Dr. Renfro-Michel stated in class that she "loves to learn." I believe learning also has been important to me and that much of my life has been characterized by an interest in learning and loving those experiences. Last week, however, tested my mettle. I found so much challenging and found myself discouraged. This week is much better. Reading Thriving is helping me to realize I am a new student all over again in a new program doing something I've never done before. I am taking better care of myself, sleeping better, eating better and finding time for activities other than fighting with my computer. I'm able to be a bit more gentle with being new to some major learning tasks.
My view last week was rather negative and I believe this was reflected in my blog entry regarding CACREP. I still believe there might be some conflicts with what can be taught in a CACREP-accredited program and what ASCA requires, but I am beginning to better understand the necessity for a CACREP program at MSU. I believe there are means of fully educating school counselors through this program and of assuring that they are well-prepared and knowledgeable about the differences between someone with a Master's degree in Community, Addictions or Higher Ed Counseling or an LPC and someone who works in a school. I spoke of not conducting in-depth on-going "clinical" counseling in a school and also realized that there should be differences in how school counselors conduct interviews related to issues of possible abuse. There was an incident that occurred in my former district from which I learned a great deal and which certainly impacts school counselors, but which might impact other counselors. I would like to learn more about whether a counselor in an agency would have had the same experience - or not.
A student in one of the elementary schools mentioned to a teacher possible sexual abuse by a parent. The teacher reported this allegation to a school counselor, who then met with the student. The counselor asked specific questions regarding the alleged abuse and then contacted DYFS and the local police, which is the procedure to be followed with any DYFS indident. The County Prosecutor's Office became involved, but the case was thrown out because the counselor had conducted such an in-depth interview that this was believed to possibly taint the accuracy of the student's reporting. The school counseling department was instructed to conduct only brief interviews in the future. We were informed that it is the role of DYFS and of the County Prosecutor's Office to conduct the in-depth interviews. It is my belief that, if a student shares any information related to possible abuse during a general school counseling interview, which does occur, the counselor would immediately need to stop any further questioning and contact DYFS and the police.
Back to CACREP - It seems to me that the thoroughness of a CACREP-accredited program provides a depth and breadth of knowledge related to counseling which is important and which will help school counselors to learn and to be well-prepared. MSU, by amending the practicum to being an on-site practicum experience, has added a component which leads to greater knowledge of counseling in the area of specialization. I am not convinced, however, that practicum and internship sites should be the same and tend to believe there might be a broader experience if students are able to complete these requirements in two different settings.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
AlAnon Attendance
I attended an AlAnon meeting this week. I had decided that AlAnon would be more comfortable for me and that my presence might be more readily accepted by those in the group. I was amazed by the welcome I received. I did share that I have a recovering family member and that I was attending due to that fact and that I probably should have attended AlAnon years ago. I also let them know that I am enrolled in a graduate counseling course which offered an assignment of attendance at meetings as a means of learning more about the various 12-Step programs. I had attended an AA and an OA meeting several years ago as a part of another counseling course and for years have recommended AlAnon and AlaTeen to students and families I've counseled in schools. I found the meeting comfortable and valuable. The people in the room clearly live a 12-Step program and offer tremendous support to one another. The meeting began with the Serenity Prayer and a review of the steps and traditions. After that, people had the opportunity to share. It was clear that the support offered helped various individuals, not necessarily with dealing with issues of alcoholism, but with issues of life. It was most obvious that the consistency of a group that is positive can be of benefit since many people in the room were individuals who had been involved for years. I believe there is data that indicates that a 12-Step program combined with therapy/counseling provides the most success, but I need to do some research to be certain this is supported, which I will do. I am so grateful for the kindness of the people I met. This was a wonderful experience.
Technology Terrors II
I have had some successes with technology and can't wait to get to the point where I don't feel that some of what I do still escapes into some great void and I have no idea how to re-connect with what I've lost. I wrote a blog entry a couple of days ago about my visit to an AlAnon meeting, hit "preview" and my entry disappeared. Today is a day to re-write and to try to catch up. I am sure technology is like a puzzle or the development of any new skill and that, with practice and time, I will figure it out, but there certainly are still some gaps and lacks in my technology knowledge. That being said, it is becoming more fun and I am seeing the value of a blog and of enhanced technological expertise. Rather than being awake at night worrying about what I don't know, which was the case a week ago, I can laugh at some of the things that occur related to my learning.
Last week, after having spent three hours with a friend learning how to blog, I went into one of the quiet study rooms at MSU to "play" with blogging. I saw the blogs of several classmates and was moving around with the cursor. Suddenly, rock and roll came BLASTING from my laptop! I pulled the plug out of the wall. STILL BLASTING!! I pushed buttons. STILL BLASTING - and some of the people around me were beginning to look annoyed. I pushed the laptop cover to close it, but the music still played. Muffled rock 'n roll, but STILL LOUD. I did think the music selections were good and began to think that, under other circumstances, I would enjoy the music, but more people were looking at me and were beginning to make less than appreciative faces. I grabbed my laptop, apologized to those around me and quickly left the study room. Now, it's funny, but it wasn't at the time.
