Journal Exercises

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Chapter 1 Journal Exercises


  1. Pick one of the following chapter topics and research more information about it from the library or the Internet. Write a brief two-page synopsis of the main features of the topic and how it relates to counseling practice today.
    • The vocational guidance movement
    • The mental health counseling movement
    • The ongoing development of professional identity
    • The influence of federal legislation
    • The history of the American Counseling Association
    • Credentialing and the “professionalization” of counseling
  2. Review and reflect on the sections in Chapter 1 regarding the development of the counseling profession’s identity. Write a two-page, double-spaced discussion of your thoughts about why it is, or is not, important for the counseling profession to have such an identity. How is the counseling profession perceived in comparison with other mental health professions (e.g., psychology, psychiatry, social work)? How is counseling both similar to and different from these other professions?
  3. Review both Carl Rogers’ Person-Centered Theory and the “Minnesota Point of View” developed by E. G. Williamson, which was a “trait-factored” approach. Compare and contrast these two approaches. Why was Carl Rogers’ theory seen as revolutionary compared to Williamson’s approach?
  4. Go to your State’s Licensure or Certification Board for the Counseling profession and review the criteria and steps you will have to take in order to apply for licensure or certification. You can access your State’s licensure board by doing a google search (counselor licensure, name of your state).

    Then write a brief synopsis with a timeline to structure your goals toward this important career milestone. For example, make a list of which tasks you will need to complete and when you should complete those tasks (e.g., certification or licensure exams). When can you take your exam? What type of content will be on the exam? Can you take the exam before or after you graduate? How much will the exam cost? Do you need study materials and, if so, what will those study materials cost? Is there a period of post-graduate supervision required? If so, how much time or how many hours do you need? Who will supervise you?

Chapter 2 Journal Exercises


  1. Discuss your own cultural identity. What features make you who you are today? Define yourself in terms of your ethnic group, religious or spiritual affiliation, socioeconomic status, age, sexual orientation, level of ability/disability, language preference, political persuasion, values of your family of origin, regional values (e.g., state, city, or community values) and other cultural identities with which you identify. What values and beliefs are most salient for you? How do you think these values and beliefs were instilled within you? How might these values and beliefs impact you as a counselor when you are working with a client who holds different values?

  2. Explore and identify your beliefs and values in terms of your own culture (e.g., ethnic group, religious or spiritual affiliation, socioeconomic status, age, sexual orientation, level of ability/disability, language preference, political persuasion, values of your family of origin, regional values, e.g., state, city, or community values), and other cultural identities with which you identify. Think about which beliefs and values you hold most strongly. Then imagine you are counseling a client who holds the opposite belief or value (e.g., client just had an abortion, but you are strongly against abortion). How would you handle working with this client? What emotions or thoughts might this client stir in you based on these opposite beliefs or values? Hypothesize how you would handle this situation. How would you project a value neutral stance in order to help the client deal with his or her situation without imposing your own values onto the client?

  3. As per Chapter 2 of your textbook, “It is important that counselors fully experience themselves as cultural beings. An individual who expects to work cross culturally must first be anchored in his or her own cultural realities.” This process should start with your exploration of how your own cultural background has influenced your psychosocial development. Begin by writing about how you experience yourself as a member of your chosen cultural groups (cultural group relates to ethnicity, age group, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, religion, familial orientation, etc). What customs, beliefs, and values do you hold that are associated with each of your cultural identities? How do these values shape your relationships with people from your own cultural group and with people from other cultural groups?

  4. As per Chapter 2 of your textbook, “Cross cultural counseling competence begins with an exploration of personal issues and questions, no matter how uncomfortable, in an attempt to discern how one’s own cultural heritage, values, and biases might impact upon the counseling process. A counselor must evaluate how his or her personal attitudes and beliefs about people from different cultural groups may facilitate or hamper counseling effectiveness.” Start this process by making a list of beliefs you hold about different cultural groups. What have you heard about these groups? What do you believe to be true about these groups and what do you believe is untrue about these groups? Then write about how you came to form these beliefs about these cultures. How will you test these beliefs to discern which are valid and which are not? How will you incorporate the concept of “within group differences” in your practice as a counselor?

