Need For Counselors Research Articles

Counselors’ theoretical orientations and competencies in counseling women

AbstractThe current study examined the relationship between theoretical orientations and competencies in counseling women among professional counselors. Counselors currently meeting clients were recruited from professional counseling organizations, and the responses from 265 counselors were analyzed using structural equation models. Results indicated that a stronger psychoanalytic orientation predicted lesser competencies in counseling women, while stronger humanistic, feminist, and multicultural orientations predicted higher competencies in counseling women. The study highlights the need for counselors to integrate theoretical orientations with social justice perspectives to better serve women.

Career Counseling and Wellness: Recommendations for School Counseling Practice

Amid the escalating concern about students’ mental health and overall well-being within the K–12 educational settings, the role of the school counselor has prompted the examination of fostering positive outcomes. Research has indicated that challenges to students’ mental well-being lead to adverse consequences impeding students’ long-term growth, impacting college and career readiness. Thus, addressing these challenges is crucial for long-term student wellness and success. With the increasing complexities faced by students today, there is a pressing need for school counselors to equip themselves with tools to effectively promote child and adolescent well-being and career readiness. This article emphasizes how intentional and well-implemented programs within a comprehensive school counseling program can cultivate students’ career readiness while fostering positive mental health. By highlighting the importance of college and career literature, this article outlines a method for implementing interventions for mental wellness and optimizing student/human functioning. School counselors are uniquely positioned to provide such services and interventions to support the well-being of students, and this article outlines recommendations for implementation to enhance comprehensive school counseling programs.

Counselling needs of secondary school students during the post-COVID-19 period

This study investigates the counselling needs of secondary school students as they face challenges in the post-pandemic era. It examines six domains of counselling needs: personal development, academic, family, emotional, peer relationships, and career development. A sample of 400 students from four secondary schools was selected using a cluster sampling technique. The study, which employed the quantitative research method, utilised the Secondary School Students' Counselling Needs Assessment Instrument to gather data from the respondents. The analysis revealed a significant gap between students' desired and current needs across all six counselling domains, with personal development emerging as the most required by the students, followed by academic, emotional, career development, peer relationships, and family needs. The study also investigated gender differences in counselling needs, showing that while both male and female students share similar patterns of counselling needs, female students have shown larger gap scores, which indicate gender-specific counselling needs that school counsellors must recognise and address in their intervention strategies. The research findings emphasise the need for school counsellors to develop tailored intervention programmes that specifically address the highlighted needs, providing students with necessary support as they navigate the evolving educational landscape of the post-pandemic era. The study highlights the vital role of responsive counselling services in promoting students' well-being and academic success, ensuring they are equipped to adapt to the new educational and social challenges they face.

Addressing social determinants of mental health through cognitive behavioral therapy

AbstractCognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a widely studied and implemented means of counseling. Researchers have emphasized the need for counselors to consider wider contextual factors that affect clients in their use of CBT, including the social determinants of mental health (SDMH). We conducted a concurrent nested mixed methods study to better understand the outcomes of a 3‐month CBT‐based SDMH training program for N = 8 professional counselors. We implemented a quasi‐experimental quantitative design and a phenomenological qualitative design. Results of Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests indicate statistically significant increases in participants’ SDMH and multicultural competence following completion of the training program. Thematic analysis findings suggest practical steps participants intend to take to address SDMH in their CBT practice with clients, including use of universal assessment tools and engagement in further training. Implications for counseling practice conclude.

Prolonged grief and career adaptability of university students through meaning making and coping styles

AbstractIn this study, the relationship between prolonged grief and career adaptability was examined. Specifically, it was predicted that the relationship would be mediated by meaning making and coping styles. The total sample consisted of 120 university students who have experienced at least one death of significant others that happened more than 6 months ago. Results showed that the direct paths between prolonged grief and career adaptability were insignificant, but through meaning making’s mediation, the indirect paths were all significant. The findings indicate that prolonged grief can affect career development. Therefore, there is a need for counselors to promote meaning making and the use of problem-focused coping to support the career development of individuals with prolonged grief symptoms.

Counsellors' verbal behaviours and skills that elicit participants' change or sustain talk in virtual motivational interviewing for physical activity among older adults.

