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This qualitative grounded theory study is the first of its kind aimed at understanding the decision-making process of parents and guardians of transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) youth providing informed consent for their children to undergo gender-confirming endocrinological interventions (GCEI), such as hormone replacement therapy and puberty blockers. Using primarily intensive interviews supported by observational field notes and document review, this study examined the decision-making processes of a national sample of participants who identified as a parent or legal guardian of at least one TGD youth and who have given informed consent for the youth in their care to undergo GCEI. A variety of inhibiting and contributing factors were illuminated as well as a "dissonance-to-consonance" model that participants used to combine contributing factors to overcome inhibitors and grant informed consent. Implications for professional counseling practitioners are discussed, including guidance for direct services, gatekeeping, case management, and advocacy functions.

The view of Black male identities has historically been distorted. Traditionally, it has reflected the dehumanization of Black males through the lens of criminality and lacking dignity. However, in a similar fashion, little is known about the Black males in counseling, due to simultaneous under examination in empirical literature. Therefore, the researchers conducted a content analysis on the family of American Counseling Association and affiliate journals to observe the current state of scholarship on Black males' experiences with counseling. Using an intersectional lens to the approach, our review yielded 102 articles on Black males' experiences with counseling published between 1972 and 2022. Implications for culturally responsive practices and counselor education are further discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the viral nature of videos that capture violent and racialized policing of Black Americans in the United States can increase awareness, exposure to race-based violence can result in vicarious traumatization, particularly among Black Americans. The relationship between anticipatory traumatic reactions (ATRs) and racial identity attitudes is not clearly addressed in the extant body of literature. The current study addresses this research disparity by first analyzing group mean differences among Black Americans (N = 138) who were assigned to audiovisual, written, and imaginal exposure groups. The current study also used a cluster analysis of Black Americans to examine the differences between racial identity attitudes and ATRs following media exposure to undue police violence. Results from the study indicated that no differences in ATRs existed based on types of media exposure. Significant differences across three racial identity clusters existed between ATR in association with attitudes of assimilation, miseducation, self-hatred, anti-dominance, and ethnic-racial salience. Findings from the study suggest that mental health professionals should attend to racial identity attitudes as a relevant factor in how Black American clients experience the psychological impact of media exposure to undue police violence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of the long history of anti-drug policing in the United States and the criminalization of substance use, clients who use substances are vulnerable to direct and vicarious experiences of police violence. Consequently, those who use substances may face a greater risk of experiencing symptoms of trauma that counselors should address in treatment. We recommend the use of a trauma-informed and abolitionist praxis in clinical and social justice practices as a framework to support clients who use substances and have histories of exposure to police violence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attention toward how technology may be used to perpetuate racism is warranted given the global impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic. We examined cyberspaces associated with the counseling profession to estimate the prevalence and impact of cyber racism using a cross‐sectional design. Results indicated that exposure to cyber racism may impact emotions and perceived inclusion in groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been increasing attention on excessive force by law enforcement because of the disproportionate impact on African Americans compared with other races. Undue police violence (UPV) is described as the use of force by the police resulting in physical, psychological, or emotional harm. This cross‐sectional study used descriptive and correlational analyses to explore the beliefs, knowledge, and skills of counselors associated with UPV. A sample of 112 individuals completed the Awareness of Undue Police Violence Survey, Attitudes Towards Police Legitimacy Scale (Reynolds et al., 2018), and Perceived Racism Scale (McNeilly, Anderson, Armstead, et al., 1996). Results showed that although 68% of counselors have worked with clients with UPV experiences, most have not engaged in advocacy efforts. Results also showed that beliefs held about UPV have a negative relationship with beliefs about officer legitimacy and a positive relationship with perceived racism. Recommendations for researchers and counselors are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The racist violence that occurred during the summer of 2020 was a tipping point forcing many people and institutions to acknowledge and address racial inequities in the United States. As the "conscience" of ACA, Counselors for Social Justice (CSJ) responded to this crisis through immediate action and strategic planning. This article discusses the process used by CSJ leaders to meet the CSJ mission of "promoting social justice... through confronting oppressive systems of power and privilege that affect professional counselors and our clients and to assist in the positive change in our society through the professional development of counselors" during this critical time. Recommendations for moving toward a decolonization of counseling practice, supervision, education, and research also are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]