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School counselors support students' social-emotional, academic, and career readiness (ASCA, 2019). However, who provides support for school counselors to navigate this herculean responsibility? Supervision provides opportunities for counselors to learn, consult, and practice counseling knowledge and skills to offer the most research-informed, inclusive, and culturally responsive services to appropriately support clients' needs (Bernard and Goodyear, 2019; Ratts et al., 2015; Mitchell and Butler, 2021). With the current state of society, students' mental health and social-emotional needs are paramount, and the support needed for school counselors to assist students' holistic development is critical. The author proposes #S.O.S.³ to promote the Supervision of School Counselors to Support Students. Without counseling supervision, research warns of erosion of school counselor self-efficacy. This qualitative, phenomenological study used semi-structured interviews to investigate ten school counseling supervisors' (SCS) counseling supervision experiences. This study uncovered five superordinate themes and related subthemes regarding the supervision experiences of SCS who received and delivered clinical supervision. Implications for SCS, counselor educators, school district and state educational administrators on the needs of SCS that will inform the supervision of school counselors who provide counseling services to support students' social-emotional/mental health needs are discussed. Doctor of Philosophy Supervision provides opportunities for counselors to learn, consult, and practice counseling knowledge and skills to offer the most research-informed, inclusive, and culturally responsive services to appropriately support clients' needs (Bernard and Goodyear, 2019; Ratts et al., 2015; Mitchell and Butler, 2021). Research has uncovered that school counselors often receive none or minimal clinical supervision compared to counselors in agencies, hospitals, and private practice (Page et al., 2001; Dollarhide and Miller, 2006; DeKruyf et al., 2013). Also, research shows school counselors prefer supervisors that have clinical mental health understanding and knowledge (Dollarhide and Miller, 2006; Roberts and Borders, 1994), and school counselors who participate in clinical supervision continue to develop skills and techniques to assist in appropriate strategies and interventions to support students and families (Bledsoe et al., 2021). However, despite the increased number of studies on school counseling supervision, few studies have explicitly focused on school counseling supervisors' (SCS) experiences. This qualitative, phenomenological study, using semi-structured interviews, investigated the clinical supervision perceptions and experiences of ten SCS who received and provided clinical supervision. This study discovered five superordinate themes and related subthemes regarding clinical supervision experiences, including professional (a) preparation, (b) identity, (c) self-efficacy, (d) challenges, and (e) quality of life. Implications for school counseling supervision are discussed.

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a highly stigmatized disorder, including among clinicians. Though research indicates a connection between childhood trauma and BPD, there remains considerable debate about the role trauma plays in the diagnosis and whether the diagnosis is properly categorized as a personality disorder. Additionally, studies about counselor perspectives of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) indicate conflicted feelings combined with dependency on its use. Research examining clinician views of the diagnosis of BPD, including the role that trauma plays in the diagnosis and categorization as a personality disorder, have largely neglected to explore the views of counselors, indicating a significant gap in the research. This study took a qualitative approach to increasing understanding of the views and experiences of licensed counselors as they work with clients and encounter trauma and the diagnosis of BPD. A total of 17 themes emerged during data analysis. Each theme is examined and conclusions are discussed. Doctor of Philosophy Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a highly stigmatized disorder, including among clinicians. Though research indicates a connection between childhood trauma and BPD, there remains considerable debate about the role trauma plays in the diagnosis and whether the diagnosis is properly categorized as a personality disorder. Additionally, studies about counselor perspectives of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) indicate conflicted feelings combined with dependency on its use. Research examining clinician views of the diagnosis of BPD, including the role that trauma plays in the diagnosis and categorization as a personality disorder, have largely neglected to explore the views of counselors, indicating a significant gap in the research. This study took a qualitative approach to increasing understanding of the views and experiences of licensed counselors as they work with clients and encounter trauma and the diagnosis of BPD. A total of 17 themes emerged during data analysis. Each theme is examined and conclusions are discussed.

Student motivation in medical education courses is essential for the development of life-long medical knowledge. Researchers have demonstrated that student learning in anatomy courses, fundamental to students' future medical learning, has suboptimal long-term outcomes. The purpose of this study was to investigate how medical students' motivation-related perceptions and course effort were different during the academic year through varied course content and elements of instruction. The study was guided by the MUSIC Model of Motivation theoretical framework and nested in the pragmatic paradigm. First-year medical students enrolled at a small, public allopathic medical school in the southeastern United States were surveyed and interviewed regarding their course perceptions. Quantitative data from 18 students and qualitative data from 14 students indicated that students' motivation-related perceptions and effort do vary over different course content and elements of instruction. Students consistently reported lower motivation-related perceptions and effort for prerecorded lectures, whereas they reported more positive motivation-related perceptions and effort for cadaver dissection. Results also indicated variability in motivation-related perceptions and effort among specific block content areas (e.g., musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, abdominopelvic). Study findings resulted in a variety of suggestions for course instructors on how anatomy course design and instructional practices could be intentionally adjusted in the interest of fostering student motivation and engagement. Implications for course design and instruction included general course guidance (e.g., clinical relevance, clear and broad understanding of course usefulness), prerecorded lecture recommendations (e.g., catalogued for easy reference, short and focused, effective use of visual and verbal elements), and cadaver lab instruction guidance (e.g., faculty and upper-level student engagement, student preparation expectations). Doctor of Philosophy The purpose of this study was to investigate how medical students' motivation-related perceptions and course effort were different during the academic year through varied course content and elements of instruction. The study was guided by the MUSIC Model of Motivation which is a resource course instructors can use to develop their courses in ways that support students' motivation and engagement. The MUSIC Model is an acronym (i.e., eMpowerment, Usefulness, Success, Interest, and Caring) and each letter represents one of five categories of strategies that teachers can use to motivate students. Instructors who use strategies in these categories can improve student motivation which can help encourage students to engage in their learning. First-year medical students enrolled in an anatomy course at a small, public medical school in the southeastern United States were surveyed and interviewed regarding their perceptions of the anatomy course. Information gathered from this study indicated that students' motivation and engagement vary over different course content and elements of instruction. Students consistently reported lower motivation-related perceptions and effort for prerecorded lectures. Students reported more positive motivation-related perceptions and effort for cadaver dissection. Results also indicated unevenness in motivation-related perceptions and effort among specific block content areas (e.g., musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, abdominopelvic). This study offered a variety of suggestions for course instructors on how anatomy course design and instructional practices could be intentionally adjusted in the interest of fostering student motivation and engagement.

A review of literature, coupled with years of personal clinical experience treating combat veterans, particularly those serving in National Guard and Reserves, indicates a dearth of research on the impact repeated combat deployments have on veterans in their family relationships. Reintegration problems are too often manifested as work/life readjustment stress, family role adjustment issues, relational dysfunction, child neglect and abuse, and domestic violence. These pressing problems highlight the need for greater focus by behavioral health, healthcare, federal agencies and other non-governmental organizations to create reintegration protocols and programs that enable combat veterans to more successfully reintegrate within their marital and family relationships. This qualitative study utilized a single case-study approach to explore spousal perceptions of marital and family relationship disturbances resulting from repeated combat deployment and reintegration of long-term active-duty service members. Although based on the responses from one military spouse, four themes emerged from this study that are likely to be common for other spouses and families who live through repeated deployment cycles: choice, progression, adaptability, and acceptance. Based on these thematic findings, there must be a greater focus on feedback, insights, and constructive suggestions directly from service members, their spouses and children as related to coping more successfully with repeated deployments and reintegration cycles. The results of this research are expected to be useful for military officials, governmental agencies, counselors, educators, and other mental health service providers who engage with this at-risk population of service member and their families about more effective educational and treatment options that can improve comprehensive services. Doctor of Education A review of literature, coupled with years of personal clinical experience treating combat veterans, particularly those serving in National Guard and Reserves, indicates a lack of research on the impact repeated combat deployments have on veterans in their family relationships. Reintegration problems are too often manifested as work/life readjustment stress, family role adjustment issues, relational dysfunction, child neglect and abuse, and domestic violence. These pressing problems highlight the need for greater focus by behavioral health, healthcare, federal agencies and other non-governmental organizations to create reintegration protocols and programs that enable combat veterans to more successfully reintegrate within their marital and family relationships. This qualitative study utilized a single case-study approach to explore spousal perceptions of marital and family relationship disturbances resulting from repeated combat deployment and reintegration of long-term active-duty service members.

