Counselor Training Research Articles

Abstract PO4-09-10: A successful method for treatment of an uninsured underprivileged breast cancer population

Abstract Background Improvements in breast cancer treatment and care have resulted in improved outcomes and decreased mortality. These improvements, however, come with great expense. Despite efforts from health care systems, a significant proportion of the population remains uninsured. The uninsured population is often underprivileged, undereducated and more likely to come from racial/ethnic minority groups. This combination of factors results in a delay in diagnosis, presentation at later stage, and decreased access and compliance with treatment. The goal of the current study is to describe a method for treating an uninsured, underprivileged breast cancer population and the resulting outcomes. Methods Retrospective review was performed of all breast cancer patients seen at Maricopa Medical Center, the safety net hospital in Phoenix, AZ. All breast cancer patients seen from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2020 were included. Baseline data for every patient was compiled prospectively, supplemented by retrospective chart review. The data included sociodemographic information, health literacy assessment, and diagnostic tests. Health literacy was assessed using the Newest Vital Sign (NVS). Breast cancer treatment, follow up, and mortality were documented. Beginning on July 1, 2006 a new process was implemented to facilitate care of uninsured patients. More details will be included in the poster presentation. Briefly, however, core needle biopsies were performed in the Breast Clinic by the Breast surgeon or Physician assistant during the initial consultation. Rather than requiring full payment of the planned operation upfront, instead a down payment was made with a plan for payment in installments of the remainder of the cost. For chemotherapy and targeted therapy, a process was implemented to apply for discounted medications for appropriate regimens. There are no radiation therapy facilities at Maricopa Medical Center. An agreement was therefore made with a Radiation oncology group in Phoenix to provide discounted radiation therapy. The treatment was paid through treatment grants as well as fundraising activities by the Health Foundation of the hospital. In 2011, the Breast surgeon underwent training for genetic counseling at City of Hope Medical Center to provide genetic counseling for these patients. Results A total of 1,797 patients were included. Among them, 661 patients were seen before the process (BP) was started, while 1,136 patients were seen after the new process (NP) was implemented. Overall, the mean age of the patients was 52 years with most patients being Hispanic (56%). On average the patients had 10 yrs of education and 18% had adequate health literacy. The majority of patients were not employed (70%) and completely uninsured (56%) or underinsured (31%). Only 18% of patients underwent screening mammography and as a result 67% of patients presented at stage II or later. Despite the barriers mentioned above, the NP group underwent a higher percentage of breast conservation procedures (75% versus 47%, p < 0.001). A higher percentage of the NP group received adjuvant therapy: Chemotherapy (91% vs 70%, p < 0.001), Radiation therapy (91% versus 70%, p < 0.001), and initiated endocrine therapy (87% versus 67%, p < 0.001). At a mean follow up of 8 years, these improvements in adjuvant therapy resulted in a lower incidence of both ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence and chest wall recurrence (2% vs 16%, p < 0.001 and 5% versus 8%, p = 0.21, respectively) and improvement in overall survival (90% vs 81%, p < 0.001). Conclusions Despite treatment of a population with many barriers to breast cancer management, implementation of a treatment process improved access to diagnosis and surgical therapy as well as recommended adjuvant therapy. These improvements resulted in lower local recurrence rates and improved survival in an uninsured population. Citation Format: Ian Komenaka, Trevin Reyes, Jacqueline Gilbert, Chiu-Hsieh Hsu, Waqas Arslan, Gilbert Ramos, John Dover, Herbert Hitchon, Jesse Nodora, Elena Martinez. A successful method for treatment of an uninsured underprivileged breast cancer population [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO4-09-10.

