Thursday, February 28, 2013

Research Participation Request


Good Day,
My name is Karen Decker, and I am a doctoral student in the Counselor Education and Supervision Program at Capella University. I am currently working on my dissertation under the advisement of my Dissertation Mentor, Dr. Amie Manis.  My research study is intended to examine if relationships exist between social justice advocacy training, counselor competence in social justice advocacy and likelihood to advocate of counselor educators and counselor trainees who are in the Practicum and Internship phase of their training in CACREP accredited Master’s level counselor education programs. I am recruiting individuals to participate in a survey that will take approximately 20-25 minutes to complete.

Your participation in this study is completely voluntary. In order to participate, you must either be a counselor educator in a CACREP accredited counseling program or a counselor trainee in the Practicum and Internship phase of your training in a CACREP accredited counseling program. Participants will remain confidential.  No identifying information about the participant, the program or the school will be collected. Researchers will be blind to this information as will program directors.

Although participants will be able to remain anonymous, those who choose to can enter their information into a drawing to win an Amazon gift card. A $100 Amazon gift card will be awarded through a random drawing of participants who choose to participate in the drawing. Drawing entry data will not be tied to survey responses to ensure anonymity of responses.

This study has been approved by the IRB at Capella University (IRB # 403586-1).
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at kdecker1@capellauniversity.edu or my mentor at Amie.Manis@capella.edu. If you would like to participate in this research study, please click on the link below or copy and paste it into your browser.


Thank you for your assistance.

Karen Decker

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

TAPTALK TITLE: Adlerian Survival in an Era of Evidenced Practice


CORRECTION: Thursday, Feb 28, 2013 9:00 PM EST to 10:00 PM EST

TAPTALK TITLE: Adlerian Survival in an Era of Evidenced Practice

PRESENTER:  Patricia Kyle, Associate Professor of Psychology, Southern Oregon University

DESCRIPTION:  Increasingly mental health professionals are being required to utilize Evidence Based Practices (EBP). This growing mandate is impacting our ability to incorporate Adlerian techniques in our counseling. Government agencies are focused on radically transforming mental health delivery, but currently EBP encompasses a narrow focus. Many efficacious counseling techniques are currently ignored by the state and federal agencies that review EBP. This is, especially, true pertaining to Adlerian counseling practices.

At this point in time there is only one Adlerian approach on the US Federal Register of Evidence Based Practices. EBP is affecting mental health delivery in Canada, as well. We, Adlerian mental health practitioners, must respond by advocating for, compiling and conducting research about Adlerian practices and submitting them for inclusion on EBP registers. This TAP Talk will focus on a “call to action”.

The outcomes for this TAP Talk are for Adlerians:

·       To discern the possibilities for Adlerian mental health practitioners to advocate for positive outcomes for EBP and to implement research efforts about Adlerian techniques.
·       To submit for review effective Adlerian techniques currently ignored in the EBP process.

Join us for this TapTalk at 9:00 PM (EST) on Thursday evening, February 28. (You'll have to figure out what time it is where you live for yourself.)
To join the TapTalk:
CALL: 1-641-798-4200
Guest Access Code:  4892130#

To join us, dial the number above on your phone and when asked, enter your Access Code - be sure to put the # at the end.  To receive Continuing Education Credit* for the TapTalk,download the attached form here,
 
 complete it and send it in with your payment of $5.00 (for members of NASAP) or $10.00 (for non-members).

This works for both telephone and also for Skype and probably for Google phone.  You do have some telephone charges as it is not a toll free number but it's probably going to be cheaper than gas if you had to go somewhere other than your home or office to participate.

NASAP is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. NASAP maintains responsibility for this program and its content. NASAP is also recognized by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) to offer continuing education for counselors.

For more information:
Contact: Jill Duba Sauerheber
Phone: 270-745-4799
Email: jillduba.sauerheber@wku.edu

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

JOB: American Red Cross Youth Program


JOB: Case Manager


Job: American Red Cross


FGCU CAPS: Graduate Assistantships


Graduate Assistantships
Counseling and Psychological Services
Florida Gulf Coast University

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides confidential personal and career counseling services for FGCU students. CAPS services include consultation and referral, psychiatric services, outreach programs, and career development programming. The Graduate Assistants work within a multi-disciplinary team that includes Health Services, Testing Services, Adaptive Services, and Prevention and Wellness Services.

