NBCC Visions is our official newsletter. It is published electronically every month and delivered to all NCCs via email.
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Published: 5/22/2025
Substance use disorders and mental health disorders often co-occur, but one does not necessarily cause the other, even if one presented first. Heavyn Jones, MEd, NCC, and Shakiema Raphael, MA, NCC, LMHC, LPC, QS, understand these complexities and offer their strategies to best serve clients struggling with addiction and dual diagnosis.
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Published: 5/22/2025
Asha Dickerson, PhD, NCC, ACS, LPC, is an experienced clinician, supervisor, and counselor educator. She recently shared her expertise on treatment planning for clients with co-occurring disorders.
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Published: 5/22/2025
Anxiety, depression, and PTSD oftentimes co-occur with substance use disorders. Clayton Osborne, MA, NCC, LPCC, LCADC, recently shared with us his expertise in helping family members support their loved ones who are struggling while also taking care of their own mental well-being.
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Published: 5/22/2025
This NBCC award celebrates three counseling professionals who are expanding access to mental health services, strengthening the profession, and promoting equity in health and education.
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Published: 5/22/2025
As the demand for telemental health continues to grow, Crystal Lockett-Thomas, MEd, NCC, BC-TMH, LPC-S, discusses her work, the value of virtual counseling, its challenges, and why she decided to earn the BC-TMH credential.
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Published: 5/22/2025
As a NBCCF Fellow, Sravya Gummaluri, MA, NCC, LAC, is making significant contributions to the profession and her students. She has leveraged her experience into a mission to help other counseling students feel confident in their work. She shares her story and recent professional accomplishments.
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Published: 4/23/2025
Everyone knows that bullying is bad, but why? We spoke with Ebonee Magee-Dorsey, PhD, NCC, NCSC, LPC, about the serious and often enduring consequences of bullying behavior among youth.
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Published: 4/23/2025
Clearly Clinical’s Light Up the Couch podcasts provide continuing education opportunities for counselors. More than 200 podcasts courses are available, including six that are currently offered at no cost. Come learn more in this month’s ACEP spotlight!
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Published: 4/23/2025
Ashley Bartley, MEd, NCC, discusses how counselors can help young people who witness bullying, whether online or in person.
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Published: 4/23/2025
Dr. Hannah Coyt is the 2025 Leadership Excellence for Counselors by Counselors Award winner. Read her story and learn about her journey to becoming an impactful counseling leader.
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Published: 4/23/2025
Whether in a counseling session or on a jiu jitsu mat, Dr. Leslie Davis’s goal remains the same: empower women.
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Published: 4/23/2025
Jessi Eden Brown, MS, NCC, LMHC, LPC, is uniquely trained in workplace bullying and offers compelling advice for helping targets, and even their aggressors, heal.
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Published: 4/23/2025
Cyberbullying and online harassment are increasingly common threats for children and young adults. Carlos Castañeda , PhD, NCC, LPC, shares information and advice about signs to watch for and how to build resilience against online attacks.
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Published: 3/26/2025
Adriana Labarta, PhD, NCC, ACS, LMHC, discusses clinical modalities for treating clients with disordered eating and other helpful knowledge for counselors.
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Published: 3/26/2025
Social media’s impact on mental health is a concern for many, and its influence on body image may be particularly insidious. Shauna Frisbie, EdD, NCC, ACS, BC-TMH, LPC-S, CEDS-C, shares her expertise on social media and body image.
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Published: 3/26/2025
Through her personal and professional experiences, Yamilet Molina, MS, NCC, LPC, a Division I national cheer champion, shares her insights on helping athletes with eating disorders achieve recovery.
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Published: 3/26/2025
The NBCC Awards highlight counseling professionals who are creating lasting change in their communities. Learn more about the significance of these awards and see the list of this year’s awardees!
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Published: 3/26/2025
Learn more about the efforts of NBCC’s Policy, Advocacy, and Research in Counseling Center (PARC) and Government Affairs team to foster support for counselors and the profession.
