 were critical of the standards and the neces- • Diagnosis / Treatment - 17 sary initiatives to meet them. • Ethics / Legal Issues - 15 Clearly, although the program coordina- tors think the 2009 CACREP Standards • Group Work - 25 are a step in the right direction, they also • Helping Relationships / Counseling Techniques - 19 believe there are many barriers to overcome • Human Growth & Development - 13 in the accreditation process. u • Internship - 18 • Marriage / Couple / Family Counseling - 15 • Mental Health Counseling - 20 Louis V. Paradise, Adrianne • Pedagogy / Teaching - 2 Lolan, Kristen Dickens, Hideyuki Tanaka, Paul Tran and Erin • Practicum - 25 Doherty composed the research • Professional Orientation / Foundations - 15 team within the University • Rehabilitation Counseling - 25 of New Orleans Department of Educational Leadership, • Research / Statistics - 11 Counseling and Foundations • School Counseling - 24 that conducted the survey on • Social / Cultural Diversity - 22 program coordinator response to the 2009 CACREP Standards. • Social Justice / Advocacy - 4 Correspondence concerning this • Special Topics - 17 article should be addressed to • Spiritual / Religious Values - 2 Louis V. Paradise at louis.paradise@ uno.edu. • Supervision / Consultation - 6
• Testing / Measurement / Assessment – 13 Letters to the editor: [email protected]
52 | Counseling Today | June 2011 Topics of specific interest for 2012: • Disaster Mental Health • Social Media • Military Members and Their Families
ACA is also seeking advanced programs in all areas.
Timeline: Pre-conference Learning Institutes: March 21–22, 2012 Education Sessions: March 23–25, 2012
April 4, 2011 ...... Online proposal site opens June 8, 2011 ...... Proposal Submission Deadline (5:00 p.m. ET) August 11, 2011 ...... Acceptance/rejection notices emailed November 2, 2011 ...... Scheduling notices emailed
Submission Deadline: June 8, 2011 (5:00 p.m. ET)
Please visit counseling.org/conference for additional information.
Note: The primary presenter must be an ACA member. All Education Session presenters must be registered for the Conference by January 4, 2012.
June 2011 | Counseling Today | 53 Morris pens top essay in Ross Trust competition
essica Morris of Louisiana State What is the role of the school that high school course choices prepare University was named the grand counselor in college and career students for college or a career and Jprize winner in the Ross Trust readiness? providing developmentally appropriate Graduate Student Essay for Future Preparing students for college and information about various careers, School Counselors competition. Morris career opportunities after high school technical schools, colleges, scholarships wrote about the role of school counselors is a challenge most schools struggle and other opportunities. in college and career readiness. with. How does one know a student School counselors use data from a For submitting the top-rated essay, is completely ready for college or multitude of sources, including student, Morris earned a $1,500 scholarship a career? How does a professional faculty, parent and community needs grant and free registration to the school counselor track if and how assessments and interviews to determine American Counseling Association an intervention in college and career what schoolwide activities (career days, Annual Conference & Exposition held preparation directly benefited a student? guest speakers, college and technical earlier this year in New Orleans. Each of With a multitude of options in the school fairs, campus field trips) are the four authors of the winning runners- military, technical colleges, four-year suitable to encourage college and career up essays received a scholarship grant universities and in the workforce, readiness at their school. In addition worth $500. The essay competition was students may become overwhelmed with to providing exposure to careers and open to all counseling graduate students such a decision or not know where to go colleges, PSCs must serve as advocates working toward a career in school to receive answers to questions they may for college and career preparation, for students, for parents and for their counseling at the elementary, middle or have. schools. Counselors can encourage high school levels. School counselors, at all levels, are their school to have a postsecondary Note: The following essays have been vital to the college and career readiness process. At the elementary school level, mind-set, where graduation from high edited only for spelling and minor style school counselors can use opportunities school is a step in a journey for both the issues. The views expressed are those of during classroom guidance lessons student and the school, never the final the essay authors. to help students become more aware destination. School counselors encourage of various careers through activities students to set the bar high, even when Grand Prize Winner resembling “Go Fish” games and “Career others may not agree. Advocating for Bingo.” Exposure and identification and with the student to reach his or her of careers is key in kindergarten highest potential socially, personally, through fifth grade. Middle school academically and in his or her college counselors work to help students find and career decisions is at the heart of the relationships between their core classes PSC’s role. and postsecondary options through group career assessments. Middle school students tend to be egocentric, Runners-Up which provides professional school counselors the opportunity to assist Jessica Morris students in learning more about their Jessica Morris received her master’s in own personality characteristics and school counseling this past May from how it relates to the world of work. Louisiana State University. She first Here, counselors help students become became interested in school counseling aware of the importance of becoming upon realizing the deficit of support involved in extracurricular activities, systems students possess regarding volunteer work and exploring other personal, social, academic and career activities that may be of interest to Jennifer Berry concerns. She hopes to eventually pursue them. Secondary school counselors are Jennifer Berry received her M.Ed. a doctoral degree in counselor education, one of the most important resources in school counseling from Clemson but her current goals involve working students have available to them. PSCs University in May 2011. She plans to with middle or high school students in are responsible for providing career pursue a career in professional school the Louisiana school system. exploration opportunities, ensuring counseling.