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) standards specifically require school counselors to be competent in the use of effective classroom management strategies, differentiated instruction, and in designing school counseling core curriculum. While the existing inquiries have contributed significantly to the school counseling knowledge base regarding classroom management, our field lacks adequate research specific to the classroom management self-efficacy of elementary school counselors. This quantitative study utilized the School Counselor Self Efficacy Scale, the Teachers' Sense of Efficacy Scale, and a demographic questionnaire to collect data from a cross-section of elementary school counselors working in Virginia public schools. Differences in elementary school counselors' self-efficacy in classroom management were examined across the following variables: (a) working in schools with a recognized ASCA model program (RAMP) designation, (b) working in a setting that uses school-wide positive behavioral interventions and supports (SWPBIS), (c) prior teaching experience, and (d) years of counseling experience. Analysis showed that elementary school counselors working in schools that participated in SWPBIS had significantly higher classroom management self-efficacy than did school counselors working in schools that did not implement SWPBIS. Surprisingly, elementary school counselors in schools designated as RAMP had significantly lower classroom management self-efficacy than those working in schools without RAMP status. No significant differences in classroom management self-efficacy by years of counseling experience or prior K–12 teaching experience were evident. Implications of these findings are discussed. Doctor of Philosophy Well-managed classrooms make it easier for school counselors to effectively deliver school counseling core curriculum (SCCC) to address the social, personal, academic, and career-related needs of a large number of students at a time. Questions have been raised regarding factors that influence the performance of school counselor roles, and a number of researchers have reported counselor self-efficacy, a person's belief in their ability to execute behaviors necessary to produce specific performance, as critical for effectively carrying out school counseling tasks. While existing inquiries have contributed significantly to the school counseling knowledge base regarding classroom management, little is known about the classroom management self-efficacy of elementary school counselors. The purpose of this quantitative research study was to explore the classroom management self-efficacy of elementary school counselors delivering SCCC lessons in Virginia schools. Data were collected using the School Counselor Self-Efficacy scale, the Teachers' Sense of Efficacy Scale, and a demographic questionnaire. Findings showed that classroom management self-efficacy scores differed among elementary school counselors working in schools that implement school-wide positive behavioral interventions and supports (SWPBIS) compared to those working in non-SWPBIS schools. Similarly, classroom management self-efficacy levels differed among counselors working in schools with recognized ASCA model program (RAMP) designation and counselors working in non-RAMP designated schools. Elementary school counselors who received training in classroom management had higher classroom management self-efficacy scores compared to those who did not receive training in classroom management. No significant differences were found in classroom management self-efficacy by years of counseling experience or prior K–12 teaching experience.

Millions of people around the world have fled their home countries in search of refuge, and there is a great likelihood they experience traumatizing events in their journeys to safety. Refugees are screened for mental health issues in the resettlement process in the United States, and there is a large body of established research regarding refugee mental health needs and strengths. However, far less is known about counseling refugees, and even less so about counselors working with the population. This dissertation study sought counselors' reflections on their experiences, both personal and professional, they feel help prepare them to see refugee clients. Four post-masters counselors participated in the video interviews. Participants were diverse (3 women, 4 ethnicities, counseling refugees from all areas of the world). Minimum criteria was having three adult refugee clients for a minimum of three sessions each. Four main themes emerged as result of analysis: 1) Trauma-informed, 2) Cultural competence and humility, 3) Counselor determination, and 4) Integration of Self. Participants specifically identified trauma-informed practices, cultural competence, and cultural humility as integral parts of necessary training for counselors to see this population. Counselors in this study found they were ill-prepared when they began seeing refugees and had to overcome obstacles to provide needed therapy. Results show a gap between what is known about refugees in academic literature and counselors' knowledge of the population which highlights the need for accessible curriculum and training on refugee issues as well as best practices for serving refugee clients. Implications for counselors, counselor educators, and future research are shared. Doctor of Philosophy People who have refugee status often struggle to meet basic needs upon resettlement. They have experienced potentially traumatizing events in their journeys, and their mental health needs are not often met. While a great body of research on refugee mental health exists, far less is known about counseling refugees, and even less so about counselors working with the population. This dissertation study sought counselors' reflections on their experiences, both personal and professional, they feel helped prepare them to see refugee clients. Four counselors participated in the video interviews. Minimum criteria was having three adult refugee clients for a minimum of three sessions each. Four main themes emerged as result of analysis: 1) Trauma-informed, 2) Cultural competence and humility, 3) Counselor determination, and 4) Integration of Self. Counselors in this study found they were ill-prepared when they began seeing refugees and had to overcome obstacles to provide needed therapy. Results show a gap between what is known about refugees in academic literature and counselors' knowledge of the population which highlights the need for accessible curriculum and training on refugee issues as well as best practices for serving refugee clients. Implications for counselors, counselor educators, and future research are shared.

Teaching is a foundational professional role addressed within the curriculum of counselor education doctoral programs, yet little is known about the teaching preparation experiences of counselor education doctoral students. This interpretative phenomenological analysis explored the teaching preparation experiences of a purposeful sample of eight current or recently graduated counselor education doctoral students enrolled in Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) through semi-structured interviews. Four superordinate themes, Experiential Integration, Contextual Development, Interactive Reflection, and Emergent Teaching Values, were identified to illustrate how counselor education doctoral students make sense of their teaching preparation experiences. These themes provide in-depth, nuanced, and narrative accounts of the multifaceted, experiential, relational, and contextual developmental teaching preparation experiences of counselor education doctoral students. The findings of this study revealed several important implications for counselor education doctoral students, counselor educations, counselor education doctoral programs, and CACREP to enhance the teaching preparation experiences of counselor education doctoral students. This study overall extends our knowledge of counselor education doctoral students' teaching preparation experiences, adding to a growing body of literature on doctoral teaching preparation in counselor education. Doctor of Philosophy Teaching is a foundational professional role addressed within the curriculum of counselor education doctoral programs, yet little is known about the teaching preparation experiences of counselor education doctoral students. This qualitative study explored the teaching preparation experiences of eight current or recently graduated counselor education doctoral students enrolled in accredited counselor education Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs. This study used in-depth interviews with counselor education doctoral students to understand how they make sense of their teaching preparation experiences. The analysis of the transcripts of the in-depth interviews revealed four themes that describe experiences, contexts, reflections, and values related to counselor education doctoral students' teaching preparation experiences. These themes provide detailed accounts of the many facets of counselor education doctoral students' teaching preparation experiences. These findings revealed implications for students, educators, degree programs, and accreditation organizations within counselor education that can enhance the teaching preparation experiences of counselor education doctoral students. This study overall extends our knowledge of counselor education doctoral students' teaching preparation experiences. Advancing our understanding of the teaching preparation experiences of counselor education doctoral students can improve the quality of the teaching, learning, and development facilitated through counselor training programs.