We have graduate assistantships available for the academic year 2013-2014.  Graduate Assistant Clinicians provide a range of services, but focus on individual personal counseling.  Graduate clinicians will also provide career counseling, outreach presentations, and may co-lead counseling groups (when available), and will participate in individual and group supervision.  Graduate clinicians will also assist in the operation of counseling center, and other areas within student services as needed.  This placement is designed for advanced students only (final clinical placement).

Starting Date: Week of August 12, 2013.  There may be additional training expectations over the summer.

Position benefits:
  • Up to 8 credit hours of matriculation fee waiver per semester and a $1875 stipend per semester

Applicant Requirements:
  • Enrolled in a graduate counseling or social work program for the 2013-2014 academic year

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
·         Previous clinical internship with individual therapy experience.
·         Basic counseling skills with understanding of mental health treatment and assessment
  • Completion of career counseling theory and application course (for Mental Health Counseling applicants)
  • Completion of mental disorders or psychopathology course
  • Excellent communication and organizational skills
  • Ability to work with diverse clients in stressful situations
  • Ability to function within a counseling team

Preferred Qualifications:                
  • Experience in individual and/or group counseling and particular experience in two out of three of the following areas: career counseling, outreach programming (e.g. stress management, eating disorders, depression and suicide, basic counseling skills, career development), crisis intervention, and clinical intake.
  • Able to assist in research

Position Requirements:
  • Work 24 hours a week during semesters
  • Provide Intake, Career and Personal Counseling, Triage and Case Management services to FGCU students
  • Provide outreach programming in career development and other areas
  • Support all facets of CAPS operations (e.g. research and office support)
  • Receive clinical supervision (both individual and group)

Applying for GA Position:



Laura Wright, Ph.D.
Training Director
Florida Gulf Coast University CAPS
10501 FGCU Boulevard South
Fort Myers, FL 33965-6565
239-590-7950


Florida has a very broad public records law.  As a result, any written communication created or received by Florida Gulf Coast University employees is subject to disclosure to the public and the media, upon request, unless otherwise exempt.  Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records.  If you do not want your email address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity.  Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing.


Graduation Regalia


The book store is currently taking orders for cap & gowns for graduation through herff jones https://collegegrad.herffjones.com/capgown/product/2168939 for cap & gown rentals at a cost of $73.25.

Many of us, especially if going into high school school counseling, will need our cap, gown, and hoods for graduation each year. To purchase a cap, gown, and hood you have to go to the bookstore and ask for custom regalia. They will measure you for the fitting and you can choose the type of fabric you would like. The price for the gown is between $180 - $300 depending on the material selected. The hood will cost $126. Since it will take 6 to 8 weeks for the order to come in the bookstore manager said that this needs to be done by early next week. 

Florida Gulf Coast University offers a variety of scholarships


Florida Gulf Coast University Scholarship Application


Florida Gulf Coast University offers a variety of scholarships based on need, merit and other criteria.

Professional Development Opportunities through the ACCA 2013 Emerging Leader Grant!

Graduate Students and New Professionals - Gain Free Conference Registration and Professional Development Opportunities through the ACCA 2013 Emerging Leader Grant!

ACCA will be awarding 4 Emerging Leader grants to graduate students/new professionals for the 2013 ACCA Conference in New Orleans, LA, September 25-28, 2013. 

To Apply:  Submit a program proposal (includes poster sessions) via the online conference proposal system: http://newidiz.com/acca/index_working.php
 
. Proposals are due by April 1. Indicate in the drop down menus if you are a graduate student/new professional and if you wish to be considered for the award.

Masters Students: Presentations/poster sessions should reflect your clinical interests. You may be mentored by a faculty member or supervisor in the preparation and delivery of the presentation. Please contact Hannah Bayne at hannah.b.bayne@gmail.com if you would like to be connected with a member of ACCA to help prepare and submit a program proposal. 

Doctoral Students: Presentations/poster sessions must be based on your own research, empirical or theoretical. You must also be the primary presenter in order to be selected for the award.

New Professionals:  Presentations/poster sessions must be based on your own research and/or clinical practice. You must be the primary presenter in order to be selected for the award. 