Chapter 3 Journal Exercises


  1. Review the following ethical dilemma and then apply an ethical decision-making model and decide a course of action (e.g., look up an accepted ethical decision-making model on the Internet such as Solutions to Ethical Problems in the Schools (STEPS) or Koocher and Keith-Spiegel’s ethical decision model). Also consult the ACA or ASCA Code of Ethics as a guide. Work through the model and record your thoughts for each step of the model and how the steps apply for the ethical dilemma below. Be thorough in your discussion for each step of the chosen model so that your instructor can see your thought process and critical thinking skills in action! After working through the model, what course of action would you take in relationship to this ethical dilemma?

  2. Saabir is an Afghani refugee who recently immigrated to the United States. His level of acculturation to U.S. culture is low, but he speaks English well. You have been working with Saabir as your client for about 6 weeks. His main issue and concern has been his relationship with his wife Elina, which is rocky due to her desire to return to their country of origin. Elina is very unhappy living in the US and misses her family. During Saabir’s conversation one day he was talking about his love for his infant son and mentioned that he had kissed his baby all over his body. This included kissing the boy on his penis. Upon exploration, you find out that it is culturally acceptable for an Afghani father to kiss his son on every part of his child’s body as a sign of affection and love for the child. However, you are concerned, because the laws of the United States might view this behavior differently. You know you are a mandated reporter for child abuse under US law. What do you do?


  3. According to the authors of Chapter 3, individuals’ motivation for being a counselor can shape their ultimate behavior as counselors. The authors state: “It is important for the counselor to be aware of his or her motivations for entering the profession, for a failure to do so may result in missing the subtle ways our underlying motivations enter the counseling relationship.” Explore your motivations and reasons for pursuing the profession of counseling. How do you think your reasons or motivations might support or challenge your role and ethical and legal responsibilities as a counselor?

  4. Discuss what steps you would take if you were assigned a client who was from a population for which you had no experience (e.g., ethnic group, sexual orientation, age group etc.), or had a clinical issue for which you had no experience. Be specific in terms of how you would handle this situation. Let your instructor understand the considerations you would make and let him or her see your thought process and critical thinking skills as you answer this question.

  5. Each state has laws that regulate the profession of counseling. Review your State’s laws and note whether or not your state has a “duty to warn” (Tarasoff v. Board of Regents of the University of California). Some states do not. Also, what are the guidelines counselors must follow in your state regarding mandatory reporting? What groups are included in this mandate (e.g., children, incapacitated and vulnerable adults, people with HIV/AIDS and so forth)? Describe any conflicts you foresee between your ethical code and your State’s laws. Are there any places where the law might conflict with your ethical duty or vice versa? If so, write out a plan as to how you might rectify these conflicts.

Chapter 4 Journal Exercises


  1. Do a self-assessment of your own personal self-care regime. Discuss what it is that you specifically do for each of the areas of cognitive, emotional, physical, and spiritual wellness.

  2. Do a self-assessment of your own personal self-care regime. Identify areas in which you feel you are engaging in adequate self-care and areas in which you feel you need to increase your attention. In the areas you identify in which you would like to focus more attention, write out a specific plan in terms of how you would improve these areas of your own self-care.

  3. Do a self-assessment of your own self-care regime. What are the barriers you encounter that make self-care difficult in each of the areas of cognitive, emotional, physical, and spiritual wellness? Brainstorm solutions to these barriers. What resources can you access that could help you overcome these barriers in order to reach an optimal level of self-care?

Chapter 5 Journal Exercises


  1. After reading Chapter 5, research how confidentiality can best be addressed when using technology in counseling, research, assessment, supervision, and continuing education. Be sure to review the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the National Board of Certified Counselors, the American Counseling Association, the American Psychological Association, and the International Society for Online Mental Health for ideas

  2. Research and explore the following ethical and legal issues pertaining to the use of technology in online counseling:

  3. If the client resides in a different state from that of the counselor and a problem does arise (e.g., suicidal or homicidal client or abuse of a child, older or vulnerable adult), which state has jurisdiction? For example, if elder abuse is disclosed by the client and the client’s home state does not require the counselor to report it, but the counselor’s home state does, then what? What if the client resides in a different country?