54 | Counseling Today | June 2011 What is the role of the school basic level, this exploration should school counselors are responsible for counselor in college and include some sort of personality or implementing a systemic approach career readiness? career inventory, including a discussion to college and career readiness. Many people would agree that one about their results. Ideally, this process This multifaceted approach should of the most important components would have the counselor treating include the identification of skills and of their professional life is satisfaction the student as the expert of their self, interests in terms of future careers or with their chosen career. Career learning from this expert (the student) education, the selection of appropriate satisfaction, however, is often overlooked and then collaborating with this student and challenging course material, the in career and college preparation for to connect who they are with what they teaching and modeling of appropriate K-12 students. Most, if not all, school want to pursue in life. social and interpersonal skills, as well counselors would agree that preparing Even though preparing students for as the deliverance of information about students for postsecondary success in college and career often seems like a postsecondary planning. their college and career is an important daunting task, counselors must make Many schools succumb to the aspect of a counselor’s job. For many the commitment to help prepare motto of “getting students through.” school counselors, this preparation students for this postsecondary life. That is simply not enough in today’s takes the form of test preparation, This preparation does include the more challenging economic and social times. college and career fairs and possibly traditional modes of college readiness School counselors have the unique a career inventory. While all of these such as test preparation, college fairs, opportunity to equip students with an things are important, the most essential etc., but more importantly includes education tailored to their needs, while component of this preparation is lost: awareness and exploration. Students simultaneously instilling the unwritten the student. are the experts of their life, and helping skills necessary to function in college Too often the goal in college and them explore themselves will support or in a career. Through the usage career preparation takes the form of students in their postsecondary goals of observation, interest inventories, what the school counselor, parents, and decisions. aptitude tests and other pertinent teachers or school administration educational data, school counselors may think is the best choice for the student. guide students to select courses that In many instances, a student enters will prepare them for postsecondary postsecondary life with a road map education or for the workforce. Such developed by others that did not take programs should build upon student into account the individual needs and strengths, interests and abilities. wants of the student. This situation School counselors must also expose implies that a student’s needs and wants students to a variety of experiential were ignored or, as is more usually the learning circumstances. Many of case, unknown because they were not today’s successful adults may reflect sufficiently explored. What may seem Holly Salters on their childhood and remember like the best choice may not always be Holly Salters is a 2011 graduate of the time when the school nurse let the best fit. Career theorist John Holland Missouri Baptist University’s master of them use his/her stethoscope to hear would state this best fit has been arts in counseling program. She aspires a heartbeat. Experiences such as these achieved when the career choice is in to be a school counselor and a licensed can prove to be inspiring and poignant congruence with one’s personality. The professional counselor, instilling joy in for even the youngest of students. task then, as school counselors, is to aid life and in learning. School counselors may also arrange for students in the discovery of what career internship opportunities for high school would provide the most satisfaction and, What is the role of the school students, wherein students spend part in turn, the steps needed to pursue that counselor in college and of the day at school and part of the day career. career readiness? obtaining practical skills in a supervised Supporting students in finding this Ideally, solidifying plans for college work setting. School counselors best fit requires school counselors and future careers would be at the top should establish networks within the to become leaders in awareness and of any student’s educational bucket list. community to provide students with exploration. Awareness can begin as early For many, however, the prospect of life exposure to and experience in various as the elementary years and continue after secondary education appears quite fields. through high school and include a wide elusive. Given the economic and social Proactively, school counselors can variety of activities that not only expose conditions of our nation, it is imperative also begin instilling positive character students to a range of careers but also for our students to gain the academic, traits that would lend to adequate address career stereotypes (i.e., boys can’t personal and interpersonal skills college and career readiness. This can be a nurse, girls can’t be a firefighter). necessary to prosper in postsecondary occur via character education within the Beginning in middle school, counselors endeavors. From the youngest students school setting, service learning projects should begin assisting students in the in the nation to our graduating seniors and a number of other modalities. self-exploration process. On a very and students in alternative programs, One of the best modalities is through
June 2011 | Counseling Today | 55 the usage of positive role models. The knowledge they need to pursue their from high school less complicated. school counselor and other educational chosen careers. Through exploration, Helping to create a viable career path is professionals may serve as role models planning and providing resources, school just one of the many reasons why school of a strong work ethic, appropriate counselors help students prepare for life counselors are essential to the growth interpersonal skills and ethical decision after high school. and development of the students making. It is the role of the school counselor to they serve. The final role of the school counselor ensure each student has an opportunity in college and career readiness is simply to explore career options. Many school the impartation of information to counselors utilize career assessment tools students and their parents or guardians. that can help students identify interests Navigating postsecondary education can and goals. Resources such as Internet be difficult, but school counselors should websites and books offered by the school be knowledgeable and forthcoming with counselor can help students decide news of financial aid, career profiles, which career pathway to pursue. “Career college entrance exams, application and Day” is a popular event organized by interview processes, tuition and many school counselors that allows students other challenges of entering life after to actually meet and speak with people Sarah Smitter secondary education. from a variety of professions and become familiar with many careers. Sarah Smitter is a graduate student at During the event, students have the the University of San Diego studying opportunity to learn about educational school counseling. requirements, working conditions and pay compensation. Exploring In these tough economic times, career options exposes students to recent graduates are having greater endless opportunities and is essential difficulty than usual finding their in helping to identify both personal first counseling position. What can and professional goals. Many school and should ACA do to assist new counselors host college information professionals with employment issues? fairs that allow students to interact with Jacquelyn Scott-Bell The current economy has counseling recruiters from colleges and universities Jacquelyn Scott-Bell is a graduate students and recent graduates concerned across the country. student in the school counseling about their job prospects as new Once a career path is chosen, it is the program at George Mason University. professionals. Hiring freezes, budget cuts role of the school counselor to assist She will begin practicum this fall and and reduced discretionary spending have students in planning for the required will graduate in May 2012. Her goal as left many counselors without jobs. education and training. Whatever career a school counselor is to contribute to In these tough economic times, it choice is made, the school counselor can is going to take brilliance along with the improvement of education and help be relied upon to provide the necessary knowledge and seized opportunities to increase graduation rates among at-risk information. If the career choice requires secure our first counseling positions. The youth. a college degree, it is the role of the American Counseling Association can school counselor to help prepare students assist in this quest by providing current What is the role of the school to take entrance exams such as the ACT counselor in college and or SAT, select and apply to schools that data, successful examples and extending career readiness? meet their academic needs, arrange its networking opportunities to assist Gone are the days when a high school for college visits and write letters of emerging counselors in securing their diploma was sufficient preparation for a recommendation. Paying for college is first jobs. manufacturing job and the opportunity an important concern for both parents As the popular saying goes, to earn middle-class wages was plentiful. and students. School counselors provide “knowledge is power.” We need the Today’s young people must be prepared information about grants, scholarships facts. ACA could conduct research and to exit high school ready to attend and financial aid. provide trend reports in its publications. college or enter into a very competitive Students can also receive information The reports could highlight where the workforce. Whether recent graduates from their school counselor about greatest number of job opportunities choose to pursue a college education, professions that do not require a college exist and what fields they are in. The compete with experienced workers in an degree, apprenticeship training programs current statistics could show who is already challenging employment climate and military service requirements. hiring, where they are hiring and what or volunteer to serve their country by Information regarding preparation or they are hiring for. Not only would this joining the military, school counselors job skills required for a specific career help guide new professionals in their are relied upon to offer guidance and can also be obtained through a meeting choice of specializations, but it would support. It is the role of the school with the school counselor. Advance also help emerging counselors meet the counselor to supply students with the preparation can make the transition current demands of our field.