Award winners will be provided with advanced registration to the ACCA conference. Emerging Leaders are expected to help staff the registration table at the conference and attend the ACCA breakfast and business meeting in addition to their accepted presentations. 

Feel free to contact Hannah Bayne if you have any questions about the process, or if you are a master's student and would like to be matched with a mentor for the proposal process.

Sincerely,

Hannah Bayne

Monday, February 25, 2013

Association for Humanistic Counseling 2013 National Conference


Association for Humanistic Counseling 
2013 National Conference 

Friday, June 7, 2013 and Saturday, June 8, 2013 
 
 of Technology

West 60th and 61st Streets on Broadway – Manhattan

New York, New York 10023

Please go to www.humanisticcounselor.com
 
 and click on the AHC Conference tab to view the Call for Proposals, Registration Form, and Hotel Information. Conference Proposals are Due February 28th.

Sunday, February 24, 2013

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA ADDICTION SERVICES Open Positions


  
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA ADDICTION SERVICES

3763 Evans Avenue, Fort Myers, FL 33901

www.swfas.org

OPEN POSITIONS

February 22, 2013

ADULT OUTPATIENT CLINICIAN
P/T position in Fort Myers.  Schedule will be Tuesdays from 6pm – 7:30pm in San Carlos Park.
Minimum Requirements:  Bachelors in Mental Health Counseling or Social Work field (CAP or Masters preferred).  A minimum of one year behavioral health experience required.  Must be co-occurring capable with expertise in substance abuse.  Knowledge of Department of Children and Families, CARF, probation and court referrals a plus.  Must be able to work independently and efficiently.  Good communications skills required.  Bi-lingual preferred. 
Main Duties include: Provide one ninety minute group per week in San Carlos Park to patients who may be referred by Department of Corrections, Misdemeanor Probation, Safety Council or the Department of Children and Families in Lee County.  Progress notes, treatment plans, monthly progress reports and significant additional paperwork required.  Must be able to work in fast paced environment and ensure compliance with CARF, Medicaid, Department of Children and Families and Department of Corrections documentation.
Starting salary:  $80.00 per group
Posting Deadline: This posting will remain open until March 1, 2013

OUTPATIENT CLINICIAN/JUVENILE DRUG COURT CASE MANAGER
F/T position for Cape Coral and Fort Myers locations.  Must be flexible with hours. Some late afternoons and evenings a must as some patients are school age.
Minimum Requirements:  Bachelors in Mental Health Counseling or Social Work field (CAP or Masters preferred).  A minimum of one year behavioral health experience required.  Must be co-occurring capable with expertise in substance abuse.  Knowledge of Department of Children and Families, CARF, probation and court referrals a plus.  Must be able to work independently and efficiently.  Good communications skills required.  Bi-lingual preferred. 
Main Duties include: Facilitate adolescent and adult outpatient groups including individual treatment plan and reviews as well as completing adolescent and adult assessments.  Progress notes, treatment plans, monthly progress reports and significant additional paperwork required.  Position will also be responsible for treatment and case management with Juvenile Drug Court patients.  Provide needed documentation in accordance with Department of Children and Families, Department of Juvenile Justice, Department of Corrections, Medicaid and CARF. 
Starting salary:  $30K - $36K per year + very good benefit package including employer sponsored health insurance, up to 7% contribution to retirement and generous leave benefits.
Posting Deadline: This posting will remain open until March 1, 2013

YOUTH OUTPATIENT CASE MANAGER
P/T position (20 hours per week) to work with Youth population seeking recovery from identified substance use disorders and involved in youth outpatient or continuing care treatment.  Must be flexible with hours. Some late afternoons and evenings a must as patients are school age.
Minimum Requirements:  Bachelors degree and a minimum of one year case management experience.  Experience working with youth who have substance use disorders and co-occurring disorders.  Experience working with youth involved in criminal justice system preferred. Must have knowledge of resources and the ability to think outside of the box. Ability to network in the community, accessing and using community resources; ability to recognize and respond to needs in a timely and appropriate manner. Bi-lingual preferred.
Main Duties include: Manage a large case management caseload for youth outpatient and continuing care population.  Provide training and education on activities of daily living both in patient homes, in the community and in the office setting.  Assist patients in maintaining an optimal level of independent functionality in the community and support the treatment process.  Assist the patients and their families in the value of recovery.  Provide transportation.  Help individuals gain access to needed resources, services, or supports that will help them achieve recovery from their substance use disorder. Provide needed documentation in accordance with Department of Children and Families, Department of Juvenile Justice and CARF. 
Starting salary:  $12 - $13 per hour
Posting Deadline: This posting will remain open until March 1, 2013

SWFAS IS A DRUG FREE WORKPLACE
*As an employee of Southwest Florida Addiction Services, Inc, it is necessary that you notify your current Supervisor before applying. An employee on probationary status will generally not be eligible for a transfer or promotion unless it is in the best interest of the agency.

