Abstract This paper discusses and reviews three research articles that relate to counseling in different scenarios. The paper describes the content of each article and why that particular article is unique. It then provides a review of the discussion in the article according to the opinion of the writer of this paper. The paper discusses articles that relate to counseling behaviors associated with gay, lesbian and bisexual clients that are afflicted with additions, counseling behaviors in relation to conservative Christians in Louisiana and school counseling attitudes in relation to immigrant students in the United States.
Outline:
Counseling for Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Clients
Counseling of Conservative Christians
Counseling in Schools
From the Paper "Constantine and Gushue (2003) discuss school counseling attitudes in relation to immigrant students in the United States (p. 185). The article is unique because it focuses on an area of counseling that is not often approached through research and that provides insight into an issue that is a growing concern in the nation. It is known, for example, that growing numbers of Hispanic and Asian students exist in the nation and that many of these individuals, as first generation immigrants, have special needs and complications that make their socialization difficult. One of the purposes of school counseling in this case is to provide for the services that the student needs in order to make the transition into American society more effective."
This paper studies three books: 'Brief Counseling in Action' by John M. Littrell, 'Counseling Children and Adolescents' by Ann Vernon and 'Career Counseling' by Norman C. Gysbers, Mary J. Heppner and Joseph A. Johnston.
Abstract This paper provides book report on three books regarding counseling. The three books discussed are: 'Brief Counseling in Action' by John M. Littrell, 'Counseling Children and Adolescents' by Ann Vernon and 'Career Counseling' by Norman C. Gysbers, Mary J. Heppner and Joseph A. Johnston. The reports examine the author's main points. The writer of this article discusses the validity of these points, critical issues raised, language used, types of evidence (primary, secondary) and looks at what the books have in common. The paper also discusses the relevance of the books to a B.A. degree in Counseling and reveals what was learned from the books.
From the Paper "This book is an introduction to brief therapy for counselors and counseling students that will enable the reader to establish the mindset for brief counseling. It will help them master the key steps in the solution-focused model and acquire the necessary techniques for speeding up the action. The book uses many vignettes and three in-depth single-session cases demonstrating the use of brief counseling in different settings such as schools, counseling centers and in private ... "
Tags: brief counseling, child and adolescent counseling, career counseling
This in-depth paper analyzes the issues and problems facing minorities in the U.S. while focusing on the critical need for counselors who are trained to effectively handle and counsel people of various ethnic backgrounds.
Abstract This well-researched paper defines multicultural counseling as a relationship in which the counselor and the client belong to different cultural groups, hold different assumptions about social reality and subscribe to different world views. The writer discusses the role of multicultural counselors while stressing the need to increase their understanding of the culture, life history and social circumstances of the people they are counseling. This paper cites relevant statistics and reports pertaining to this topic including the U.S. Census Bureau which states in recent reports that minorities currently make up one-quarter of the U.S. population. This paper examines issues of acculturation, cultural history and norms as well as intergenerational conflicts in two specific families, one South Vietnamese and the other Mexican-American while also detailing the type of counseling recommended for each family. The writer contends and explains why it is imperative for counselors to treat their clients as individuals without stereotyping the cultural characteristics of one specific person to those in the broader cultural community.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Multicultural Counseling Importance of Multicultural Counseling Acculturation
The Helping Relationship
Case Study One - The Vu's
Case Study Two - The Santiago's
Role of Supervision
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "When researching a specific culture, it is also important for counselors to be alert to any cultural stereotyping that might be uncovered. For instance, Buriel stated, "Mexican Americans as a group possess characteristics known to be negatively associated with many work attitudes, have experienced the effects of past and current discrimination, and are believed by some to be limited in their economic and occupational advancement." If counselors failed to investigate further, they would be limiting their understanding of Mexican Americans, as well as stereotyping all individuals of Mexican American descent, which would limit the effectiveness of counseling."
Tags: therapy, counseling, treatment, cultural, conflict, ethnic, u.s., immigration, aid
Abstract Theocentric counseling is a Christian method of psychotherapy that concentrates on situating the useful parts of modern therapeutic techniques in a Christian dialogue and culture. This paper gives an explanation of theocentric counseling methods, and explains how theocentric counseling can be used in career guidance and life skills development therapy.