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Published: 3/26/2025
Chase Morgan-Swaney, PhD, NCC, CCMHC, ACS, LMHC, LPCC-S, discusses his work, his passions, and the importance of advocacy for counselors, their clients, and the profession.
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Published: 3/26/2025
A continuing resolution recently passed by Congress has stabilized funding for mental health care through the end of September.
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Published: 3/26/2025
Registration is OPEN for Counseling Foundations: Your Path to Career Success! Whether you’re an employer or job seeker, join us and build your own professional network while helping us expand the counseling workforce nationwide.
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Published: 2/28/2025
Christine D. Lewis, PhD, NCC, NCSC, LPC, discusses the importance of assessing college and career readiness for clients.
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Published: 2/28/2025
Amy Armstrong, MS, NCC, ACS, LPC, shares her insights on guiding first-generation college students through the challenges they may face during their college experience.
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Published: 2/28/2025
Taunya Marie Tinsley, PhD, DMin, NCC, ACS, LPC, LPCC, NBCC’s new Director of Certification and Credentialing Services, served as a keynote speaker at the Kenya Guidance Counseling and Psychological Association (KGCPA) international conference held in November at Pwani University in Kilifi, Kenya.
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Published: 2/28/2025
The NCSC credential is designed to keep school counselors up to date on best practices and support their professional growth.
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Published: 2/28/2025
Despite the importance our culture places on a college degree, many fulfilling and lucrative careers are possible without higher education. Feliss Goree, MA, NCC, LPC, CRC, talks about career guidance for clients without college plans.
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Published: 2/28/2025
NBCC’s Policy, Advocacy, and Research in Counseling (PARC) Center marks a significant advancement in supporting both professionals and the communities that counselors serve. Read more about how the center will be a pivotal resource for counselors, government officials, and stakeholders interested in enhancing counseling and well-being across the globe.
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Published: 2/28/2025
Executive orders are an important part of American governance and can create widespread changes that affect our nation. Here are the basics of how they are issued and administered, and some potential impacts for counselors.
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Published: 2/28/2025
Registered Credential Training Providers (RCTPs) have been approved by the Center for Credentialing & Education (CCE), an NBCC affiliate, to help individuals preparing to earn CCE’s credentials.
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Published: 1/27/2025
Nkenji K. Clarke, PhD, NCC, a 2022 NBCC Minority Fellowship Program Fellow, shares how clinicians can help their clients to incorporate mindfulness into everyday life and the benefits of practicing mindfulness regularly.
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Published: 1/27/2025
Excessive screentime and smartphone usage can lead to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Chris Bradt, NCC, LMHC, LPC, LCPC, helps us explore how practicing mindfulness can enable clients to reduce urges and be more present in their surroundings.
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Published: 1/27/2025
This new online tool is a helpful resource listing each state’s requirements to enter the mental health and substance use fields and obtain certification or licensure.
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Published: 1/27/2025
Mindfulness is an important component of a counselor’s cultural competence when working with clients from backgrounds different from their own. Xiomara A. Sosa, NCC, LPC, shares multicultural counseling approaches that help form genuine connections with clients.
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Published: 12/18/2024
Play therapy is a modality used across mental health professions. We spoke with Dr. Kami Tran about the role of play therapy in counseling and how counselors can incorporate it into their own practice.
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Published: 12/18/2024
As a modality shared among the mental health professions, play therapy does not have its own ethical code. It must also be adaptable for each profession. Franc Hudspeth, PhD, NCC, ACS, LPC-S, RPT-S™, RPh, spoke with us about what this means for ethical play therapy practice.
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Published: 12/18/2024
Play therapy can be effective in helping children with behavior issues, but it differs greatly from ordinary play. Ahou V. Line, PhD, NCC, LPC, RPT, CSC, CCPT-S, provides insight into those differences.
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Published: 12/18/2024
Alyssa Drake, MA, NCC, LAPC, offers her expertise on allowing children to lead play therapy sessions to help them cope with traumatic experiences.
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Published: 12/18/2024
Jonsye Wurthmann, MEd, NCC, LPC, has been a National Certified Counselor for nearly 30 years. Read the highlights of her career and how national certification has empowered her journey.