Throughout the past several decades, research regarding counselor resilience has shifted from a pathology-based to a strengths-based approach. As a result, researchers have moved away from primarily identifying risk factors and now focus on protective factors. Researchers have found that social supports serve as a protective factor in counselor resilience. However, there is a lack of understanding of how counselors receive that social support, specifically after a professional adverse event. Professional adverse events are common given the nature of counseling work. For example, undesirable occurrences such as client suicide, attempted suicide, life threatening illnesses, accidents, overdose, or loss of a child are considered professional adverse events. This study explored how ten professional counselors experienced social support following professional adverse events. Three themes emerged from these counselors' stories: difficulty seeking support, misplaced support, and acts of kindness. Implications for counselors include honoring both confidentiality and their own humanness, the cultivating co-regulating relationships, and reinforcing acts of kindness. Counselor educators and supervisors can foster counselor resilience by using the implications to teach counselors how to invite effective social support. Doctor of Philosophy Being a counselor can be both challenging and rewarding. Given the heavy caseloads and complexity of cases, it is common for counselors to experience adverse professional events. Research shows that protective factors serve as a buffer against stress. Social support is a protective factor that assists counselors in maintaining wellness and building resiliency. This study explored how professional counselors received support from interpersonal relationships following a professional adverse event. Findings from this study indicate the importance of counselors honoring their own humanness while protecting the client’s confidentiality, the importance of having co-regulating relationships, and the healing power of acts of kindness.

Trauma recovery and post trauma growth are two desirable outcomes of a traumatic event. Meaning-making and narrative development are two processes that support both trauma recovery and post trauma growth. The way in which we make meaning or develop stories about the events in our lives however, are governed by socio-cultural contexts. Social constructivism emphasizes that the way in which individuals think, feel, and act are engrained in her being early on by the social and cultural networks that surround her. Therefore, even though an individual may think that she is generating a thought or making a choice, these processes have already been influenced by socio-cultural contexts long before she learned how to speak or formulate a worldview. This study aimed to examine the lived experiences of women who have been through intimate partner violence, tracing their journey towards trauma recovery and post trauma growth, and trying to find how and the extent to which their journeys were affected by socio-cultural contexts. This study takes a social constructivist lens that emphasizes the effects of our socio-cultural environment on individual meaning-making, narrative development, and decision making post trauma. The results of the study indicate that socio-cultural contexts play a significant role in individual responses to trauma like intimate partner violence, and there are socio-cultural components that can facilitate trauma recovery and post trauma growth. Doctor of Philosophy When human beings experience adverse events in life, they can develop a traumatic response to the event. Traumatic response however, is just one possibility. Sometimes individuals who have been through events that have led to a trauma response can also experience resilience, recovery, and even growth. The way in which human beings respond is not only in their power but is also influenced by their environment. Socio-cultural contexts that surround us influence the way in which we make meaning of life events and develop stories or narratives regarding those events. This purpose of this study was to find whether socio-cultural contexts affected women who had experienced intimate partner violence in their meaning-making and narrative development, and how these influences played out in their decision making process post trauma. The study intended to find to what extent trauma recovery and post trauma growth could be influenced by socio-cultural contexts. Additionally, the study wanted to explore how professional counselors may contribute to survivor’s journeys. The results indicate that socio-cultural contexts deeply influence the process of meaning-making and narrative development, thereby affecting trauma recovery and post trauma growth. Additionally, results indicate that professional counselors can play an essential role in facilitating processes that lead to recovery and growth post trauma.

A number of studies have examined how counselor educators can facilitate counselor development of multicultural competence within the context of graduate counseling programs (e.g., Chu-Lien Chao, 2012; Constantine, 2001; Constantine, Juby, and Liang, 2001; Dickson and Jepsen, 2007; Sodowsky et al., 1998). Much less research has focused on counselor development occurring in students' personal lives, yet some evidence has shown that students report the impact of extracurricular experiences on counselor development (Coleman, 2006; Furr and Carroll, 2003; Rønnestad and Skovholt, 2003). Many qualitative studies have demonstrated positive effects of cultural immersion experiences, yet much less research in this area has utilized the quantitative measures related to cultural awareness. Few studies have also examined the effects of living among a different culture instead of visiting a different culture short term. After a thorough review of the literature on cultural immersion experiences, this study was designed to fill the gap that presently exists in quantitative findings exploring differences in multicultural competence and universal-diverse orientation, which is an awareness and accepting attitude for those who come from diverse backgrounds. The sample for the study consisted of students experiencing cultural immersion by means of relocation for their graduate training program. Additional analysis examined how universal-diverse orientation and duration of graduate training predicted multicultural competence scores. The results were not significant showing any differences in either multicultural competence or universal-diverse orientation scores based on cultural immersion. Similarly, no differences were found for either of these variables based on amount of multicultural training either. One finding that was statistically significant was a strong, positive correlation, as well as predictive ability, between universal-diverse orientation and multicultural knowledge and awareness. Implications of the findings could be applicable to clinicians and counselor education programs. By fostering more universal-diverse orientation, counselor educators could work towards increasing multicultural competence as well. This study was found to have some limitations, primarily a small sample size for quantitative analysis. These results do have implications for future research to continue studying multicultural competence, universal-diverse orientation, and cultural immersion. Doctor of Philosophy Much research has examined how people who train mental health professionals can facilitate counselor development of multicultural competence, an awareness for cultural differences and an ability to work with people from many cultural backgrounds. Much less research has focused on counselor development occurring in students’ personal lives, yet some evidence has shown that students report the impact of events in their personal lives on counselor development. Many studies have demonstrated positive effects of cultural immersion experiences, in which participants immerse themselves in a different culture for a time period. A few studies have also examined the effects of living among a different culture instead of visiting a different culture short term. After a thorough review of the literature on cultural immersion experiences, this study was designed to research how living among a diverse culture could result in differences in multicultural competence and universal-diverse orientation, which is an awareness and accepting attitude for those who come from diverse backgrounds. The study focused on students who moved to live in a different culture as part of their graduate training program in a counseling related field. The researcher also explored the relationship between universal-diverse orientation and multicultural competence scores. The results were not significant showing any differences in either multicultural competence or universal-diverse orientation scores based on whether or not participants had experienced cultural immersion. Similarly, no differences were found based on amount of multicultural training either. One finding that was significant was a strong relationship between universal-diverse orientation and multicultural knowledge and awareness. Implications of the findings could be applicable to counselors and counselor education programs. By fostering more universal-diverse orientation, counselor educators could work towards increasing multicultural competence as well. This study was found to have some limitations, primarily having few participants take the study’s survey. These results do have implications for future research to continue studying multicultural competence, universal-diverse orientation, and cultural immersion.

The purpose of this study was to examine counselor's self- perceived multicultural counseling competency (MCC) between counselors working in rural, suburban and urban communities across the Commonwealth of Virginia. The study compared professional counselors' perceptions of their own multicultural counseling competence based on the counselor's geographic area of origin, current geographic practice setting, and counselors' intersections of identities to better understand counselor MCC as it relates to cultural diversity. Sample data was collected through professional counseling organizations in Virginia. Participants completed a demographic survey as well as the Multicultural Awareness Knowledge Skills Survey-Counselor Edition-Revised (MAKSS-CE-R) to measure self-perceived MCC. Results indicate that there was no difference in self-perceived MCC among professional counselors in Virginia based on their practice location or area of origin (i.e. hometown). However, counselor's identified race/ethnicity were predictor's of self-perceived MCC. Findings suggest that training programs may be providing adequate opportunities for counselors to develop MCC. Allowing innovative approaches through technology, consultation, and adherence to the ACA Code of Ethics (2014) could be sufficient in counselor MCC regardless of geographic practice location. Doctor of Philosophy The purpose of this study was to understand how counselors in Virginia perceived their cultural competence. The researcher examined how counselors rated their own cultural competence in relation to the geographic location in which they grew up, currently work, as well as general demographic characteristics, to better understand counselors’ competence when working with diverse peoples. Participants completed a demographic survey as well as the Multicultural Awareness Knowledge Skills Survey-Counselor Edition-Revised (MAKSS-CE-R), which measures counselor cultural competence. Results indicate that there was no difference in perceived cultural competence among professional counselors in Virginia based on the geographic area where they worked or grew up. However, counselors who identified as a racial/ethnic minority also perceived themselves as having greater cultural competency. Findings suggest that training programs may be providing adequate opportunities for counselors to develop cultural competence. Allowing creative approaches through technology, consultation, and implementation of counselor’s professional codes of ethics could be enough for counselors to feel competent when working with diverse peoples, regardless geographic practice location.

