David Shumaker

Revisiting Experiential Group Training in Counselor Education: A Survey of Master's-Level Programs.

Instructors associated with 82 masters-level counseling group psychotherapy training courses were surveyed in an attempt to better determine current training practices and student outcomes. The experience of dual-role dilemmas and problems related to attendance, student performance, inappropriate self-disclosure, and/or perceived violations of confidentiality were recorded. Results suggest: (1) counseling programs continue to utilize experiential groups roughly 90% of the time; (2) an increased appreciation for the potential for dual-role dilemmas and negative student experiences to occur; and, (3) a relatively modest frequency of problematic student real-world outcomes. Implications, limitations, and recommendations based upon these findings are discussed.

How Do I Connect? Attachment Issues in Adolescence

Attachment formation is considered a developmental process that continues far beyond infancy and early childhood. Yet the research on adolescent attachment formation remains relatively modest. This article reviews the normative and pathological developmental trajectories of attachment during adolescence. Specific attention is focused on the assessment of attachment in adolescence and different classification systems developed to describe adaptive and maladaptive adolescent attachment. The review continues with an examination into the predictors associated with secure versus insecure attachment in adolescence. Finally, forensic considerations are explored.

An Existential–Integrative Treatment of Anxious and Depressed Adolescents

Today’s generation of young clinicians appear unfamiliar with how to incorporate existential concepts when treating adolescents experiencing internalizing symptoms. Empirically validated treatments for this population, including cognitive–behavioral, interpersonal, and psychopharmacological approaches undoubtedly are clearly beneficial. Several core existential concepts, however, can be effectively integrated with these empirically supported treatments to enhance outcomes. The article begins with a discussion of Rank, Tillich, and May’s conceptualization of existential anxiety for those unfamiliar with existential theory. This is followed by an examination of evidence supporting the adolescent’s capacity to contemplate existential concerns as well as evidence indicating existential focus in adolescent mental life. Building on the therapeutic aims and implications of existential–integrative therapy outlined by Schneider, the article concludes with specific recommendations regarding how existential thinking can be incorporated into the treatment of many anxious and depressed adolescents.

Ethical and Legal Considerations When Obtaining Informed Consent for Treating Minors of High-Conflict Divorced or Separated Parents

Obtaining informed consent for the treatment of minors from parents in high conflict and who are either divorced or separated is a crucial, initial, and ongoing aspect of the treatment process that merits awareness of both ethical and legal considerations. Parents in these cases frequently differ in their views of the need for treatment, their choice of treatment providers, and/or their goals of treatment. A parent or minor will often request the other parent remain uninvolved in treatment. In order to avoid negative treatment outcomes, licensing complaints, and/or civil liability, clinicians need resources from which to obtain critical information regarding the informed consent process. This article provides an overview of these considerations and a decision-tree model for obtaining informed consent when working with these complex families.

Existential Anxiety, Personality Type, and Therapy Preference in Young Adults:

The current study examines the relationship between existential anxiety (EA), personality traits, and therapy preference in a sample of young adults. EA is thought to be universal human experience, yet no published research has been conducted on whether certain personality traits predict higher levels of EA. Males and females (N = 69) aged 18 to 25 years completed several self-report measures, including a measure of EA, five-factor personality traits, and therapy preference (insight- vs. action-oriented). Pearson correlation coefficients and linear regression analyses were conducted to determine the relationship among the constructs of interest. Results indicate a significant positive correlation between Neuroticism as measured by the NEO-Five Factor Inventory and EA. The Neuroticism N4 Self-Consciousness subscale showed the strongest association with EA. There was no relationship between therapy preference and EA. The results suggest that individuals with personality types characterized by elevated levels of shyness, guilt, and inferiority may be more likely to experience elevated EA. Experiencing higher levels of EA does not seem to affect therapy preference. These findings have important implications for clinicians treating young adults who present with internalizing symptoms.

Habit Reversal Treatment of Repetitive Hand Writing in a 7-Year-Old Child with a Learning Disability

Habit reversal (HR) is a cognitive—behavioral treatment for tic disorders, Tourette syndrome, stereotypic movements, and habit disorders. This case study utilizes aspects of habit reversal, including awareness training, self-monitoring, and competing response training, as an intervention for obsessive—compulsive repetitive air handwriting in a 7-year-old girl with a significant learning disability. Therapy is provided on an outpatient basis in a private practice setting. Analysis of in-home, at-school, and in-session data collected by the parents, teacher, and therapist show decreased frequency in repetitive handwriting. Supplemental and cojoint administration of antianxiety medication extinguishes all obsessive handwriting within a 6-month period. These results support previous research demonstrating the efficacy of cojoint cognitive—behavioral and medication treatment of acute obsessive—compulsive symptomatology in children.

Core Existential Treatment Approaches with Adolescents

This chapter is dedicated to reviewing helpful techniques, tools, and areas of focus for therapists working with adolescents from an existential-integrative (EI) framework. The discussion is split into “core” and “specific” techniques, with the “core” techniques consisting of key intervention strategies that might assist a wider array of adolescents, while the “specific” techniques might be useful in more isolated cases. The author primarily reviews techniques introduced by Schneider, while also including research and techniques from van Deurzen, Frankl, and Spinelli, among other researchers. The chapter aims to provide the reader with helpful tools as well as the benefits of incorporating an existential approach into adolescent treatment plans.

EI Approaches to Treating Trauma

This chapter explores the use of existential-integrative (EI) techniques in the treatment of adolescents who have experienced trauma. It begins with an overview of the clinical description, incidence, and prevalence of trauma-related disorders in adolescents, followed by a description of the etiology of these disorders. The author then reviews established treatment approaches as well as specific EI techniques that one could apply to the treatment of adolescent trauma. Also included is a conceptualization of trauma from an EI framework. The chapter closes with a composite case example from the author’s own practice.

EI Approaches to Treating Substance Abuse Disorders in Adolescents

This chapter explores the use of existential-integrative (EI) techniques in the treatment of adolescents presenting with substance abuse disorders, as substance use concerns often run parallel to other mental health concerns. It begins with an overview of the clinical description, incidence, and prevalence of substance abuse disorders in adolescents, followed by a description of the etiology of these disorders. The author then reviews established treatment approaches as well as specific EI techniques that one could apply to the treatment of substance use disorders. Also included is a conceptualization of these disorders from an EI framework. The chapter closes with a composite case example from the author’s own practice.

EI Approaches to Treating Disruptive Behavior Disorders in Adolescents

This chapter explores the use of existential-integrative (EI) techniques in the treatment of adolescents experiencing symptoms consistent with a disruptive behavior disorder diagnosis. It begins with an overview of the clinical description, incidence, and prevalence of these disorders in adolescents, followed by a description of their etiology. The author then reviews established treatment approaches as well as specific EI techniques that one could apply to the treatment of disruptive behavior disorders. Also included is a conceptualization of disruptive behavior disorders from an EI framework. The chapter closes with a composite case example from the author’s own practice.