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Published: 11/20/2024
The 2024 Mental Health Connections global virtual conference will welcome presenters from more than 20 countries, including returnees Yun Shi, PhD, LMFT; Zachary Pietrantoni, PhD, NCC, LSC; and Jennifer Toof, PhD, NCC, LPC. We are also excited to welcome back multiple sponsors, including IRCEP and RENEW, who continue to support the mission of the conference.
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Published: 11/20/2024
We recently caught up with three counselors who previously shared their experience with us as part of the Day in the Life of a Counselor keynote presentation, presented as part of NBCC’s online Mental Health Connections global conference. Learn what’s new in their careers and counseling communities.
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Published: 11/20/2024
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued the 2025 Physician Fee Schedule, which establishes payment policies for Medicare providers, including counselors.
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Published: 11/20/2024
Loni Crumb, PhD, NCC, LCMHCS, has worked in mental health for nearly 20 years as a counselor, scholar, and advocate for underserved populations.
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Published: 11/20/2024
NBCC’s Institutes program continues to expand, providing multicultural service-learning opportunities in the United States and abroad for students, counselors, and other professionals.
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Published: 11/20/2024
Our 2023 microfunding recipient, the Global Livingston Institute, plans to utilize the funds to create a mental health referral platform that connects individuals with mental health services providers in Uganda. This year’s recipient, Curamus Wellness, aims to increase the mental health knowledge of individuals in the Philippines.
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Published: 11/20/2024
For many years, NBCC has partnered with stakeholders in Bhutan to advance counseling professionalization in the country. Learn more about this effort and what our colleagues have planned next.
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Published: 10/23/2024
Teen dating violence (TDV) can influence a teen’s emotional well-being and how they perceive themselves and the entire world. To help ease TDV’s long-term mental health effects, Bhavika Parmar, MA, NCC, LPC, emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive environment for teens to discuss their experiences and advocating for community awareness.
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Published: 10/23/2024
Amy Duffy, PhD, NCC, LPC, LCMHCS, CCTP, offers her expert insights for working with children who have witnessed domestic violence. She emphasizes the importance of building trust, creating a safe space for healing, and not rushing the process.
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Published: 10/23/2024
When a client is in imminent physical danger, there is not time to gather resources or even think through the best avenue for relief. This is where a safety plan comes in so important. Dr. Jennifer Toof shares guidance for creating a safety plan with a client facing violence.
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Published: 10/23/2024
Each year on Oct. 10, World Mental Health Day is observed to raise awareness of mental health i s sues and advocate for improved access to care. This year’s theme is “It’s Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace.” The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) stands firmly in ...
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Published: 10/23/2024
The Policy, Advocacy, and Research in Counseling Center (PARC) presents a two-pronged approach to advancing the profession. By working with counselor researchers and federal and state policymakers to identify areas of need and solutions, PARC will facilitate outcomes that uplift the profession and the public.
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Published: 10/23/2024
Counselors are invited to participate in NBCC’s job analysis focus groups for the NCE and NCMHCE. Sign up for an in-person or virtual focus group to help ensure the examinations are current and effective to guarantee future counselors are qualified to safely practice.
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Published: 9/30/2024
Khary Blackmon, MS, NCC, LPC, a school counselor and private practice owner, provides his expertise on how collaboration with caretakers and consideration for cultural backgrounds can help combat the rise in suicide among younger populations.
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Published: 9/30/2024
Amanda C. La Guardia, PhD, NCC, LPCC-S, discusses nonsuicidal self-injury, its assessment and treatment, the importance of distinguishing it from suicidal ideation, and other helpful information for counselors.
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Published: 9/30/2024
NBCC welcomes Brian D. Banks as Chief Government Affairs Officer and inaugural Executive Director of the Policy, Advocacy, and Research in Counseling Center (PARC). Banks has big plans for this new initiative and is excited to bring his considerable experience to NBCC.
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Published: 9/30/2024
Suicide survivors are often thought of as close friends and family, but the loss of a life touches many others. We spoke with Dr. Alexander Becnel about the effects of losing a coworker to suicide and how colleagues can cope with the loss.
