A Phenomenological Study of Teachers and Mental Health Paraprofessionals Implementing the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Program

This study examined the lived experience of teachers and mental health paraprofessionals implementing the Jesse Lewis Choose Love curriculum in an alternative school setting. Social emotional learning curriculum implementation within the unique structure of alternative schools is important to investigate in order to better understand the unique needs of those providing services to students in this setting. This study utilized open-ended written prompts and two focus groups with teachers and mental health paraprofessionals for 10 weeks of implementation of this social emotional learning program. Participants reported changes in students and themselves and an increase in group cohesion. Five identified themes included change in students, change in staff, group cohesion, awareness of student needs, and existing stability; all of which have implications for future social emotional learning curricula. Suggestions for best practices for SEL implementation are included

Using the Enneagram to Facilitate the Supervision Relationship: A Qualitative Study

A phenomenological study was conducted to gain knowledge of the lived experience of three master’s level counseling supervisees, with a doctoral student supervisor, utilizing the Enneagram, an ancient personality classification system of nine core personality types, throughout 15 weeks of supervision. This study explored the use of the Enneagram and its impact on the supervisory relationship. Emergent themes included: (a) self-awareness; (b) other awareness; (c) relationship and rapport; and (d) professional identity and role induction. The use of the Enneagram within supervision during early stages of counselor development appeared to be helpful to these students in fostering growth and learning

Transition Services: Building Successful Collaborations among School Professionals

Students who have significant disabilities have the same aspirations as their non-disabled peers: living productive, enriched, and self-determined lives. Adolescent-to-adulthood transition services have the potential to help position students with disabilities to obtain the best possible outcomes, thereby helping them lead full and included adult lives. It is vital that school and community-based support professionals act in concert with students with significant disabilities and their families to develop and implement successful transition services. This article discusses how partnerships across disciplines can help position students with disabilities for the best possible outcomes during the crucial period of their transition from the United States secondary school setting to adulthood. Perspectives and suggestions are presented for working collaboratively across fields to ensure successful transitions within the scope of practice of each professional area. Keywords: disabilities, transition services, interprofessional collaboratio

Impact of Extended Recess: A Grounded Theory Study

Existing literature has established the benefits of recess and physical activity for children. In response, more schools in the United States (U.S.) are implementing, or even requiring, extended recess time for students. With these policy changes, it is important to understand the impact upon students, faculty, and staff. The following study used the shared experience of three elementary schools in the southern U.S. who recently implemented extended recess. Semi-structured focus groups with administrators, teachers, paraprofessionals, and students from three elementary schools were included in this pilot study. A Grounded theory approach was utilized, and findings confirmed the known benefits of recess but also enhanced understanding of the process, which included the challenges involved as well as the importance of stakeholder feedback. Recommendations are included for the professional school counselor which are applicable in both, the U.S. and internationally

Improving Mental Health Outcomes for Young Children Through the Implementation of the Primary Project

Primary Project (formerly known as Primary Mental Health Project) is one of the longest standing and wellestablished school-based preventative mental health interventions for addressing the social, emotional, behavioral, and learning needs of preschool through primary grade children. Existing now for over 60 years and building on its historical antecedents, this article describes the history, current state, and future implications of Primary Project. We discuss children’s mental health needs and the role of the school in addressing these needs. We present Primary Project’s current research efforts with a specific focus on University-community studies in Arkansas and Massachusetts. Implications for future research and school based counseling and policy and evaluation are addressed

Adventures in Supervision: Implications for Supervision of Adventure Based Counseling

Supervision is a key component of counselor education. Although a variety of models guide the supervision process, few address the needs of counselors engaging in Adventure Based Counseling (ABC), a mode of treatment that uses experiential activities in a group setting. To address the experiential nature of ABC, the authors propose an integrative supervision approach comprised of the discrimination model of counseling supervision and the ENHANCES model for ABC. The authors also address training needs of ABC supervisors as well as supervision best practices. Finally, the article includes a case-study demonstrating the implementation of an integrative model of ABC supervision, addressing both the technical and clinical skills

Improving the Parent–Adolescent Relationship With Adventure-Based Counseling: An Adlerian Perspective

This article offers a model for enhancing parent–adolescent relationships by using adventure-based counseling (ABC) activities through the conceptual lens of Adlerian theory. A case study is provided to demonstrate the application of an adventure-based activity to address the goal of misbehavior and enhance the characteristics necessary for a healthy parent–adolescent relationship with connectedness, communication, awareness, and support. Specific instructions are offered to enrich counselor development of ABC application in clinical practice

The impact of a two-day child parent relationship therapy training on attitude, knowledge, and skills

This study measured the impact of a 2-day Child Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT) training for therapists who want to facilitate parent CPRT groups, using an adapted version of the Play Therapy Attitude, Knowledge, and Skills Survey (PTAKSS). The primary author adapted this instrument (CPRT-PTAKSS) to measure the objectives of CPRT, with permission from the author and a factor analysis was conducted. Paired samples t tests were then conducted between the pre- and posttest scores for each of the subscales. The analyses revealed significant differences between mean levels of all 5 subscales, with Knowledge and Skills for Teaching Child-Centered Play Therapy showing the greatest increase. Additionally, the eta squared effect size also indicated high practical significance for all subscales. The results have valuable implications for training mental health providers through intensive workshops

An Exploration of Married Male Doctoral Students in Counselor Education

This phenomenological study explored the effect of marriage on the lived experience of four male doctoral students in a counselor education program. Because males are a minority in the mental health professions, researchers often focus on the female perspective when studying graduate students’ experiences. Findings of the current study suggest that received support in multiple forms (e.g., emotional, financial, academic, and logistical) is the most salient benefit of marriage for the participants in this study, while time and role management pose significant challenges. Male students attempt to balance academic responsibilities with household duties, but still feel pressure to provide for their families. Implications and recommendations for prospective and current doctoral students, as well as counselor educators, are included