Abstract The tasks of psychotherapy and counseling are ones of extreme significance in the lives of the hurting. This paper attempts to define ethics and their personal application as they relate to the counseling profession. It also discusses some of the issues that counselors face which can challenge their concepts of ethical practice. Finally, it gives a general overview of the status of the counseling profession as it exists at present.
From the Paper "The tasks of psychotherapy and counseling are ones of extreme significance in the lives of the hurting. This paper will attempt to define ethics and their personal application as they relate to the counseling profession. It will also discuss some of the issues that counselors face which can challenge their concepts of ethical practice. Finally, it will give a general overview of the status of the counseling profession as it exists at present. These concepts of ethics should dictate the daily decision making of any counselor. In developing our own personal ethics as counselors, we must fully understand the accepted standards of ethics as they exist in established mental health practice. The difficulty in this endeavor is that often these codes are difficult to apply to a specific situation or at worst, contradictory (American Counseling Association [ACA], 1995). Although there are many similarities between the various ethical codes of conduct, differences and conflicts do arise due to the world view and primary goals of each organization. In determining our own individual ethical guidelines, a counselor must utilize these varying interpretations of ethical behavior to serve as a basis for lifelong growth in decision making skills and formation of ethical standards. These ethical situations often arise out of the power dynamic in the counselor / client relationship. It is the ethics of this relationship that form the foundation for what is defined as a counseling code of ethics. Clients seek out therapists for reasons as varied as marital problems, and work anxiety. Whatever the reason one approaches a therapist, by the time they do so they are usually in a very emotionally sensitive. By this point they have often times tried to handle their difficulties on their own. They may have talked to friends, clergy, or family about the issue. Unfortunately, untrained advice often makes issues more confusing. When none of these things work, they seek the help of a professional counselor of therapist. When they do this it is vital that they be able to trust the professionalism and the ethics of the therapist and counselor they turn to. The ethics of professional counselors are strictly defined and adhered to (Kelman, 1968). Some of the numerous codes that exist include those of the America Counseling Association, the American Association of Christian Counselors, and the American Psychological Association. Familiarization and adherence to these codes is essential in learning good decision making skills as a professional counselor."
Abstract This paper examines the impact evaluation has on supervisor and supervisee relationships within the counseling profession. In particular, the paper attempts to uncover what role, if any, proper evaluation and quality supervisor and supervisee relationships have on a supervisee's ability to achieve a positive client outcome. The paper also examines evidence that supports better evaluation techniques as a means of improving supervisee skill attainment and development.
Outline:
Quality of Supervisory Relationship in Counseling How Supervisory Relationship Impacts Quality Counseling Enhancing the Evaluation Process To Benefit Supervisor and Supervisee
Conclusions
From the Paper "There are many approaches to investigating the role of supervisor and supervisee. Jones (2001) notes that supervisors and supervisees should consider their roles and responsibilities "outside supervision and how these influence the supervision relationship" (43). Further Jones notes that it is important that supervisors work constructively with supervisees to maintain the integrity of their relationship. In times of old much of the reporting done on supervisor relationships tended to focus on self-reported behaviors both from supervisors and supervisees (Clark, et. al, 2003)."
Tags: counselor, counseling, supervisor, supervise, oversee, training
Abstract This paper explores a federal research grant to study questions in the field of counseling psychology. The author first sets the stage with an already conducted study, using its findings as a base from which to work. The paper relates that the study, which the author would conduct, combines qualitative and quantitative methods to study the incidence and effect of empathic counseling methods, which would contribute to the field significantly by providing a more reasonable determination of the nature of counseling methods and draw some conclusions about their effectiveness.
From the Paper "Having just received a federal research grant in the field of psychology - more specifically, counseling psychology - it now falls to me to demonstrate my ability to formulate an appropriate research project that will make a significant contribution to the field. That said, it is my intention to expound upon a recent study that was done (Carlozzi et al, 2002) that examined the relationship between theory, practice, and empathy for counselors and psychologists. Understanding the role that empathy plays for psychologists is important on both a theoretical and practical level. This paper will first present the results of the study mentioned above as a basis for my subsequent explanation of my own research intent. My work will help quantify both the incidence and importance of counselor empathy and has the potential to suggest some new theoretical approaches to the issue."
Abstract The paper investigates whether or not family counseling can provide outcomes for clients that are commensurate with other types of counseling-i.e. cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, etc. The paper attempts to provide not only a clear understanding of the importance of the research but also a clear understanding of the current gaps that exist in the literature.