Workshop report: Clinical training and integration of genetic counselors into interprofessional teams in the German-speaking countries

In spring 2022, the inaugural cohort of Genetic and Genomic Counseling MSc students graduated from the Medical University of Innsbruck, representing a significant milestone for the establishment of the genetic counselor (GC) profession in the German-speaking countries. A pivotal component of their education was a 15-week clinical training period. The placement experiences of both students and supervisors offered valuable insights into the attitudes of medical geneticists toward the profession. To share the knowledge gained by these pioneers and offer guidance to potential placement institutions, the MSc program team organized an online workshop on the education and training of GCs in German-speaking countries in October 2022. The first part of the workshop focused on the training program and professional profile of GCs in the German-speaking countries. It covered educational aspects, such as the structure of the MSc degree program and specific communication training. Additionally, it addressed challenges arising from the integration of GCs into existing genetics centers. The second part of the workshop delved into first-hand experiences of genetic counseling students and placement providers during clinical training. Featuring insights from supervisors, this session facilitated a discussion about the roles of GCs within interprofessional genetics teams. The workshop participants agreed on a growing demand for GCs and highlighted positive experiences, as well as challenges within participating institutes that had hosted a student. In this article we summarize suggestions for the education and training of GCs in the German-speaking countries where the profession is newly established.

"If we don't forgive, it's like holding on to them": A qualitative study of religious and spiritual coping on psychological recovery in older crime victims.

There is growing need to strengthen support for older crime victims. We aimed to explore spiritual and/or religious (S/R) beliefs in a sample of older victims and understand how this shapes psychological responding and coping with crime. Qualitative study with supplementary descriptive statistics nested within a clinical trial. We explored psychological responding and coping in-depth through semistructured interviews with 27 older victims of police-reported crime, purposefully sampled to achieve maximum variation. We inductively analyzed data using a reflexive thematic analysis. We assessed the breadth of S/R beliefs in a large sample (N = 402) of initially distressed older victims using an abbreviated version of The Royal Free Interview for Spiritual Beliefs. We assessed continued psychological distress using the two-item Generalised Anxiety Disorder and Patient Health Questionnaire 3 months postcrime. Over two-thirds (67%) identified as S/R, but psychological distress scores were similar, irrespective of religiosity. Our qualitative analysis suggests that crime may impact religious identity or practice in some older victims (hate crime) but influences attitudes or coping in others. Positive coping included acceptance, forgiveness, and/or turning to prayer or faith communities. Negative coping included fixation on retribution, superstition, perceived abandonment by God, or an inability to accommodate the crime within their beliefs, amplifying psychological distress. Understanding the psychological impact on older crime victims is enhanced by clarifying the role of S/R. Further research, especially on non-Christian religious victims, is needed. Cultural awareness training for trauma counselors and trauma awareness training for faith leaders is recommended. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Are professional counsellors and psychotherapists prepared to make a greater contribution to the Australian mental health workforce? A comparison of training content and mental health standards

ABSTRACT Objective Professional counsellors and psychotherapists present a potential workforce to contribute to the alleviation of Australia’s mental health crisis. However, a major hurdle for the endorsement of these professions to received public health rebates has been the question whether their training programs meet required standards. Method This discussion paper presents a synthesis of the mental health practice standards of cognate professions receiving rebates for focussed psychological strategies (counselling psychology, mental health accredited social workers, mental health occupational therapy). Secondly, this paper presents a desk review of accredited counselling and psychotherapy training courses and compares these programs with these standards. Results The comparison showed that current content of counselling and psychotherapy training is preparing graduates for practice that is consistent with many mental health standards, including: competence in working with mental health conditions; attending to quality improvement; awareness and responsiveness to diversity; and, working within a client-centred and recovery focused framework. The level of preparation for two standards (knowing and complying with mental health systems and standards; enhancing care through collaboration, service integration and teamwork) is less clear. Discussion These results suggest that according to several indicators, counsellor and psychotherapist training already prepares professionals to work according to current standards. For other standards, recommendations for updates to training programs and credentialling pathways are discussed.

Mindfulness Practice and Expressions of Wellness: Experiences of Doctoral Counselor Education and Supervision Students

ABSTRACT Researchers advocate for wellness as part of counseling practices to minimize stress, improve quality of life, and promote well-being. Furthermore, mindfulness may play a critical role in the cultivation of wellness, particularly among counselor education and supervision (CES) students. This study aimed to capture the lived experiences of wellness practices among CES doctoral students who received formal mindfulness training. The following four themes emerged: (a) self-discovery through awareness, (b) practices of presence, (c) wellness as a whole person, and (d) resistance and challenges. Participants identified awareness as central to the intersection of mindfulness and wellness. Implications include using mindfulness as a vehicle to identify and engage in wellness practices that best serve students’ needs and ways to skillfully integrate mindfulness into CES curricula. Examining the in-depth stories of wellness cultivation and the influence of mindfulness could lead to new insights and practical steps to enhance counselor training and whole-person development.

