Counselor Training Research Articles

Group Cohesion in Experiential Growth Groups: A Multilevel Growth Analysis

ABSTRACT Group cohesion is considered a key group therapeutic factor; however, limited knowledge exists on the session-to-session development of group cohesion in the context of training groups or on the factors that may predict such developments. We utilized multilevel growth modeling to examine the longitudinal changes in 44 counselor trainees’ ratings of group cohesion in seven experiential growth groups across four semesters. We found significant between-person variability in the growth trajectory of group cohesion and identified trainee self-disclosure and gender as significant predictors of group cohesion. The results indicated the complexity of within- and between-person changes in group cohesion in training groups and the need for further research to identify potential predictors of these changes. We also discussed ways for group facilitators to attend to self-disclosure as an important marker of group cohesion.

Transferability of Effective Consultation Skills for Decision-Making Support in the Voluntary Surrender of Older Adult Drivers' Licences in Super-Aged Japan.

Previously, we identified eight effective consultation skills to support decision-making in the voluntary surrender of older adult drivers' licences in super-aged Japan. This study aimed to clarify the transferability of these skills. We collected text data by interviewing 11 safe-driving counsellors (four police officers, four clerical staff and three nurses) in the License Division of the National Police Agency from February to March 2022. Interviews were semi-structured and conducted by telephone or email. During the interview, participants were asked to recall their experiences as counsellors providing decision-making support to older drivers and to compare their experiences with the eight consultation skills. We analysed the content of the responses by quantitative text analysis with KH Coder 3 software. As a characteristic of the words and phrases used by counsellors in their narratives about consultation skills, the most frequently extracted words from among 3147 words were think, parties and family, and promote had the highest mediation centrality. The eight subgraphs were 'Respecting the will of relevant parties from their standpoint is natural', 'Listening attentively and empathetically to relevant parties is effective', 'Presenting objective data to guide decisions is successful', 'Showing cognitive functioning test results is often effective', 'Counselors with medical expertise can elicit positive counseling outcomes', 'Intervention by medical or police counselors facilitates the decision to surrender voluntarily', 'Counseling skills need to be improved' and 'A diagram of the 8 skills is helpful for inexperienced counselors'. The results suggest that the eight consultation skills have similarities and are transferable. This transferability might contribute to practical application or cohort follow-up study research. These skills can be incorporated into counsellor training, and counsellors can be expected to use these skills in the future. Regardless of the safe-driving counsellor's years of experience, the skills can help them provide uniform and accurate support in decision-making regarding the voluntary surrender of older adult drivers' licences. These skills are a promising approach to help older adults lead safe and secure lives as they age.

Feasibility assessment of using ChatGPT for training case conceptualization skills in psychological counseling

This study investigates the feasibility and effectiveness of using ChatGPT for training case conceptualization skills in psychological counseling. The novelty of this research lies in the application of an AI-based model, ChatGPT, to enhance the professional development of prospective counselors, particularly in the realm of case conceptualization—a core competence in psychotherapy. Traditional training methods are often limited by time and resources, while ChatGPT offers a scalable and interactive alternative. Through a single-blind assessment, this study explores the accuracy, completeness, feasibility, and consistency of OpenAI's ChatGPT for case conceptualization in psychological counseling. Results show that using ChatGPT for generating case conceptualization is acceptable in terms of accuracy, completeness, feasibility, and consistency, as evaluated by experts. Therefore, counseling educators can encourage trainees to use ChatGPT as auxiliary methods for developing case conceptualization skills during supervision processes. The social implications of this research are significant, as the integration of AI in psychological counseling could address the growing need for mental health services and support. By improving the accuracy and efficiency of case conceptualization, ChatGPT can contribute to better counseling outcomes, potentially reducing the societal burden of mental health issues. Moreover, the use of AI in this context prompts important discussions on ethical considerations and the evolving role of technology in human services. Overall, this study highlights the potential of ChatGPT to serve as a valuable tool in counselor training, ultimately aiming to enhance the quality and accessibility of psychological support services.

