The University of Iowa
The Rehab Review
Newsletter of the Graduate Programs in Rehabilitation
Fall/Winter 2012
From the Editor’s Corner Hello Rehab students, faculty, and alumni! I am Ruth Mercado-Cruz, I am now in my 4th year in my doctoral study, and I am very excited to be the editor of the newsletter of our program. I hope this issue can help you understand better what is going on in the program. Please feel free to provide me with your comments and recommendations to ruth-mercadocruz@uiowa.edu for future editions. I hope you enjoy the semester and Happy Holidays!!
Inside this issue: From the Coordinator’s Desk
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Counselor-in training wellness as a key to be effective therapist
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James F. Jakobsen Graduate Conference
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From the Advisory Board Desk
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UI-ARCA Updates
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Students’ Poster Presentation
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Save the Dates
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Community News
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From the Coordinator’s Desk Welcome to the Fall 2012 edition of the University of Iowa Rehabilitation and Mental Health Newsletter. The Program continues to be recognized within the University of Iowa and nationally as a premier program. But more importantly, as I travel meeting employers and supervisors of our graduates, I consistently hear how consumers benefit from the skills and enthusiasm graduates bring to the profession. It is a privilege to be the Coordinator of a program that is both well thought of and is valuable to consumers of counseling services. Much of the credit of our success is due to the feedback we solicit from students, graduates, and employers. I regularly request feedback when I make visits to community partners. As you may recall when you were a student, there are formal end-of-semester evaluations for each class. The Program Advisory Board solicits feedback each semester from students which faculty receives in anonymous form. If you are a graduate, we appreciate receiving your feedback through the link http://www.education.uiowa.edu/rce/files/feedback/feedback.aspx and I encourage you to write to me at john-s-wadsworth@uiowa.edu with comments. In the next several years, we will initiate a structured feedback method as a part of our accreditation process. The comments we receive make a difference in how the Program is structured to meet the Council on Rehabilitation Education and Council for accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs academic standards. In response to feedback we have additional emphasis on Veteran’s issues, practice and case management, and ethical practice. Feedback permits us to offer high quality field experiences that are matched to student’s strengths and learning needs. And, as a result of current students’ comments, we regularly change the times and sequences of classes to better meet their needs. I often tell students that the experience that they are going through is a result of the comments from their predecessors, so blame them for those late night study sessions! While this comment is a shameless attempt to avoid responsibility, it is true that we value feedback made by students, graduates, supervisors, and employers and that the feedback shapes the current student experience. I encourage you to share with me your feedback about the valuable, and less valuable, experiences you have had and your thoughts on rehabilitation and mental health counselor education.
The University of Iowa
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Counselor-in training wellness as a key to be an effective therapist One important aspect about being an effective counselor is the ability to address a series of choices in which mind, body, and spirit have a better understanding of our life. Self-awareness of our strengths and limitations is essential in order to avoid potential harm to clients. Moreover, through their knowledge and experience, counselors may develop in their personal and professional growth. Counselor education, therefore, is a vital component to develop counselor wellness and as a consequence, an effective therapist. For this reason, “students are encouraged to participate in seminars, workshops
By Ruth MercadoCruz
and other activities that contribute to personal and professional growth” (Myers, Mobley & Booth, 2003). Actually, there is a lack of wellness courses that address strategies for personal and developmental growth; however, many programs infuse the subject of counseling wellness through general courses. Myers et al., (2003) found that counselors in training had a higher level of wellness than the general population. However, trainees had higher levels of psychological distress than an average person experienced (White & Franzoni, 1990). Specifically, significant difficulties were found in their clinical settings that included loneliness, conflict with others, marriage and family problems, conflicts at work, overwork, distress, student and home duties (Smith, Robison & Young, 2007). It is important to clarify that it is normal that students facing difficulties in their lives could get discouraged because we’re human. The problem is when the difficulties of a counselor trainee are not adequately addressed and start to interfere with a client’s welfare. This article’s intent is to provide strategies to counseling trainees in order to develop personal and professional wellness. A series of stories of master’s level students involves addressing recurrent issues in order to become a competent counselor. These issues include avoiding perfectionism, checking out assumptions, being honestly human, approaching feelings, and being courageous (Yager, 2006; as cited by Yager & Tovar-Blank, 2007). The following issues will be discussed: The University of Iowa
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Counselor-in training wellness — cont’ Avoiding perfectionism- Many students feel pressed to be perfect in their academic commitments. However, unrealistic expectations could have the consequence of disappointment, self-repudiation, and widespread unhappiness, feelings of frustration, anxiety and depression. In addition, being a perfectionist may paralyze one’s future chances for success in the personal and professional life as a counselor in training. Also, negative aspects of perfectionism may negatively affect the relationship between trainee and client due to fear of taking any new actions that might produce an imperfect result. Trainees must focus on his/her learning process and self-awareness of strengths and limitations to prevent perfectionism.