Tailored videoconferencing counselling program to support family carers of people living with dementia during the transition to permanent residential care: a pilot and feasibility randomised trial

BackgroundDecisions surrounding the permanent residential care placement of people living with dementia can be stressful and distressing; however, providing access to targeted information and support prior to placement may help carers better cope. This mixed methods study aimed to test the feasibility, acceptability, and potential benefits of providing a tailored, individual counselling program (the Residential Care Transition Module), delivered via videoconferencing, to Australian family carers of a relative with dementia during the transition to permanent residential care.MethodsA total of 18 family carers were randomly allocated to receive either the counselling intervention (six sessions delivered over 12 weeks) or a check-in call, delivered by a trained Transition Counsellor. Both groups received help-sheets about residential care, coping with placement, and managing feelings. Carers completed online surveys about stress, guilt, anxiety, depression, grief, and support for caring at baseline and four months post-baseline. Carers were also invited to participate in semi-structured exit interviews, conducted after follow-up surveys were completed. Process data relating to recruitment, retention, intervention dose and delivery were collected via logs. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and repeated measures ANOVA. Qualitative data, relating to feasibility, acceptability, and perceived benefits of the program, were analysed using the ‘framework’ approach developed by the Medical Research Council to inform the process evaluation of complex interventions.ResultsQualitative findings indicated that delivery of the counselling program during the transition period was deemed by participants to be feasible and acceptable. Delivery via videoconferencing was deemed convenient and acceptable, with few technical issues. The skills and knowledge of the Transition Counsellor were perceived to be important mechanisms of impact. Though not statistically significant, promising quantitative findings were identified in terms of reduced carer stress and guilt and improved support for caring.ConclusionsDelivery of a tailored counselling program via videoconferencing to family carers of people living with dementia during the transition to residential care was feasible and acceptable. The program has the potential to improve transitional support to family carers.Trial registrationThis study was registered in the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12621001462875.

Smoking cessation counselling patterns in cancer patients - survey of Lebanese physicians.

Tobacco smoking is a known risk factor for cancer development and smoking cessation can lower this risk and improve outcomes in some cancer patients. Despite that, many cancer patients do not quit smoking after a cancer diagnosis, and smoking cessation counselling is still not routinely provided in cancer care. The aim of this study is to examine patterns in smoking cessation counselling to cancer patients by their treating physicians. A self-administered, web-based (mobile-friendly), anonymous questionnaire was developed on LimeSurvey and sent by e-mail to Lebanese physicians of different specialties between June 2020 and January 2022. Data were analysed using SPSS and associations between the different items were determined using the χ2 test. A total of 146 physicians filled out the questionnaire. Almost all physicians ask cancer patients about their smoking status, but only 45.9% provide smoking cessation counselling, and only 24% refer patients to smoking cessation counselling programs. Only 27.4% of all respondents have received formal smoking cessation training, and only 27.4% feel capable of providing smoking cessation counselling in their clinic. Specifically, family medicine physicians were more likely to provide smoking cessation counselling in the clinic (69%), more likely to refer patients to a smoking cessation counselling program (44%), and more likely to have received formal smoking cessation counselling training (67%) and more likely to feel capable of providing smoking cessation counselling (93%). Lack of training, lack of knowledge of available programs and the lack of availability of enough programs are leading obstacles contributing to low rates of smoking cessation counselling in cancer patients as reported by the physicians. Our data reveals a deficiency in smoking cessation counselling and referral of cancer patients to smoking cessation counselling programs in our region. This highlights the need for dedicated smoking cessation counselling training for practicing physicians and physicians in training.

Leadership development in genetic counseling graduate programs.