Mental health practitioners who incorporate animal-assisted interventions into clinical practice harness the human-animal bond for therapeutic benefit. According to the Animal-Assisted Therapy in Counseling Competencies, practitioners have a duty to understand the complex relational processes within animal-assisted interventions in counseling (AAI-C). These bonding processes may resemble that of an attachment bond in which the client desires to maintain closeness to the practitioner and therapy animal as a result of feeling safe and secure. Researchers studying attachment in the human-animal bond have stated that attachment processes may occur within other human-animal relationships, such as between a guardian and a companion animal. However, there is no empirical research on the attachment processes occurring between humans and therapy animals in AAI-C or how these processes affect the bond between the practitioner and client. A component of the working alliance, maintaining a quality bond can improve treatment outcomes in counseling. Therefore, the purpose of this quantitative study was to examine how attachment to a therapy animal impacts the attachment bond between a mental health practitioner and client. Participants completed an online survey with four measures to study the following: (a) client attachment to the therapy animal, (b) practitioner attachment to the therapy animal, (c) the bond between the practitioner and client, and (d) the impact of utilizing an animal in counseling sessions. Data analyses included a multiple regression to determine how practitioners' perceptions of the attachment processes within AAI-C best explain the bond with their clients. Descriptive analysis revealed that practitioners perceived high quality bonding within AAI-C, particularly in their own attachment to the therapy animal. Results of the multiple regression indicated practitioners' attachment to the therapy animal was a significant predictor of the working alliance and bond between the practitioner and client. Practitioners who perceived themselves as extremely skilled in working with the clients' presenting issue also had a statistically significant effect on the working alliance and bond when compared to practitioners who felt less skilled. Implications for practitioners and counselor educators are provided. Limitations and areas of future research are also discussed. Doctor of Philosophy Mental health practitioners who incorporate animal-assisted interventions into clinical practice harness the human-animal bond for therapeutic benefit. According to the Animal-Assisted Therapy in Counseling Competencies, practitioners have a duty to understand the complex relational processes within animal-assisted interventions in counseling (AAI-C). These bonding processes may resemble that of an attachment bond in which the client desires to maintain closeness to the practitioner and therapy animal as a result of feeling safe and secure. Researchers studying attachment in the human-animal bond have stated that attachment processes may occur within other human-animal relationships, such as between a guardian and a companion animal. However, there is no practical research on the attachment processes occurring between humans and therapy animals in AAI-C or how these processes affect the bond between the practitioner and client. A component of the working alliance, maintaining a quality bond, can improve treatment outcomes in counseling. Therefore, the purpose of this quantitative study was to examine how attachment to a therapy animal impacts the attachment bond between a mental health practitioner and client. Participants completed an online survey with four measures to study the following: (a) client attachment to the therapy animal, (b) practitioner attachment to the therapy animal, (c) the bond between the practitioner and client, and (d) the impact of utilizing an animal in counseling sessions. Data analyses included a multiple regression to determine how practitioners’ perceptions of the attachment processes within AAI-C best explain the bond with their clients. Descriptive statistics revealed that practitioners perceived high quality bonding within AAI-C, particularly in their own attachment to the therapy animal. Results of the multiple regression indicated practitioners’ attachment to the therapy animal influenced the working alliance and bond between the practitioner and client. Practitioners who perceived themselves as extremely skilled in working with the clients’ presenting issue also had an effect on the working alliance and bond when compared to practitioners who felt less skilled. Implications for practitioners and counselor educators are provided. Limitations and areas of future research are also discussed.

Opioid abuse and opioid related deaths continue to affect families and communities across the United States. Medication-assisted treatment shows advantages over other types of interventions for opioid use disorder (OUD) (Bart, 2012). While buprenorphine, an approved medication for the treatment of OUD, has a wide research base to support its efficacy, there is little research or guidance on behavioral interventions to use in conjunction with the medication. Investigating clients' experiences in treatment can provide helpful and necessary information for improving treatment efforts. The following qualitative study used a phenomenological approach to explore the client experience of group therapy with buprenorphine for OUD. Results showed the importance of supportive, genuine relationships in recovery, as well as the need for accountability and a safe space for self-disclosure. This research highlights the importance of the therapeutic alliance, the 11 therapeutic factors of groups, and the necessity of building authentic relationships in treatment. Doctor of Philosophy As opioid overdoses continue to rise in the United States, it is essential that we improve addiction treatment. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) combines the use of medications and counseling to treat the whole person. This type of approach shows advantages over counseling only interventions for opioid use disorder (OUD) (Bart, 2012). While MAT shows promise over counseling only approaches, there is little research or guidance on how to implement counseling with the medication. Investigating clients’ experiences in treatment can provide helpful and necessary information for improving counseling in MAT. The following qualitative study used in-depth interviews with participants who are currently in a MAT program to better understand their experiences in treatment. Results showed the importance of supportive, genuine relationships in recovery, as well as the need for accountability and a safe space for sharing. This research helps further knowledge of treatment for OUD to better serve those affected by addiction, as well as adding to the gaps in group therapy and addiction’s literature.

Throughout the past century, many changes in the conceptualization of the school counselor have occurred. Although most states endorse a national model developed through the American School Counseling Association (ASCA), not all school and district personnel have changed their views of the school counselor role to the most current conceptualization. The focus of this study was to gather current information on principal perceptions of appropriate and inappropriate school counselor activities based on the ASCA model. Differences were examined in principal perceptions at the elementary and secondary levels, and between appropriate and inappropriate activities to see if principals ranked appropriate activities more highly. Differences were also examined in schools with Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) designation and schools without RAMP designation. Results showed differences in perception between elementary and secondary principals, with secondary principals rating all counseling activities significantly higher than elementary school principals, although there were similarities in ratings between groups. Appropriate activities were rated significantly higher than inappropriate activities by principals overall as well as the elementary principal group and secondary principal group. There were no significant differences overall in RAMP versus non-RAMP school principal perceptions. Discussion includes reviewing specific activities where perceptions differed; how these results fit with previous research; and implications for policy and practice, future research, and higher education. Doctor of Philosophy Throughout the past century, many changes in the conceptualization of the role of the school counselor have occurred. Although most states endorse a national model developed through the American School Counseling Association (ASCA), not all school and district personnel have changed their views of the school counselor role to the most current conceptualization. The focus of this study was to gather current information on principal perceptions of appropriate and inappropriate school counselor activities based on the ASCA model. Differences were examined in principal perceptions at the elementary and secondary levels, and between appropriate and inappropriate activities to see if principals ranked appropriate activities more highly. Differences were also examined in schools with Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) designation and schools without RAMP designation. Results showed differences in perception between elementary and secondary principals, with secondary principals rating all counseling activities significantly higher than elementary school principals, although there were similarities in ratings between groups. Appropriate activities were rated significantly higher than inappropriate activities by principals overall as well as the elementary principal group and secondary principal group. There were no significant differences overall in RAMP versus non-RAMP school principal perceptions. Discussion includes reviewing specific activities where perceptions differed; how these results fit with previous research; and implications for policy and practice, future research, and higher education.