Exploring the influence of counsellors' verbal behaviours on participants' utterances in virtual motivational interviewing (MI) could broaden our understanding of how MI works. This study aims to determine counsellors' behaviours that are more or less likely than chance to elicit participants' change talk and sustain talk during a virtual MI intervention to promote physical activity among older adults. A sequential analysis was used to examine the transitional probability between the counsellors' and participants' behaviours. Thirty-five MI sessions were analysed from the virtual motivational interviewing (VIMINT) trial. MI-consistent behaviours (MICO) were significantly more likely than chance to be followed by change talk, sustain talk and follow/neutral talk. MI-inconsistent behaviours (MIIN) were more likely than chance to be followed by change talk, and 'other' counsellors' behaviours were more likely than chance to be followed by change talk and follow/neutral talk. In conclusion, all three types of counsellors' behaviours elicited change talk. This study re-emphasizes the link between MICO, change and sustain talk. The influence of MIIN and 'other' behaviours on change talk needs to be explored further. This study has implications for MI training and the need for counsellors to continuously develop skills or behaviours consistent with MI principles.

Enhancing the Counseling Process: The Significance of Counselor's Personality Traits

This paper examines the significance of counselor's personal qualities in the counseling process. The research highlights the impact of counselor's personality on counseling attitudes and behaviors, emphasizing the counselor's role in establishing a strong counseling relationship. The study draws on a literature review of selected articles and scientific papers to explore the relationship between counselor's personal qualities and the effectiveness of counseling services. The findings indicate that the success of the counseling process is highly dependent on the counselor's personal characteristics, which include empathy, respect, acceptance, appreciation, and honesty. Furthermore, the quality of the counseling relationship, characterized by the interaction between the counselor and the individual seeking guidance, plays a pivotal role in achieving positive counseling outcomes. The research underscores the importance of counselor's personal qualities in shaping the counseling experience and highlights the need for counselors to possess desirable character traits. The implications of this study extend to counselor training programs and professional development, emphasizing the significance of nurturing and enhancing counselor's personal qualities to provide effective counseling services.

Career Adaptability of Students at Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City

This study elucidates the career adaptability of students at Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM), through the analysis of survey data consisting of 380 samples collected in 2023. The data was gathered using a combination of quota sampling and convenience sampling methods. The theoretical foundation of this research is based on Savickas’ (2005) model of career adaptability [1]. The data analysis methods employed include descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis, reliability testing using Cronbach’s Alpha, One-way ANOVA, and T-Test, all conducted using SPSS software. The study focuses on third-year students and above, from six member schools of VNU-HCM. The results indicate that VNU-HCM students scored highest on future orientation and lowest on confidence. Among the 23 indicators of career adaptability, the highest average scores were observed in the areas of personal responsibility, concern for future careers, and the acquisition of new skills. Conversely, the indicators with the lowest average scores included planning to achieve goals, confidence in overcoming life's obstacles, and confidence in problem-solving. To enhance the career adaptability of VNU-HCM students, the study emphasizes the need for educators, counselors, and policymakers to support students in career planning; building self-esteem; enhancing decision-making skills; and fostering optimism. Additionally, there should be increased support for building student confidence to overcome obstacles and solve problems. Attention should also be given to differences in career adaptability among students of different majors, academic performance levels, and the positive, significant impact of part-time work on enhancing career adaptability for VNU-HCM students.

Career counselor's training needs in the context of lifelong career guidance policies

The paper discusses the concept of lifelong career guidance as a modern trend brought about by technological advancements and changes in the world of professions. The realization of this concept is linked to the role of career counselors in assisting modern people in making choices and being aware of their ability to cope with economic, social, and other challenges. The findings of two studies on the training needs of career counselors in Bulgaria and other EU countries are briefly described. Based on the research findings, conclusions are drawn about the need for counselors to obtain ongoing training aimed at improving social-emotional competence, working with digital resources, and networking skills.

Exploring the Mediating Role of Fear of Intimacy in the Interplay of Partner Rejection and Marital Satisfaction among Married Women

The study investigated the association between intimate partner rejection and marital satisfaction in a sample of 250 married women (M = 32.38, SD = 3.73; age range: 25-45). This research made use of the Intimate Adult Relationship Questionnaire (IARQ), the Couple Satisfaction Index (CSI), and the Fear of Intimacy Scale (FIS). A correlation between couple rejection, fear of intimacy, and marital satisfaction was hypothesized. Findings suggested a significant positive association between partner rejection and fear of intimacy and a significant negative correlation between partner rejection and marital satisfaction. The mediating effect of fear in intimate relationships, or the correlation between partner rejection and marital pleasure, has been shown via structural equation modelling (SEM). Findings emphasized the link between marital satisfaction, intimacy, and the partner’s rejection. The research points to the need for counsellors to address intimacy fears and strengthen relationships via the use of individualized strategies and focused communication treatments.

