In this issue readers will find:
- Landmark EMU Court Decision Affecting Counseling Handed Down
- Advocacy Matters: Federal School Counseling Program Faces Critical Challenge
- From the World of Business: Recession Drives Changes in Workplace and Workforce
- Relevant Research: Working Moms and the First Year of Life
- ACA Introductory Text Features Theories and Trends Not Covered in Other Foundational Works
- Fast Fact: Nine States Have Obesity Rate of 30% or Higher
- Share Counseling Stories With Challenging Clients in Counseling Today
- ACA's Interest Networks Promote Peer Dialogue and Information Sharing
- On the Lighter Side: Giving Web Visitors What They Want–Or Do We?
- Education Jobs Aid Clears Another Hurdle
- Reliable Resource: Online Course for Counselors Treating Veterans and their Families
- Conference Clipping: Discounted Registration Expires August 31
- Calendar: AACE, ACC, ACCA, Louisiana and Nebraska Conferences Approaching
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Landmark EMU Court Decision Affecting Counseling Handed Down
On July 26, a decision was handed down in the landmark court case Julea Ward vs. Roy Wilbanks et.al. The judge found for the defendant, Eastern Michigan University (EMU). Ms. Ward had been a graduate counseling student at Eastern Michigan University, but was dismissed from the program because she refused to counsel an assigned practicum client on the basis that he was homosexual. Ms. Ward then sued the university, accusing EMU of violating her first amendment right to religious freedom.
District Court Judge George Steeh ruled that EMU did not discriminate against Ms. Ward because of her religion. He stated that the counseling program was upholding the ethics standards of the profession as expressed through the ACA Code of Ethics and that refusal to counsel a client on the basis of sexual orientation was a clear violation of the non-discrimination section within the ACA ethics code. His ruling went on to state that: "The university is using the ACA Code of Ethics to govern students in exactly the same way they will be governed by practicing counselors." The decision is being appealed.
A similar case involving a counselor education student at the Augusta State University is currently moving through the judicial process. ACAeNews will keep readers apprised of those proceedings and the eventual outcome. To view the entire 48 page EMU summary judgment,
Advocacy Matters: Federal School Counseling Program Faces Critical Challenge
In pre-recess action, the U.S. Senate appropriations panel has voted to increase funding for the Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Program (ESSCP) by $2 million for Fiscal Year 2011, raising the federal program expenditure to $57 million. This would be the program's highest funding level---ever. That's the good news.
The bad news is that many in Congress are trying to eliminate ESSCP programs, as proposed by the administration, to help pay for other priorities. And those lawmakers may be successful---unless school counselors and school counseling advocates seize this opportunity to build on the Senate panel's momentum.
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From the World of Business: Recession Drives Changes in Workplace and Workforce
What will the American workforce look like when the dust settles from the recession and full economic recovery has been achieved? How have different generations of workers dealt with the recession? These questions are answered in a report, Workplace Redefined, issued this summer by Robert Half International, a firm specializing in employee placement.
This survey of employees and employers in a "recession influenced" workplace, examined shifting attitudes, including the differences and similarities in the views of Gen Y, Gen X and baby boomer workers. Among the key study findings:
- Four out of 10 professionals indicate they were inclined to look for new opportunities as a result of the recession.
- More than one-third (37%) report they were not fairly compensated for responsibilities assumed during the recession.
- Nearly half (46%) plan to alter retirement plans because of the recession.
While many studies have focused on the differences between workers from varying age groups, the Robert Half survey chose to compare both similarities and differences and the influence of cross-generational teams on productivity and business success.
Relevant Research: Working Moms and the First Year of Life
Findings on the full effect of maternal employment on child development during the first year of life, reported in a new National Institute of Child Health and Human Development monograph, show that children raised by working mothers do not necessarily suffer cognitive difficulties or setbacks, contradicting previous research and widely held beliefs. Researchers also found that benefits from working mothers, namely higher family income and improved child care, had a positive effect.
