Abstract This paper analyzes several studies regarding the influence of gender on the counselor - client relationship. In particular, the studies draw attention to the importance of looking at gender in the counselor-client relationship and its impact on behavior change. In particular, the author uses the stages of changes of the transtheoretical model to explore the ability of a client to change. The theory is described at length and according to its various stages. The paper concludes with a consideration of male psychotherapy clients and their perceptions and willingness to change.
From the Paper "Research studies with respect to gender in counseling vis-a-vis the impact of a counselor's gender in a client's ability to change have been sparse and equivocal showing a need for further research in the area. Of the studies that have been done with respect to the impact of gender in counseling focused on matching counselor and client based on a number of variables such as ethnicity, gender, and language (Hall, Guterman, et al., 2002). Such studies usually focused on only one ethnic group. Some studies focused clients' preference for specific counselor characteristics. Other studies focused on predicting client expectations in counseling (Robitschek & Hershberger, 2005). There have also been studies investigating the interaction of male clients' characteristics and male counselors' gender role conflict as a basis for counselor bias (Wisch, 1997). Wisch (1997) noted a number of theoretical works that point to the significance of a counselor's gender as a potential influence on the counseling process."
Abstract This paper describes the professional requirements for substance abuse counselors, their responsibilities and the standards they must uphold. These guidelines are based on the American Counseling Association Code of Ethics, which is presented in the paper. The writer points out that substance abuse counseling is a serious and responsible task, and that the counselor must never attempt to misuse his position and take advantage of the situation in order to seek gains for himself. He must follow the American Counseling Association Code of Ethics with the utmost sincerity and caution.
From the Paper "Counselors must also make sure that they utilize the profession of counseling, and also practice it in such a manner that dignity and respect for the human race is kept in mind at all times, and is therefore, promoted. It must be noted that the Code of Ethics starts with a small introductory passage, in which the issue of what counselors must do in order to maintain discipline and behavior in their profession is discussed. If further goes on to state that when counselors are faced with certain ethical dilemmas that they may find difficult to resolve at that particular time, then they must perforce engage in a "carefully considered decision making process", so that they may be able to find an appropriate solution to the problem at hand. Since it is a fact that everyone has different opinions about one topic, and that there may as many different opinions as here are counselors, there is no specific decision making model that can be deemed the best or the most effective; counselors, according to the American Counselors Association are therefore expected to familiarize themselves with a credible model of decision making that would be able to stand on its own while under public scrutiny. (ACA Code of Ethics: The ACA Governing Council)"
Abstract An examination into what it takes to become a family and relationship counselor. Several articles are analyzed dealing with the issues and techniques that counselors in this field cope with and use. Systems theory and interpersonal conflict theory are two of the techniques that can be used. The paper addresses one of the issues that clergy are used so often as a means of psychotherapy that psychologists and the clergy should work together to help more people. Another issue addressed is that of counselor ethics. It is becoming a more mandated practice to report any type of child abuse, thus breaking confidentiality and possibly harming the client-therapist relationship. The writer interviews Tim Klopfenstein about his position as a counselor. He shows how this professional wants to help people, but warns that a counselor should know how to help him/herself first.
From the Paper "Because I plan on pursuing a career in family and relationship counseling I figured that researching what it is that these counselors have to deal with and think about would be productive to achieving my goals. Without actually experiencing what it is that family and relationship counselors do every day, I will never know if I am "compatible" with that career. However, reading articles and studies about the issues they face and the techniques they use and talking to a person in the profession gave me a vague idea of what I am getting myself into."
This paper examines the intensely personal relationship between patient and counselors, which renders these professionals prone to complicated ethical dilemmas.
