Melissa Zeligman

A Narrative Approach to Supporting Clients Living with HIV

The number of individuals living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) continues to grow, increasing the responsibility of mental health counselors to effectively intervene and better understand the unique struggles facing survivors of HIV. Narrative therapy, a postmodern approach to counseling, is presented for use with clients living with HIV. Basic tenets of narrative therapy (externalizing the problem, identifying socially constructed messages, focusing on strengths, and reauthoring client stories) and application with HIV-positive clients are discussed, highlighting the influence of narrative therapy on both physical and mental health issues. A case application is provided.

Predictors of Post-Traumatic Growth: The Role of Social Interest and Meaning in Life

Abstract: The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) defines a traumatic event as exposure to threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence. Considerable research on the prevalence of traumatic experiences in college students has revealed that more than half of students enter college with a history of traumatic events. Although much evidence has accumulated for post-traumatic stress in survivors of various traumatic events, there is also a growing body of empirical evidence that trauma can provide the opportunity for personal and social transformation (i.e., post-traumatic growth).

Trauma, Meaning Making, and Loneliness in College Students

ABSTRACT The present study (N = 621) explored relationships between meaning making (i.e., meaning presence and meaning search) and loneliness in college students who have experienced trauma. In addition, the study examined group differences in meaning variables and loneliness, comparing college students who have and have not experienced trauma. The results suggest that loneliness and meaning search are more present in college students who have experienced trauma. Further, meaning presence and meaning search both predict experiences of loneliness within this sample.

Career Development of Sexual Minority Men Living With HIV

HIV is a diagnosis that disproportionally affects sexual minority (e.g., gay, bisexual, and queer) men living in the United States. Expansive treatment options have allowed those living with HIV to live longer life spans, indicating that sexual minority men living with HIV are remaining engaged in the workforce longer. Yet, there remains a dearth of literature exploring the career trajectories of this specific population. This qualitative study aimed to understand what factors keep sexual minority men (N = 10) living with HIV actively engaged in the workforce. Through in-depth individual interviews, a central category of psychosocial motility was constructed. Three subsequent categories were also constructed: affirmative support systems, intrinsic and extrinsic incentives, and intrapersonal endowments. Findings are discussed, along with implications for practice, limitations, and future research.

Supervising Counselors-in-Training Through a Developmental, Narrative Model

ABSTRACT The developmental narrative model (DNM) to supervision introduces a creative postmodern supervision approach designed to increase counselor-in-training competency through counselor awareness, the use of storying, and a commitment to social advocacy. This collaborative supervision model pulls from narrative therapy and incorporates the developmental needs of counselors-in-training through the integrated developmental model. The purpose of this article is threefold: (a) review the major tenets of DNM supervision, (b) present the supervisors’ role within the approach, and (c) identify strengths and limitations of the DNM model in action.

Teaching Helping Skills Courses: Creative Activities to Reduce Anxiety

ABSTRACT Helping skills courses play a vital role in counseling curriculum, but also tend to bring excessive anxiety for students, to the point of impeding their ability to successfully implement skills. This article describes specific creative and experiential activities, aimed at reducing anxiety in a helping skills course for counselors-in-training.

Counselors’ Role in HIV Medication Adherence: A Motivational Interviewing Perspective

For those living with HIV, adherence to medication can be the key to survival. As the number of individuals with HIV continues to grow and their mental health needs continue to affect their ability to maintain medication adherence, mental health counselors need to become educated on adherence techniques. This article reviews literature on motivational interviewing, a client-centered approach that has the potential to assist clients in increasing their adherence to medical regimens.