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In observation of empirical support and theoretical support for relational and attachment-based interventions in addictions counseling education and research, the authors explore the relational depth model as a potential training model in addictions counseling education. This piece offers training activities for addictions counseling educators targeted at enhancing student capacity and understanding of presence and connection with clients. The authors detail the use of experiential activities to enhance these capacities that include questions for reflection and discussion of application to practice. The authors develop the rationale for this training with a brief review of the relational depth literature and the recent addictions literature regarding research and training in relational factors in addictions counseling. Finally, the authors offer future implications for the addictions counseling education literature including the need for the development and empirical validation of relational training programs in addictions counseling education and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we discuss the unique trauma experiences of victim-survivors of sex trafficking. In discussion of current counseling practices and the complex trauma endured by these victim survivors, we offer a suggestion to integrate therapy animals through the use of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) as a practical means of helping victim-survivors heal and repair their trauma bonds. The paper provides counselors with information on the mental and emotional impact of human sex trafficking on victim-survivors while also providing its implications for treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relational depth is an emergent counseling construct that captures the profound connection felt by client and counselor in moments of therapeutic encounter. We used interpretative phenomenological analysis to understand how 10 doctoral counseling students perceived curricular experiences designed to facilitate their ability to engage in relational depth. We identified the following themes: mutuality, counselor growth, externalized to internalized expectations, authenticity, impact of relational depth educational experiences, and relational depth reflection and articulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]