Is Self-Plagiarism Possible?


Read more: http://www.ithenticate.com/Portals/92785/media/ith-selfplagiarism-whitepaper.pdf

Saturday, February 23, 2013

What teachers really want to tell parents


What teachers really want to tell parents

By Ron Clark, Special to CNN
updated 9:12 AM EDT, Tue September 6, 2011
Teacher Ron Clark is pictured with his students.
Teacher Ron Clark is pictured with his students.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • Ron Clark is an award-winning teacher who started his own academy in Atlanta
  • He wants parents to trust teachers and their advice about their students
  • Clark says some teachers hand out A grades so parents won't bother them
  • It's OK for kids to get in trouble sometimes; it teaches life lessons, Clark says
Editor's note: Ron Clark, author of "The End of Molasses Classes: Getting Our Kids Unstuck -- 101 Extraordinary Solutions for Parents and Teachers," has been named "American Teacher of the Year" by Disney and was Oprah Winfrey's pick as her "Phenomenal Man." He founded The Ron Clark Academy, which educators from around the world have visited to learn.
(CNN) -- This summer, I met a principal who was recently named as the administrator of the year in her state. She was loved and adored by all, but she told me she was leaving the profession.

FGCU Student Ambassadors Application


Issue #137 (February 22, 2013) of the SchoolCounselor.com eNewsletter

Issue #137 (February 22, 2013) of the SchoolCounselor.com
eNewsletter
is now online! This is an electronic newsletter designed to advance counselors' level of technological literacy, application, and integration. You will find practical solutions and answers to technology related problems, especially as they apply to your job as counselor. If you would like to share a tip or trick, or if you would like to ask a question, e-mail Russ Sabella at news@schoolcounselor.com

Friday, February 22, 2013

Low counselor-to-student ratio impacting students, district official says


The Lee County School District ranks near the bottom of Florida districts in its ratio of students to counselors.

Each counselor serves about 692 students, putting Lee County 64th out of 67 districts, said Lori Brooks, the district’s coordinator of school counseling services. The number is also far above the American School Counselor Association-recommended ratio of one counselor per 250 students.

Brooks said the district takes a “drive-by” approach to counseling.

“We kind of hit or miss,” she said. “And it’s really impacting our students.”

Speaking to school board members during a Tuesday afternoon presentation on student services, Brooks said more counselors could increase the overall health and wellbeing of students, and impact their achievement levels and school grades. Counselors can help students before they hit “crisis mode,” she said.

But there are inadequate numbers in Lee schools, Brooks said, pointing out that the district has fewer counselors per student than other Florida districts of comparable size. Brevard County has one counselor per 389 students, while Polk County has one per 468 students. Six Lee County elementary schools do not have counselors assigned to them, she said.

“I think we’re at a tipping point with everything that’s been going on in society,” Brooks said.

Tuesday’s presentation was for informational purposes only and the board did not take any action on it. But chairwoman Mary Fischer, a former school counselor, said board members should to take the presentation to heart and ensure the district is providing enough support to students and not just academically.

“If we don’t do something differently and if we don’t take a stand and prioritize issues and put our money into prevention, we’re not going to be able to accomplish our main goals,” she said.

BFMC (Greenfield) Mental Health Counselor II Mental Health Unit Per Diem


BFMC (Greenfield) Mental Health Counselor II Mental Health Unit Per Diem - NEW
Apply Now
Company: Baystate Health
Location: Massachusetts
Date Posted: February 21, 2013
Responsibilities Performs a variety of duties involving patient care and treatment, under the supervision of an RN. Acts within the framework of the Patient Care Divisions philosophy, standards of nursing practice, standards of nursing care and definitions of nursing. This description covers the essential functions of the position. Incumbent is expected to adhere to system and department compliance policies, and any applicable laws and regulations. Incumbent is expected to perform other similar and related duties as assigned. Management has the right to change or add to the job Performs a variety of duties involving patient care and treatment, under the supervision of an RN. Acts within the framework of the Patient Care Divisions philosophy, standards of nursing practice, standards of...