Scarce is the research on the effects of the social and political climates of the Civil Rights era on children of that time. Comparisons are made throughout these writings between that era and the social and political climates that exist today in the United States of America. Specifically, the effects of these climates on Black males are examined across contexts. To better understand the Black male perspective, this body of research contributes to filling the gap of scarce research about older Black men, exploring lived experiences of eight African-American and Black men, 66-78 years of age, through first person interviews. A phenomenological research design and first person interviews allowed the researcher to find themes in the lived experiences of these men. Some of their life experiences (e.g., experiencing racism and disrespect related to being Black men), parallel the research findings throughout the literature review about the life experiences of generations of younger Black males that are coming behind them. Six themes were drawn, from the lived experiences of these men, to answer two research questions that guided the study. Those themes are: 1) personal experience with discrimination, racism or prejudice, 2) the need for strong familial support, 3) the importance of being aware of differences, 4) learning about your-self, 5) giving back to family and community and, 6) views about the need for counseling. From this research, implications are made for counselors, counselor educators and community advocates. EDD There are not a lot of research articles that follow the lives of children that lived through the Civil Rights Era, specifically young Black boys of that time. That era was full of social and political climates that the researcher compares to the social and political climates that exist as recently as the time of these writings in 2018. In this research study, the researcher interviewed eight African-American and Black men, ages 66-78, about their experiences living as men in the United States of America. Their life experiences are filled with lessons about racism, building positive family support, learning about yourself, taking care of responsibilities and community advocacy, to name a few. One of many potential benefits of these experiences is the impact it can have on young Black boys today who are living through social and political climates like those that the men interviewed lived through. The men interviewed were able to look back on their lives as young men and offer words of wisdom and advice to young Black men today. These words of wisdom and research have the potential to benefit the way mental health clinicians provide care for their clients, the way community members advocate for their young Black male citizens and the way police interact with citizens, specifically young Black men. For the purpose of this research, African-American is the term used to describe an American of African and especially of black African descent. Black is the term used to describe a person having origins in any of the Black racial groups of Africa. The men interviewed were also asked about their view of respect which, for this research, is defined as: high or special regard: the quality or state of being esteemed.

While research studies have investigated suicide prevention and intervention in secondary schools, there is very limited research that explores this support specifically at the elementary school level. This paper reviews the prevalence and associated risk factors of youth and adolescent suicide in the United States and best practices of school counselors providing suicide prevention and intervention in schools. The theory of adolescent suicide and social cognitive theory's self-efficacy will frame the discussion of the literature to provide a holistic picture of the elementary schools' needs of implementing suicide prevention and intervention. This research study is designed to fill a gap in the reviewed literature that shows the need for providing prevention and intervention in elementary school and the education that is currently being provided, as well as the level of self-efficacy among elementary school counselors providing suicide intervention to students at-risk. The following research questions guide the study: 1. What percentage of elementary education school counselors in the surveyed districts report having implemented suicide education as prevention in their elementary school with 4th and 5th graders, and what do these programs entail? 2. What are the perceptions of school counselors regarding the necessity of suicide education programs in elementary school? 3. What is the level of self-efficacy reported by school counselors regarding managing a crisis event of suicidality, such as a suicide attempt or student who died by suicide, as measured by the King Instrument? 4. To what extent are (a) years of experience in the field, (b) suicide education training in graduate school, (c) participation in professional development activities and/or in services, and (d) previous experience with a student expressing suicidal thoughts predictive of a counselor's self-efficacy for providing suicide education in the elementary school? Responses from 98 elementary school counselors employed within three school districts in the mid-Atlantic region were surveyed to examine the current suicide prevention programs in place and explore counselor self-efficacy related to providing suicide intervention for at-risk students. The King Instrument (King, 1999) was adapted for elementary school counselors and used to answer the research questions. A total of 7 of participants reported providing suicide prevention to the upper elementary grades. A much larger number of this sample, 83 (84.7%), perceived that it is the role of the school counselor to identify students at risk of suicide. Participants reported high overall self-efficacy for providing suicide interventions. Only one variable, graduate school training (B=0.249, p

This dissertation explores the concept and development of metacognitive social justice through three manuscripts. The first manuscript defines metacognitive social justice through an extensive literature review from prominent social justice scholars and theorists to find common themes that either explicitly or subtly permeate social justice content. Drawing from theory and empirical data, the first manuscript provides a foundation of this cognitive process that is relatable to all social justice scholarship, defining cognitive common ground. The themes found across the literature can be distilled to four metacognitive attributes found in "social justice thinking": (1) self-awareness through consciousness-raising, (2) value in the narratives of others, (3) awareness of unseen forces, and (4) questioning historical origins or intents. The second manuscript is a qualitative analysis of the perception of self- proclaimed social justice thinkers, exploring how they define 'social justice thinking' and the role it plays in their daily choices and decision-making. Through thoroughly coded and analyzed transcripts of one-on-one, semi-structured interviews, this manuscript explores three other emergent themes of action, discomfort and community, as a well as the need for developing social justice thinkers, and highlights significant connections to the attributes in the first manuscript. The third manuscript is a detailed description of the development of the metacognitive social justice survey for college undergraduates, a psychometric instrument designed to measure the metacognitive social justice attributes in individuals described in the theoretical manuscript. The instrument was found to be increasing in quantitative validity through two exploratory factor analyzes (EFA) with still room for improvement. Drawing on the questions developed so far, a final version of this psychometric instrument will provide a snapshot of what metacognitive social justice attributes are found in undergraduate classes and potentially to what extent. This is the first edition of the instrument, with the idea that the instrument should be ever evolving, becoming more accurate and valid, and carefully reworded for different audiences beyond college undergraduates. Ph. D.

Wellness has become an increasingly important paradigm for counseling and clinical supervision. A heightened focus on counselor wellness in supervision has emerged as an intervention to improve quality of care to clients and prevent counselor impairment. Although researchers have examined the benefits of wellness interventions in supervision, we have little understanding of the supervisor's ability to model wellness to their supervisees. Nor have researchers shown how a supervisor's wellness influences supervisee wellness—and if and how the strength of the supervision relationship changes this influence. Thus, the purpose of this quantitative investigation was to (a) analyze the role of modeled wellness as a way for supervisors to influence the multifaceted aspects of supervisee wellness, and (b) identify if the factoring in the supervisory relationship changes this influence. This quantitative study included a sample of 105 counselor education students enrolled in practicum or internship courses who were receiving supervision from a site-based supervisor. Results indicated that supervisee personal wellness was influenced by the supervisee's perception of supervisor wellness. Certain second-order factors of perceived supervisor wellness (Creative and Coping Selves) were more predictive of the corresponding factor of supervisee personal wellness. When the strength of the supervisory relationship was considered, the model became more predictive despite the lack of correlation between the strength of the supervisory relationship and supervisee personal wellness. Results from this investigation suggest that the supervisory relationship can act as a suppressor variable, controlling for error in the equation and making the perception of supervisor wellness a more valid predictor. A subsequent correlational analysis suggests that the error in prediction was primarily in supervisory relationships of moderate strength. The combination of the supervisee's perception of their supervisor's wellness and the strength of the supervisory relationship predicted 9% of the variance in supervisee wellness. Implications for counselors, supervisors, educators, and policy are discussed. Limitations and recommendations for future inquiry are highlighted based on the findings from this investigation. Ph. D.

In the counseling profession, clinical supervision is utilized to facilitate the personal and professional development of counselors in training (Bernard and Goodyear, 2014). Within this supervisory relationship, supervisors must adhere to the 2015 ACA Code of Ethics, which describes the need for infusing cultural competence into both counseling and supervision practices. This emphasis is warranted; as the population of the United States is growing more diverse and cultural sensitivity in counseling will be needed in order to best serve clients. Both qualitative and quantitative research in various allied fields and settings suggest that supervisor cultural competence positively impacts the supervision working alliance (i.e., Ladany, Brittan-Powell and Pannu, 1997; Ancis and Marshall, 2010; Wong, Wong and Ishiyama, 2013). However, research conducted from the perspective of supervisors working in community settings is limited. This study sampled 78 community supervisors to address the dearth in the counselor education literature concerning the relationships between supervisor cultural competence and the working alliance. Results indicated an overall positively correlated relationship between supervisor multicultural competence and the working alliance. Additionally, the results suggested that supervisor cultural knowledge and supervisor cultural skills are the greatest predictors of a strong working alliance, while supervisor multicultural relationship and supervisor multicultural awareness accounted for some additional variance. The results support the trend away from a competency-based model of cultural sensitivity and attention in counseling and toward a model of cultural humility. Ph. D.