56 | Counseling Today | June 2011 Beyond just providing a trend report, ACA could also feature success stories in their publications of recent graduates NEW! who were triumphant in obtaining their first counseling jobs in this tough Group Work and Outreach economy. Their stories, as captured through interviews, would serve as an example to those of us about to Plans for College Counselors embark on the journey. It would provide encouragement for us to keep trying. Edited by Trey Fitch In addition to providing information, and Jennifer L. Marshall ACA can extend the opportunities it provides to network. Networking is an “This book is filled with sage advice incredible resource for all professionals. and practical activities and exercises. It A social network page and group is a unique and valuable contribution could be launched just for emerging professionals. This would allow students to the college counseling literature and and recent graduates to connect in a should be required reading for all college way that is convenient and popular. counselors and student affairs personnel.” Discussion boards could also be included on the social networking page. —Richard E. Watts, PhD, LPC-S, Perhaps ACA can host or cohost Professor and Director regional counseling job fairs. Job Center for Research and Doctoral Studies fairs allow employers and prospective in Counselor Education employers to connect. Additionally, Department of Educational Leadership & Counseling ACA can also provide regional job Sam Houston State University boards on its website where employers can list their current job openings. In this book, group work and college counseling leaders offer At the Annual Conference & step-by-step instruction in the effective use and processing Exposition, ACA could dedicate of structured group activities on topics such as test anxiety; time for professionals to impart stress and anxiety management; ADHD; career development; wisdom to the emerging professionals. substance abuse; eating disorders; and the unique concerns Workshops could be held just on faced by GLBT students, first-generation students, ethnic current employment opportunities and strategies. minority populations, student athletes, and combat veterans. As an emerging professional counselor, The descriptions of each activity include tips for successful I am about to navigate my way through implementation as well as an overview of relevant theory and this bleak economy. I will need brilliance research on the topic. Handouts throughout the text enhance to shine through this storm to achieve the book’s usefulness in the classroom and with faculty and my calling and dream of becoming a parents. 2011 | 312 pgs school counselor. With the correct tools and resources, I am confident a way can Order #72911 ISBN 978-1-55620-311-4 be made through the storm. u List Price: $49.95 ACA Member Price: $34.95
Shipping and Handling: $8.75 ($1.00 for each additional book) Order Online: counseling.org By Phone: 800-422-2648 x222 (M-F 8am – 7pm)
June 2011 | Counseling Today | 57 NBCC Perspective - By Wendi Schweiger
Developing international assessment standards
ince its incorporation in 1982, model advocacy letters. NBCC houses important to be involved in the technical the National Board for Certified FACT and provides the majority of advisory group to have a voice in these SCounselors has advocated for funding and staff administration for the international standards and to advocate the rights of counselors as part of its organization’s efforts. for the interests of the counseling dedication to promoting the growth and In 2007, one of its members informed profession. NBCC became a dues-paying professionalization of counseling. This FACT that efforts were under way member of the technical advisory group advocacy has included standing up for the to develop international assessment and asked James Sampson, a counselor rights of professional counselors who have standards through the International educator from Florida State University been appropriately trained to administer Organization for Standardization and a longtime NBCC assessment and interpret assessment instruments. (ISO), an internationally respected consultant both domestically and and prestigious organization that sets internationally, to represent NBCC on The Fair Access standards for business, government the group. Coalition on Testing and society. When creating standards, In 1996, the Fair Access Coalition on The standards ISO (iso.org/iso/home.html) involves a Testing (FACT) was formed through During the past four years, Sampson wide variety of professionals from the the combined efforts of NBCC, the has attended a total of five meetings and profession or industry for which it is Association of Test Publishers and the worked with NBCC staff to respond to creating standards. FACT identified the American Counseling Association. multiple standards drafts. During this creation of these international assessment FACT (fairaccess.org) is “an independent process, he has continually advocated standards as a priority and encouraged organization of professionals dedicated for access to the administration and member organizations to become to the protection and support of public interpretation of assessments on the basis involved to ensure competency-based access to professionals and organizations of proven competencies rather than on testing rights. who have demonstrated competence in the basis of possessing a credential in a the administration and interpretation The technical advisory group certain profession or completing a specific of assessment instruments, including The American National Standards degree. At the end of 2010, the Standards psychological tests.” Institute (ANSI) is the official U.S. for Assessment Service Delivery – Procedures FACT is a multidisciplinary representative to ISO and took the lead and Methods to Assess People in Work and organization with membership that in advising ISO on these international Organizational Settings was in its final includes organizations such as ACA, assessment standards. ANSI, in turn, draft stage. The standards were recently NBCC, the American Association for needed assistance and guidance from sent to ISO for editing and approval. Marriage and Family Therapy, the testing experts on the practice of The draft will then be released for public American Mental Health Counselors administering assessments in the United comment and subsequent approval. Association, the American Speech- States so that it could best advise ISO. Why this matters to counselors Language-Hearing Association, the William G. Harris, CEO of the The standards that were sent to ISO Association for Assessment in Counseling Association of Test Publishers, is a included the responsibilities of assessment and Education, the Association of Test longtime board member of FACT. The service providers, the responsibilities of Publishers and the National Association Association of Text Publishers has been clients receiving these assessments and of School Psychologists. FACT has been a strong partner in challenging unfair the professional competencies required actively involved in advocating against restriction of access to testing. In 2007, to administer assessments. One of the legislation within states that restricts ANSI formed a technical advisory group draft standards’ most important elements fair access to appropriately trained specifically to advise it on this issue, and is that the professional competencies professionals, including counselors. The the Association of Test Publishers became required to administer assessments are coalition has written and distributed the leader in organizing this group. based on proven competencies and not model legislation, testing practices and NBCC leadership thought it vitally on membership in a specific profession or
58 | Counseling Today | June 2011 the attainment of a specific degree. be created not only by ISO but by other Although these specific standards organizations, both domestically and apply most directly to professionals internationally. who administer assessments for work The NBCC Board of Directors and Wendi Schweiger is associate vice and organizational settings, they are staff are enthusiastic about the draft important to all counselors because of president of NBCC International. standards and the precedent it sets for the stated emphasis on competency in professional access to administering relation to administering assessments. Letters to the editor: Because ISO is both well known and well and interpreting assessments across [email protected] respected internationally for standard professions that engage in this type of setting, the inclusion of competency work. Both NBCC and FACT will be in these standards sets an important commenting on the draft when it is precedent for future standards that may released for public comment. u