More: http://www.simplyhired.com/job-id/o2dsdlocsn/bfmc-greenfield-jobs/

David Lawrence Center Names Clinical Supervisor Cynthia Burman Employee of the Year


David Lawrence Center Clinical Supervisor Cynthia Burman
David Lawrence Center Clinical Supervisor Cynthia Burman
The David Lawrence Center is pleased to announce that Clinical Supervisor and licensed mental health counselor Cynthia Burman was named Employee of the Year. Burman supervises three Children’s Community Service Programs: the Behavioral Health Network Program, Therapeutic Behavioral Onsite Services, and the new Wrap-Around Collier Program funded by the Naples Children and the Education Foundation.
Burman was chosen as Employee of the Year because she consistently exemplifies her pledge to provide exceptional customer experiences and the success of the programs she manages demonstrates her commitment.

Drug House Odyssey


Administrative Asst/Volunteer Coordinator


VA Medical Center in Coatesville, PA is hiring two Licensed Professional Counselors


The VA Medical Center in Coatesville, PA is hiring two Licensed Professional Counselors.  Below is a link to the announcement on USA Jobs:

What adults can learn from kids - Adora Svitak

5 K Run/ Walk at Jaycee Park


5 K Run/ Walk at Jaycee Park
Sunday, April 7th at 7:30 a.m.

100% of ALL proceeds to get a Handicapped Accessible Van
for Honors High School Senior
Cody Deno

·       $25.00 Pre-Registration Fee
·       OR $30.00 Registration Day of Event
·       5K chipped run
·       Prizes to top participants
·       Bring the whole family & enjoy
Register on line a www.active.com or at

The Run Shoppe in Cape Coral
239.540.9529

For more information about this amazing young man, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, and how you can help go to http://www.gofundme.com/1qomlo

Affordable Care Act Will Expand Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Benefits and Parity Protections for 62 Million Americans



Bookmark and Share
United States Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - A Life in the Community for Everyone: Behavioral Health is Essential to Health, Prevention Works, Treatment is Effective, People Recover
Be sure to read this just-published issue brief on parity from the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. You can also find the brief on the ASPE website.
Affordable Care Act Will Expand Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Benefits and Parity Protections for 62 Million Americans
The Affordable Care Act builds on the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 to extend federal parity protections to 62 million Americans. The parity law aims to ensure that when coverage for mental health and substance use conditions is provided, it is generally comparable to coverage for medical and surgical care. The Affordable Care Act builds on the parity law by requiring coverage of mental health and substance use disorder benefits for millions of Americans in the individual and small group markets who currently lack these benefits, and expanding parity requirements to apply to millions of Americans whose coverage did not previously comply with those requirements.

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Solution Focused Brief Therapy Workshop

The Florida Department of Children and Families Substance Abuse Mental Health Program Office (SAMHPO) in conjunction with the Florida Alcohol Drug Abuse Association (FADAA) would like to invite you to two FREE trainings. Six CEUs are available at no cost.

TITLE:            Solution Focused Brief Therapy Workshop                 
        (This workshop is being offered in two locations.)
WHEN/   Friday, March 15, 2013   
  WHERE:         8:30 am - 4:00 pm  
 
Homewood Suites Lake Mary  755 Currency Circle  Lake Mary, Lake Mary, FL 32746  407-805-9111  Room Rate: $94.00 (mention FADAA)
 REGISTRATION:      To register for the March 15th workshop, please click on this link http://fadaa.org/workshopInformation.php?id=5  or copy and paste into your browser.  
WHEN/            Friday, March 22, 2013
WHERE:         8:30 am - 4:00 pm   
Courtyard Marriott, Ft. Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port Hotel 400 Gulf Stream Way, Dania Beach, FL 33004 954-342-8333 Room Rate: $154.00 (mention FADAA) REGISTRATION:      To register for the March 22nd workshop, please click on this link http://fadaa.org/workshopInformation.php?id=6  or copy and paste into your browser. SCHOLARSHIPS: A limited number of travel scholarships are available on a first-come, first-served basis for those traveling more than 50 miles. To request a scholarship, email jhelms@fadaa.org.  Application Manuals will be available for purchase at the workshop for $30.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND:    Clinical supervisors and program managers in substance abuse, mental health and prevention agencies and supervisors in community coalitions that are currently implementing or intending to implement evidenced based programs and practices. 
ABOUT THIS TRAINING: Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a practice that structures clinical work to help clients set and reach realistic and specific treatment goals. Participants in this training will learn the essential skills of SFBT for persons with substance abuse disorders and how to move their counseling from problem-focused to solution and forward-focused. PRESENTER:  Arlene Brett Gordon, Ph. D.
                          