Leadership is emerging as an important component of health professional training. This study aimed to characterize current leadership development in accredited genetic counseling programs. Semi-structured interviews with program leadership were conducted to explore their program's leadership curricula and their perspectives on the meaning of leadership and its place in genetic counseling training. Eleven interviews were conducted and focused on seven categories related to study goals. Using the Framework Method, themes were generated within the predefined categories. Categories and themes included Defining Leadership (Positional vs Non-positional, Beliefs about Leadership, Role of Leadership in the Field of Genetic Counseling), Leadership Curricula Origin and Delivery (Course-based and Longitudinal, Explicit vs. Implicit, Origin of Material), Role of Faculty and Students (Role of Faculty, Expectations for Students and Qualities of Students), Skills, Evaluation, Priority (Potential for Improvement, Barriers and Facilitators), and Standards (Current Incorporation, Potential Incorporation). All programs had some form of leadership development, but many participants lacked a personal or program definition of leadership. Leadership development varied in curricula and delivery, but most were longitudinal and faculty-driven, with communication, teaching, advocacy, and collaboration as commonly taught skills. However, leadership development opportunities were rarely labeled as such, and participants identified labeling current leadership development as the top area for improvement. Labeling leadership development could improve assessment of current efforts and the ability to address gaps in leadership curricula. This would lay the foundation for necessary intentional leadership development, in turn helping us better advocate for our patients and the profession.

On the Potential of Prevention Counselors in the Primary Care Setting: Evaluation Study of an Intervention in the State of Brandenburg (Germany)

The study investigates the extent to which medical assistants can support primary prevention measures in family practices as prevention advisors. Between July 2019 and December 2020, preventive measures were implemented by trained prevention counselors in general practitioners' practices in a rural region in Brandenburg. They consisted of longer-term support for individuals in lifestyle changes in the areas of "nutrition", "exercise" and "relaxation". The accompanying process and outcome evaluation included pre-post comparisons of selected medical parameters as well as the investigation of possible changes in health literacy and health-related quality of life using standardized questionnaires (HeiQ-Core, SF-12v2). Furthermore, thematic analyses of training documents, participant surveys using a questionnaire, two focus groups with prevention counselors, and five interviews with study participants were conducted. Four primary care practices and two health care facilities were recruited and seven health care workers were trained as prevention counselors. Thirty-eight individuals were enrolled in the prevention program. Although overall counseling sessions were conducted according to training specifications, various individual as well as structural barriers ensured low uptake of the intervention. The extent to which preventive measures adapted to the individual can be successfully established in primary care practices with the help of health care workers trained as prevention counselors depends strongly on the respective practice structures as well as the patient clientele. Temporal integration and coordination of the activities of prevention advisors in the daily practice routine seems to be likely to lead to success in interventions of the kind evaluated here.

Japan-Multimodal Intervention Trial for the Prevention of Dementia: A randomized controlled trial.

We examined the efficacy of a multidomain intervention in preventing cognitive decline among Japanese older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Participants aged 65-85 years with MCI were randomized into intervention (management of vascular risk factors, exercise, nutritional counseling, and cognitive training) and control groups. The primary outcome was changes in the cognitive composite score over a period of 18 months. Of 531 participants, 406 completed the trial. The between-group difference in composite score changes was 0.047 (95% CI: -0.029 to 0.124). Secondary analyses indicated positive impacts of interventions on several secondary health outcomes. The interventions appeared to be particularly effective for individuals with high attendance during exercise sessions and those with the apolipoprotein E ε4 allele and elevated plasma glial fibrillary acidic protein levels. The multidomain intervention showed no efficacy in preventing cognitive decline. Further research on more efficient strategies and suitable target populations is required. This trial evaluated the efficacy of multidomain intervention in individuals with MCI. The trial did not show a significant difference in preplanned cognitive outcomes. Interventions had positive effects on a wide range of secondary health outcomes. Those with adequate adherence or high risk of dementia benefited from interventions.