Integrating a mental health intervention into PrEP services for South African young women: a human-centred implementation research approach to intervention development.

Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) who may benefit from HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) face high levels of common mental disorders (e.g. depression, anxiety). Common mental disorders can reduce PrEP adherence and increase HIV risk, yet mental health interventions have not been well-integrated into PrEP delivery. We conducted a four-phase human-centred design process, from December 2020 to April 2022, to understand mental health challenges among AGYW in Johannesburg, South Africa and barriers to integrated mental health and PrEP services. In the "Discover" phase, we conducted in-depth interviews with AGYW and key informants (KIs) in Johannesburg. We conducted a rapid qualitative analysis, informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), to identify facilitators and barriers of integrated mental health and PrEP services and mapped barriers to potential implementation strategies. In the "Design" and "Build" phases, we conducted stakeholder workshops to iteratively adapt an evidence-based mental health intervention, the Friendship Bench, and refine implementation strategies for South African PrEP delivery settings. In the "Test" phase, we piloted our adapted Friendship Bench package. Interviews with 70 Discover phase participants (48 AGYW, 22 KIs) revealed the importance of integrated mental health and PrEP services for South African AGYW. Interviewees described barriers and implementation strategies for mental health and PrEP services around the CFIR domains: intervention characteristics (e.g. challenges with AGYW "opening up"); outer Johannesburg setting (e.g. community stigma); inner clinic setting (e.g. judgemental healthcare providers); characteristics of counsellors (e.g. training gaps); and the implementation process (e.g. need for demand creation). The Design and Build workshops included 13 AGYW and 15 KIs. Implementation barriers related to the quality and accessibility of public-sector clinic services, lay counsellor training, and community education and demand creation activities were prioritized. This led to 12 key Friendship Bench adaptations and the specification of 10 implementation strategies that were acceptable and feasible in initial pilot testing with three AGYW. Using a human-centred approach, we identified determinants and potential solutions for integrating mental health interventions within PrEP services for South African AGYW. This design process centred stakeholders' perspectives, enabling rapid development of an adapted Friendship Bench intervention implementation package.

Enacting Reproductive Justice

Abstract: How may reproductive justice be enacted in services and provider training to further the sustainable development goals of healthy lives and universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights? We argue for careful baseline qualitative research infused with feminist and reproductive justice theory and, based on the findings of this research, the development and refinement of healthcare provider training through action research. We report on our implementation of this process in developing an in-service person-centered abortion counseling training course aimed at South African abortion healthcare providers. The baseline research consisted of recordings of abortion counseling sessions and interviews with healthcare providers and users. Several problematic directive and anti-abortion interactions were surfaced, which led to the development of a policy brief and step-by-step guidelines for providers. Subsequently, action research was employed to operationalize these guidelines into an in-service person-centered abortion counseling training course, and an iterative process enabled course improvement. Data collected for the course refinement included recordings of various sessions during the course, participants’ reflective journals, case presentations, and feedback forms, as well as interviews conducted two months post the first course. Comparing baseline findings with data collected as part of the action research shows some shifts in healthcare providers’ actions. We report on a shift in respecting bodily autonomy and encouraging autonomous decision-making. Structural and normative barriers continue, however. The enactment of reproductive justice through in-service training shows promise but must be supplemented with advocacy around other barriers.

Menguak Tantangan dan Persiapan Konselor dalam Rangka Menuju Indonesia Emas 2045

This research highlights the preparations and challenges counselors face in achieving the Vision of Golden Indonesia 2045. The focus on the basic skills required by counselors to provide effective services. Qualitative research methods and literature studies were used to explore counselors' perspectives and experiences regarding preparations and challenges towards Golden Indonesia 2045. The findings emphasize importance of quality education and training for counselors, as well as the integration of technology in counseling services. Future recommendations include enhancing collaboration between the government and educational institutions, strengthening supervision, and program evaluation to improve the quality of guidance and counseling services in Indonesia.