‘I guess the ending is the price you pay’. Working at relational depth in a seven‐session model: The impact of regular planned endings on counsellors

AbstractBackgroundEvidence suggests that the quality of the therapeutic relationship impacts the outcome of therapy, with the ending phase having the potential to elicit painful and difficult emotions. There is limited research on this phase of the therapeutic relationship.AimsThe study aimed to explore the lived experiences of counsellors when ending with clients in short‐term planned settings those relationships in which they have worked at relational depth.MethodInterpretative phenomenological analysis was used to evaluate the counsellors' lived experiences of ending therapeutic relationships. Online semi‐structured interviews took place with six trainee and qualified counsellors who volunteered as counsellors for a local charity.FindingsThree main themes were identified during the study—impact of ending, impact of short‐term work and professional issues. Findings indicated that working at relational depth in short‐term counselling could elicit unprocessed powerful emotions within the ending phase of therapy.LimitationsA small sample size limits the wider application of these findings.ImplicationsFurther guidance and support are needed for trainee and qualified practitioners in the management and experience of ending counselling relationships within short‐term work, including the exploration of counsellors' self‐disclosure. Implications for practice include the need for supervisors and counsellors to be proactive in managing reflective practice within supervision, supervisors recognising and challenging supervisees' non‐disclosure and counsellors looking at further ways for self‐reflection on endings in counselling relationships.ConclusionThe ending phase for counsellors working at relational depth within a seven‐session model can elicit powerful emotions, positive experiences and challenges.

Help-Seeking: A Qualitative Study of Help-Seeking Behaviours of Students in Public Secondary Schools in Northeast Nigeria

Researchers from Western countries have studied how adolescents seek help, displaying that many young people are apathetic towards seeking professional counselling. However, using Western samples to highlight the common help-seeking behaviours (HSBs) of adolescents has significantly created a gap in the literature amongst members of indigenous communities in Northeast Nigeria. The literature is yet to understand the dynamics that help promote the HSBs of learners in public secondary schools in the community. Differently, previous studies have been delimited to learners as samples, thus discounting validations by school counsellors and managers. This study employed the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) technique for twenty-four student samples and in-depth interviews with four teacher-counsellors and four in-school administrators to explore the phenomenon of study in a real-world context. Using NVivo 10 software to analyse participants’ data corpus, the study has generated five emergent themes, namely: (i) Responsibility; (ii) Communalism; (iii) Value and belief norms; (iv) Counselling management in schools, and (v) Multicultural biases. As recommendations, the study suggests the need for counsellors to be multiculturally versatile—be aware of cultural interfaces and implications on counselling relationships as much as build linkages—advocacies, collaborations via the school Parents Teacher Association (PTA) and honour confidentiality in counselling.

How do Students of Educational Counseling Perceive the Role of Guidance and Counseling in Enhancing their Motivation and Engagement at School?

Guidance and counselling program play a significant role in school settings, boosting an individual's future success. The study recognizes the importance of guidance and counselling in transforming pupils by helping them learn what needs to be learned in and outside school. The purpose of the paper is on guidance and counselling and their role in the success of the child's future. The study recognizes that counselling in schools is a transformative process that aids people in learning all they want to apprehend in and out of school. The study's design and methodology approach is qualitative and quantitative since it is an opinion and insight paper. The findings from this research are that there is a need for counsellors within the school setting to promote guidance and counselling programs to build confidence in a pupil by providing the right information needed to help the child. Similarly, the paper acknowledges that the counsellors within the school setting must build confidence in a pupil to give the right. The practical implications show that the guidance and counselling personnel should encourage their pupils to undergo therapy sessions to attain success in the future. The relevance and value of this research idea with the guidance and counselling programs' role in effective learning. Similarly, the paper deals with the role of guidance and counselling in effective teaching in schools for pupils' future success.

The Achieving Success Everyday (ASE) Group Counseling Model Applied in Rural Schools: Implications for Future School Counselor Training and Practice

ABSTRACTThere is a critical need for school counselors to understand and support the unique needs of students in rural settings. The school counseling literature around rural school counseling is underdeveloped. In this training article, we describe a partnership between school counselor educators at two different universities to improve school counseling group leadership practice in rural schools using a small group counseling intervention. We include strategies used to prepare school counselors to implement the Achieving Success Everyday (ASE) group counseling model with elementary students in a rural Appalachian community as a training framework. Implications for group leadership training and practice are provided.

