The denial of civil marriage rights is a specific example of minority stress that can negatively affect the psychosocial well-being of self-identified lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals in same-sex partnerships, their families, and their allies. Counseling psychologists have an important role in addressing the…

The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of vulnerable learners from child-headed households through an ecological systems model that includes their homes, community, and school. Special emphasis was given to the role of school psychologists as change agents within the context of schools. This qualitative study…

The role of the school psychologist has evolved from serving as a gatekeeper for special education eligibility to that of a change agent within the school. This shift in professional focus positions school psychologists with the capacity to make an impact beyond the school setting. This article provides an example of how the consultative skills…

The authors interviewed African American female students in an urban school district about their perceptions, attitudes, and experiences with their professional school counselors. Data analysis indicated seven primary themes perceived by the participants, some of which included their understanding and purpose of professional school counselors and…

The transformed role of school counselors as advocates is key in reducing the academic achievement gap. Redefining the school counselors' role requires culturally competent practitioners, social justice advocates, and organizational/social change agents. A major obstacle to implementing culturally responsive social justice advocacy and change in…

The author brings her counseling expertise, personal experience, and compassionate perspective to this practical resource that cultivates "cultural competence"--essential for work with diverse populations. Expanding the definition of culture, this book addresses how biases have evolved in new and challenging ways, and provides strategies to help…

School counselors have been professionals in schools for over one hundred years. During the past century, as the nation has grown and changed, the roles and responsibilities of school counselors have as well. As the initial roles of school counselors have progressed to include more than vocational counseling, their roles and responsibilities have…

The pressures and demands of educating students have never been greater. Providing effective instruction for all students may be the single greatest challenge facing educators today. This article examines the impact of No Child Left Behind and the Individuals with Disabilities Act on assessment, accountability and instruction for all students,…

The recent endorsement of the advocacy competencies by the American Counseling Association signals their relevance to the school counseling profession. This article outlines the importance of being a social change agent, the value of advocacy in K-12 schools, and how school counselors can use the advocacy competencies as a framework for promoting…

The authors (1) discuss the possibility of being somewhat culture-free to distinguish between common and personal knowledge, (2) introduce Lifecareer philosophy and theory, (3) discuss changes that are radically altering occupational fields, (4) advocate a change of perspective in decision making, and (5) suggest ideas for counseling practice. (CH)

This paper on staff development proposes one dimension of the Concerns-Based Adoption Model (CBAM), Stages of Concern, as a diagnostic tool for use by counselors, administrators, staff developers and other change facilitators who are responsible for the timing and delivery of staff development experiences. A rationale for staff development, the…

Identifies issues that seem important in counseling with Navajo clients. Notes that some issues may also be appropriate to nonreservation Native Americans, especially those whose roots are tied to the reservation. Discusses size and characteristics of the Navajo family, language, and dominant culture conflicts. Implications and applications for…

School counselors have always considered themselves to be change agents. Historically, that change has been related to helping an individual become aware of behaviors or attitudes that might be affecting his/her success and then guiding that individual into new ways of acting or thinking. This skill is transferable to affecting change in the…

Counselor responses in 24 one-session helping interviews provide the basis for an empirical taxonomy of change events in counseling. Cluster analyses identified eight kinds of helpful events grouped into two "superclusters" corresponding to task and interpersonal aspects of helping. Six kinds of nonhelpful events were identified.…

Peer advisors can often help entering freshmen adjust to the environment of a large university by serving as experience guides, advisors, confidantes, or friends, to whom the new students can easily related. The Peer Advising Program at Iowa State is described. (Author/MLW)