Item Response Theory Analysis and Measurement Invariance Testing of the Cultural Humility and Enactment Scale

Objective This study aimed to validate the Cultural Humility and Enactment Scale (CHES) through (a) examining its factor structure with multiple samples; (b) employing item response theory (IRT) analysis to examine its item-level characteristics; (c) reducing potential redundancies among items; and (d) conducting measurement invariance (MI) testing. Method The sample included a total of 610 individuals with diverse demographic backgrounds recruited from Mturk. Analyses included exploratory factor analysis (EFA), IRT analysis, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and multi-group CFA. Results We replicated the three-factor structure and retained the 21-item CHES (CHES-21), which showed equivalent information coverage and superior model fit compared to the original 29-item version. We also obtained evidence for MI of the CHES-21 between White and nonwhite clients and between male and non-male clients. Conclusion Evidencing reliability and validity with a sample of adult clients, the CHES-21 can be effectively incorporated into counseling practice and counselor training.

In case you haven'n heard…

The impact of disasters on substance use disorder (SUD) programs and services was highlighted in a recent policy brief from the National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors (NASADAD). In the brief, NASADAD noted that changes to the federal Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act need to consider SUDs. The statute should include support for individuals struggling with SUDs in the aftermath of disasters. The proposed legislation, known as the Addressing Addiction After Disasters Act (H.R. 5623 or the AAAD Act), is led by Representatives Becca Balint (D‐VT‐at large), Doug LaMalfa (R‐CA), and Jill Tokuda (D‐HI). The AAAD Act would help bolster intentional awareness, planning, and action regarding issues specific to SUDs within the confines of the short‐term approach of the Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. For the brief, go to https://nasadad.org/2024/03/policy‐brief‐highlights‐disasters‐and‐substance‐use‐implications‐for‐changes‐to‐the‐federal‐robert‐t‐stafford‐act‐updated/

The impact of cohort relationships on BIPOC genetic counseling students: Results from a longitudinal qualitative study.

The transition to graduate school is marked by stress, with academic demands and interpersonal interactions being primary concerns for genetic counseling students. For Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) graduate students, additional stressors caused by the "minority tax" and microaggressions impact their sense of belonging and inclusion. This prospective longitudinal study employed a constructivist grounded theory approach to investigate the experiences of first-year BIPOC genetic counseling students as they transitioned into the first year of their graduate training. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 26 first-year genetic counseling students at three key time points during their first year and analyzed them using reflexive thematic analysis. Here, we report themes related to stressors when transitioning into the genetic counseling training environment, the role of relationships as a source of support in navigating these challenges, and the impact of cohort dynamics on the training experience. Stressors included managing academic rigor and time demands, navigating microaggressions, reactions to discussions about diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ), and managing mental health. Peer relationships emerge as pivotal source of support, but challenging dynamics within the cohort negatively impacted participants, highlighting the importance of fostering an inclusive training environment. Since programs have less control over the composition of each cohort with the advent of the Match system in 2018, we recommend the use of community-building and debriefing activities to strengthen healthy relationships and address problematic dynamics. We recommend that training programs be proactive in creating mentoring relationships between faculty and students rather than waiting until students ask for help. Ultimately, we advocate for a holistic approach to genetic counseling training that maintains academic rigor but also prioritizes the creation of supportive, inclusive, and culturally sensitive learning environments for all students.

Evaluation of smoking cessation counseling practices of physicians working in primary health care institutions.

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the self-reported practice of physicians working in primary health care institutions in Elazığ Province about smoking cessation counseling. The population of this cross-sectional study consisted of 262 physicians working in primary health care institutions in Elazığ. We aimed to reach the entire population without using the sample selection method and we successfully reached 95.42% (250 people) of the population. A questionnaire form was used for data collection. The data obtained were evaluated by frequency, percentage, mean ± standard deviation, median and minimum-maximum, and binary logistic regression analysis. The mean age of the physicians was 40.86 ± 10.58 years and 68.0% of them were male. Among them, 30.4% (n = 76) were current smokers, 17.6% (n = 44) were former smokers and 52.0% (n = 130) were never smokers. The physicians' frequency of applying the steps of smoking cessation counseling was as follows: 38.8% "Ask", 81.6% "Advice", 68.4% "Assess", 66.8% "Assist", 31.2% "Arrange". Additionally, 16.0% of the physicians received smoking cessation counseling training. Those who had not smoked at least 100 cigarettes in their life applied the "Advice" (p = 0.026) step more frequently. Those who received smoking cessation counseling training applied the following steps more frequently: "Ask" (p = 0.024), "Assist" (p = 0.025), and "Arrange" (p = 0.001). It is seen that the smoking frequency of primary care physicians in Elazığ Province is the same as that of the general population, and the frequency of smoking cessation counseling is far behind the target. Physician population is an important target group that should not be ignored in the fight against smoking. In order to increase the frequency of physicians' smoking cessation counseling practice, there is a need to increase the number of physicians who receive smoking cessation counseling training.