초등 Wee 클래스 상담사 대상 원예치료 프로그램 도입 방안

This study aimed to gather essential data for integrating horticultural therapy activities into the Wee class counseling program. The findings revealed that a substantial proportion (40.9%) reported substantial experience implementing horticultural therapy in the Wee classes, with 37.5% of sessions led by horticultural therapists. Horticultural therapy was widely perceived as beneficial for counseling (33.1%). The key prerequisites for introducing horticultural therapy into Wee classes were training for horticultural therapy counselors (59.1%) and budget support (27.3%). The anticipated benefits included diversifying counseling techniques (26.5%), applicability to diverse clients (25.3%), promoting counselor self-healing (12.6%), and emotional purification (33.9%). Target groups were individuals with emotional issues such as anxiety and depression (30.7%), interpersonal relationship problems (17.8%), behavioral problems like violence (13.5%), and addiction issues (11.5%). Counselor training (59.1%) was the foremost prerequisite for implementing horticultural therapy due to its educational effectiveness (34.6%), applicability in group counseling (29.8%), and potential to help counselors with burnout (19.1%). As for the composition of the horticultural treatment training program, 'the composition of the actual program that can be actually applied to horticultural treatment' was the highest (32.5%), and the most preferred operating session was 5 to 8 sessions (47.8%). The intention to participate in the horticultural treatment therapy sessions was reported to be high after the training (90.9%). The necessity of horticultural therapy programs, based on the characteristics of Wee class counselors, was analyzed using t-tests for quantitative variables and chi-square tests (𝒙2) for qualitative variables with multiple categories. A significant correlation was found between counseling experience and the degree of training participation (p=.002), although the need for training was not significantly correlated with experience. Furthermore, there was a significant correlation between the operational experience of horticultural therapy programs and the degree of training participation (p=.012). Chi-square tests were employed to evaluate distribution variances among different groups based on their operational experience with horticultural therapy programs.

A Study on the Experiences of Married Immigrant Women Who Participated in Domestic and Sexual Violence Counselor Training

A Study on the Experiences of Married Immigrant Women Who Participated in Domestic and Sexual Violence Counselor Training

Effects of a Reality Therapy-based Classroom Counseling Training Program Using Visualization Materials on Elementary School Teachers’ Life Guidance Efficacy and Teacher-student Communication

Effects of a Reality Therapy-based Classroom Counseling Training Program Using Visualization Materials on Elementary School Teachers’ Life Guidance Efficacy and Teacher-student Communication

Developing an asynchronous LGBTQ+ affirmative counseling training: A mixed‐methods study

AbstractMaster's level counseling students completed a 5‐week online asynchronous LGBTQ+ affirmative counseling training. Using a mixed‐methods and quasi‐experimental design, results indicated that participants’ LGBTQ+ knowledge, clinical skills, and advocacy increased posttraining. Content analysis revealed four themes of how students experienced the training. Implications, limitations, and future directions are discussed.

Suicide Intervention Training for Counselors: A Quasi-Experimental Study on Self-Efficacy

ABSTRACT This study explored the influence of the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), a 14-hour gatekeeper training, on emerging counselors’ self-efficacy in working with individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts. Through a pre-post design, counselor participants from five ASIST trainings were assessed. The results demonstrated a significant increase in self-efficacy among counselors after completing ASIST, underscoring its potential as an effective method for bolstering self-efficacy within counselor training. The implications for counselor preparation are discussed, highlighting the value of integrating ASIST to augment clinicians’ preparedness in addressing suicidal ideation.