  4. Go online and review the different types of assessments that are available on the Internet for use in counseling to aid in diagnoses and treatment planning. What are your concerns about the use of these instruments? What do you think the benefits are for including them?
  5. Go online and review the different types of online continuing education opportunities available for counselors. Write a short paper discussing the pros and cons as to why you would use these options and then give reasons as to why you wouldn’t use these options.

Chapter 6 Journal Exercises


  1. Based on your specific area(s) of interest, such as working with a specific population (e.g., children, adolescents, adults, the elderly, the disabled, LGBTQ), working with specific counseling issues (e.g., eating disorders, addictions, emotional or behavioral disorders) or specializing in a type of counseling (e.g., career, couples and family, brief therapy) investigate, through library research and/or personal interviews, the similarities and differences that exist in the structure and content of the helping relationship across these different populations, issues, or counseling modalities.

  2. Review Carl Rogers’ discussion about the core conditions of congruence, warmth, unconditional positive regard, and empathy, and how these foster a beneficial relationship for counseling. Then review your own life and provide specific examples of how you have used these core conditions with relationships in your past and present. Identify your strengths that will help you provide these core conditions and identify growth areas that could make providing these core conditions difficult for you. Explain your reasons for your answers.

  3. According to the textbook authors, the characteristics most effective counselors possess include “high levels of self-awareness, empathy, genuineness, and respect for others, and an ability to use themselves as vehicles of change.” Based on this, identify your own personal qualities that you believe will aid you in your quest to be an effective counselor. Also list personal qualities, beliefs, or biases that you worry will negatively impact your ability to be effective as a counselor. Describe your reasons for your answers.

  4. Counselors need to have a broad awareness of their own value positions. They must be able to answer very clearly the questions, "Who am I?" "What is important to me?" "Am I nonjudgmental?" Write a short paper answering these questions. Reflect on how your answers will impact your ability to be an effective counselor.

Chapter 7 Journal Exercises


  1. Choose any two theories described in Chapter 7. Write a brief paper comparing and contrasting them. What are the strengths and weaknesses of each theory? What are the similarities and differences of each theory? If you had to choose only one theory, which would you choose? Why? What drew you toward choosing the two theories you chose?

  2. Read “The Story of Irfan” in Chapter 7. Then choose any two theories from those discussed in the chapter. Describe how each theory would conceptualize what was occurring for Irfan. What might be some of the counselor’s goals for Irfan from that theoretical perspective? What are some of the strengths and weaknesses of your chosen theory in terms of cultural fit for Irfan?

  3. Read “The Story of Irfan” in Chapter 7. Then review each theory as presented in the chapter. If you could only choose one theoretical approach for helping Irfan, which would you choose? Why? Support your decisions and choices via at least five current or seminal peer-reviewed journal articles.

Chapter 8 Journal Exercises


  1. In Chapter 8 the authors stated that Zimpfer recommended to group work specialists that they select the theory or model of small group development that applies to the kind of group to be conducted. This recommendation was reiterated by Cassidy in 2007. Choose one type of group modality that you are interested in knowing more about and locate one of the many additional resources that describe small group development. Choose one that is appropriate for the group modality you have chosen. Write a brief synopsis of the main points of what you read that you can use in the future if you choose to lead such a group

  2. The authors of Chapter 8 discussed the characteristics that effective group leaders must possess in order to facilitate the group process. Review these characteristics then discuss which of these characteristics you believe you posses and which ones you will have to work on obtaining. Which characteristics do you think will be most challenging for you? Why? Which do you feel will be the easiest for you to demonstrate? Why?