Last week, after having spent three hours with a friend learning how to blog, I went into one of the quiet study rooms at MSU to "play" with blogging. I saw the blogs of several classmates and was moving around with the cursor. Suddenly, rock and roll came BLASTING from my laptop! I pulled the plug out of the wall. STILL BLASTING!! I pushed buttons. STILL BLASTING - and some of the people around me were beginning to look annoyed. I pushed the laptop cover to close it, but the music still played. Muffled rock 'n roll, but STILL LOUD. I did think the music selections were good and began to think that, under other circumstances, I would enjoy the music, but more people were looking at me and were beginning to make less than appreciative faces. I grabbed my laptop, apologized to those around me and quickly left the study room. Now, it's funny, but it wasn't at the time.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Meeting Attendance
I plan to attend two AA meetings this week to try to see what the differences are related to the specific group. I am curious as to whether meetings are consistent or whether there are significant variations. One meeting is an Open - Discussion meeting which is held tomorrow evening. The other meetings I am considering are one at the Market Street Mission in Morristown or a meeting at a church in Bernardsville. Both are relatively close to where I live. I think it would be interesting to attend the Market Street Mission meeting since this is an organization to which I have donated for years. The Mission does wonderful work with populations which include the homeless, addicts and the mentally ill. I believe the work done by the Mission truly helps many men to put their lives back together. I just don't want those involved in the meetings to feel I am a voyeur who is observing them and that is my concern. I suspect those who attend the meetings on a regular basis will be more comfortable with my attendance than I will be. I have a couple of days to decide and will let you know which meetings I attend and what I learned.
I have a family member for whom AA has been a lifesaver. This family member suffered through years of issues of drug and alcohol addiction. I have offered to attend meetings, but this was never accepted. I hope that attending and discussing my attendance will help to support this person, whom I dearly love. I am thinking as I write that I should have attended AlAnon years ago. It is not too late for me to learn more and I value this assignment.
I have a family member for whom AA has been a lifesaver. This family member suffered through years of issues of drug and alcohol addiction. I have offered to attend meetings, but this was never accepted. I hope that attending and discussing my attendance will help to support this person, whom I dearly love. I am thinking as I write that I should have attended AlAnon years ago. It is not too late for me to learn more and I value this assignment.
Friday, May 21, 2010
CACREP - I have mixed views regarding CACREP. I believe the structure and professional expectations of a CACREP-approved program are of significant value. Having a body which examines and approves counseling programs gives weight and consistency to the profession. Knowing that all CACREP-approved programs provide the same educational components is significant and valuable. CACREP provides the means to move toward a consistent national counseling program.
I am unsure of how CACREP fits with school counseling. School counselors should not diagnose and, in fact, could lose their New Jersey State certification if they were to diagnose students. Having an understanding of mental health issues and a knowledge of pathology is beneficial, but I am not certain it is necessary. School counselors should not provide on-going mental health counseling, but, rather, are expected to suggest referrals to mental health professionals if student issues seem to require such services. The focii of school counseling, according to the American School Counseling Association, is to address issues related to the academic, personal/social and career domains in order to maximize academic achievement for each student. A school counseling program should be developmentally appropriate and proactive.
Similar to community counseling, the school counselor needs to be an advocate for each student, a leader and someone who provides services which lead to wellness and improved functioning for all students. Addressing issues of equity; having a knowledge of multicultural, multiracial concerns; and being a strong student advocate; being able to effectively work with staff, parents/guardians and students; and having a strong knowledge of learning are critical for school counselors. This information needs to be an important aspect of school counselor training. A thorough knowledge of learning and of lesson design are not necessarily included in a CACREP program and may be a lack.
I am unsure of how CACREP fits with school counseling. School counselors should not diagnose and, in fact, could lose their New Jersey State certification if they were to diagnose students. Having an understanding of mental health issues and a knowledge of pathology is beneficial, but I am not certain it is necessary. School counselors should not provide on-going mental health counseling, but, rather, are expected to suggest referrals to mental health professionals if student issues seem to require such services. The focii of school counseling, according to the American School Counseling Association, is to address issues related to the academic, personal/social and career domains in order to maximize academic achievement for each student. A school counseling program should be developmentally appropriate and proactive.
Similar to community counseling, the school counselor needs to be an advocate for each student, a leader and someone who provides services which lead to wellness and improved functioning for all students. Addressing issues of equity; having a knowledge of multicultural, multiracial concerns; and being a strong student advocate; being able to effectively work with staff, parents/guardians and students; and having a strong knowledge of learning are critical for school counselors. This information needs to be an important aspect of school counselor training. A thorough knowledge of learning and of lesson design are not necessarily included in a CACREP program and may be a lack.