Личностно обусловленный контент доброты в контексте межличностных интеракций

The relevance of the research is due to the fact that in the modern technogenic world, kindness requires special attention because of several reasons: first, kindness is a gift that contributes to the preservation of the humane in a human; second, it resists the devaluation and depersonalization of human individuality; third, it unites people on the basis of deep spiritual values; and finally, kindness helps people develop and improve themselves through the expansion of social ties and activation of prosocial behaviors. The objective of the research is to identify how kindness in interpersonal relationships is specific to a person depending on its dominant mode. Hypothesis: the subjective experience of receiving and showing kindness in interpersonal interactions determines its content and the specifics of verbal referents. Participants: students (N = 75) of Saratov State University (Saratov) aged between 20 and 22 years (M=21.48; SD=1.12), 83% female. Methods (tools): prototypical methodology for describing the structure of the social concept of kindness (P. Verges); semantic differential technique to characterize the semantic space of the construct “kind person” (Ch. Osgood); methodology of kindness modes to determine its dominant mode (D. E. Youngs, M. A. Yaneva & D. V. Canter); self-actualization test for the diagnosis of the self-actualization index (E. Shostrom adapted by A. Jones, R. Crandall); behavioral activity questionnaire to determine its type (L. I. Wasserman and N. V. Gumenyuk). Results: the research reveals the structure of the social concept of kindness, constructs the semantic space of the concept “kind person”, identifies the three groups that differ in relation to themselves and Others, in relation to the modes of kindness, ideas of kindness, behavioral patterns and the specifics of verbal referents. Conclusions. The research has worked out the invariant meaning of the concept of good and kindness in different languages; the study has emphasized intersubjective (caring for the Other) and intrasubjective (caring for oneself) psychological orientations of kindness, which are associated with the responsibility of the individual for the present and future of their own and of the Other’s; the research has identified the tendency to understand kindness one-sidedly reducing it to a helping behavior and identifying it with the proper care of the Other; the study has established that the subjective experience of receiving and showing kindness in interpersonal interactions determines the type of the kindness mode and the specifics of verbal referents. Practical significance. The results of the study can be used in counseling and psychological training.

The effectiveness of psychiatric genetic counseling training: An analysis of 13 international workshops.

Studies have consistently shown that psychiatric genetic counseling (pGC) helps people with psychiatric conditions by increasing empowerment and self-efficacy, and addressing emotions like guilt. Yet, it is not routinely provided. Genetic counselors and trainees express low confidence in their ability to provide meaningful pGC, especially in the absence of adequate training. Therefore, to address this gap a "Psychiatric Genetic Counseling for Genetic Counselors" (PG4GC) workshop was developed and delivered to 13 groups of participants (primarily qualified genetic counselors and trainees) between 2015 and 2023 (10 workshops were delivered in-person, and three virtually). Participants completed quantitative questionnaires both before and after completing the workshop to assess their comfort, knowledge, behavior, and feeling of being equipped to provide pGC. In total, 232 individuals completed the pre-workshop questionnaire and 154 completed the post-workshop questionnaire. Participants felt more comfortable, knowledgeable, and equipped to provide pGC, and reported being more likely to address psychiatric concerns after the workshop, regardless of whether they were trainees or practicing professionals and whether they completed the workshop in-person or virtually. This study suggests that the PG4GC workshop is an effective educational tool in pGC training that may aid in broader implementation of the service.