  3. One of the requirements for being a group counselor is continuing education. Do an Internet search of the types of continuing education classes that are related to group work and make a list of at least five that would interest you. Were these opportunities easy to find? Why or why not? What factors led you to choose the five that you did?

  4. The Association for Specialists in Group Work (ASGW) recommends that the group work specialist acquire knowledge competencies, skill competencies, and supervised clinical experience. Research and write a synopsis regarding what is required under each of these competencies.

  5. Research and write about what steps you would need to take to become certified or licensed as a group work specialist in your current state, or the state in which you hope to practice one day. Compare your chosen state’s requirements with those of at least one other state. Were there differences in requirements between these states? If so, document the differences. What are your thoughts as to the reasons states differ in their requirements?

Chapter 9 Journal Exercises


  1. Pick one segment or time period in your life that stands out as important (e.g., a life-changing event, an event that changed your perspective on something, an event that brought something positive to your life, an event that brought you pain etc.) and write an autobiographical sketch about that event. Write in as much depth as you can regarding the emotions, thoughts, behavior, and relevance associated with the event. Write it through your own eyes and voice as you experience this in the present. Then look at what you wrote through a counselor’s eyes. If you were the counselor and your client wrote the autobiographical sketch, what would leap out at you that you would want to process with the client? How would you incorporate the use of autobiographical writing in your practice? What do you think the benefits of such practice would be for your clients?

  2. Using imagery, visualize what you want your life to be like in 5 years’ time. Then imagine and visualize yourself in that world. What would it look like? Use paints, crayons, colored pencils, or a computer graphic program, draw a picture of this world. How would you feel in this world? How do you feel right now when visualizing this future world? Use colors to represent your emotions in what you your draw/paint. When finished with your drawing/painting, write out which color represented each emotion. Then write a one- to two-page summary processing this experience. What was this experience like for you? What did you learn about yourself through this experience? How did you choose which color to use for the emotions you were feeling? If you were a counselor whose client drew the picture, what would stand out for you that you would want to process with your client? Why?

  3. Using magazine pictures or pictures printed from the Internet (don’t use actual photographs from your family collection), create a collage that shows your life story. Highlight important events in your life. Use photos or colors to represent the emotions you felt during those events. Then write a one-page summary processing this experience. Write a narrative regarding what the pictures in the collage represent. What was this experience like for you? What did you learn about yourself through this experience? How did you choose which color or picture to use for the emotions you were feeling? If you were a counselor whose client made this collage, what would stand out for you that you would want to process with your client? Why?

  4. Draw yourself as a tree. What kind of tree would you be? Draw a root system and label the roots as those things in your life that ground you and give you strength and motivation. Draw a trunk and, within the trunk of the tree, write in words that represent who you are as a person right now. What qualities do you possess that you feel define you as a person? Then draw leaves on the tree. Label the leaves with words that describe who you want to be in the future. Label the leaves also with things you want to change about yourself. Then write a one-page summary processing this experience. What was this experience like for you? What did you learn about yourself through this experience? How did you choose which color or picture to use for the emotions you were feeling? If you were a counselor whose client made this collage, what would stand out for you that you would want to process with your client? Why?

Chapter 10 Journal Exercises


  1. Go to http://www.teamtechnology.co.uk/tt/t-articl/mb-simpl.htm and take the free version of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). Take the short assessment and hit the submit button to obtain your personality report. Please note this is not a full version of the MBTI, but for the purposes of the class it is to introduce you to assessment. Your report will give you a four-letter personality type out of sixteen types possible (e.g., ESTJ). What is your personality type? Read the descriptors for your type. What are the qualities that stand out for you? Do you agree with how you were typed? Why or why not? What is your opinion on using personality assessments with clients? What might be useful about such a personality assessment? Review the section of Chapter 10, Basic Concepts in Assessment, that discusses validity, reliability, and practicality. Discuss your impression or thoughts about this version of the MBTI. Do you think this version was reliable, valid, or appropriate? Why or why not? While you may not be able to conclusively answer this question, do be thorough in your thoughts regarding this issue. Explain your reasoning in terms of your analysis of the reliability, validity, and appropriateness of this assessment to the extent you are able.