Checking out assumptions – It is normal to make assumptions in counseling training about themselves, clients and during the supervision process. Students must identify and check out their assumptions and give the client/supervisor an opportunity to identify and check out their own assumptions, which is crucial to developing a common understanding of the problem. Students must be alert to the feedback of their peers and supervisor in order to improve their performance. Moreover, if a student identifies a potential impairment, he/she must discuss it with their academic supervisor to find alternatives for improvement.
Being honestly human- Honesty is one of the treasured values of being a human being. Living life honestly means opening oneself freely and exposing one's true self to others. Honesty is essential in counseling training because it acts as the glue holding the trainee and the client. Moreover, honesty helps a trainee strengthen his/her relationship, conquer problems and excel in his/her life.
Approaching feelings- If students wish to become aware of themselves and act truthfully, they will need to learn to recognize their feelings. Each feeling, whether deemed good or bad, should be equally welcomed. Students must focus on avoiding repressing their feelings. They may consider meditation about their feelings that pass through them, in order to find a way to improve. The University of Iowa
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Counselor-in training wellness — cont’ Being courageous- Courageous students means that they are able to face challenges and fears with a determination and resolve to not allow their fears and challenges shape their life. Many students face challenges within themselves, their clients and supervisors; however, their feelings of fear would help them move through the problem. As students face their fears, they become more courageous. In conclusion, an effective counselor/ counselor in training must continually work toward enhancing his/her personal wellness and development. According to ACA Code of Ethics (2005), “counselors must monitor their effectiveness as professionals and take steps to improve when necessary” and “be alert to the signs of impairment from their own physical, mental or emotional problems” (p.9). Students have the responsibility to monitor and maintain their personal and professional wellness; the abovementioned topics can help in their counseling commitment. References American Counseling Association. (2005). ACA code of ethics. Alexandria, VA: Author. Myers, J.E., Mobley, K., & Booth, C.S. (2003). Wellness of counseling students: Practicing what we preach. Counselor Education & Supervision, 42, 264-274. Smith, H.L., Robison, E.H., & Young, M.E. (2007). The relationship among wellness, psychological distress, and social desirability of entering master’s-level counselor trainees.
Counselor Education & Supervision, 47, 96-109. White, P.E., & Franzoni, J. B. (1990). A multidimensional analysis of the mental health of graduate counselors in training. Counselor Education & Supervision, 29, 258-267. Yager, G.G., & Tovar-Blank, Z.G. (2007). Wellness and counseling education. Journal of Humanistic Counseling, Education and Development, 46,142-153.
James F. Jakobsen Graduate Conference The James F. Jakobsen Graduate Conference is a local conference run by the graduate student members in Graduate Student Senate at the University of Iowa. The conference is held on Saturday, April 6th, 2013 from 12:30-7:00 p.m. and is opened for studies in various areas, including: Art & Research; Biological & Health Sciences; Creative Works; Humanities; Math, Physical, & Engineering Sciences; and Social Sciences & Education. Students can apply for either oral or poster presentations. The Jakobsen Conference is a great opportunity for graduate students at the UI to present their research and graduate work. Submission for the Spring 2013 conference will open on January 6, 2013 and the deadline is February 1, 2013. For more information about application and guidelines, please visit the GSS website. The University of Iowa
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From the Advisory Board Desk Dear College of Education faculty and staff, I am writing to remind that when posting an announcement or flyer inviting public participation in programs at the University, please place the UI accessibility statement on the printed flyer. The University is required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to inform the public of rights and protections under the ADA, which include access to reasonable accommodations while attending University-sponsored public event. This accessibility statement text is required: Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires an accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact (the sponsoring department or contact person*) in advance at (telephone number*). For Kiosk announcements, the College of Education has inserted a slide into the rotation with the accessibility statement. You are not required to have the statement directly on your specific slide. If you wish to print and post your slide/announcement , you will need to add the statement to the printed posting. Please let me know if you have any questions. For more information about this requirement, you may also visit the UI Office of Equal Opportunity & Diversity’s website. Thank you, Chris Christine Annicella, SPHR Human Resources Director College of Education
The University of Iowa
