Shane Haberstroh

A Grounded Theory of Relational Competencies and Creativity in Counseling: Beginning the Dialogue

Counselors and counselor educators are ethically bound to lifelong development of knowledge and skills that promote personal growth and relational development. The Association for Creativity in Counseling (ACC) was established on the principles of relational-cultural theory (RCT), which addresses the role of relational competency in growth-fostering relationships. One of the associations principal goals is to identify and define specific relational competencies that support creative, innovative, inclusive, and relational practice. This article describes the initial research findings of a grounded theory study designed to explore the views and experiences of active ACC members concerning creativity and growth-fostering relational experiences, connections, and disconnections. The role of power is also discussed.

Interactive E-Journaling in Group Work: Perspectives from Counselor Trainees.

This qualitative study explores the dynamics of exchanging e-journals among counseling trainees who participated in an interpersonal growth group. Interviews were conducted with participants who discussed the influence of e-journals on their group experience. E-journaling extended the group both spatially and temporally, and participants reported how exchanging e-journals differed from and complemented face-to-face group interaction. Recommendations and directions for using e-journals as an adjunct in group work for counselor trainees are provided.

Exploring an Online Self-Injury Support Group: Perspectives from Group Members.

In this qualitative study, the authors explored an online support group for individuals who self-injure. Twenty members of a private and moderated online group responded to questions about their history of self-injury and experiences with the online self-injury support group. Themes emerged related to the relational and emotional aspects of self-injury, the therapeutic connections in the group, experiences with no triggering norms, and strategies for asynchronous group interaction. The authors provide recommendations for counselors and group leaders.

The confluence of technology and narrative approaches in group work: Techniques and suggestions for using interactive e-journals

Abstract This article illustrates procedures for using e-journals as a creative and adjunctive approach in group work. Incorporating e-mail based journaling as an ancillary form of group interaction allows members to communicate via written channels, and creates new ways for clients to relate in the group. This article outlines how leaders can use narrative theory to construct e-mail based writing exercises in group settings. Borrowing from established narrative techniques, specific interventions are provided for using interactive e-mails in each group stage. Finally, detailed instructions for establishing encrypted and confidential e-mail communications are provided, and implications and limitations for establishing e-mail based communication systems are overviewed.

The Ethical and Legal Practice of Online Counseling and Psychotherapy: A Review of Mental Health Professions

In this descriptive study, the authors reviewed the licensing boards for marriage and family therapists, professional counselors, psychologists, and social workers to determine the legal and ethical practice of online psychotherapy and counseling in the United States. Analyses revealed no differences between professions on whether they permitted online counseling and psychotherapy at the state level. Finally, a number of states directly addressed online clinical practice, many did not address this practice, and no state boards prohibited online counseling and psychotherapy.

Facing the Music: Creative and Experiential Group Strategies for Working with Addiction Related Grief and Loss.

Abstract This article outlines how group practitioners can harness creative strategies to assist addicted clients in verbalizing and addressing the losses associated with addictive disorders. This article overviews the implementation of an experiential process that includes a warm up activity, a psychodrama, and utilization of empty chair techniques to address addiction related grief and loss. In addition, these models assist clients to discuss change and healing from the interpersonal devastation of addiction. Finally, the appropriate use and timing of these models are discussed and a case study is included to illustrate these principles in action.

Assessing Student-Learning Outcomes Within a Counselor Education Program Philosophy, Policy, and Praxis

Given that the 2009 Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) standards require programs to implement curricular changes based on assessment data, there is a need for counselor education programs to share their assessment practices. We review the assessment procedures and structure in effect within CACREP-accredited programs at an urban state university. We describe how university policies and departmental mission framed the assessment procedures and provide examples of assessment criteria and program changes resulting from assessment data.

Implementing Virtual Career Counseling and Advising at a Major University

With college students using the Internet to meet a variety of professional and personal needs, college campuses are seeking ways to enhance their student services by using emerging technologies. In this case study, the authors discuss the implementation of online career advising and planning services via synchronous chat sessions. Given the constraints concerning vendor selection, procurement issues, software implementation, and limited budgets, it was critical for the career counseling team to find a robust, secure, and affordable software platform to meet their needs. It was important that this software and service appeal to students as they sought personal career development. The team considered existing practice standards to guide the implementation of this innovative student service. With these elements in place, the authors discuss the process of launching an online career planning and advising program and the resulting challenges that emerged.

Community-Based Interventions for Addressing Alcohol and Tobacco Dependence in Latino Communities: Adapting Consensually Derived Guidelines

ABSTRACT Background: This article describes the development of culturally sensitive guidelines for an alcohol and tobacco use intervention model for Latino communities. Extensive research supports the fact that people who use alcohol also use tobacco. In fact, 80% to 95% of alcoholics smoke, with the heaviest alcohol consumers being the heaviest consumers of tobacco. Concurrent use of these substances poses numerous public health threats. The goals of this project are to increase the consistency of culturally appropriate treatment strategies for this population. Method: A consensus conference composed of nationally recognized experts in nicotine dependence, multiculturalism, treatment, research, and consumer advocacy were identified and convened. Results: The panel recommended and developed a community intervention model as a best practice for use in Latino communities. This consensually derived model incorporated promotores, or community health workers, as frontline interventionists. Following the consensus recommendations, the authors of this article describe how these models can be modified to address concomitant dependencies to alcohol and tobacco. Conclusion: The model presented is a promising and replicable approach to improve the health of nicotine- and alcohol-dependent Latino adults. Alcohol treatment providers need to be aware of these promising intervention approaches. This community-based model has the potential for reaching countless individuals who may not otherwise be exposed to alcohol- and tobacco-related interventions.

Relational-Cultural Theory as Pedagogy: Preparing Doctoral Student Leaders for the Counselor Education Workforce

A primary purpose of doctoral education in counselor education and supervision is the development of faculty members, leaders, and advocates for the profession. This article describes an experiential educational activity based in relational-cultural theory (RCT) designed to foster doctoral student relational leadership development. An overview of an RCT-based role-play assignment is provided. Discussion of counselor relational leadership development, support for emerging leaders, diversity, and the need for future research are also considered.