  2. Go to one of the web links below and take the free IQ test online. Note these IQ tests are not necessarily empirically validated and the results may not be reliable or valid, but the experience will give you an idea of what it might be like to have your IQ assessed. What was the experience like for you? Even though the results of this IQ test may not be reliable or valid, how did you feel about the results? How did it feel to take the assessment? What emotions did you experience while taking the assessment? What emotions did you experience while getting the results of the assessment? What did you learn about this experience as a person being assessed that you might use when working with clients?

Chapter 11 Journal Exercises


  1. Pick one mental health disorder from the DSM-5 that you would like to learn more about. What are the diagnostic criteria for the disorder? What interested you about this particular disorder? What other disorders are closely related to the one you chose? If you had a client with this disorder, as a counselor, what might be some additional information you would want to know about the client?

  2. Click on the following link and pick one change of a diagnosis area to explore between the DSM-IV-TR and the DSM-5.

    Overview of DSM-5 Changes - https://www.omh.ny.gov/omhweb/resources/providers/dsm-5-overview.pdf

    Write a brief two- to three-page opinion paper regarding the change. Do you agree with the changes in the area you chose? Why or why not? Then go to the link below titled “ACA Expresses DSM-5 Concerns.” If it were up to you, how would you resolve the concerns raised by ACA?

    ACA Expresses DSM-5 Concerns to the American Psychiatric Association - https://www.counseling.org/news/news-release-archives/by-year/2011/2011/11/28/aca-expresses-dsm-5-concerns-to-the-american-psychiatric-association

  3. Research and write a paper regarding cultural factors in diagnosis. Have there been cultural groups that have been unnecessarily labeled by our current diagnostic criteria and process? In your opinion, does the DSM attend to cultural factors in diagnosis sufficiently? Why or why not?

Chapter 12 Journal Exercises


  1. Pick one of the natural disasters or incidents of mass violence victimization that were discussed in Chapter 12. Do more in-depth research on your chosen event. Some things to consider: What was the geographical location in which this event occurred? What were the resources available in the community or geographical location where the crisis occurred that could have been or were used in the crisis response to the situation? What were the demographical characteristics regarding the people involved as victims of the crisis? As a crisis responder, what cultural considerations would you want to consider as you provided aid to the victims? How did the crisis impact the region in which it occurred? Are there any reported lingering effects for that area following the crisis?

  2. Pick one of the natural disasters or incidents of mass violence victimization that were discussed in Chapter 12. What organizations responded to aid the victims of the crisis? What aid was rendered? Look at the list of crisis and disaster response organizations and briefly review each from the following website.
    http://www.disastercenter.com/agency.htm
    In addition to those organizations that did respond, pick one organization from the list on the website that you think would have also been useful as responders to your chosen crisis and that would have provided a resource that was not available from the other organizations that responded. Explain why you think your chosen organization would have been beneficial to the survivors of your chosen crisis or disaster.

  3. Pick one of the natural disasters or incidents of mass violence victimization that were discussed in Chapter 12. Then explore some of the crisis or disaster response organizations from the list below:
    • The Federal Emergency Management Agency
    • The American Red Cross
    • The Salvation Army
    • Poured Out: U.S. Disaster Relief
    • The Adventist Community Services (ACS)
    • The American Radio Relay League (ARRL)
    • The Ananda Marga Universal Relief Team (AMURT) 
    • Brethren Disaster Ministries
    • The Catholic Charities USA Disaster Response
    • Children's Disaster Services 
    • The Christian Disaster Response (CDR) 
    • The Christian Reformed World Relief Committee (CRWRC) 
    • The Church World Service (CWS) Disaster Response 
    • Enterprise Works/Volunteers in Technical Assistance
    • The Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop’s Fund for World Relief 
    • Feeding America
    • The Friends Disaster Service (FDS) 
    • The International Association of Jewish Vocational Services (IAJVS)
    • The International Relief Friendship Foundation (IRFF) 
    • The Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR)
    • Mennonite Disaster Services
    • The National Emergency Response Team (NERT)
    • The National Organization for Victim Assistance 
    • The Nazarene Disaster Response 
    • The Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors  
    • The Points of Light Institute 
    • The Presbyterian Disaster Assistance 
    • The REACT International 
    • The Salvation Army 
    • The Society of St. Vincent De Paul 
    • The Southern Baptist Disaster Relief 
    • The UJA Federations of North America 
    • The United Methodist Committee on Relief 
    • The Volunteers of America 
    • The World Vision 