Impacts of NEP 2020 on Vocational Education and Emerging role of counsellors

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in India has brought about significant reforms aimed at transforming the educational landscape, particularly in the realm of vocational education. This paper provides an in-depth analysis of the impact of NEP 2020 on vocational education and the emerging roles of counsellors within this context. NEP 2020 emphasizes the integration of vocational education into mainstream curriculum from the secondary level onwards, aiming to equip students with practical skills and job-oriented training. This shift necessitates a revaluation of the role of counsellors, who are now tasked with guiding students towards diverse career paths and facilitating their transition into the workforce. Additionally, NEP 2020 underscores the importance of providing holistic support to students, including psychometric assessments, career guidance, and skill development. The paper examines the challenges and opportunities presented by NEP 2020 in implementing vocational education initiatives and highlights the crucial role of counsellors in supporting students' career aspirations and personal development. Furthermore, it discusses the need for counsellor training programs to adapt to the changing educational landscape and equip counsellors with the skills and knowledge required to effectively fulfil their emerging roles. Overall, this paper provides valuable insights into the transformative potential of NEP 2020 in shaping vocational education and the evolving responsibilities of counsellors in guiding students towards success in the dynamic job market of the 21st century.

Further defining the roles and impact of genetic counselors in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry.

As personalized medicine has gained traction, drug development models in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry (BPI) have increasingly sought to address medical conditions with a genetic component, creating an opportunity for genetic counselors (GCs) to fill new roles and utilize their unique training to contribute to drug development. Despite the potential for GCs in BPI, literature around the role of GCs in this industry has been limited. Our mixed methods study aimed to assess how the roles of GCs in BPI have evolved since 2016, investigate the value of and opportunity for GCs in this industry, and further characterize their motivation and job satisfaction. Participants were recruited via social media advertising, snowball sampling, and email listservs from the National Society of Genetic Counseling (NSGC), the Canadian Association of Genetic Counselors (CAGC), and the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC). Survey (n = 20) and interview (n = 6) data indicates many aspects of GC roles in BPI are consistent with the 2016 study. However, there is evidence of roles becoming more varied and with increasing recognition of the value of GCs, opportunities for involvement in BPI are growing. Furthermore, combined study data found that GCs are motivated by the flexibility of BPI roles as well as the opportunity to contribute to rare disease treatment development and that they are overall satisfied with most aspects of their jobs. Interview data also found that genetic counseling training has the potential to improve clinical trial design and outcomes by making drug development more patient-centric. Finally, combined study data found that while GCs continue to utilize Accreditation Council of Genetic Counseling (ACGC) practice-based competencies (PBCs), business-related training may benefit GCs seeking to enter BPI. Together, these findings are critical for informing genetic counseling training programs, employers within BPI, and GCs interested in entering these positions.

Responding well to Spiritual Abuse: practice implications for counselling and psychotherapy

ABSTRACT This paper presents the findings of a survey exploring people's understandings and experiences of Spiritual Abuse (SA) in a Christian faith context. The online survey was completed by 1591 individuals from the UK, 1002 of whom identified as having experienced SA. Inclusion criteria were: membership of the Christian faith, being or having been, a Church attender or member of a Christian organisation and having heard of the term SA. Participants detailed features of an effective response to disclosures of SA, many of these are directly relevant to counselling and psychotherapy practice. The findings echo calls in previous research for including discussions of religion and faith in training and CPD for counsellors and psychotherapists. Finally, the paper suggests the establishment of a network of counsellors with training and knowledge about SA.

“At the End of the Day it’s Their choice”: An Exploratory Qualitative Study of Pregnancy Options Counseling

ABSTRACT This study’s purpose was to explore the current models and approaches of pregnancy options counseling across three types of agency settings in a Northeastern state. Additionally, this study aimed to determine if individuals who receive pregnancy options counseling obtained medically factual, non-directive, and non-biased information needed to make informed decisions related to their pregnancy decisions. Using qualitative research methodology, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 participants across three different agency settings in one state in the Northeastern United States. Results indicated agencies shared a definition of pregnancy options counseling. Outcomes also suggest agency type impacted how pregnancy options counseling was delivered, as variations were found in education provided to patients. Lastly, the interviews imply no standardized model or training for pregnancy options counselors is currently being used.