Abstract This paper explains that, while, the majority of psychologists and counselors would never intentionally harm their clients, they are often put in positions in which the morally correct answer is not entirely cut and dry. The author points out that, in these instances of ethical ambiguity, counselors must make snap decisions in which no action is entirely without its drawback; furthermore, counseling is not an exact science and therefore the counselor must be careful not to do more harm than good. The paper relates that many psychological counselors take a risk management approach to their practice because counselors are constantly faced with situations that challenge their ethics and must always be wary of even the appearance of acting in an unethical manner.
From the Paper "These situations may apply to a broad range of aspects of the counselor's practice. For instance, a counselor may face an ethical dilemma on a strictly professional level. For example, if the counselor went of vacation and left the hiring of an office assistant to his partners, only to return to discover that the person hired was a former client. This situation may or may not present a professional conflict of interest. There are also situations in which the ethical dilemma is more on a personal level. For example, if the counselor's sister had a troubled son who refused to be counseled by anyone but the counselor himself. This situation would have the potential to have lasting repercussions on the relationships between the counselor and his nephew and sister. A counselor may also face ethical dilemmas which challenge the relationship with the client. For example, a female client who is so overcome by the excitement of having just passed the bar exam comes toward the counselor with open arms and lips puckered. On the one hand, the counselor would want to validate the client's excitement while at the same time avoiding doing anything that might be misconstrued at a later time. Counselors may also be faced with situations that could have legal repercussions."
Abstract This paper explains that some of the problems with motivating the professional counseling are the stress of too many clients, not getting paid enough money, the loss of a great sense of fulfillment and purpose in the interactions with clients and feeling that they are not helping people by making a difference. The author stresses that what motivates professional counselors seems to differ depending on the person and how that professional counselor interprets his or her function. The paper concludes that, as long as they are not terribly restricted in what they do and they can continue to help others that need them, many professional counselors will remain highly motivated for a long period; however, some counselors could lose their motivation if they are having difficulty determining what their function actually is.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Method
Results
Discussion
From the Paper "Other individuals seem to need a motivation that is based upon what they learned when they were being taught what they needed for professional counseling. Still others enter into the professional counseling profession because they feel that they want to make a difference and have a strong desire to help other people. Generally, this helping of others is the main function of a professional counselor, but as can be seen, the motivations behind why people do this type of work are many and various, leading to concerns as to whether professional counselors all see their function as being the same or similar, or whether they have very different ideas about what their function actually is."
Highlights the importance of understanding the implications of developmental stages on the ability of a school guidance counselor successfully performing their job.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 5 sources, 2006, $ 53.95
Abstract School guidance counselors are often caught in the middle of a conundrum: school is supposed to prepare one academically for the future, but how do you figure out why the child is not progressing? Failure to learn is not always equated to not being academically inclined. By looking to other developmental factors, the school guidance counselor can achieve a more salient set of results per student or student group than by just focusing on academic performance as reported by teachers and grades. This paper highlights the role of various developmental theories with a discussion of their applicability for the school guidance counselor. While the focus on this paper is primarily young teens/early adolescents and middle school guidance counselors, other developmental stages are also identified that apply to younger or older individuals.
Abstract This paper is a copy of a project aimed at improving the significance of high school counselors. The paper explores a manual for secondary school counselors, which will identify and streamline tasks, meaning that counselors will be provided with a clear manual that describes how much time should be spent meeting the individual needs of secondary school students through face-to-face meetings and how much time should be spent doing administrative tasks in the office.
From the Paper "This lack of a consistent and a clearly defined role for counselors may also have contributed to the reduction in counseling time and increased counseling ratios. According to Meston (2003), the variations in job duties may have led some district and school administrators to question why some tasks have to be done by counselors, as many tasks are being done by other, often less expensive, employees in the schools. The concerns expressed by counsellors, therefore, are less a united voice reacting against a single complaint, and more a collection of individual concerns aimed at protecting individual interpretations of their role as counselors."
This paper compares the perceptions of teachers on the role of the school guidance counselor before and after implementation of the American School Counseling Association (ASCA) model K-12.