From the president Continued from page 5
We have experienced a 6 percent increase incorporated into how we operate as an division, region and branch leaders in membership; the finances are in great organization; graduate student initiatives continue to be phenomenal as well. shape; we held the most well-attended are under way; and I could go on and on. In the coming months, you will hear conference in more than a decade; plans Needless to say, these things did not from the outstanding candidates who are were initiated for the establishment of a happen because of my leadership. I am running for the office of ACA president. research and policy center; international sure you are familiar with the adage I urge you to look for those who are collaborations are at a historically high “It takes a village.” Well, that is an enthusiastic about serving you in this level; disaster and crisis protocols are understatement for ACA. The people profession. I know I am leaving you in being developed; a task force is being who were instrumental in all the successes capable hands, and I look forward to the appointed to work on a revision of our of this past year include our awesome upcoming leadership of Drs. Locke and ACA Code of Ethics; ACA provided staff under the leadership of Richard Bradley Erford, your incoming president- feedback concerning proposed revisions Yep. Also, the Governing Council will elect. for the fifth edition of theDiagnostic and continue to ensure that your needs are Again, thank you for this honor, and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; heard under the experienced leadership I hope to see you next year at the ACA technology innovations are being of Incoming President Don Locke. Your Conference in San Francisco! u
Executive Director’s message Continued from page 7 might have been a colleague, a student, a for ACA at the end of June, we will be completed, remember that you have child or even a furry four-legged friend. bid farewell to an outstanding group of planted seeds of ideas and projects that I would love for you to e-mail me your leaders who have served the association will germinate and flourish in the years story about someone from whom you at the national level. We will also see the to come. have learned. I can’t say it will appear conclusion of terms for many leaders at As always, I hope you will contact in Counseling Today, but I do think that the division, region, branch, committee me with any comments, questions or sharing the experience helps to make and task force levels. To all of you, I am it even more special. In some ways, it very appreciative of your efforts. The suggestions that you might have. is like acknowledging the impact that profession is grateful for your service. Please contact me via e-mail at individual had on you this year. Please know that many good things [email protected] or by phone at Speaking of thanking people, as the took place on your watch. Although you 800.347.6647 ext. 231. program and fiscal year comes to a close might have hoped that even more would Thanks and be well. u
June 2011 | Counseling Today | 59 division, region & Branch News
This year’s annual conference will be held stopped looking for work, and those who Sept. 8-10 in Fort Worth, Texas. We will are working are being asked to do more, be focusing on how professional counselors sometimes for less pay. The challenges can use assessment and evaluation to of the 21st century threaten the health advocate for services and resources, of counselors, coworkers, supervisors create knowledge for the profession, ALGBTIC journal seeks and clients. These challenges also offer and empower clients and communities. submissions on spirituality incredible opportunities for growth. At its Conference highlights include: best, employment counseling is a healing Submitted by Ned Farley n Preconference workshop regarding profession. [email protected] using data to advocate in schools and Michael Lazarchick, a past president of The Association for Lesbian, Gay, Bi- agencies the National Employment Counseling sexual and Transgender Issues in Counsel- Association, has been presenting wellness ing is inviting submissions for the next n Two plenary sessions with recognized special issue of The Journal of LGBT Issues leaders in assessment and evaluation workshops at the American Counseling Association Annual Conference & in Counseling. The focus of this special issue n Keynote address by Bradley Erford is “Finding the Spirit Within: Spirituality Exposition for years. He has more than 40 Issues in the LGBT Community,” and the n 1.5 days of education and poster years of experience helping people function submission deadline is June 30. sessions more effectively within the world of work. The intent of the journal is to publish n Networking luncheon and reception It is not surprising then that he chose articles that are both relevant to work- “Wellness at Work” as the theme for the n CEUs included ing with sexual minorities and of interest 2011 NECA Summer Institute, to be held to counselors, counselor educators and Known as the “City of Cowboys and Aug. 16 in Annapolis, Md. other counseling-related professionals who Culture,” Fort Worth is a modern city with Counselors are in a unique position to work across a diversity of fields, including a unique character. Attractions include the provide the techniques needed to create schools, mental health settings, family agen- distinguished Cultural District, Sundance a truly healthy environment. At the cies and colleges and universities. The Jour- Square, Stockyards District, Fort Worth Summer Institute, keynote speaker Gina nal of LGBT Issues in Counseling welcomes Zoo and major professional sports venues. Myers will empower you with her story the submission of articles that focus on one Our conference venue includes easy of overcoming workplace stresses, while of the following areas: new research in the access to and from Dallas/Fort Worth Sandy Lundhal will help you understand field of counseling, introduction of new/ International Airport and Dallas Love Field your workplace style using the Enneagram, innovative practices within the counseling Airport, discount super shuttle transfers and a panel of successful entrepreneurs field, or theoretical or conceptual pieces, and a special $89 per night single-quad will address wellness in the pocketbook, room rate with complementary Internet, including literature reviews that reflect new covering ways to get hired and promoted, fitness center, business center, parking, ideas or new ways of integrating previously expand income options, successfully shuttle and pool. held ideas. compete for government jobs and secure For more information about AACE, the The journal is published quarterly by contracts with the federal government. conference and the call for proposals, visit Taylor & Francis. For detailed submission With Lazarchick leading the institute, you theaaceonline.com/conference. The proposal guidelines, contact Connie Matthews, asso- can rest assured that you will be entertained submission portal is open, and we will be ciate editor, at [email protected]. while also consuming practical information accepting proposals and super early-bird in an easy-to-understand format. We’ll AACE prepares for registrations through June 1. AACE offers explore energy work, charkas (life force annual conference wonderful opportunities and support for Submitted by Casey Barrio Minton emerging and new professionals. Please centers), a little qigong, the effective use [email protected] consider submitting a proposal and of visualizations and even a powerful short The Association for Assessment in attending our conference. We hope to see meditation. Counseling and Education is an organiza- you in Fort Worth! It will be an incredible day that promises tion of counselors, educators and other rejuvenation for attendees. You will hear professionals that advances the counseling NECA hosts summer institute about, experience and learn techniques profession by providing leadership, training on workplace wellness to make your energy a truly positive force and research in the creation, development, Submitted by Kay Brawley in the universe. The institute will be production and use of assessment and [email protected] jam-packed with inspirational messages, diagnostic techniques. Our mission is to Human energy reverberates through healing thoughts and experiential processes promote and recognize scholarship, profes- work environments, impacting everybody. to expand your consciousness and heal sionalism, leadership and excellence in the People are experiencing exceptional stress your body anywhere, anytime, especially development and use of assessment and in the current economy. Long-term at work. For more information, visit diagnostic techniques in counseling. unemployment is common. Many have employmentcounseling.org. u