Definition of Counseling
The MSU links will be down tomorrow and, perhaps, on Sunday so, I am trying to complete some assignments before midnight.
To me, counseling is a profession which enables individuals seeking help to reflect on the issues in their lives, to discover options and to be able to arrive at resolutions which are healthy. I think of counseling as "graduate school" in the sense that, through counseling, one has the opportunity to learn more and to grow. I don't necessarily believe counseling is or should be time-constrained, but, rather, that a person might choose to move in and out of counseling, depending upon the individual's interest in personal growth or the individual's personal need. I do not believe counseling always must address problems: Counseling can just be a means of learning how to deal with life.
I do believe that school counseling differs in many ways from community counseling. School counselors are charged with helping students to achieve academically. Often, this requires a focus on the issues that impede learning. The issues might involve learning disabilities; distractions in the family; poverty; being a member of a non-dominant cultural group; addiction; trauma in the family; diabetes, lupus or another chronic physical; harassment in school; childhood psychiatric issues; or a host of other concerns. Lack of academic success could be as simple as having a teacher who lacks sensitivity to the needs of a particular student or the rigidity of an educational system that refuses to offer accommodations to students without formal identification of a learning disability. It is the school counselor's role to try to provide support to the student, to help to educate staff and to work with parents/guardians. What a school counselor should NOT do is diagnose and provide on-going mental health counseling. Providing referrals is an important aspect of school counseling, but needs to be done as a "suggestion" and not as a dictate or the school could be responsible for paying for psychotherapeutic services, something school districts are not wont to do.
To me, counseling is a profession which enables individuals seeking help to reflect on the issues in their lives, to discover options and to be able to arrive at resolutions which are healthy. I think of counseling as "graduate school" in the sense that, through counseling, one has the opportunity to learn more and to grow. I don't necessarily believe counseling is or should be time-constrained, but, rather, that a person might choose to move in and out of counseling, depending upon the individual's interest in personal growth or the individual's personal need. I do not believe counseling always must address problems: Counseling can just be a means of learning how to deal with life.
I do believe that school counseling differs in many ways from community counseling. School counselors are charged with helping students to achieve academically. Often, this requires a focus on the issues that impede learning. The issues might involve learning disabilities; distractions in the family; poverty; being a member of a non-dominant cultural group; addiction; trauma in the family; diabetes, lupus or another chronic physical; harassment in school; childhood psychiatric issues; or a host of other concerns. Lack of academic success could be as simple as having a teacher who lacks sensitivity to the needs of a particular student or the rigidity of an educational system that refuses to offer accommodations to students without formal identification of a learning disability. It is the school counselor's role to try to provide support to the student, to help to educate staff and to work with parents/guardians. What a school counselor should NOT do is diagnose and provide on-going mental health counseling. Providing referrals is an important aspect of school counseling, but needs to be done as a "suggestion" and not as a dictate or the school could be responsible for paying for psychotherapeutic services, something school districts are not wont to do.
Technology Terrors
This is humbling. I am going to be a student in a doctoral program and am (finally) being forced to become current with technology. I believe I have been sensitive to the issues of students with learning issues, emotional issues, family dysfunction and other concerns which negatively impact learning in my work as a teacher, Learning Disabilities Teacher-Consultant, school counselor and Director of Guidance. There were times in my life when I felt less than smart and discovering over the years that I could learn, that I could contribute and that I was intelligent was part of my journey. This is another step, but IT ISN'T FUN TO FEEL STUPID! I am working so hard to learn about technology and merely being able to write this tonight is a success. I know I CAN and WILL succeed, but it is a bit of a struggle.
I listen to the other students in my current class and they know so much more about technology than I do. I am in awe of their knowledge and their facility with what I find difficult and belabored. I believe I know quite a bit about counseling. I hope we can share and help one another to learn and to feel comfortable with our new journeys. I like my class. I am fortunate to be with others for whom counseling is an interest. For several summers, I attended a one-week workshop in Counseling Leadership at UMASS/Amherst. These were weeks spent with over 100 other counselors. We would laugh about what a pleasure it was to be with people who knew how to get along and how to resolve conflicts. I feel as though this class is something akin to that experience.
I listen to the other students in my current class and they know so much more about technology than I do. I am in awe of their knowledge and their facility with what I find difficult and belabored. I believe I know quite a bit about counseling. I hope we can share and help one another to learn and to feel comfortable with our new journeys. I like my class. I am fortunate to be with others for whom counseling is an interest. For several summers, I attended a one-week workshop in Counseling Leadership at UMASS/Amherst. These were weeks spent with over 100 other counselors. We would laugh about what a pleasure it was to be with people who knew how to get along and how to resolve conflicts. I feel as though this class is something akin to that experience.
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