Abstract This qualitative case study explores the opinions of teachers at the K-12 level with respect to the role of school guidance counselors before and after implementation of the American School Counseling Association (ASCA) model K-12. The researcher predicts that teachers will realize a difference in the attitudes of school guidance counselors and some positive change in student outcomes resulting from the implementation of the ASCA program. The reasons for this are varied. The writer points out that many researchers of note claim that school guidance counselors have made little progress in implementing their initiatives especially given the fact that new educational reforms repeatedly put their needs on the back burner.
Outline:
Qualitative Case Study
Discussion of Research Results
Limitations
Survey
Survey Questionnaire
Data Collection
Implications
From the Paper "However, despite this gloom review of the ASCA program, the program itself has caused teachers and other administrators to recognize how relevant the input of school guidance counselors is and can be toward student education. It is vital school educators realize the importance of cooperation and collaboration between school guidance counselors and the parents, teachers and leaders of the community.
"While progress may be small, the researcher knows progress will be achieved especially if more emphasis is given the needs of school guidance counselors in contemporary society. School guidance counselors are no longer a mediocre group within the educational system. They are inextricably linked to the successes and failures of new educational protocols, teacher-student relationships, student-community relationships and the overall outcome of students in the traditional and contemporary educational society."
A comparative analysis of ethics codes of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC), the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC), and the American Counseling Association (ACA).
Abstract The various ethics codes of organization display a remarkable amount of diversity in definition and expectations. Many similarities and differences can be noted in the areas of discrimination, fees, sexual intimacies, and teaching and training. This paper compares and analyzes these ethics codes, focusing on the ethics codes of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC), the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC), and the American Counseling Association (ACA). The differences exist primarily due to the different world view and primary goals of the writers of the individual codes.
From the Paper "Sexual intimacies and misconduct as they relate to counselor relationships are other areas that seem to be universally addressed in ethics codes. This is probably the area in which the codes most closely correspond to each other. Each makes the point abundantly clear that all sexual intimacies with current or former clients are unethical. Each code seems to view referral as the preferred method of dealing with former sexual or marriage partners. The ACA lists a moratorium for having sexual contact with a former client as two years (ACA, 1995), while the AACC says that counseling a former sexual partner is never ethical (AACC, 1998). They all agree, however, that these types of sexual intimacies are an exploitation of the power imbalance that exists between a counselor and a client. Both of the faith based organizations, the AAPC and the AACC, go as far as to define intimacies as including any form of overt or covert sexual harassment, as well. "
Abstract Discusses challenges facing counselors. Their vital role. Human elements vs. testing. Combining tests with client attitudes and statements. Characteristics a good career counselor needs. Role of cultural perspectives in career planning and development. Multicultural factors in today's American society. Cultural pluralism and counseling. Use of multicultural model in counseling strategy.
From the Paper "If there is any single issue that must be of constant concern to a career counselor, it is that human beings as a group are going to be difficult to fit neatly into the pigeonholes of theory and practice. In any endeavor that involves the human element--from planning war strategy to planning a career--nothing is so certain as the fact that behavior predictions are bound to be uncertain. Were that not he case, there would be no need for the helping professions such as career counseling, psychiatry, or psychology. Were there not profound differences of personality, culture, language, social position, and so on, and were those differences not so difficult to identify, quantify, and analyze, everybody in the helping professions could just go home.
Now of course counselors and psychiatrists and nurses do not ..."
Abstract This paper investigates what sorts of ethical dilemmas are currently being faced by school counselors and also what sort of approaches to solving them they have been trained to use. It examines the issue in terms of how it relates to school counselors, students and parents and considers the immense potential for harm vs. the immense potential for abrogation of civil rights.