    Links to these organizations’ web pages and a brief description of each organization can be obtained from http://www.disastercenter.com/agency.htm

    Pick two organizations from this list that you think would be most appropriate to intervene in the crisis event you chose. Write a brief paper on why you believe these two organizations would render the most appropriate aid in response to that particular crisis.

Chapter 13 Journal Exercises


  1. Contact a local mental health agency that specializes in addictions counseling. Contact an addictions counselor and arrange to go shadow him or her (spend a day or a few hours seeing what he or she does as a college counselor). If the counselor can’t let you shadow, then arrange for an interview. Either way, the purpose of the assignment is for you to learn from an addictions counselor what a typical day on the job might look like. Working as an addictions counselor can look very different from other forms of counseling and it is important for potential college counselors to be well informed of the typical duties or responsibilities. After you shadow or interview the addictions counselor, write a brief summary of what you learned. What did you learn that surprised you? After shadowing or talking with the addictions counselor, is this a profession you would consider? Why or why not? What aspect of being an addictions counselor appealed to you? Why? Which aspects didn’t appeal to you? Why?

  2. Review the four groupings of evidenced-based treatments for individuals who have an addiction. Choose two approaches and write a short compare/contrast paper on these two treatments. What are the similarities and differences between them? What are the strengths and weaknesses of each approach?

  3. Choose one of the case examples that were discussed in Chapter 13. After reviewing the case, choose which empirically validated treatment approach you think would be the best fit for the client. Review the assessments discussed in the chapter. Which of them would you choose for the client you chose? Defend your choices by using at least five current or seminal peer-reviewed journal articles.

Chapter 14 Journal Exercises


  1. Go to I Seek Careers at http://www.iseek.org/careers/skillsAssessment and complete the free career assessment. While this is not an “official” career assessment it will give you an idea of what it might feel like to be a client taking a career assessment. What was it like for you to take the assessment? Did you find the results surprising? Did the careers suggested fit your conception of what you might like to do? Of the careers listed, which ones appealed to you most? Why? What skills and personality traits do you posses that would make these careers ideal for you? What about the setting and job tasks of these careers appeals to you?

  2. Pick a career theory that you want to learn more about. What are the major constructs of the theory? What are the steps or stages associated with the theory? Evaluate how well this theory would apply to diverse populations. Does it account for multicultural factors? If you were a client do you think this theory would help you? As a counselor, what about this theory appeals to you?

  3. In order to practice competently, career counselors are required to be knowledgeable in the areas of policies, laws, and regulations as these relate to the ADA and career development. Explore how these issues impact how you would practice career counseling in your state.

Chapter 15 Journal Exercises


  1. Chapter 15 stated that “Many counselors in training begin thinking about the setting in which they will work; particularly towards the end of their educational journey. Almost as important as the decision about the population of focus, theoretical orientation, and general counseling approach is the decision about where to practice, or the professional setting.” Describe what population(s) you would like to focus on as a professional counselor. What theoretical orientation(s) will you use? Where do you want to practice? Give an in-depth rationale for your choices. Why do these appeal to you?