Outline:
Introduction
Review of the Literature
Conclusion
From the Paper "In a similar vein of inquiry Fals-Stewart and O'Farrell (2003) compared therapeutic interventions for opioid-dependent patients. In this review, recovering addicts were assigned to either a family therapy group with individual support or an individual-based treatment (IBT) only group. All patients were supported with naltrexone therapy to help them cope with the physical aspects of addition. The results of the investigation indicate that family therapy participants were more likely to attend scheduled treatment sessions and had a lower rate of relapse than participants in the IBT group. Further, at one year follow-up, family therapy participants had fewer drug related legal and family issues."
Abstract While thousands of teens have become pregnant every year for centuries, it has only been in the last three decades that teen-pregnancy has been addressed in any kind of open manner. Now, we as a community have the opportunity to help our pregnant teenage girls achieve a full and rewarding life. The problem is that we have few structures developed within our school systems for career and life counseling specifically designed to help this population. The information that follows is a justification for the development of a comprehensive career-counseling program that will directly improve the current and future lives of pregnant teenage girls.
Abstract This paper presents an in-depth analysis of the effectiveness of individual counseling and group counseling in helping children who are experiencing divorce or separation in their families.
This Masters level paper is a brief analysis of the differences and similarities in the ethics, membership, and function of three professional counseling organizations.
650 words (approx. 2.6 pages), 4 sources, 2002, $ 26.95
Abstract This Masters level paper is a brief analysis of the differences and similarities in the ethics, membership, and function of the American Counseling Association, the Christian Association of Psychological Studies, and the Association of Pastoral Counselors.
Tags: PSYCHOLOGY / COUNSELLING, SOCIAL WORK, professional counseling organizations
Abstract This paper studies how advocacy has infiltrated the counseling profession and affected the practice of talk therapy. The paper first defines advocacy within the counseling field and then examines the findings of a number of studies into its efficacy and applicability. The paper also calls for a new model of advocacy, which includes community involvement and developmental advocacy to help strengthen counselor's ability to improve patient's outcome for the future. The paper calls on counselors to help clients amend the communities in which they live, so that the community in turn also supports itself and the counselor's potential clients.
Introduction
New Framework For Advocacy
Research Supporting Premise
Conclusions
From the Paper "For one to promote a framework of advocacy in the counseling profession it is first important to understand what advocacy is. Home & Martin (1998) define advocacy as a method "based on the belief that individual or collective action must be taken to right injustices or improve conditions for the benefit of individuals or groups" (284). Lee (1998) also defines advocacy as "the process or act or arguing or pleading for a cause or proposal" (8). It requires that counselors take action. In recent years the issue of advocacy in counseling has drawn much attention. Much of this attention is meant to change the role of a counselor from a static to a functional agent responsible for changing any practices that might limit their client's opportunities for success (Lee, 2001). Many believe the idea of advocacy and the counseling profession is not compatible (Myers, Sweeney & White, 2002)."
Abstract This paper discusses the types of messages that can be communicated with silence. The paper focuses on silence as a counseling method. The paper asks how many of these messages might occur in a counseling session. The paper also studies how one silent message can be distinguished from another.
From the Paper "According to Corey, counseling is a form of psychotherapy usually far more brief in the length of time clients receive in traditional psychotherapy that aims to assist people who are experiencing problems in a variety of ..."
Abstract This paper studies the interplay between ethics and laws in counseling. Based on a case study of a client with addictive and self-destructive tendencies, the paper studies how ethics impact issues such as client confidentiality and truthfulness on the part of the counselor. Other issues the paper explores include client-centered counseling that considers the culture of the client and development of a treatment plan relevant to the client's perspective and goals.
Abstract This paper presents an overview of the therapeutic approach of psychodynamic counseling, examining its concepts and its core theory. Included in the paper is the author's personal opinion and emotional response about psychodynamic counseling as well as a discussion of the client's subjective view as opposed to the therapist's objective view.
From the Paper "This paper presents a discussion of psychodynamic counseling. The core theory and concepts of this therapeutic approach are presented within the context of my personal opinion and emotional reflection. My beliefs about human nature, determinism versus free will, unconscious versus conscious awareness, objective versus subjective, negative versus positive, human nature and behavior, elementalistic versus holistic approaches and beliefs about behavior change are noted."