Table of Contents:
Chapter One--Introduction
Statement of The Problem
Purpose of The Study
Research Questions
Hypotheses
Rationale of Study
Limitations of Study
Definitions
Chapter Two--Literature Review
Definitions of Ethics and Morals
The state of The Research on Counseling Ethics
Most Common Ethical Dilemmas and Failures
Confidentiality and Minors in Counseling Situations
Chapter Three--Methodology
Research Questions
Hypotheses
Participants
Data Collection
Data Analysis
From the Paper "Mehrhof, Hawes and Ermler (1996) surveyed middle school and secondary school physical education teachers in Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska concerning the educators' perceptions of assistance needed by students and sought from the physical education teacher. Mehrhoff, Hawes and Ermler's results indicated that the most frequent requests for counseling were in the areas of student conflict (98 percent), boyfriend/girlfriend issues (87 percent) and conflicts with parents (87 percent). The three least likely areas for students to request help were with birth control methods (58 percent), criminal behavior (58 percent) and suicidal thoughts (56 percent)."
Abstract This paper reviews and discusses the traditional role of the school counselor. The paper takes a look at various school reforms and the part that the school counselor plays in these reforms.
Outline:
The South Carolina Model
The ASCA National Model
South Carolina Education and Economic Development Act (EEDA)
No Child Left Behind Act
Incorporating Role Expectations
From the Paper "The American School Counselor Association National Model provides a framework for school counseling programs that is centered around the collaborative function of benefiting students, teachers, parents, administrators, and the greater community (ASCA, 2006). Programs for school counseling are considered to be an integral part of the school environment and school counselors play a crucial role in the achievement of students (ASCA, 2006). The ASCA National Model was created so school counseling programs could be developed that are based in common, underlying foundational values. ASCA (2006) described how this model enables schools to: "establish the school counseling program as and integral component of the academic mission of the school; ensure every student has equitable access to the school counseling program; identify and deliver the knowledge and skills all students should acquire; ensure that the school counseling program is comprehensive in design and is delivered systematically to all students."
Abstract This report deals with high school counseling in the Los Angeles area and factors that counselors can look out for to increase the effectiveness of teamwork. The paper considers techniques that work with the student population of L.A., examines additional skills, and explores basic assumptions and ethics.
Paper Outline
Introduction
Social Context and Population
What Is to Be Accomplished?
Techniques and Additional Skills Necessary
Basic Assumptions
Ethical Considerations
Bibliography
From the Paper "In terms of additional skills necessary, counselors can help the school to improve the problem of chronic absenteeism by devising solutions that are based on real-world experience. The counselor should not think of his/her role as being inherently limited in this regard, but should instead think of him/herself as a dynamic and proactive facilitator of action in terms of providing solutions that are definite and immediate. One way in
which counselors can help the school to improve attendance is to take each case on an individual basis and work hard to impress upon the individual student how important attendance is to their educational and real-world future. Too many students are of the belief that their absenteeism or truancy does not matter, or are not aware of the serious
implications that it can have for their future in society."
Abstract This paper discusses the career of school counselor, including the qualifications necessary, the educational background needed, typical job duties, types of work setting, salary ranges, career paths available, and trends and challenges in the counseling profession due to changes in society and the workplace.
From the Paper "According to a survey by the National Association for College Admission Counseling, the average high school counselor spends about half his or her time providing college counseling services to students ..."
Tags: college admissions, job, rehabilitation, substance use, diversity, certification, licensing, public schools
Abstract The paper explores several areas in which a school counselor can be effective. This includes monitoring group discussions, working with the parents of the students and tracking test results to be sure that students are placed in proper classes according to their interests and abilities.
Outline:
Resources
Using the Resources
Methods That Can be Used
Addressing Specific Issues
From the Paper "Many schools including this one, use standardized testing to determine not only what the student has learned in the past, but also to determine what would be an appropriate grade level or class level for them to move to next(Marshall, 2004). For example, a student that consistently places in the 95 percentile or higher on standardized testing in math, would most likely become bored in a standard math class. Therefore, using this resource as one indicator that the student may benefit from advanced placement classes, is one way that the counselor can help improve academic achievement of the students(State, 1999)."
