Cultural immersion (CI) is a common pedagogy to prepare counselors for work with diverse clients. However, little is known regarding how CI is used across counselor education programs. This exploratory study established quantitative baseline data on how programs prepare, implement, and evaluate CI. Current practice is compared with CI components…

A sample of 506 professional counselors who were members of the American Counseling Association completed measures of professional quality of life, career-sustaining behaviors (CSBs), and wellness. Significant differences were found both within the sample based on caseload characteristics and between the participants and available norm groups.…

A study including measures of spirituality, religiosity, and wellness was conducted to identify coping strategies for the multiple challenges to wellness faced by low-income, rural women. Total spirituality and religiosity accounted for 39% of the variance in wellness, with purpose and meaning in life, unifying interconnectedness, and private…

Liking, love styles, and wellness were examined in an undergraduate sample (N = 168). Liking and the Mania love style were found to predict 15.8% of the variance in Total Wellness. In addition, within-group differences in love styles and wellness were found on the basis of gender and ethnicity. (Contains 2 tables and 1 figure.)

Career and life planning courses are gaining popularity across university campuses. The authors outline curricula for career and life planning courses that integrate a holistic wellness approach with career development. Curriculum and learning activities to enhance the life planning component of the course are included. (Author)

Reviews the cognitive development of children, with a focus on Piagetian theory as a framework for understanding Developmental Counseling and Therapy (DCT). Describes both the assessment process and intervention planning, and provides specific applications to counseling children in school settings. (Contains 35 references.) (GCP)

Advocacy for the counseling profession has received little systematic attention. A national plan for advocacy is needed, the effectiveness of which depends on achieving consensus concerning professional identity, promoting a positive public image, establishing effective intraprofessional and interprofessional collaboration, and obtaining the…

Incorporating spirituality within a wellness paradigm can help counselors and counselor educators value and address spirituality as an integral component of optimum human functioning. By distinguishing between religiosity and spirituality and operationally conceptualizing spirituality as a lifespan developmental phenomenon that is essential for…

Notes that American Counseling Association's (ACA) unique contribution to a wellness philosophy lies in the profession's concern for development over the life span. Describes ACA's commitment to and proactive stance toward wellness. Addresses the relationship between wellness, developmental approaches, and prevention. Discusses debate surrounding…

The Relational Model (J. V. Jordan, 1995) of women's development is a theory that explains women's development in a context of relationships, specifically relationships that promote growth for self and others. This model is applied to counseling women who are experiencing infertility, and a case presentation is provided to illustrate the approach.…

Bibliotherapy is presented as a strategy for cocreating therapeutic metaphors with clients. The use of these metaphors for promoting both first and second order change is enhanced when the metaphor is processed using Developmental Counseling and Therapy (DCT). Case examples are included to illustrate the combined use of these techniques. (Author)

Advocates a wellness paradigm, maximizing of human potential through positive lifestyle choices, as a philosophical base for counseling and development. Examines six premises that suggest counseling and development professionals already are engaging in wellness interventions. Suggests action steps to affirm a commitment to the wellness philosophy.…

Discusses similarities and differences in counseling older persons, emphasizing importance of recognizing countertransference reactions on the part of mental health counselor when working with older clients. Presents brief review of outcome research which reflects need for all practitioners to evaluate outcomes when using the techniques discussed…

Surveyed 237 counselor preparation program departments. Identified current trends in preparation of counselors to work with older persons. Examined specialty course work in gerontological counseling and the extent to which gerontological counseling content and issues were incorporated into existing required and elective counselor preparation…

Negative attitudes of children toward older persons are well documented, as is influence of teachers on children's attitudes. Surveyed state departments of education to determine curriculum content related to adult development and aging in teacher preparation standards. Few states required preparation in adult development and aging for teacher…