Addressing social determinants of health: Supporting ex‐offenders’ employment through use of the Systems Theory Framework

AbstractThere remains a need for counselors well‐prepared to work with ex‐offenders. As counselors aim to meet ethical obligations toward advocacy, they often seek to address social determinants of health (SDOH) challenges. Those working with ex‐offenders should be aware of unique employment challenges ex‐offenders may face and possess a baseline knowledge of the justice system for pertinent collaboration. This paper provides an explanation of how the Systems Theory Framework may be used to address ex‐offenders’ employment‐related needs through addressing SDOH challenges and collaborating with the justice system. Implications for employment counselors, counselor educators, and supervisors and steps for future research conclude.

The relationship between Black racial identity, military identity, and postdeployment reintegration of Black male veterans

AbstractGiven the increasing rate of military service members who experience mental health issues during reintegration into civilian culture, the need for counselors who specialize in postdeployment reintegration practices for Black men persists. Moreover, a nuanced approach to understanding how best to provide culturally competent support in therapeutic contexts for Black male veterans, a psychologically vulnerable population due to historical experiences of oppression and discrimination, is worthy of additional consideration. This study explored the impact of Black U.S. men's (N = 94) racial and military identities on postdeployment reintegration. Results indicated a significant predictive relationship between Black racial identity, military identity, and postdeployment reintegration. Practical implications and directions for future research are discussed.

The Impact of Cyberbullying Victimization on Academic Satisfaction among Sexual Minority College Students: The Indirect Effect of Flourishing.

This study examines the association between cyberbullying victimization and academic satisfaction through flourishing (psychological well-being) among 188 LGBTQ college students utilizing the lens of general strain theory and positive psychology. Results indicate that flourishing as a mediator explains the association between cyberbullying victimization and academic satisfaction among LGBTQ college students. For these students, flourishing can serve as a protective factor for their academic satisfaction. This finding highlights the need for college counselors, faculty, and administrators to foster psychological well-being among cyberbullied LGBTQ college students. Practice implications will guide the development of a campus-wide cyberbullying intervention for these students.

The Effects of the Student Success Skills Program on Academic Achievement and Social-Emotional Skills and Competence: A Meta-Analysis

ABSTRACT The rise of student mental health and behavioral issues increases the need for school counselors to identify effective interventions to maximize their direct services. This study investigated the effect of the Student Success Skills classroom and small group program on student affective (g = .55), behavioral (g = .20), and cognitive (g = .21) outcomes. Using the mean posttest scores for the treatment and comparison groups, the results revealed g = .37 for 13 studies conducted between 2005 and 2022. These findings indicate that students who received the SSS interventions experienced better outcomes than those who did not. Implications for practitioners and recommendations for future research are discussed.

The genetic landscape of inherited retinal dystrophies in Arabs

Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) are a major cause of vision loss. Altogether are highly heterogeneous genotypically and phenotypically, exhibiting substantial differences worldwide. To shed more light on these conditions, we investigated the genetic and phenotypic landscape of IRDs in the Arabs globally and per country.We analyzed 1,621 affected individuals from 16 Arabic countries reported in 198 articles. At the phenotypic level, rod-cone dystrophy (RCD) and Usher syndrome were the most prevalent conditions among non-syndromic and syndromic IRDs. At the gene level, TULP1, ABCA4, RP1, CRB1, MYO7A, RPE65, KCNV2, and IMPG2 were the most mutated genes. Interestingly, all except CRB1 were highly prevalent because they harbored founder mutations, implying that consanguinity is a major determinant in Arab countries. Of note, ~ 93% of the investigated individuals carried homozygous mutations. The country analysis for the IRDs conditions and their associated genotypes revealed that whereas Leber Congenital Amaurosis, RCD, and USHER syndrome were widely distributed, bestrophinopathies and non-syndromic hearing loss were restricted to specific countries (till now).This study could be a starting point for initiating suitable health policies towards IRDs in the Arab world. The high degree of homozygosity urges the need for genetic counsellors to provide personalized information and support the affected individuals.

Continual Evolution in Evidence-Based School Counseling: Proceedings From the 2022 Conference

Evidence-based school counseling (EBSC)—and any useful way of organizing or thinking about professional practice—is constantly shaped by and in relationship with social and historical contexts. We are in a time of rapid cultural and educational upheaval, with ongoing calls for impactful systems-level social justice and antiracist school counseling (Holcomb-McCoy, 2022; Stickl Haugen, et al., 2022), with a youth mental health crisis (Office of the Surgeon General, 2021), and with a dire need for more school counselors in most parts of the country (Prothero, & Riser-Kositsky, 2022). How can EBSC continue to evolve to be most relevant and useful in these times? This special edition of Professional School Counselor, which consists of articles derived from the 2022 Evidence-based School Counseling Conference (EBSCC, ebscc.org), answers this question.