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On With Life named a top employer According to DM Register Sunday, OWL was named the 29th best Medium sized company in the Top Iowa Workplace contest, out of hundreds of companies who participated. Here is the recruiting video that was shot at OWL/A that is on the Des Moines Register website. This video is a great description of why it would also be a super clinical placement. Check it out! Video: On With Life http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1186412212001? bckey=AQ~~,AAABFCaVKE~,uasqL5emo0gfjWYdxdzh22zPYHEWQcGy&bclid=0&bctid=1855904387001
UI-ARCA Updates By Ruth Mercado-Cruz, Treasurer of UI-ARCA With new officers and a new school year UI-ARCA has been keeping busy this semester. New officers include President Frances Barnes, Vice President Andrew Hrvol, Secretary Amanda Marson, and Treasurer Ruth Mercado-Cruz. First year representatives include Shayla & Aneta and second year representative Britte. In October 19, 2012 the 2nd year students, doctoral students, faculty and staff hosted a welcome party for the new Rehabilitation Counseling students. The activity was at the Restaurant the Vine in Coralville. Faculty and students alike had a great time, and are looking forward to the 2nd Annual Spring Party to celebrate graduation of the 2nd year Masters and Doctoral students. In October, UI-ARCA members attended the Advisory Board Meeting and provided input about the program and its future goals. During November, UI-ARCA held its Bake Sale Day in the Old Capital Mall. UI-ARCA teamed up with CSI –Rho Upsilon Chapter and Diversity Committee to do Food Drive in the College of Education. UI-ARCA members will collaborate with Chi Sigma Iota and other UI student groups to participate in the NAMI Walk in the Spring 2013 semester. Next year, UIARCA will elect new officers for the 2013-2014 academic year. At the conclusion of the Spring 2013 semester, UI-ARCA will host a graduation celebration for the second year
Masters and Doctoral students. The University of Iowa
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Student’s Module in National Clearinghouse of Rehabilitation Training Materials
The teaching module of Career Development and the World of Work-Review by Cory James was accepted and posted in the National Clearinghouse of Rehabilitation Training Materials (NCRTM) library.
Students’ Poster Presentation in NCRE Fall 2012 Conference
Supervisor Issues Concerning Individuals with Developmental Learning Disabilities, National Rehabilitation Educators Conference, Washington DC, 2012
The University of Iowa
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Snapshots from Conferences/ UIARCA
This year’s attendees of the On With Life 2012 Fall Annual Conference Photo Courtesy of Kathleen Jacobs
UIARCA coordinated welcome party for the new Rehabilitation Counseling students in The Vine, Coralville. Photo Courtesy of Elisa Lyons.
First year students in the Orientation Day 2012
Doctoral students in the Orientation Day 2012
The University of Iowa
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Save the Date These are some activities that will take place during the Spring 2012 semester. You can start marking your calendar now! January 25, 2013
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Research Symposium, Jones Commons, The University of Iowa
March 20-24, 2013
American Counseling Association 2013 Conference, & Expo, Cincinnati, Ohio
April 3-5, 2013
Big 3 Conference East Lansing, Michigan
April 6, 2013
The 15th Annual James F. Jakobsen Graduate Conference, IMU, The University of Iowa
April 17-19, 2013
National Council on Rehabilitation Education, San Francisco, California
April 26, 2013
Advisory Board Meeting, S104 Lindquist Center, The University of Iowa
April 27, 2013
NAMI Walk, Iowa City Park (by the pond), Iowa City
Community News Are you planning on taking the CRC exam in 2013 and becoming a certified rehabilitation counselor? The next application deadline is February 15, 2013 and the exam dates are July 12-210. The following application deadline is May 15, 2013, and testing dates for this round are October 4-12, 2013. Please check http://www.crccertification.com for more detailed information regarding application, preparation for the exam, and testing locations. Our program has funding resources for CRC examination. If you are interested in applying for the funding for your examination fee, please contact Dr. Wadsworth for more information. The University of Iowa
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The Mission of the Graduate Programs in Rehabilitation (GPR) at the University of Iowa is to prepare qualified rehabilitation counseling professionals who will assist persons with disabilities and other individuals who have barriers in meeting their functional needs in the areas of employment independent living, and personal or economic development. The Graduate Programs in Rehabilitation prepare these professionals to provide quality rehabilitation counseling services within an interdisciplinary and community-based context, serve as change agents and advocates for their clients, and sources of specialized knowledge and consultants for professionals, employers and others in the communities that they serve.
Newsletter of the Graduate Programs in Rehabilitation The University of Iowa College of Education N338 Lindquist Center Iowa City, IA 52242
Program Vision To be the premier graduate rehabilitation counselor education program recognized for its diversity, and known for excellence in teaching, learning and research.
Phone: 319-335-5275 Fax: 319-335-5291
For more information about the program or previous issues of newsletters, please check the program website: Program Newsletter Please update your contact information It is always pleasant and exciting for us to hear what happened and what have changed in your life. In addition, we will be able to provide you with recent news of the department and program. Please fill out the Online Personal Information Form and keep us and you posted.