Pemanfaatan Daun Pisang Kering (Klaras) sebagai Pewarna Alami Jajanan Tradisional Ongol-Ongol

The utilisation of dried banana leaves (klaras) as a natural food colouring used to make traditional Ongol-Ongol snacks was carried out considering the large amount of dried banana leaves that end up as waste. This activity is useful to help improve the economy of the surrounding community by providing business opportunities and additional income, introducing and promoting the snacks made, the community can develop local culinary potential and increase the competitiveness of their products. Ongol-Ongol production can also provide education and training to the community in snack making, including cooking techniques, small business management, and knowledge of the raw materials used. Through this education and training, the community can also improve their skills and knowledge in culinary and food business. This training was attended by the community of Taman Sare Village. The methods used were counselling and hands-on training. The result of this training is that the people of Taman Sare Village can make Ongol-Ongol traditional snacks from dried banana leaves (klaras) which can be used in the natural colouring of these snacks and increase the knowledge and insight of the people of Taman Sare Village, Dungkek District, Sumenep Regency.

Centering and counselor empathy: Examining the moderating effects of nondual awareness

AbstractCentering is a contemplative practice derived from centering prayer. In the context of counseling, our study explores centering as an intervention to enhance counselors’ empathy. Additionally, we investigate the moderating influence of nonduality, particularly bliss, on the changes in empathy over time. Through a randomized controlled trial involving counseling graduate students across the United States, we measured empathy and nonduality. Following a 4‐week centering meditation treatment, the initial growth curve model revealed a statistically significant and sustained increase in empathy (p < 0.001). The second model underscored the significance of the three‐way interaction between group, time, and nondual bliss, indicating a time‐varying moderating effect on empathy. This research has practical implications for counseling and counselor training, endorsing centering meditation as a valuable tool for grounding counselors pre‐ and post‐sessions and providing avenues for future exploration and application.

The association of socioeconomic status with the success of chat-based online counseling for children and youth: A latent change score modeling approach

Children and youth from lower subjective socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds are at a heightened risk of mental disorders. Online counseling is a valuable tool to reach those less likely to seek professional help, but its success across different SES backgrounds remains unclear. This study explores the association between subjective SES and online counseling outcomes. Children and youth (N = 2139) between 10 and 24 years-of-age received chat-based online counseling and reported on SES, negative feelings before and after the chat, and perceived helpfulness of the chat via an online assessment tool. The results of a latent change score model showed a significant association between SES and negative feelings before chatting, indicating that lower SES predicted more negative feelings (r = −0.26, p < .001). Further, SES was indirectly associated with the change in negative feelings from before to after counseling, mediated by the extent of negative feelings before the chat (β = 0.07, 95%CFI = [0.05–0.10]). Current findings extend research on online counseling programs in the context of SES. Despite higher counseling needs among low SES individuals, they do not benefit proportionally from existing online services in this sample. Future research should investigate barriers to help-seeking and implement specialized counselor training programs.

Searching for Social Justice

Counselor educators in CACREP programs are mandated to include social justice in their training of counseling students. However, counseling preparation programs have failed to adequately train counseling professionals to understand and implement social justice frameworks. Using an exploratory mixed methods design, we explored counselor educators’ educational and training background in social justice concepts as well as their teaching experiences infusing social justice throughout CACREP core curriculum. Strategies counselor educators use to seek knowledge about and incorporate social justice in their praxis are presented. Furthermore, we explored the relationship between counselor educators’ racial identity and their practice of implementing social justice frameworks into their teaching.