Supervision of counselors-in-training (CITs) is complex and multifaceted. While supervision is critical to the professional development of CITs, they are also being evaluated for a grade that will advance them academically. Therefore, CITs may feel pressured to intentionally withhold information in supervision that could reflect badly on them or their supervisor and/or hinder their progress. Indeed, one study indicated that 97.2% of CITs intentionally withheld relevant information in supervision (Ladany, Hill, Colbert, and Nutt, 1996). Fortunately, there are ways to reduce supervisee non-disclosure. For example, when CITs perceive a strong supervisory relationship, nondisclosures occur less frequently (Mehr, Ladany, and Caskie, 2010). There is some evidence that the supervisory relationship is impacted by the supervisory working alliance and supervisee attachment styles. More general social perceptions may also impact the supervisory relationship, but that has not been assessed in the context of CIT supervision. Therefore, the purpose of this quantitative study was to examine these factors, supervisory working alliance, supervisee attachment styles, and social perceptions, and their impact on intentional nondisclosure by CITs. This quantitative study included a sample of 112 master's-level counselor-in-training students enrolled in internship at a CACREP-accredited (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs) counselor education program. Results indicate that CITs report more discomfort in disclosing supervision-related issues compared to client-related issues. An exploratory factor analysis of the three constructs of interest resulted in a four-factor model. These factors were: (1) Perception of a Supervisor, (2) Anxious Attachment in Supervision (3) the Supervisory Working Alliance, and (4) Avoidant Attachment in Supervision. A multiple regression analysis indicated that a model including social perceptions of supervisors, the supervisory working alliance, and supervisee attachment styles explained 64% of the variance in intentional nondisclosure. Avoidant attachment styles and rapport of the supervisory working alliance were significant predictors of intentional nondisclosure. Implications for counselors and counselor educators are included. Limitations and recommendations for future studies will be discussed based on the unique findings from this study. Ph. D.

The purpose of the study was to develop an understanding of how perceptions of same-sex relationships affect counselors'-in-training (CITs) identification of intimate partner violence. The researcher examined whether the sexual orientation of a client has an impact on CITs identification of violence, identification of victimization and perpetration and how homonegative attitudes shape perceptions of same-sex relationship violence. Data was collected via information questionnaires regarding demographic and professional background, experimental vignettes modified from Blasko, Winek, and Bieschke']s (2007) study, and the 10-item version of the Modern Homonegativity Scale (Morrison and Morrison, 2002; Morrison, Kenny, and Harrington, 2005). The sample included 203 master and doctoral students from CACREP-accredited counseling programs in the southern region of the United States. The results indicated that most respondents were able to appropriately identify intimate partner violence. The levels of agreement regarding types of violence varied between vignette types. An ANOVA revealed significant differences between relationship type and identification of mutual violence, victim, and perpetrator. Respondents attributed more responsibility for the violence to female victims when the perpetrator was also female. Findings suggest that gender of the initiator (perpetrator) and non-initiator (victim) of violence may impact identification of violence more than sexual orientation. The results also suggest that respondents' homonegative attitudes impact perceptions of violence in same-sex relationships, particularly female partnerships. More research is needed on counselor response to relationship violence and sexual orientation. Exploring how beliefs in heteronormative gender-roles and homonegative attitudes impact perceptions of same-sex intimate partner violence among CITs is crucial for competent and ethical practitioners. Ph. D.

Private community-based mental health agencies fill a vital role in Virginia's health system in that they increase access to care and provide a wide range of services. In order to operate and receive state funding, these private agencies are responsible for abiding by regulations set forth by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) and the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS). Supervision, as defined by DBHDS and DMAS, features a more administrative approach, requiring supervisors to review policies and ensure procedural compliance. In contrast, supervision as defined by counselor educators leans more towards a clinical approach whereby a more experienced member of the profession will guide the supervisee in professional development through the enhancement of skills and techniques. The issue of interest herein is that little is known about how supervisors in private community-based mental health agencies are navigating these multiple areas of supervisory emphasis. This quantitative inquiry focused on understanding clinicians' perceptions of supervision emphasis and its influence on the supervisory relationship in private mental health agencies in Virginia. Three research questions were developed to determine (a) the influence of clinicians' perceptions of supervision emphasis on the supervision working alliance, (b) the relationship between a supervisor's licensure status (Licensed Professional Counselor versus other designations) and the influence on the supervisory working alliance, and (c) the influence of supervisor responsibilities of hiring/terminating staff and/or conducting performance evaluations on the working alliance. Instruments used in this study included a demographic questionnaire, the Supervisor Emphasis Rating Form-Revised (SERF-R), and the Working Alliance Inventory-Revised (WAI-R). Analysis methods utilized in this study included multiple regression, T-tests, and analysis of variance. Three key findings emerged from this investigation. The first finding is that multiple regression results showed that the professional behaviors mean score in the SERF-R could explain 13% of variance in the WAI-R. The second key finding is that supervisors with the credential of Licensed Professional Counselor had a higher mean working alliance score than those with other professional licensures. The final key finding is that there was no significant difference in the working alliance between clinicians whose supervisors were responsible for certain administrative tasks and those clinicians whose supervisors had no such responsibilities. The implications of this study, its limitations, and suggestions for future research are detailed herein. Ph. D.

Parent involvement in school has proven its effectiveness (Jeynes, 2012). Students whose parents are involved tend to present better behavior at school and achieve higher quality of homework and schoolwork (Cancio, West and Young, 2004; Epstein 2001). In the case of children transitioning to kindergarten, parent involvement can help them overcome adjustment difficulties and receive the support they need to succeed (Patel and Corter, 2013). In order to increase parent involvement among parents of children transitioning to kindergarten, school counselors, teachers and other school personnel can benefit from understanding how parents perceive parent involvement and what experiences they are having as their children transition to kindergarten. The purpose of this study was to describe, using a qualitative approach, how parents of children transitioning to kindergarten perceive parent involvement and how they have been experiencing parent involvement during this transition. This study included the participation of ten parents whose children were enrolled in kindergarten in a public school in Southern California. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and analyzed through the process of coding. Findings showed that there are different ways of parent involvement and that such involvement is the result of a teamwork that happens through interactions between the parent, the child, and the school. Moreover, discussions of the findings also revealed that schools that offer services and support to parents during the kindergarten transition help them become more involved parents. Lastly, it was brought to knowledge that parents of children transitioning to kindergarten do not always know about the existence or the role of the school counselor, who could be serving as an important support to these parents and their children. Important implications are offered for school counselors, counselor educators, and kindergarten teachers, as well as recommendations for future research. Ph. D.

The racial and ethnic diversity of the United States continues to evolve due to increases in immigration from nearly all parts of the globe, including the Caribbean region. Like the U.S., this region can also be considered a melting pot of cultures, with the Afro-Caribbean population widely scattered across these island nations. Important to this investigation is the large diaspora population of Black Caribbean immigrants (BCs) in the U.S. who are often viewed as African American simply by virtue of their skin tone and facial features. As such, this racial consolidation does not take into account their distinct history, immigrant experiences, and cultural 'separateness,' particularly with respect to mental health counseling. Current research is limited as to how the racial and ethnic identities of various generations of Black Caribbean immigrants in the U.S have shaped their experiences—and especially how racism in American may be impacting their lives. Moreover, their already limited experience with the counseling process may be undermined by culturally-inappropriate services that do not consider their distinct cultural beliefs and needs. Guided by known and respected clinical standards for multicultural counseling and training for culturally-competent counseling, this qualitative study explored the counseling experiences of eight English-speaking BCs. Themes related to if and how mental health clinicians are actually addressing their racial distinctiveness, ethnic identity, and immigrant experiences were highlighted. Implications for counselors, counselor educators, and Black Caribbean immigrants were summarized. Ph. D.

