Therapists Who Specialize in Addiction: A Grounded Situational Analysis of a Stigmatized Profession

Individuals Who Sell Drugs Placed in Treatment: The Perspective of Their Counselors by Natasha Herbert MA, McDaniel College, 2007 BS, McDaniel College, 2006 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Proposal of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Counselor Education and Supervision Walden University January 2019 Abstract Individuals who sell drugs are often mandated by legal forces to substance abuse treatment because of their criminal offenses and the belief they may have a drug problem. Previous researchers have noted this population may be disruptive in the treatment process, but it has not been explored in depth. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to learn the lived experiences of counselors who work with individuals who report a primary problem of selling drugs, not substance abuse, who are mandated to a substance abuse treatment program. Thirteen semi structured interviews were conducted with counselors who have worked with individuals who sell drugs that were mandated to participate in a correctional-based therapeutic community substance abuse treatment program. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed with the assistance of NVivo for meaning and themes. Data were examined through the theoretical lens of the social learning theory (SLT). The results of the study indicated counselors were prepared for their jobs through education and training to have longevity in working in a correctional environment and provided treatment services. The counselors found that individuals who sell drugs had a history substance use, which the individuals minimized. During treatment, counselors sought to challenge individuals who sell drugs to think and explore the effects of their behaviors. Counselors found individuals who sell drugs were able to engage in treatment to avoid negative consequences. The results of this research can encourage positive social change by initiating a discussion about assessments prior to drug treatment, characteristics of drug treatment program participants, and counselor training to improve quality of drug treatment services provided.Individuals who sell drugs are often mandated by legal forces to substance abuse treatment because of their criminal offenses and the belief they may have a drug problem. Previous researchers have noted this population may be disruptive in the treatment process, but it has not been explored in depth. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to learn the lived experiences of counselors who work with individuals who report a primary problem of selling drugs, not substance abuse, who are mandated to a substance abuse treatment program. Thirteen semi structured interviews were conducted with counselors who have worked with individuals who sell drugs that were mandated to participate in a correctional-based therapeutic community substance abuse treatment program. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed with the assistance of NVivo for meaning and themes. Data were examined through the theoretical lens of the social learning theory (SLT). The results of the study indicated counselors were prepared for their jobs through education and training to have longevity in working in a correctional environment and provided treatment services. The counselors found that individuals who sell drugs had a history substance use, which the individuals minimized. During treatment, counselors sought to challenge individuals who sell drugs to think and explore the effects of their behaviors. Counselors found individuals who sell drugs were able to engage in treatment to avoid negative consequences. The results of this research can encourage positive social change by initiating a discussion about assessments prior to drug treatment, characteristics of drug treatment program participants, and counselor training to improve quality of drug treatment services provided. Individuals Who Sell Drugs Placed in Treatment: The Perspective of Their Counselors by Natasha Herbert MA, McDaniel College, 2007 BS, McDaniel College, 2006 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Counselor Education and Supervision Walden University January 2019 Dedication I dedicate this to the people who have worked behind the walls. It is hard work and not always easy to be locked in too. Although the appreciation may not be expressed, there are lives that are being shaped by what you do. Acknowledgments I would like to thank my family and friends who have been with me in this process. It has been a long journey. I am grateful for the love and support I have received. I appreciate the understanding when I said no to things or came with my laptop. Thank you to Dr. Haley who has been there since I started this dissertation and through its ups and downs. Thank you to Dr. Patton who came on as my methodologist. Your assistance and expertise are greatly appreciated. Thank you to Dr. Frazier for your feedback in review of my dissertation.

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Individuals Who Sell Drugs Placed in Treatment: The Perspective of Their Counselors

In addition to state laws, the counseling profession’s code of ethics and training standards stipulate that counselors clearly uphold ethical standards and identify with a distinct professional counselor identity. We investigated 411 postgraduate counseling supervisees’ experiences with ethical and professional identity development during supervision in the US The results of the survey indicated that supervisors do not directly and consistently pass a professional counselor identity to the supervisee. However, supervision encompassed ethical considerations. Study results are not a reflection of nor the sole responsibility of supervisors. The counseling profession must also assume responsibility for these outcomes and better support counseling supervisors in passing a counselor professional identity from the supervisor to the supervisee. Additional research could determine how to support supervisors in passing a counselor professional identity to the supervisee during supervision.