  Director, Brief Therapy Institute, Nova Southeastern University
Dr. Arlene Brett Gordon is a licensed family therapist and adjunct faculty. As a family therapist, she is trained to work with people facing diverse challenges that affect their daily lives. She is the director of the Brief Therapy Institute (BTI), which includes NSU's Family Therapy Clinic that provides counseling to individuals, couples, and families.  Arlene's relationship with NSU began in 1982 as a first grade teacher at the University School. She then enrolled as a doctoral student, and became an adjunct professor for Farquar, Fischler and the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences at NSU. Arlene specializes in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), developed by Insoo Kim Berg and Steve de Shazer. She provides SFBT trainings and consultations in the tri-county area, as well as nationally.
 CEUs:             6.0 Continuing Education Units/Contact Hours are provided for this|
                          eventFlorida Certification Board Provider #A-001, Exp. Date 12/31/2013Florida Board of Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling Provider #50-676, Exp. Date 3/31/2015                          Florida Board of Nursing Provider #50-676, Exp. Date 10/31/2014

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Position in Atlanta


Primary School Counselor

 Applications are invited from dedicated and enthusiastic professionals for the position of Primary School Counselor for the 2013-2014 school year.  This is a full-time position with the successful candidate counseling primary school aged students.
It is expected that the candidates for this position will meet the following requirements:
  • Masters in Counseling or similar field
  •  Counseling Certification/Licensure
  • Four years relevant experience in a primary school counseling position
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and problem-solving skills; have the ability and the desire to work collaboratively with students, staff and parents from multiple cultures and nationalities
  • Excellent ability to develop, organize, and implement grade level guidance curriculum as well as PSHE program within the PYP framework
  •  In collaboration with members of Primary Support Team, establishing and evaluating realistic goals for the counseling program and students being served
  •  IT skills (proficient with Microsoft Outlook and Word as well as Apple), excellent verbal and written skills
  • Ability to multi-task and self-manage multiple schedules, showing flexibility in a variety of settings, is essential
  • An international perspective and/or international teaching experience; an understanding of student/family cultural transitions and open-mindedness toward the school community as a whole essential
  • Ability to mentor/ coach teachers while nurturing a culture for productive communication
  • Preferred but not required: experience with the PYP
Please send resume and letter of interest via email to employment@aischool.org; please type  PS Counselor into your subject line.

Partnering with Counselors to Reduce School Violence

Source: http://www.ed.gov/blog/2013/02/partnering-with-counselors-to-reduce-school-violence/