The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of elementary school counselors working with students adopted transracially (SATr) and their families. Previously, the voices of elementary school counselors have been omitted from the limited scope of professional literature available related to school counseling practice with SATr. Using a phenomenological method, research questions were developed to capture the perceptions, needs, and practices of elementary school counselors working with SATr and their families. The purposeful sample of 11 participants represented elementary school counselors from Northern and Southern Virginia and West Virginia. The participants had professional school counseling experience ranging from one to 27 years where they worked with a range of one to over 200 SATr and their families. A structured analysis process was used that included coding (i.e., open, axial, selective), writing textural and structural descriptions that were verified by participants, and developing composite summaries. This structured process uncovered the categories, sub-categories, and themes leading to a core category. Bracketing was used to maintain the trustworthiness of the research study. The findings included eight themes as continuums reflecting the various perceptions, needs, and practices of the participants in working with SATr and their families. The shared lived experiences can best be described as a 'CONTINUUM OF COMFORT AND CONFIDENCE' whereby elementary school counselors relied on using foundational counseling skills, understanding human development, applying multicultural competency, and being sensitive to adoption related practices. Additionally, they continually refined their practice strategies in being responsive to the needs of SATr and their families. Although the findings of this study cannot be generalized, the narratives of these elementary school counselors offer important insight and generate recommendations for practice. Salient recommendations include frequent collaboration among school and mental health counselors, the need for elementary school counselor advocacy to promote acceptance and inclusion of SATr and their families, and the necessity for counselor educators to include coursework on transracial adoption. Future research with middle and high school counselors, SATr and their families who have used school counseling services, and professional development training will deepen our understanding for inclusive comprehensive, developmentally appropriate school counseling programs. Ph. D.

Counseling professionals are committed to providing multiculturally competent services to the clients they serve. When clients first enter counseling, the therapeutic relationship typically begins by the counselor conducting an initial clinical interview. This initial clinical interview is a critical time to demonstrate cultural competence. Currently, there is no literature that has explored how counselors who work with the substance use population incorporate multicultural considerations during the initial clinical interview. The purpose of this study was to explore whether licensed professional counselors (LPCs) broach (Day-Vines et al., 2007) multicultural considerations during the initial clinical interview with clients who have substance use disorders (SUDs). The exploration of this phenomenon occurred through the use of a qualitative methodology. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine LPCs in Virginia. The LPCs shared their lived experiences conducting initial clinical interviews with members of the SUDs population. Four themes and a subtheme emerged related to how LPCs perceive the relevance of identifying multicultural factors in their work with the SUDs population: everyone has culture and it is all encompassing, culture is needed to understand clients (subtheme), multicultural factors impact substance use behavior and patterns, cultural identities emerge during the initial clinical interview, and multiculturalism was an important component in counselor preparation. Three themes emerged related to how LPCs describe the term and concept of broaching: no familiarity with the "broaching" term, broaching defined as initiating a topic, and some degree of understanding of the broaching concept. Five themes emerged related to whether and how LPCs introduce or broach multicultural considerations during the initial clinical interview: broaching approach varies, client introduces multicultural factors, appropriate timing, willingness to be open, and boundaries surrounding broaching. The themes that emerge from this data will help to fill gaps in the literature concerning how counselors broach multicultural considerations, particularly with the SUDs population. Implications for counselors and counselor education are discussed. The limitations of the study and recommendations for future research are provided. Ph. D.

The purpose of this study was to explore perceptions of front-line faculty members in the United States related to quality and quality management in higher education. The study's three research questions were: (1) How do front-line faculty members in the United States define quality in higher education? (2) How do front-line faculty members in the United States describe how quality in higher education should be measured? and (3) Assuming that quality management activities will continue to be mandated by external and internal entities, what do front-line faculty members in the United States believe could be done to make quality management activities more meaningful to front-line faculty members? The research design for this study was a basic qualitative study with a constructivist interpretive framework. Maximum variation sampling was utilized and data collection consisted of semi-structured interviews with 20 front-line faculty members who worked at three different types of higher education institutions located in Virginia: (1) a public, research-extensive university; (2) a public, comprehensive university; and (3) a private, liberal arts college. The constant comparative method was utilized throughout the data analysis process and served as the basis for the study's thematic analysis. The primary finding for Research Question 1 was all 20 faculty participants defined quality in higher education either partially or solely in terms of student outcomes. These outcomes included student learning outcomes, vocational outcomes, and contribution to society outcomes. In regards to Research Question 2, many participants believed that student growth should be a primary indicator of quality in higher education; measuring quality in higher education is difficult; and measuring quality in higher education is necessary or important. Multiple participants expressed dissatisfaction with the indicators currently used to measure quality in higher education. For Research Question 3, participants shared 24 specific barriers they believed prevented quality management activities from being meaningful to front-line faculty members. Participants also shared 24 specific implementation strategies for how quality management activities could be more meaningful to front-line faculty members. These results have multiple implications for future quality management policy, practice, and research. Ph. D.

High-risk drinking among college students is believed to be the most serious health issue facing college and universities throughout the United States. In 1999, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) established a task force to address the issue and released a report with recommendations for intervention and prevention. Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students (BASICS) emerged as an evidence-based practice to address high-risk drinking. Quantitative researchers produced results that indicate BASICS and interventions similar to BASICS are an effective means to reduce high-risk drinking and the negative outcomes associated with high-risk drinking. Despite strong evidence for the effectiveness of BASICS, little is known about its fidelity when BASICS is implemented in a practical setting. The purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives and experiences of practitioners in the mental health profession who use the BASICS intervention via semi-structured interviews. Themes emerged related to the application of the intervention, the strongest and weakest aspects of intervention, and barriers to implementation. The themes linked to the application of BASICS on campuses included: (1) a comprehensive/progressive approach to address high-risk drinking; (2) modifications; and (3) the mandated student. The themes relating to the strongest aspects of the intervention were: (1) harm reduction; (2) education; (3) personal awareness; and (4) self-empowerment while the weakest aspects were: (1) the dilemma of one size fits all and (2) the personalized feedback report (PFR). The themes connected to barriers were: (1) the referral process; (2) training; and (3) onus on the facilitator. These twelve themes provide insight into the benefits and challenges of implementing BASICS in a practical setting on college campuses. Implications for both mental health practitioners and student affairs professionals are discussed, study limitations are provided, and suggestions for future research are offered. This study concludes with specific recommendations for student affairs professionals that includes the use of BASICS combined with other best practices to effectively address the issue of high-risk drinking and the negative consequences associated with this behavior on college campuses. Ph. D.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the chronological age of one's diagnosis and dysfunctional career thoughts among college students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. What is currently known about the timing of ADHD diagnosis and how it could potentially impact or have an effect on one's career thoughts as it pertains to making educational and career decisions is nonexistent. Given the increase of ADHD among college students, it was worth exploring the impact that age of one's diagnosis has on career thoughts. Ph. D.

The purpose of this study was to focus on the theoretical framework of cultural capital as a potential catalyst for the graduation rates of African American men in community colleges. Cultural capital is being defined as 'institutionalized, i.e., widely shared, high status cultural signals (attitudes, preferences, formal knowledge, behaviors, goods and credentials) used for social and cultural exclusion' (Lareau and Weininger, 2003, p. 587). Unfortunately, cultural capital as a construct has been difficult to measure quantitatively due to varying interpretations of the variable structure (Dika and Singh, 2002; Pishghadam, Noghani, and Zabihi, 2011; Sullivan, 2001). Consequently, researchers have indicated the need to better operationalize cultural capital, to provide better avenues for both replication and extension of the constructs measurement (Noble and Davies, 2009). Therefore, this study first employed exploratory factor analysis (EFA) with the National Education Longitudinal Survey (NELS:88/00) to determine the latent variable structure of a measure of cultural capital in the community college field. Second, a factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted based on the new variable structure to determine whether there are differences in the self-reported levels of cultural capital for African American male students as compared to male and female students of other races within community colleges. Third, a binary logistic regression was conducted to determine how well the variables of cultural capital predict graduation for African American men in community colleges. The EFA, utilizing a sample of 3097 participants, extracted six factors indicative of the latent variable structure of cultural capital: (a) parental involvement, (b) habitus, (c) engagement with parents, (d) educational level of parents, (e) high school extracurricular activities, and (f) awareness of college norms. The resultant variable structure was then used to determine that there were no significant differences between the self-reported levels of cultural capital for African American male students and both male and female students from other races within community colleges. Similarly, the variables of cultural capital were not found to be a significant predictor of graduation for African American males within the community college field. As a result, implications for future research were outlined to include replicating the study with a more current dataset and replicating the study with a four-year student population. Additionally, implications for counselors in community college settings included highlighting an awareness of college norms, encouraging student engagement with parents, increasing parental involvement, and promoting collaboration with high school counselors and college counselors in high school environments. Ph. D.