Clinical supervisors’ ethical and professional identity behaviors with postgraduate supervisees seeking independent licensure

Experience Versus Education: Empathy in Substance Use Disorder Counselors by Frances Malcolm Horn-Charnesky MSW, Walla Walla College, 2004 Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University April 2019 Abstract Empathy is one of the most important skills a mental health counselor can have. For instance, empathy plays a key role in retention and engagement in therapy for substance use disorder (SUD), which leads to improved client outcomes. Historically, SUD treatment has been provided by those in recovery with little formal education about counseling. Currently, academic requirements for SUD counselors vary, and most master’s level education programs rarely address SUDs. To determine whether SUD experience alone is related to empathy, a 2x2 factorial ANOVA was used in this study to examine the relationship between two independent variables (education status and recovery status) against the dependent variable of empathy for 607 SUD counselors. Findings showed that recovery status was not indicative of SUD counselor empathy, and graduate level education was associated with empathy in SUD counselors. As the epidemic of addiction continues to grow, having a competent workforce of licensed/credentialed SUD counselors is imperative, and this research shows that having a master’s degree in counseling may influence empathy in SUD counselors. Thus, the results of this research have the potential to shape licensure/credentialing processes forEmpathy is one of the most important skills a mental health counselor can have. For instance, empathy plays a key role in retention and engagement in therapy for substance use disorder (SUD), which leads to improved client outcomes. Historically, SUD treatment has been provided by those in recovery with little formal education about counseling. Currently, academic requirements for SUD counselors vary, and most master’s level education programs rarely address SUDs. To determine whether SUD experience alone is related to empathy, a 2x2 factorial ANOVA was used in this study to examine the relationship between two independent variables (education status and recovery status) against the dependent variable of empathy for 607 SUD counselors. Findings showed that recovery status was not indicative of SUD counselor empathy, and graduate level education was associated with empathy in SUD counselors. As the epidemic of addiction continues to grow, having a competent workforce of licensed/credentialed SUD counselors is imperative, and this research shows that having a master’s degree in counseling may influence empathy in SUD counselors. Thus, the results of this research have the potential to shape licensure/credentialing processes for those seeking a career in the SUD field and improve outcomes for individuals with a SUD. Experience Versus Education: Empathy in Substance Use Disorder Counselors by Frances Malcolm Horn-Charnesky MSW, Walla Walla College, 2004 Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University April 2019 Dedication This project is dedicated to all of the individuals that are struggling with substance-use disorder and those treatment professionals striving to help. Keep searching, hoping, advocating and working for change.

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Experience Versus Education: Empathy in Substance Use Disorder Counselors

A total of 276 certified addiction professionals participated in an electronic survey about professional roles and responsibilities. A multivariate ANOVA was conducted to measure differences in professional responsibility, exposure to and comfort levels for counseling diverse consumers, and counseling approaches for alcohol and drug professionals with a certification, licensed, certification and licensure, and licensure and certification identity. Alcohol and drug professionals with a certification identity facilitated group counseling and used reinforcement techniques more often compared to professionals with a licensure and certification. Alcohol and drug counselors were less comfortable counseling consumers with mental health issues compared to alcohol and drug counselors with advanced training and other addiction professionals. The professional identity development of alcohol and drug counselors differs from professionals who are licensed/certified and other addiction professionals. Implicatio...

The Value of Certification in the Era of Licensure: An Exploratory Study of Professional Identity Development in Alcohol and Drug Professionals

Data from 57 clinical supervisors in licensed substance abuse treatment programs indicate that 28% had completed formal graduate course work in clinical supervision and 33% were professionally licensed or certified. Findings raise concerns about the scope and quality of clinical supervision available to substance abuse counselors.

Terri Hamm

Papers

A Study of Clinical Supervision Techniques and Training in Substance Abuse Treatment.