  2. Chapter 15 states, “The CACREP standards outline an infusion of advocacy for removing institutional and social barriers that impede access for clients throughout all curriculum standards. In addition, common core curricular experiences related to studies of social and cultural diversity must be included in CACREP accredited training programs. Specific training for clinical mental health counselors must also include knowledge and skills related to an understanding of the impact of discrimination, racism, sexism, and oppression on clients (CACREP, 2016). In addition to the CACREP standards related to cultural competence and advocacy, the Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development (AMCD) developed multicultural competencies to guide professional counselors’ work with diverse populations, which were fully endorsed by the American Counseling Association in 2015.” Go to the following websites and read the documents:

    Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development: Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling Competencies
    https://www.counseling.org/docs/default-source/competencies/multicultural-and-social-justice-counseling-competencies.pdf?sfvrsn=20

    Sue, Arredondo, & McDavis (1992). Multicultural Counseling Competencies and Standards: A Call to the Profession
    http://coe.unm.edu/uploads/docs/coe-main/faculty-staff/MultiCultural%20Counseling%20Competencies%20and%20Standards.pdf

    Discuss your own journey to become more culturally aware and responsive to the needs of others who are diverse from you. Include any course work, self-reflections you might have engaged in, immersion experiences etc. Self-assess your progress based upon the recommendations in these two documents. In what areas do you feel you need more experience/exposure?

  3. Research one socially disenfranchised group (e.g., LGBT, the disabled, the elderly, certain ethnic groups) and explore the barriers and social disadvantages typically suffered by the individuals from the group you chose. Then research different ways you could potentially be an advocate and engage in social justice activities for these individuals. Describe the various activities that you feel you could realistically engage in if you were currently a counselor.

Chapter 16 Journal Exercises


  1. Contact a local agency that employs rehabilitation counselors and arrange to go shadow a counselor (spend a day or a few hours seeing what he or she does as a rehabilitation counselor). If the counselor can’t let you shadow, then arrange for an interview. Either way, the purpose of the assignment is for you to learn from a rehabilitation counselor what a typical day on the job might look like. Working as a rehabilitation counselor can look very different from other forms of counseling and it is important for potential rehabilitation counselors to be well informed of the typical duties or responsibilities. After you shadow or interview the rehabilitation counselor, write a brief summary of what you learned. What did you learn that surprised you? After shadowing or talking with the rehabilitation counselor, is this a profession you would consider? Why or why not? What aspect of being a rehabilitation counselor appealed to you? Why? Which aspects didn’t appeal to you? Why?

  2. Write a short paper comparing and contrasting the biomedical model, the functional and environmental model, and the sociopolitical model of conceptualizing disability. What are the similarities and differences between the models? What are the strengths and weaknesses of each model? If you were a rehabilitation counselor, from which model would you choose to work? Why?

  3. Choose one historical event that you feel was the most important in terms of shaping the profession of rehabilitation counseling as well as for the effective treatment of individuals with disabilities. Defend your choice with the literature of the profession.

  4. Pick one disability from one of the following categories:
    • Physical
    • Cognitive
    • Intellectual
    • Visual
    • Mobility
    • Auditory
    • Psychiatric
    • Learning

    What have been the historical ways that treatment has been provided to individuals with your chosen disability? Research the types of assistive devices, resources, and other accommodations that are currently provided to aid an individual with that disability. In what ways has treatment and intervention for individuals who have this disability changed over time? In what ways has it stayed the same? What about your findings surprised you?

Chapter 17 Journal Exercises


  1. Pick one of the theories related to working with families and couples that you would like to know more about. Research this theory and report on your findings. What are the major premises or concepts of the theory? What are the major techniques associated with the theory? What is the unit of focus (e.g., couple, entire nuclear family, multigenerational)? Is this theory considered long term or short term? What are the typical interventions of this theory? How active is the counselor in this theory and what is the role of the counselor? What is the process of change within this theory? How does the theory view maladaptive behavior? How well does this theory fit your own concepts of counselor and personality?

  2. Construct a typical genogram of your family denoting marriage, divorce, family relationships etc., but also provide notations of mental health issues (e.g., depression, substance abuse, anxiety, personality disorder etc.). The following websites can give you additional information regarding symbols typically used and how to construct a genogram. After you construct your genogram write a brief summary of what you learned about your family. How has the genogram confirmed or disconfirmed some of your own perceptions about your family? What surprised you? What did the relationships between your family members suggest to you? Were you surprised about your family’s mental health history? What are your thoughts about a genogram’s usefulness with clients?