60 | Counseling Today | June 2011 News & Notes
ACA provides input for Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing revision Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing, the seminal resource for the development and use of standardized tests and assessment instruments, is being revised, and the American Counseling Association has provided input for the new draft on behalf of its members. Published jointly by the American Educational Research Board members and staff of the ACA Insurance Trust met this spring to review current Association, the National Council on programs and explore new products and services designed to minimize counselor liability. Measurement in Education and the The trustees also approved a new podcast focusing on legal issues and risk management for American Psychological Association, counselors that will be available on the ACAIT website. Pictured from left to right: trustee the current edition of the standards and ACA Incoming President Don C. Locke, ACAIT Incoming Chair Carolyn Rollins, was published in 1999. ACA President public member George Brandner, ACAIT Chair David Capuzzi, trustee Christopher Marcheta Evans charged the ACA Roseman, ACA President Marcheta Evans, ACAIT Executive Director Paul Nelson and Research and Knowledge Committee ACAIT Administrative Operations Manager Althea Brum. with reviewing the proposed revision and outlining areas for feedback. Members of for the past six years. NIMH Director ACA Annual Conference & Exposition. the task force are Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson Thomas Insel said a major goal has been Each year, ACA provides education (chair), Ken Coll, Dilanni Perera- set by NIMH to reduce the suicide sessions on topics specifically chosen by Diltz, Brenda Freeman and Thomas mortality rate by 20 percent over the graduate students and new professionals Harrington. next five years. He also noted that suicide and presented by some of the most The task force provided constructive rates for Army personnel are even more famous authors, theorists and leaders in feedback in three critical areas: the acute, doubling over the past six years. professional counseling. need to pay greater attention to fairness To address this epidemic, NIMH is ACA needs help in determining the in testing, especially as it relates to conducting a major study to identify lineup for the 2012 ACA Conference & stressors and resilience factors related to diversity, multiculturalism, computer- Exposition in San Francisco next March generated interpretation and reading suicides in the armed services. and is asking graduate students and new capabilities; the need to better integrate NIMH also announced the formation professionals to respond to the following case examples; and the need to include of the Mental Health Research Network, two questions: professional counselors when providing a consortium of 10 major private research 1) Other than a faculty member in your examples of qualified test professionals. centers that will develop a standardized On the basis of the task force’s mental health research infrastructure own program, what famous counselor recommendations, Evans wrote a letter throughout the United States. would you most enjoy seeing and meeting to the management committee for the Finally, it was noted that the budget for in person at the ACA Conference? revision of the Standards for Educational publicly funded mental health research 2) What topic or topics would you and Psychological Testing. this year is “worrisome” and that the like to see included in the 2012 “For budget for the following year is likely to Graduate Students and New Professionals ACA receives NIMH update be worse. NIMH has reduced its funded Only” series? ACA is especially desirous ACA represented the counseling projects from 550 to 425 this year and of topics that are meaningful to master’s- profession at the seventh annual meeting anticipates deeper cuts next year. level students and new professionals. of the National Institute of Mental For detailed information, visit the For information on the conference in Health (NIMH) Professional Coalition NIMH website at nimh.nih.gov/index. for Research Progress in April. NIMH San Francisco, including how to submit shtml or contact ACA Chief Professional is the primary U.S. government agency a proposal before the June 8 deadline, Officer David Kaplan atdkaplan@ responsible for mental health research and visit counseling.org/conference. ACA is counseling.org. the largest research organization in the interested in receiving your ideas for world specializing in mental illness, with Input requested from grad the series even if you know you won’t a $1.5 billion annual budget. students, new professionals be able to attend the conference. Send One focus of the meeting concerned An important ACA initiative is its your thoughts directly to ACA Chief research indicating that the suicide rate special “For Graduate Students and New Professional Officer David Kaplan at in the United States has been climbing Professionals Only” series during the [email protected]. u
June 2011 | Counseling Today | 61 Bulletin board
Coming events religious and spiritual sites in Italy. The several new Editorial Review Board tour is limited to 30 people. The price will members. If you would like to be considered AACE National Conference include airfare from Atlanta to Rome and Sept. 8-10 for a position on the Editorial Review Board, from Milan to Atlanta on return, as well submit a copy of your curriculum vita and a Forth Worth, Texas as all transportation, entrance fees and the The Association for Assessment in cover letter describing your experience as a services of a full-time tour guide. Continu- reviewer; your expertise regarding spiritual, Counseling and Education National ing education credits are available. For more ethical and religious values in counseling; Conference, themed “Assess. Advocate. information, contact ASERVIC President- your experience with quantitative, qualitative Create. Empower,” will focus on how Elect Mark Young at [email protected]. professional counselors can use assessment and mixed methods research; and your and evaluation to advocate for services FYI willingness to join ACA and ASERVIC and resources, create knowledge for the Call for proposals (if you are not already a member). E-mail profession, and empower clients and The Oregon Counseling Association is materials to Editor-Elect Rick Balkin at communities. We will accept early-bird pleased to announce a call for proposals for [email protected]. registrations and program proposals through the 2011 Oregon Counseling Association June 1 and advance registrations through Fall Conference, scheduled for Nov. 3-5 Bulletin Board submission guidelines July 15; hotel discounts are available through in Bend, Ore. Proposals are sought for Items for the Counseling Today Bulletin Aug. 7. For more information about AACE, one-hour and two-hour workshops and Board must be submitted via e-mail to the call for proposals or the conference, visit 15-minute poster presentations. Please [email protected] with “Bulletin theaaceonline.com/conference or contact Casey consider submitting a program proposal that Board” in the subject line. Limit submissions Barrio Minton at [email protected]. reflects the conference theme, “How We to 125 words or less. Non-calendar items Serve.” For more information, visit ASERVIC Spiritual Journey will be published for a maximum of three or-counseling.org. Dec. 28-Jan. 4 consecutive months. The deadline for Italy Call for reviewers submissions is the first of the month at 5 Join the Association for Spiritual, Ethical Counseling and Values, the journal of p.m. ET for publication in the following and Religious Values in Counseling on the Association for Spiritual, Ethical and month’s issue (for example, the deadline for a tour of Roman, Christian and Jewish Religious Values in Counseling, is seeking the July issue is 5 p.m. ET on June 1). u Did you Know?
ACA members can download complete issues of Counseling Today from the website.
Visit counseling.org, click on "Publications," then click on "Counseling Today."
