NCMHCE Exam Review
Group and Career Counseling
Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes PhD, LPC-MHSP, LMHC
Executive Director, AllCEUs.com
Podcast Host: Counselor Toolbox and NCMHCE Exam Review
Objectives
– Review
– the indications and contraindications for group therapy
– types of groups
– stages of group formation
– Group curative factors
– Therapistâs role in group
Indicators for Group
– Indicators for Group
– The primary problem involves affective, behavioral, cognitive or social issues
– The client is verbally, cognitively and physically able to participate
– The client is motivated to change
– The client finds peer support and feedback beneficial
– The client has a positive view of group therapy
Contraindications for Group Therapy
– People who refuse to participate
– People who canât honor group agreements including behavioral (impulsivity) and attendance
– People who are unsuitable for group therapy
– People in crisis, or who have a low tolerance for anxiety and frustration, or are markedly depressed
– People whose defenses would clash with the dynamics of a group.
– People who canât tolerate strong emotions
– People who experience severe internal discomfort in groups.
Types of Groups
– Gender based
– Topic based (depression, PTSD, Addiction)
– Skill Based (coping, problem solving, interpersonal)
– Support
– Psychoeducational
– Therapy
– Open
– Closed: Short-term, task oriented
Forming a Group
– Stages
– Forming
– Storming
– Norming
– Performing
– Adjourning
Group Curative Factors
– Social microcosm that allows for multiple transferences
– Hope
– Universality
– Altruism
– Self-understanding and insight
Therapistâs Role
– Explain the phases in the group process
– Creating and maintaining cohesion and participation
– Culture building
– Focus on the here and now, illuminating the processes at work.
– Use appropriate self-disclosure
– Facilitate resolution of interpersonal conflict
– Use linking and blocking
– Model giving and receiving of feedback
– Use structured activities
– Identify and discuss group themes and patterns
– Create interventions based on the stage of group development
– Challenge harmful behaviors
– Address interaction of group members outside of group
Career Counselingâ Models
– Trait and factor model focuses on individual abilities, interests and personalities and work adjustment varies directly with the congruence between characteristics and demands
– Client centered model emphasizes self-concept and the existence of choices based on what the client perceives is best in his/her life
– Psychodynamic model stresses internal motivations and coping mechanisms and person's belief or knowledge about what he or she is able to do (Efficacy)
– Developmental model focuses on career as a developmental, maturational process (Career Maturity Index)
Career Counselingâ Models
– Behavioral career counseling focuses on making realistic career choices (behavior) and eliminating anxiety about making such choices
– Values model helps clients choose careers in line with their values
– Time: Future, Past, Present, Unconcerned with schedules
– Social: Individual, collateral, hierarchical
– Activity Value: Active vs. Passive responses
– Life Values (Life Values Inventory)
Career Choice â Holland/Trait-Factor
– Personalities (RIASEC)
– Realistic (hands on)
– Investigative (problem solving)
– Artistic
– Social (Helping others)
– Enterprising (Leading)
– Conventional (Routine/systematic)
Career Choice – Holland
– Tests
– Vocational Preference Inventory (General Hollandâs 6-Types by rating 160 jobs)
– Self-Directed Search (Identifies competencies, attitudes and self efficacy toward occupations. Hollands 6 types)
– Vocational Exploration and Insight (increase occupations for consideration and understand what they want out of careers)
– My Vocational Situation (identity and barriers)
Other Career Tests
– Ashland Interest Assessment for people who have barriers to employment due to disabilities
– Career Assessment Inventory focuses on careers that require 0-2 years of post-secondary training
– Career Attitudes and Strategies Inventory assesses Job satisfaction, work involvement, career worries, family commitment etc.
– Career Beliefs identifies cognitive distortions about themselves and their career. My current career situation, What Seems Necessary for Happiness, Factors that Influence my Decisions, Changes I am willing to make
– Career Interest Inventory helps students decide what courses to take and how to prepare for their preferred career
Other Career Tests
– Career Orientation Inventory assesses biology based careers
– Guide for Occupational Exploration explores interest in 12 areas and correlates with the DOT
– Vocational Interest Inventory and Strong Interest Inventory help people identify careers based on interests
– Differential Aptitude Test identifies job related abilities
– DISCOVER Career Planning Program from ACT, inc., is a comprehensive computer-based career guidance system offered on the Internet for Grade 5 through adult. it includes inventories of interest, abilities, and values plus detailed information about occupations
– System of Interactive Guidance Information (SIGI) is designed to help university students and adults make informed career decisions via self-assessments and in-depth, current educational and job information
– More tests to review
Summary
– It is important to be aware of the selection criteria for group counseling
– In preparing for the exam, review your theories of career counseling and know the most common tests to use
Scenario 1
– Tom is a 34-year-old white male who completed 2 years of community college and is married with 3 children. He was referred by his employer due to anger management issues at work. During the assessment you note that Tom is well oriented, verbal but appears to have a lot of anxiety related to finances.
– Is group therapy appropriate for him-
– What other resources might be helpful-
– More study resources
Scenario 2
– Julie is a 20 year old student getting her Bachelorâs in liberal arts. She does not yet know what she wants to do for a career. Which of the following assessments would be appropriate-
– Ashland Interest Assessment
– For people who have barriers to employment due to disabilities
– Career Assessment Inventory
– For people who want a career that requires 0-2 years of college
– Career Attitudes and Strategies Inventory
– Assesses Job satisfaction, work involvement, career worries, family commitment etc.
– Career Beliefs
– Identifies cognitive distortions about themselves and their career.
– Career Interest Inventory
– Explores interests to narrow career choices
– Guide for Occupational Exploration
– Explores interest in 12 areas and correlates with the DOT
– Vocational Interest Inventory and Strong Interest Inventory
– Helps people identify careers based on interests
– Differential Aptitude Test
– Identifies job related abilities