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of Strong Black Woman attitudes on how African American women perceive and cope with stress. The study included 100 Black female faculty, staff, and students from five universities in the eastern region of the United States including a large, public, research university; a small, private, religious-affiliated university; and three public, historically Black universities. The following research questions guided the study: a) What are the respondents’ levels of Strong Black Woman attitudes, perceived stress, and culture-specific coping? b) How does perception of stress predict Strong Black Woman attitudes? c) How does perception of stress predict the use of culture-specific forms of coping? d) How do Strong Black Woman attitudes mediate the relationship between perception of stress and culture-specific coping? These questions were explored through quantitative research analysis using an Information Questionnaire to collect data regarding demographic background, the Strong Black Woman Cultural Construct Scale (Hamin, 2003), the Perceived Stress Scale – 10 item (Cohen, Kamarck, Mermelstein,1983; Cohen & Williamson,1988), and the Africultural Coping Systems Inventory (Utsey, Adams, and Bolden, 2000). Simple linear regression revealed that Strong Black Woman attitudes of Caretaking, and Affect Regulation, as well as the Cognitive-Emotional Debriefing form of culture-specific coping were associated with higher levels of stress. Finally, multiple regression analysis revealed that Strong Black Woman attitudes did not have a mediating effect on participants’ level of perceived stress and their coping behaviors used in response to stress. Implications of the findings suggest a need to develop an empirical, theoretical, and clinical understanding of the impact of Strong Black Woman attitudes on women’s wellness. Ph. D.

After a critical review of the literature on school counselor self-efficacy and Social Cognitive Career Theory (Lent, Brown, and Hacket, 1994; Lent and Brown, 1996) this cross-sectional study of practicing middle school counselors was conducted. The study identified levels of career counseling self-efficacy in a sample of 143 practicing middle school counselors across Virginia using the Career Counseling Self-Efficacy Scale-Modified (O'Brien, Heppner, Flores, and Bikos et al., 1997), and a subscale of the School Counselor Self-Efficacy Scale (Bodenhorn and Skaggs, 2005). In addition, mean differences in career counseling self-efficacy across experiences such as work as a school counselor, work as a teacher, and recent training in career counseling were explored. Finally, the relationship between career counseling self-efficacy and amount of time spent providing career counseling was identified using a correlation analysis. Implications for school counselors, counselor educators, and administrators are discussed. Ph. D.

Community colleges across the country have continued to expand since the inception of JolietJunior College in 1901. The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC, 2010) reported that there are 1,173 community colleges in America, of which 987 are public institutions of higher learning. Additional statistics indicate that there are almost twelve million students enrolled in the community college system (AACC, 2010). Over the years many changes have occurred that affect who attends community college, no change moresignificant than the focus on meeting the needs of a diverse population. Many unique characteristics, such as being of minority status, being financially disadvantaged, and being a first- generation American make up this diverse new student population. Another unique characteristic of the new student population is being of non-traditional age, which is defined as 25 years old or older (Bean & Metzner, 1985; Cohen & Brawer, 1989; Crosta, Calcagno, Jenkins, & Bailey 2006). Little empirical research has been conducted examining this new population of non-traditional students\' ability to complete their goals when selecting to attend community college, especially in the state of Virginia (Sorey, 2006). Through quantitative methodology, utilizing a cross-sectional design, the purpose of this study was to identify non-academic social and emotional factors that are related to the ability of nontraditionalstudents to persist towards their academic goals within the Virginia Community College System (VCCS). This study included a sample of 1694 students. Their responses to anelectronic survey questionnaire of non-traditional students within the VCCS were analyzed to provide descriptive data, correlations, and mean differences. The findings indicate thatparticipants in this study are dealing with multiple non-academic social and emotional factorsthat may require readjustment in their lives. Further participants in this study perceivedthemselves as being stressed. Finally, 12.9% of participants endorsed a moderate level ofpsychological distress and 4.2% of participants endorsed a serious level of psychological distress. The positive correlation between perceived stress and psychological distress supports the need of additional resources, for non-traditional students at the community college level within the Commonwealth of Virginia. Ph. D.

The American Counseling Association recently adopted standards of competency for counselors working with lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) clients (Logan & Barret, 2005). Concurrently, the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) revised standards to require social and cultural diversity competencies, including LGB counseling competency, to be interwoven throughout counselor education curriculum (CACREP, 2009). Yet the ways that counselor educators are including these initiatives are unknown. Additionally, the factors that improve counselor competency with LGB clients are also unknown. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to examine counselors' self-perceived competency when counseling lesbian, gay, and bisexual clients and identify variables that are related to and predictive of LGB counseling competence. The quantitative study included 479 members of a southeastern state's professional counseling association including school counselors, community-based counselors, counselor educators, and counseling students. The assessment included an Information Questionnaire to collect data regarding personal and professional background, a Religiosity Index (Lippman et al., 2005; Statistics Canada, 2006), Spiritual Transcendence Index – Modified (adapted from Seidlitz et al., 2002), the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale - Short Form C (Reynolds, 1982), and the Sexual Orientation Counselor Competency Scale (Bidell, 2005). Among results, counselors felt least competent in their skills with LGB clients, compared to knowledge and attitudes subscales. An ANOVA revealed that counselor educators perceived themselves as significantly more LGB-competent than counselors in other practice settings did. School counselors also reported significantly lower levels of LGB counseling competence than community counselors. Multiple regression analysis revealed that religiosity inversely predicted LGB competence whereas spirituality had a positive predictive relationship with LGB competence. Finally, there was a marked deficit in training experiences involving LGB issues for counselors in the sample. Implications of the findings suggest a need to increase experiential components of counselor training to strengthen counselors' skills with LGB clients, as well as improve the self-efficacy of school counselors in their work with LGB students. A unique finding to the study involved counselor spirituality as a positive predictor of LGB competence, perhaps indicating higher levels of compassion and connectedness to others despite differences; future studies should investigate this relationship further. Ph. D.

The purpose of this study was to develop an instrument to measure the sense of competence of traditional age college students across the dimensions that define the construct. The Sense of Competence Scale-Revised (SCS-R) was developed to provide a measure of Chickering’s (1969) first vector, an important psychosocial construct. Administrators can use data from the instrument to modify an institution’s academic and social environment to enhance the development of the intellectual, physical, and interpersonal competencies of college students. During the development and validation, various aspects of the SCS-R were examined in accordance with the validity framework outlined by Messick (1995). According to Messick (1995), the validity of measures can be examined in terms of six forms of evidence; content, substantive, structural, generalizability, external and consequential. The six forms of evidence function as general standards for all educational measurement (Messick, 1995). During the study the content aspect of validity was addressed through the creation of concept maps and test blueprints. In addition, the content aspect of validity was addressed by creating and selecting items by reviewing the literature and hosting brainstorming sessions, items were then reviewed by student development theory experts, pilot tested, field tested and then items with high technical quality were selected for the final instrument. The substantive aspect of validity was addressed through an analysis of item rating scale functioning, person fit to the measurement scales, and item difficulty. The structural aspect of validity was addressed by evidence of the instrument’s dimensionality. The generalizability aspect of validity was addressed through an analysis of item/person reliability. The evidence generated from the study suggested that the chosen items for the SCS-R provide reliable and valid estimates of a student’ s personal assessment of their intellectual, physical and interpersonal abilities. Ph. D.