62 | Counseling Today | June 2011 u Classified advertising categories include: Calendar; Merchandise & Services; Consult- ing; Office Space Available; Business Oppor- tunities; Educational Programs; Call for Pro- grams/Papers. Other categories can be added at no charge. Classifieds u Rates: Standard in-column format: $10 per line based on 30 characters per line, CONTINUING EDUCATION $60 minimum. $8 per line for advertisers The Dynamics Of Money: Helping prepaying for six months. No cancellations MERCHANDISE/SERVICES Your Clients Create Financial Health or refunds. Classified ads can be placed on- Webinars and Distance Learning. Visit line only at a rate of $8 per line, based on 30 IMPROVE YOUR PRACTICE characters per line; 30-day posting. AND PROFIT www.moneyandempowerment.com. Contact Judith Gruber at judith@ u Employment ads are listed under inter- Learn about an effective weight national or national by state. loss therapy, a beautiful model moneyandempowerment.com (718) 722-7907 u Rates: $10 per line based on 30 charac- for private practice: genuine, profitable, ters per line, $150 minimum. $8 per line for and easy to manage. Go to www. advertisers prepaying for three months. No TheAndersonMethod.com EMPLOYMENT cancellations or refunds. Employment ads CLASSIFIEDS can be placed online only at a rate of $8 per CRUISE, RELAX, EARN CEs line, based on 30 characters per line; 30-day posting. You can have a Cruise Vacation and Learn 20 CEs at very reasonable prices NATIONAL Display ads in the employment classified section are available and can be designed by BCT’’s Cruising for Credits is a LPC ACA’s graphics department. Call for details. owned company specializing in CEs on COPE TODAY Classified and employment ads are not com- cruises. Call Debbie at 877-901-4335 Providers Wanted www.CruisingforCredits.com missionable and are billed at net rate only. Established telemedicine company u ACA Members: If you are seeking a po- THE FAMILY & MARRIAGE is currently recruiting fully licensed sition you may place a 45-word ad for $10. COUNSELING DIRECTORY counselors, psychologists, and This is a one-time insertion only. Get referrals from one of the top psychiatrists to provide online and u Deadlines: Vary per issue. Contact Kathy ranked family & marriage counseling telephonic consultations. Our providers Maguire at 607.662.4451 or kmaguire@ sites on the web. http://family-marriage- work independent hours and do not file counseling.org for further details. counseling.com. insurance claims. For more information u Direct all copy or inquiries to & to apply to our network please Kathy Maguire via e-mail at LICENSURE EXAM REVIEW visit www.copetoday.com, or contact [email protected]. NCE & NCMHCE Exam Prep Kate at [email protected] or Phone: 607.662.4451 Review. Multiple choice questions, 919.573.8206. Fax: 607.662.4415 mnemonics. Exam Tips, online and interactive Check out our FREE THE DEPARTMENT u Ads are subject to Counseling Today ap- OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) proval; however, Counseling Today cannot SAMPLER!! [email protected] screen or evaluate all products or services www.CounselingExam.com Mental Health advertised in the classified section and does Opportunities Nationwide CRAZED BY CLIENT BILLING? not guarantee their value or authenticity. The The Department of Veterans Affairs publication of an advertisement in Counseling Visit www.ShrinkRapt.com today and Today is in no way an endorsement by ACA of learn more about ShrinkRapt™ the top (VA) is one of the largest, most technologically advanced health care the advertiser or the products or services ad- selling billing and insurance program for vertised. Advertisers may not incorporate in systems in the United States. Our mental health practitioners. Easy to use! subsequent advertising or promotion the fact employees work at 154 medical centers, Order today and receive a FREE Email that a product or service has been advertised 875 ambulatory and community- in any ACA publication. ACA endorses equal & FREE Backup Module! Limited time based outpatient clinics, 136 nursing opportunity practices and will not knowing- offer! Request a fully functional ly accept ads that discriminate on the basis homes, and many other facilities, such Demo Package at www.ShrinkRapt.com of race, sex, religion, national origin, sexual as domiciliaries and readjustment or by calling Saner Software Inc orientation, disability or age. counseling centers. More than a century (630) 513-5599. u Counseling Today reserves the right to edit ago, President Lincoln made a promise all copy, request additional documentation DISSERTATION COMPLETION to America’s servicemen and women, where indicated and to refuse ads that are pledging the care and concern of a not in consonance with these practices. ACA CONSULTING is not responsible for any claims made in ad- Individualized program assists with all grateful Nation for the sacrifices they vertisements nor for the specific position title aspects of dissertation and thesis writing. made to preserve freedom. Since 1930, or working of any particular position listed By phone, by FAX, by e-mail, or in VA’s mission has been to keep that in employment classified ads. person. Call “toll free” 1-(888) 463-6999 promise. or [email protected] Veterans’ mental health is a top priority
June 2011 | Counseling Today | 63 at VA. After returning from combat, emotional and social potential. Our fairmontschools.com Visit our website many veterans struggle to readjust to college preparatory curriculum provides at www.fairmontschools.com for more life at home. Our mental health care accelerated learning opportunities information. EOE providers play a critical role in helping through comprehensive core subjects, these veterans reclaim their lives by a strong emphasis on research and an FLORIDA providing cutting-edge care. VA supports exhaustive array of elective coursework. this mission by ensuring that our mental Currently, Fairmont seeks two additional STETSON UNIVERSITY College Counselors to enhance our strong health professionals have the most Counselor Education innovative technologies, facilities, and counseling team. The Counselors will training at their fingertips. When you provide academic counseling, college Assistant Professor, tenure-track join VA, you will be a core member of counseling, guidance and support to position in School Counseling to start our interdisciplinary care team structure, students and parents. Serve as liaison August 17, 2011, Stetson University, collaborating with both primary care between student, family, school and Florida. Responsibilities include teaching and other mental health professionals to faculty. Provide comprehensive guidance graduate counseling courses, coordinating establish the right course of treatment for in all realms of student education. the School Counseling program on our patients. VA has health care facilities in The ideal candidates should have the DeLand and Celebration campuses, all 50 states, the District of Columbia, following qualifications: Administrative pursuing an active research agenda, and and Puerto Rico. Should a mental health experience specifically in the area of performing service activities for the professional desire to relocate, he or she academic counseling; Must be organized, university community. Applicants must may seek employment at any location multi-task oriented and have outstanding hold a Ph.D. in Counselor Education where there is a vacancy and, if hired, communication skills; A bachelor’s (CACREP-accredited), Counseling, transfer without loss of benefits. Only degree in a related educational field with or Counseling Psychology. Details one active, unrestricted state license is strong preference for a Master’s degree in are posted at http://www.stetson.edu/ needed to practice in a VA facility in the educational counseling or related field; academicaffairs/openfac_CounselorEd. above locations. Four to six years experience working with php. Applicants must send the following We have opportunities for Counselors, students in a high performing college materials for consideration: 1) a cover Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Social preparatory program and/or in a college/ letter that includes the candidate’s Workers, Psychiatric Nurses nationwide. university setting with a preference for philosophy of teaching in a liberal Visit us at www.VAcareers.va.gov to learn experience in admissions; Knowledge arts university, 2) a curriculum vitae, more or to apply. EOE/AA, M/D/F/V of admissions and enrollment trends at 3) transcripts (copies are acceptable selective institutions of higher education for screening), 4) three letters of with the ability to guide students towards recommendation (at least one of which CALIFORNIA the best fit and most relevant programs; should include an evaluation of teaching Excellent interpersonal skills and ability ability), and 5) samples of scholarly FAIRMONT SCHOOLS to connect with various constituencies work. Review of applications will begin College Counselors such as students, parents, faculty, immediately and continue until the Founded in 1953, Fairmont Schools admissions representatives, advisory board position is filled. Application materials is the oldest non-sectarian private school members, etc. may be submitted electronically to in Orange County serving preschool Strong technical skills, particularly in [email protected] or mailed to Brigid through twelfth grade. Fairmont database software. Knowledge of a second Noonan, Chair, Dept. of Counselor Preparatory Academy, one of our 5 language preferred. Education, Stetson University, 421 N. campuses, is a lively campus where Fairmont Schools offers competitive Woodland Blvd. Unit 8389, DeLand, students are encouraged to explore the wages and excellent benefits. Send FL 32723. Stetson University, an equal depth of their intellectual, physical, cover letter and resume to careers@ opportunity employer, affirms the values
MENTAL HEALTH CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is one of the largest, most technologically advanced health care systems in the United States. We have opportunities for Counselors, Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Social Workers, and Psychiatric Nurses nationwide. Visit us at www.VAcareers. va.gov to learn more or to apply. EOE/AA, M/D/F/V
64 | Counseling Today | June 2011 Learn the Latest Theory and Techniques With These New Texts From ACA!
