Harry A. Allen

Bio: Harry A. Allen is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Rehabilitation counseling & Counselor education. The author has an hindex of 5, co-authored 5 publications receiving 61 citations.

Report on bereavement and grief research.

Abstract: focus of the project was on strengthening research on grief and bereavement with the ultimate goal of improving the care that grieving people receive. The project's mandate was to observe the field of grief research as a whole and develop strategies and recommendations to improve and support research. Goals of the project also included building connections among people working in the field and facilitating the use of research to guide the provision of the best possible care. To guide the work of the project, a scientific advisory committee (SAC) was formed, composed of senior researchers and practitioners with high credibility, broad expertise and vision. SAC members were invited to participate in round table discussions in the summer of 2001. A report of these discussions was one of the products of this project and served as a good foundation for the remaining work of the project (the report is available at www.cfah.org). The work of the project was broken into five work groups: monograph, research agenda, research funding, communication and bridging. Each group was tasked with a specific goal and objectives and SAC members elected to join a work group of their interest. The following publication would not have been possible without the contributions and significant guidance from members of the scientific advisory committee, most particularly the monograph work group of the SAC. However, the full committee was not asked to endorse the conclusions or recommendations for research included in the report, which they saw in draft form prior to final revisions before its release. Responsibility for the release version of the report rests with the Center for the Advancement of Health.

Where Did You Serve? Veteran Identity, Representative Bureaucracy, and Vocational Rehabilitation

Abstract: • In this study, the first to examine the link between veteran status of program counselors and veterans’ views of the VA vocational rehabilitation programs, researchers interviewed 11 veteran rehabilitation counselors (VRCs) and examined a sample of veterans who had utilized veteran rehabilitation and employment services. • VRCs reported that the relationship between counselors and clients was a key determinant in how well a client performs in the program, and that many clients will either ask counselors about veteran status, or request counselors who are veterans. • Veteran counselors were reported by veteran clients to be more caring, explain things more clearly, care about the client’s individual needs, respect the client and be more responsive to client needs. Veteran clients with veteran counselors were up to 7% more likely to report a positive outcome, and those with veteran counselors were 5.9% more likely to report being satisfied with the program.

Grief Counseling: An Investigation of Counselors' Training, Experience, and Competencies

Abstract: Grief is prevalent in counseling, but little is known about the current status of counselors’ preparation and competencies to provide effective care. This exploratory study surveyed counselors (N= 369) on grief training, personal and professional experiences with grief, and grief counseling competence. Multiple regression analyses found training and experience were statistically significant predictors of competence. The strong relationship between variables suggests these concepts may be understood as synonymous. Implications for training, practice, and research are discussed.

Toward a Model of Caregiver Grief: Nurses' Experiences of Treating Dying Children:

Abstract: This study explored the emotional experiences of fifteen American nurses who work with terminally ill children. Structured interviews were conducted which considered the relationships and the emotional experiences of one who works with dying children. Specific questions that addressed attitudes and reactions to the dying process were asked, and the notion of a grief reaction was explored. Results from this study indicate that participants experience a form of “emotional tension” in their struggle to balance the intense emotional feelings that exist when treating dying children with their desire and need to be competent care providers. Their emotional experiences are influenced by the relationship that is established with their patient and by the child's dying process. It was concluded that when caregivers recognize the need to grieve and express their feelings while acknowledging that this is a natural, normal, and appropriate manner in which to respond to the death of a patient, they then become better a...

Essential Knowledge and Skills for Effective Clinical Supervision in Rehabilitation Counseling

Abstract: This study begins the inductive process of identifying the supervisory knowledge and skills that are necessary for effective field-based clinical supervision of rehabilitation counselors. A total o...