    Standard Symbols for Genograms http://courses.wcupa.edu/ttreadwe/courses/02courses/standardsymbols.htm
    GenPro http://www.genopro.com/genogram/rules/ http://www.genopro.com/genogram/ http://www.genopro.com/genogram/templates/
    Progeny http://www.progenygenetics.com/online-pedigree/

Chapter 18 Journal Exercises


  1. Contact a local school counselor and arrange to go shadow him or her (spend a day or a few hours seeing what he or she does as a school counselor). If the counselor can’t let you shadow, then arrange for an interview. Either way, the purpose of the assignment is for you to learn from a school counselor what a typical day on the job might look like. School counseling can look very different from other forms of counseling and it is important for potential school counselors to be well informed of the typical duties or responsibilities. After you shadow or interview the school counselor, write a brief summary of what you learned. What did you learn that surprised you? After shadowing or talking with the school counselor, is this a profession you would consider? Why or why not? What aspect of being a school counselor appealed to you? Why? Which aspects didn’t appeal to you? Why?

  2. At the crux of school counseling are the beliefs and philosophies about how students benefit from school counseling. Professional school counselors ask themselves “What do I believe about student success? What is my philosophy of education student learning? What do I believe about students today?” Answer these questions. If you were to be a school counselor, which age range of students appeals to you? Why?

  3. Chapter 18 identifies three groups of students with diverse needs: Ethnically Diverse Students, Students with Special Needs, and LGBT Youth. Do a literature review on one of these student populations. Are there any types of school counseling issues that might likely arise with your chosen group of students (e.g., bullying, harassment, issues with identity etc)? What considerations might you need to make to meet the needs of these students from a diversity or multicultural point of view? In what significant ways might these students differ from other students? How might this student population challenge you in terms of your own values, beliefs, or experiences?

Chapter 19 Journal Exercises


  1. Contact a local college counselor and arrange to go shadow him or her (spend a day or a few hours seeing what he or she does as a college counselor). If the counselor can’t let you shadow, then arrange for an interview. Either way, the purpose of the assignment is for you to learn from a college counselor what a typical day on the job might look like. Working as a college counselor looks very different from other forms of counseling and it is important for potential college counselors to be well informed of the typical duties or responsibilities. After you shadow or interview the college counselor, write a brief summary of what you learned. What did you learn that surprised you? After shadowing or talking with the college counselor, is this a profession you would consider? Why or why not? What aspect of being a college counselor appealed to you? Why? Which aspects didn’t appeal to you? Why?

  2. Contact a local college student affairs administrator and arrange to go shadow him or her (spend a day or a few hours seeing what he or she does as a college student affairs administrator). If the school administrator can’t let you shadow, then arrange for an interview. Either way, the purpose of the assignment is for you to learn from a college student affairs administrator what a typical day on the job might look like. After you shadow or interview the college student affairs administrator, write a brief summary of what you learned. What did you learn that surprised you? After shadowing or talking with the college student affairs administrator, is this a profession you would consider? Why or why not? What aspect of being a college student affairs administrator appealed to you? Why? Which aspects didn’t appeal to you? Why?

  3. According to Chapter 19, “in an annual survey of college counseling centers (Gallagher, 2014), directors reported that 52 percent of their clients had severe psychological problems.” Some of the issues listed were: “relationship difficulties, career uncertainty, self-esteem issues, existential concerns, academic concerns, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, substance abuse, sexual abuse or harassment, stress and psychosomatic symptoms, sexual dysfunction, and unusual behavior.” Pick one issue as reported in the chapter and do a literature review to better inform yourself on an issue faced by many students on college campuses. What is the prevalence rate for the issue you chose? What is the etiology and prognosis in general for this issue or disorder? How can the issue or disorder affect student academic success? Are there any noted differences in prevalence rate, etiology, or prognosis in terms of gender, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation etc? What are the typical ways that college counselors treat this issue or disorder (e.g., what theories or interventions are typically used)?