DISASTER EMERGENCY TRAINING TO INCREASE MIGRANT CAPACITY IN SIDOARJO

Migrants seeking asylum in Indonesia are a vulnerable group who need attention and training regarding disaster emergencies. This is because Indonesia is a maritime country which geographically and geologically allows natural disasters to occur. Although aid supplies are very important in emergency situations, preventive measures and preparedness are also equally important so it is necessary to provide health services in the form of expertise in disaster emergencies for migrants. Disaster emergency management efforts are a system that cannot be divided and the quality of life of patients after a disaster injury depends on pre-hospital stage treatment. The aim of this activity is to increase understanding and empowerment by provide outreach and training for migrants living in Sidoarjo. Before counseling, a 10 minutes pre-test was conducted for the participants. followed by a counseling session, training and discussion session for approximately 60 minutes, and after that a post-test was carried out for 10 minutes. Next, the results of the pre-test and post-test are assessed and data processing and evaluation are carried out. The results of the Paired T-tests show a p-value of 0.00 so the sig value is &lt;0.05 which indicates there is a significant difference regarding the pre-test and post-test data. This can be interpreted as an increase in insight, understanding, empowerment, as well as a change in attitude towards migrants after attending the counseling session. Community service activities regarding disaster emergencies for migrants living in Sidoarjo have had a significant impact in the form of increasing insight and empowerment regarding the topic of disaster emergencies.

An Autoethnography on Discrimination and Oppression of Sexual Minority Counseling Trainee

An Autoethnography on Discrimination and Oppression of Sexual Minority Counseling Trainee

An Examination of School-Based Psychological Counseling Services for Improving Mental Health

Psychological counseling, as a form of school-based mental health services, plays a crucial role in supporting the well-being of students. However, there is limited knowledge about the state of school counseling programs in Vietnam. The objective of this study, which used a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, was to examine the current practices, utilization rates, effectiveness, and obstacles faced in providing psychological counseling in Vietnamese schools. The research included a survey of 150 students and interviews conducted with 10 school counselors and administrators from five high schools in Ho Chi Minh City. The findings revealed that despite a high demand for counseling services among students, the utilization rates were alarmingly low. Several significant barriers were identified, including a shortage of school counselors, inadequate training for counselors, societal stigma associated with mental health issues, lack of private spaces for counseling sessions, and the absence of national standards for school-based services. The results emphasize the disparities between the current status of school counseling programs in Vietnam and international standards. Suggestions include the implementation of more extensive professional development for counselors, increasing the number of full-time counselors, establishing national guidelines for mental health services in schools, raising awareness through anti-stigma campaigns, and allocating more funds. Improving psychological counseling services in schools holds the potential to offer essential assistance for the mental health and overall well-being of Vietnamese students.

Preparing for place: A case study of rural counselor training

AbstractRural communities face significant mental health disparities. Two universities developed a training model for rural school‐based counseling students, which began with a rural life orientation. This case study's findings demonstrate the value of place‐attentive pedagogy and experiential learning. The study offers implications for how programs can prepare counselors to serve rural populations.

BIMBINGAN BAGI ANAK BERKESULITAN BELAJAR SD SWASTA MUHAMMADIYAH 43 KECAMATAN KABANJAHE KABUPATEN KARO

This research aims to assist students in developing their potential optimally through comprehensive learning guidance. This research aims to explore and develop an effective guidance program for children with learning difficulties in Elementary School (SD). This activity was carried out at SD Swasta Muhammadiyah 43 Kabanjahe, on May 5, 2024. Learning difficulties experienced by children can affect their academic achievement as well as their emotional and social development. This research uses a qualitative method, namely by conducting orientation to elementary school teachers and parents, providing learning support and mentoring services, as well as monitoring and evaluating program activities. The approach used is an individual technique that applies directive counseling, group guidance applies the home room outside of lesson hours. Data was collected through in-depth interviews with teachers, counselors, and parents, as well as direct observation of students with learning difficulties. The research results show that the guidance given to children with learning difficulties must be individual and tailored to the needs of each child. An effective guidance program involves collaboration between teachers, counselors, and parents, as well as the use of creative and diverse learning strategies. Some effective strategies found include a multisensory approach, project-based learning, and the use of educational technology. In addition, emotional support and motivation were also found to be key factors in helping children overcome their learning difficulties.This research concludes that structured and ongoing guidance is very important in supporting children with learning difficulties in elementary school. Recommendations for the implementation of guidance programs include training for teachers and counselors, increasing parental involvement, and developing school policies that support inclusion and diversity in teaching methods.