Partnering with Counselors to Reduce School Violence

Earlier this month a group of distinguished counselors, selected as finalists for the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Counselor of the Year and their principals visited ED to share their thoughts on transforming the teaching profession and the critical role of the counselor in fostering students’ academic success, socio-emotional well-being and physical safety.
While national conversations about gun violence continue, school-based staff are faced with what to do now to deal with students’ academic, emotional and physical welfare each day. How do we identify students who need support? How do we go beyond just identifying the issues and provide our kids with the needed help? We may be overlooking our counselors and some of the solutions they could provide.
“I see us as a model of supporting teachers to help them continue their work,” said one school counselor, underscoring the importance of providing students not only with academic and career planning help, but also with emotional supports. Another counselor shared how she created a lesson on reactive emotions to parallel a science lesson on erupting volcanoes; another talked about teaching tech skills while researching bullying. Throughout the discussion, the school counselors highlighted how the social-emotional learning can complement the academic when teachers and counselors work together. Too often, they said, teachers “do not get to utilize the expertise that we have learned about human development.” They stressed that newer models for more “active” school counselors have moved beyond the scheduling duties many may remember from days past; but not everyone knows that.
One counselor described how her school uses their Professional Learning Communities, or PLCs, to consider not just the academic concerns, but which students are not connected to their school (and why). “We spend time reflecting on what was happening with these particular students, and then create a plan for next steps,” she told us.
What makes these examples different is that the work of addressing school violence doesn’t just stay with one group on staff. A principal affirmed that, “You need to have all stakeholders at the table to have the conversation” so that everyone knows what to do when a concern surfaces.  Sometimes, negative incidents will occur when students know the teacher isn’t most present – in the halls or cafeteria, on the playground or school bus. And yet there are often other adults who are there, such as the custodial staff, support professionals, bus drivers, parent volunteers – and each of these members of the larger school community needs to know how to respond and whom to contact to make sure there is an appropriate resolution.
But in order for these teams to happen effectively, we need to better understand the role of the counselor. For counselors to really be able to make an impact, they need the opportunity to build relationships with students and staff, to use their expertise. And that takes time built into the school day and the willingness for everyone on staff to expect and allow our counselors, like teachers, to be educational leaders.
Jen Bado-Aleman
Jennifer Bado-Aleman is an English teacher on loan from her school in Gaithersburg, Md., while she serves as a Teaching Ambassador Fellow at the Department. Learn more about the President’s plan to make our schools safer, which includes resources that communities can use for hiring more school counselors.

Position: White Pine Middle School, located in Saginaw Township

White Pine Middle School, located in Saginaw Township, is looking for an 8th grade counselor for their school. This position is for the remainder of the 2012-13 school year. This individual would need to have completed a school internship, hours are 8:00 am-3:45 pm, and would start out at about $120 per day (to start). For more information contact Julie VanTol at (989)797-1814, Extension 3219.

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

The North American Society for Adlerian Psychology (NASAP) presents TAPTALK


The North American Society for Adlerian Psychology (NASAP) presents TAPTALK

NASAP TAPTALK TITLE: Adlerian Survival in an Era of Evidenced Practice

PRESENTER:  Patricia Kyle, Associate Professor of Psychology, Southern Oregon University

DESCRIPTION:  Increasingly mental health professionals are being required to utilize Evidence Based Practices (EBP). This growing mandate is impacting our ability to incorporate Adlerian techniques in our counseling. Government agencies are focused on radically transforming mental health delivery, but currently EBP encompasses a narrow focus. Many efficacious counseling techniques are currently ignored by the state and federal agencies that review EBP. This is, especially, true pertaining to Adlerian counseling practices.

At this point in time there is only one Adlerian approach on the US Federal Register of Evidence Based Practices. EBP is affecting mental health delivery in Canada, as well. We, Adlerian mental health practitioners, must respond by advocating for, compiling and conducting research about Adlerian practices and submitting them for inclusion on EBP registers. This TAP Talk will focus on a “call to action”.

The outcomes for this TAP Talk are for Adlerians:

·       To discern the possibilities for Adlerian mental health practitioners to advocate for positive outcomes for EBP and to implement research efforts about Adlerian techniques.
·       To submit for review effective Adlerian techniques currently ignored in the EBP process.

Join us for this TapTalk at 9:00 PM (EST) on Thursday evening, February 28. (You'll have to figure out what time it is where you live for yourself.)
To join the TapTalk:
CALL: 1-641-798-4200
Guest Access Code:  4892130#

To join us, dial the number above on your phone and when asked, enter your Access Code - be sure to put the # at the end.  To receive Continuing Education Credit* for the TapTalk, download the attached form here,
 
 complete it and send it in with your payment of $5.00 (for members of NASAP) or $10.00 (for non-members).

This works for both telephone and also for Skype and probably for Google phone.  You do have some telephone charges as it is not a toll free number but it's probably going to be cheaper than gas if you had to go somewhere other than your home or office to participate.

NASAP is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. NASAP maintains responsibility for this program and its content. NASAP is also recognized by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) to offer continuing education for counselors.

For more information:
Contact: Jill Duba Sauerheber
Phone: 270-745-4799
Email: jillduba.sauerheber@wku.edu

For more information about NASAP or other Adlerian activities, please see www.alfredadler.org
 


North American Society of Adlerian Psychology | 429 E. Dupont Road, #276 | Fort Wayne, Indiana 46825