Counseling and Psychotherapy: Theories Integrating Spirituality and Religion Into and Interventions, Fifth Edition Counseling: A Guide to Competent Practice, edited by David Capuzzi and Douglas R. Gross Second Edition This student-friendly text provides a thorough overview of 14 edited by Craig S. Cashwell and J. Scott Young widely used theories. Experts examine An introductory text for counselors-in- each theory from the perspective of its training and clinicians, this book describes historical background, major constructs, the knowledge base and skills necessary to goals, cross-cultural considerations, effectively engage clients in an exploration and limitations. Traditional and brief of their spiritual and religious lives to interventions integrate theory with specific further the counseling process. Through counseling strategies, giving students an examination of the 2009 ASERVIC further insight into the counseling process Competencies and the use of evidence- and guidance in developing their personal based tools and techniques, it will guide counseling style. A consistent case study you in providing ethical services to clients. across chapters reinforces the differences between theories and illustrates assessment and treatment This edition includes new chapters on planning. A complimentary test manual and PowerPoints for mindfulness, ritual, instructors’ use are available by request on university letterhead. 12-step spirituality, prayer, and feminine spirituality. 2011 | 408 pgs 2011 | 320 pgs Order #72906 ISBN 978-1-55620-310-7 Order #72902 ISBN 978-1-55620-271-1 List Price: $54.95 ACA Member Price: $39.95 List Price: $64.95 ACA Member Price: $46.95
Clinical Supervision in the Helping The Creative Arts in Counseling, Professions: A Practical Guide, Fourth Edition Second Edition Samuel T. Gladding Gerald Corey, Robert Haynes, Patrice Moulton, Michelle Muratori In this detailed examination of the expressive therapies, Dr. Gladding This straightforward guide emphasizes effective skill development for supervi- demonstrates how music, dance, imagery, sion in a variety of settings. Topics cov- visual arts, literature, drama, and humor ered include the roles and responsibilities can be used effectively in counseling. of supervisors, the supervisory relation- Combining history, theory, and ship, models and methods of supervision, application, he provides a rationale for becoming a multiculturally competent using each art form with how-to strategies supervisor, ethical and legal issues in su- for working with clients of all ages and pervision, managing crisis situations, and diverse cultural backgrounds to promote evaluation in supervision. User-friendly positive change and growth. This fourth edition includes tips, case examples, sample forms, ques- Creative Reflection sections that give readers an opportunity to tions for reflection, and group activities are included throughout the text, making ponder their own creativity and, for greater ease of use, a new this an interactive learning tool that is sure to keep readers inter- chapter that briefly describes each of the 117 exercises found in ested and involved. 2010 | 304 pgs the book. 2011 | 308 pgs Order #72898 ISBN 978-1-55620-303-9 Order #72909 ISBN 978-1-55620-314-5 List Price: $62.95 ACA Member Price: $43.95 List Price: $48.95 ACA Member Price: $29.95
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 8am – 7pm) Order online: counseling.org/publications
June 2011 | Counseling Today | 65 and goals of diversity and strongly institution with academic programs interests, goals and abilities. To apply, encourages applications from women and in 106 locations in the United States, candidates should send a letter of interest, groups historically underrepresented in Europe, and Asia. The St. Louis campus employment application (found at higher education. provides an academic home for more www.etown.edu/humanresources - Job than 3,500 undergraduate and 3,300 Opportunities), resume, and contact MISSOURI graduate students. http://www.webster. information of three references to: edu Review of applications will begin [email protected] (preferred) WEBSTER UNIVERSITY immediately and will continue until OR Elizabethtown College, Attn: the position is filled. Applicants should Asst/Assoc Professor of Counselor Human Resources, One Alpha Drive, forward: (1) a cover letter, (2) curriculum Education and Worldwide Director Elizabethtown, PA 17022. For full ad vitae, (3) statement of teaching Counselor Education visit: www.etown.edu/humanresources philosophy, (4) teaching evaluations, The Department of Behavioral and (5) statement of research interests and As an affirmative action/equal Social Sciences at Webster University relevant publications, and (6) at least opportunity employer, Elizabethtown invites applications for a tenure-track three professional letters of references. College is seeking candidates who will appointment at the level of Assistant/ Please mail application materials to enhance the diversity of its faculty, staff, Associate Professor with administrative Counseling Worldwide Director Search and administration. responsibilities for the Counselor Committee, Human Resources, Webster Education program effective August University, 470 E. Lockwood Avenue, St. VIRGINIA 2011. This is a twelve (12) month Louis, Missouri, 63119-3194. academic/administrative position Webster University is an Equal JUVENILE DETENTION HOME with a reduced teaching load owing to Opportunity/Affirmative Action educator Mental Health Clinicians administrative responsibilities as well and employer. We are committed to as advising and clinical supervision maintaining a culturally and academically Mental Health Clinicians to provide responsibilities. The administrative duties diverse faculty of the highest caliber. We services to youth in secure detention of the position entail oversight of the strongly encourage applications from for immigration issues by the Office program currently at 25 campuses, with those who identify as diverse in terms of Refugee Resettlement, Division of 2,000 students, and several hundred of gender, race, ethnicity and/or sexual Unaccompanied Children’s Services adjunct faculty. Qualified applicants will orientation. (ORR/DUCS). Provide individual/group hold 1) an earned doctorate in counselor treatment; treatment planning; assessing education and supervision or counseling; needs; coordinating services. Excellent 2) licensure (or be license eligible) as a PENNSYLVANIA salary and benefits. professional counselor (LPC) in the state of MO; 3) certification