Using data from the NICHD sponsored Study of Early Child Care, Columbia University researchers followed more than 1,000 children from 10 U.S. geographic areas. Their full study, entitled "First-Year Maternal Employment and Child Development in the First 7 Years," is summarized in a Columbia University research news brief that can be found at:
ACA Introductory Text Features Theories and Trends Not Covered in Other Foundational Works
Counseling and Psychotherapy: Theories and Interventions, Fifth Edition
Edited by David Capuzzi and Douglas R. Gross
This student-friendly and well designed introductory text provides a thorough overview of 14 widely used theories. Experts examine each theory from the perspective of its historical background, major constructs, goals, cross-cultural considerations, and limitations. Traditional and brief interventions integrate theory with specific counseling strategies, giving students further insight into the counseling process and guidance in developing their personal counseling style.
A consistent case study across chapters in the text reinforces the differences between theories and illustrates assessment of client concerns and treatment planning. Introductory chapters explore core dimensions and brief approaches to the helping relationship, and how to best deliver counseling and advocacy services to diverse client groups. A complimentary test manual and PowerPoints for instructors' use are available by request on university letterhead.
2011 | 408 pgs
Order #72902
ISBN 978-1-55620-271-1
List Price: $64.95
ACA Member Price: $46.95
Fast Fact: Nine States Have Obesity Rate of 30% or Higher
The obesity epidemic affects every state, according to a new Vital Signs report generated by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Most telling was the finding that no state met the country’s Healthy People 2010 goal to lower obesity to 15%.
New data shows that nine states (Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and West Virginia) had an obesity rate of 30% or higher in 2009. In comparison, no state had an obesity rate of 30% or more in 2000, and only three states reached the 30% mark in 2007. The report also makes recommendations on how to reverse the epidemic.
Share Counseling Stories With Challenging Clients in Counseling Today
An upcoming feature story in Counseling Today will focus on ACA members' success stories in working with particularly challenging clients. If you'd like to share your success story with your colleagues, e-mail answers to the following questions to ct@counseling.org:
- What made this particular client or situation so challenging?
- What was the turning point for you and your client?
- What counseling approach proved most effective?
Please limit your response to 400 words or less; send questions to Jonathan Rollins, Editor, at jrollins@counseling.org.
ACA's Interest Networks Promote Peer Dialogue and Information Sharing
Beyond the professional and setting interests advanced by ACA's chartered divisions, a network of 13 interest networks exists to offer opportunities for interaction for members interested in a wide range of topics. Currently, the following networks (year of approval in parenthesis) are in place:
- ACA Interest Network for Professional Counselors in Schools (2008)
- Animal Assisted Therapy in Mental Health Interest Network (2009)
- Children's Counseling Interest Network (2002)
- Forensic Counseling Interest Network (2008)
- Grief and Bereavement Interest Network (2007)
- Historical Issues in Counseling Network (2006)
- Interest Network for Advances in Therapeutic Humor (2002)
- Multiracial/Multiethnic Counseling Concerns Interest Network (2002)
- Network for Jewish Interests (2002)
- Sports Counseling Interest Network (2006)
- Traumatology Interest Network (2003)
- Wellness Interest Network (2008)
- Women's Interest Network (2002)
To join one of the networks, please email Holly Clubb at hclubb@counseling.org with the following information: Name, Email address, Network you wish to join and ACA membership status (member/non-member).
On the Lighter Side: Giving Web Visitors What They Want–Or Do We?
Inside Higher Ed newsletter recently reported an interesting reaction from the higher education community to a published cartoon that takes issue with how well student information expectations match up with the information delivered on college and university websites. The disparity may have implications for all website sponsors.