as an Approved ELIZABETHTOWN COLLEGE QUALIFICATIONS: Master’s degree Clinical Supervisor through NBCC; and Director of Student Wellness in counseling, psychology or social 4) possess evidence of excellent teaching Elizabethtown College (located in work; licensed or license-eligible in any ability and a record of scholarly activities southeastern Pennsylvania), is expanding state; post-graduate experience with such as publications, presentations, our Student Wellness team, and we are adolescents; must be bilingual (English/ grants and awards. The ideal candidate seeking a motivated professional to lead Spanish). Training in trauma specific will have 1) experience as an academic this team. The primary purpose of this treatment a plus. Ideal applicants (CES) administrator of a counselor position is to advance comprehensive will have experience providing education program; 2) experience health and wellness programs and services psychotherapeutic and casework services teaching in a counselor education for Elizabethtown College students. to youth in a multi-cultural environment. program; 3) experience implementing/ A doctorate in clinical or counseling For a complete job description, please adhering to professional standards psychology is preferred; a master’s degree contact: [email protected] (e.g., CACREP, NCATE, etc.), and 4) in clinical social work or psychology Submit cover letter/resume to: HR@ experience working with local, state, is required. Licensed psychologist in jdcnv.org or fax to: (703) 823-3842m national, and international professional Commonwealth of PA preferred; LPC Mailing address: Human Resources, counseling agencies and organizations. or LCSW required. Five to eight years Northern Virginia Juvenile Detention Webster faculty members are expected of increasingly responsible leadership Home, 200 South Whiting Street, to participate in department, college experience related to the administration and university governance activities, and of college student wellness services, Alexandria, VA 22304. other university events. Opportunities including the supervision of college for faculty research exist. Applicants must health care/counseling professionals, have evidence of teaching and supervision is preferred. Candidates should have excellence and interpersonal skills that demonstrated successful experience lend to direction of a multi-site program. in health promotion programs and a Webster University, founded in 1915, is demonstrated commitment to serving a private, multi-campus and international students with diverse backgrounds,
66 | Counseling Today | June 2011 CON-CT611_CON-CT311 4/26/11 3:57 PM Page 1
A counselor’s story… 8:00 a.m. Get to the office early. Start the coffee. Check voice mail. Leave a brief message for my client Brad. Don’t want his wife over-hearing anything confidential. 9:00 a.m. First client, Mark. Dealing with depression. Lost his job of 15 years. Body language anxious. Admits he is contemplating shooting his ex-boss. 10:00 a.m. Christine has a long-running drug and alcohol problem. Making great progress. Offers to clean my house in return for counseling sessions. 11:00 a.m. Mary gave me a big hug, again. She wants me to testify at her son’s child custody hearing. Let’s me know husband is going to subpoena her records. She invites me to dinner. 12:00 Grab lunch at desk. Check email. Sign up for CE class on crisis management. Read an article on lawsuits filed over ‘client confidentiality.’ It is important to know when to protect a client’s privacy and when it’s required by law to report certain behavior. Just as important as having coverage through HPSO!
Now with expanded benefits!
Make sure your story has a happy ending.
Endorsed by:
Counselor’s Professional Liability Insurance 800.982.9491 • www.hpso.com/con6
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 © 2011 CNA. All rights reserved. Health Providers Service Organization is a registered trademark of Affinity Insurance Services, Inc., in CA (License #0795465), MN and OK, AIS Affinity Insurance Agency, Inc., and in NY, AIS Affinity Insurance Agency. ©2011 Affinity Insurance Services, Inc. CON-CT611 LEArN From NCE PrEPArATIoN ThE ExPErTS ENSurE ExAm SuCCESS PArTNEr WITh AATBS
AATBS IS Your PArTNEr IN ExAm PrEPArATIoN
For over 35 years AATBS has been a partner in exam preparation for counselors. We employ the most experienced exam preparation experts to update our materials and teach our workshops.
Call an exam expert today to learn what you need to pass!
$100 OFF NCE COmbO PaCkagE REgulaR PRiCE $409 | salE PRiCE $309 Janis Frankel, Ph.D. NCMHCe sTUdY PACKAGes ALso AVAiLABLe Also known as “Dr. J,” Dr. Frankel has been preparing candidates for licensing Use Code: CPWB5 - offer exPires 6.30.2011 exams for 25 years. After completing her undergraduate degree at the University of California, Berkeley, she earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Dr. J has many years of experience as a private practitioner, making her full-time consulting work for AATBS as an Educational Consultant a benefit to participants in our programs.
Dear AATBS, I just wanted to write to you to THANK YOU for helping me pass my NCE exam today! Thank you so much for offering a site that NCE Combo Package includes : was so easy to navigate and understand. Your questions, method of studying, and • Comprehensive Study Volumes way of teaching led me to score significantly • Over 1000 Practice Questions higher than I could have imagined. • Online Workshop Series Please know that if there is anyone else • Expert Phone Consultation attempting this exam, I will surely refer them • Strategy Audio CDs to you as this has been the best place for me to study! • AATBS Pass Guarantee* *Purchase an AATBS NCE® Exam Study Package today. A special thank you to Dr. Frankel who With our money-back guarantee, you can be assured of helped me through a few study questions I your success on the exam. Other companies may offer had. She took time to answer my concerns similar programs and guarantees, but none can match very quickly and with great support. the quality and affordability of AATBS’ Study Program. (Some restrictions apply. Visit www.aatbs.com for more information.) THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! Sincerely, Association for Advanced Training Chris Mrazik Speakin the with Behavioral an exam expert: Sciences (800) 472-1931 Cleveland, OH (September, 2010) See our monthly specials at: www.aatbs.com Association for Advanced Training in the Behavioral Sciences Serving the Needs of Mental Health Professionals Since 1976