Education Jobs Aid Clears Another Hurdle
On Thursday, August 5th, the U.S. Senate passed HR 1586 by a 61-39 vote to provide states with $10 billion to avert layoffs of more than 100,000 school counselors, teachers and other school staff across the country. The bill also includes $16.1 billion to help cash-strapped states continue to provide Medicaid health services to individuals living in poverty or who have serious disabilities. The bill now moves to the House. Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) has called U.S. Representatives back from their August recess to vote on the bill, citing the urgent nature of the funds. The House is expected to pass the bill, possibly as soon as Tuesday. If the House does pass the measure without making any changes to it, it will be sent to President Obama to sign into law.
Reliable Resource: Online Course for Counselors Treating Veterans and their Families
Because of the overwhelming response, Army OneSource (AOS) is extending the Treating the Invisible Wounds of War online course to the first 10,000 registrants until September. Care providers that take advantage of this free training opportunity will receive a certificate of completion and support materials.
The AOS Behavioral Health Initiative is one of four awareness campaigns initiated on behalf of the service members and their families. The intent of the campaign is to raise awareness among counselors and related mental health professionals of the behavioral needs that are arising from our military efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Counselors wishing to register should follow these steps:
Go to
- Step 1: Click on New Users tab at the top of the screen.
- Step 2: Create a personal user account following the instructions on the screen.
NOTE: Be sure to enter your Army OneSource referral code (AOSil777) in the space provided.
- Step 3: Login to the system using your new ID and password.
- Step 4: Click on Courses tab at the top of the screen.
- Step 5: Select a course you wish to complete.
- Step 6: Click on Register.
Questions should be directed to: LaKrisha S. Lindo of Army OneSource at lakrisha.lindo@serco-na.com or 224-234-7309.
Conference Clipping: Discounted Registration Expires August 31
The ACA Conference & Exposition in New Orleans (March 23-27, 2011) registration discounts will expire on August 31. Don't miss this opportunity to visit the Crescent City for the largest gathering of professional counselors in the world and act now to get in on the most affordable rates. Make your travel and lodging arrangements and register today!
Calendar: AACE, ACC, ACCA, Louisiana and Nebraska Conferences Approaching
Association for Assessment in Counseling and Education
September 9-10, 2010
Holiday Inn Select, Memphis, TN
Louisiana Counseling Association
September 18-22, 2010
Intercontinental Hotel, New Orleans, LA
Association for Creativity in Counseling
September 18-19, 2010
Portland Doubletree Hotel, Portland, OR
Nebraska Counseling Association
September 23-24
Cornhusker Marriott, Lincoln, NE
American College Counseling Association
October 6-9, 2010
Hyatt Regency St. Louis – Riverfront, St. Louis, MO
ACA divisions, branches, and regions are valuable sources of learning and professional development. Information on events will be posted approximately 8-10 weeks prior. This information is made available to ACAeNews via the ACA master calendar and the various organization web sites. Send calendar items to dbrown@counseling.org. Please provide the sponsor, dates, site and contact person information. Information posted here is restricted to that sponsored by ACA divisions, branches, regions and related organizations.
About ACAeNews
ACAeNews is published 24 times annually by the American Counseling Association for the benefit of members across the counseling profession. Any reference to a product, service, activity or listing of a website in ACAeNews does not imply endorsement by ACA. Any views and opinions are those of the sponsoring organization and may or may not be shared by ACA.
Direct comments, questions, and submissions to fburtnett@counseling.org. All submissions will be subject to review by ACA for accuracy, timeliness and relevance to the readership and may be edited to meet space parameters.
Marcheta P. Evans, President
Marcheta.evans@utsa.edu
Richard Yep, CAE, Executive Director
ryep@counseling.org
Debra Bass, Director of Marketing and Communications
dbass@counseling.org
Frank Burtnett, NCC, NCCC, ACAeNews Editor
fburtnett@counseling.org
Don Kenneally, Internet Development / Production
dkenneally@counseling.org
ACA Web site: www.counseling.org
Copyright 2010, American Counseling Association, 5999 Stevenson Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22304. Telephone: 703/823-9800. Email: fburtnett@counseling.org. Permission is hereby granted to reproduce anything contained in this newsletter as long as the American Counseling Association is identified as the original source of the information.
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