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Published: 9/30/2024
NBCC celebrates three individuals who are advancing the counseling profession and equity in mental health. Their work includes advocating for the Counseling Compact, translating the National Counselor Examination into Spanish, and making counselor education accessible.
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Published: 9/30/2024
Registration is open for the Mental Health Connections global virtual conference. Find out what NBCC Global Capacity Building staff have to say about the event and the meaning behind this year’s theme, Fostering Community, Propelling Peace.
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Published: 9/30/2024
Members of NBCC’s Communications Department and the editorial staff of The Professional Counselor (TPC), NBCC’s peer-reviewed journal, recently received five 2024 APEX Awards for Publication Excellence.
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Published: 9/30/2024
Recognize your colleagues, mentors, and counselor educators who are making a difference in the counseling profession. Nominations are now open for the 2025 NBCC Awards.
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Published: 8/21/2024
We are proud to honor Dr. Christian Chan and Dr. Meredith Rausch with the Servant Leadership Award, recognizing their exceptional dedication to advancing the counseling profession and mentoring counselors-in-training. This prestigious award celebrates their impactful contributions and commitment to service.
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Published: 8/21/2024
Clare Merlin-Knoblich, PhD, NCC, discusses the importance of incorporating social justice into counselor supervision and ways that educators can help counselors-in-training become more effective and self-aware.
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Published: 8/21/2024
The Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities (SAIGE) advocates for LGBTGEQIAP+ counselors and clients and seeks to dismantle barriers to counseling and resources by building a more inclusive counseling profession. Public Policy Committee Chair Gene Dockery recently spoke with Visions correspondents about SAIGE’s work.
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Published: 8/21/2024
Rachel Coleman, MS, EdS, NCC, LCMHCA, Director of Career Development and Education at Duke University and owner of Dreaming Tree Counseling, PLLC, shares how her passion for both student success and counseling intersected to create a career in student affairs counseling.
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Published: 8/21/2024
A job analysis serves as the essential intersection between the behaviors, tasks, and responsibilities of counselors in the field and the assessment of knowledge necessary for safe and effective practice. Counselors are invited to take part in phase one of NBCC’s job analysis for the NCE and NCMHCE by attending a job analysis focus group. Sign up for a focus group and help shape the development of the foundational assessments for national certification and licensure for professional counselors.
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Published: 8/21/2024
Shengli Dong, PhD, shares his thoughts about what it means to be mindful and how supervisors and counselors-in-training can benefit from remaining nonjudgmental, aware, and present in their work.
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Published: 8/21/2024
The Professional Counselor (TPC) Dissertation Excellence Awards recognize original research that significantly contributes to the counseling profession. In this 11th year of the award program, TPC conferred two Dissertation Excellence Awards, one for qualitative research and one for quantitative research.
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Published: 8/21/2024
CM&F has been protecting health care professionals since 1919 with comprehensive, affordable liability insurance. Learn more about how counselors, counseling students, and supervisors can benefit from CM&F’s expertise and programs and receive discounted rates on outstanding liability insurance.
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Published: 8/21/2024
NBCC’s peer-reviewed journal The Professional Counselor (TPC) provides an exceptionally collaborative review process for new and established authors. Find out how TPC can help your research reach the widest audience possible to transform counseling and impact the scholarly discourse while ensuring you have a positive and engaging publishing experience.
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Published: 7/24/2024
The NBCC Leadership Excellence for Counselors by Counselors Award recognizes leaders whose contributions to the counseling profession have made a tremendous impact on counselors and the populations they serve. From spending years advocating for Medicare reimbursement to training more leaders, read about what the 2024 award recipients have accomplished in their careers.
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Published: 7/24/2024
Jacob Ulczynski, NCC, CHP, LPC, and his team work to help individuals with disabilities live their best lives. He discusses his thoughts on counselors becoming Medicare providers and other considerations for counselors.
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Published: 7/24/2024
Over 38,000 professional counselors have opted in as Medicare providers since enrollment opened at the beginning of the year.
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Published: 7/24/2024
Counselors are invited to participate in focus groups to provide input for the counselor job analysis and succeeding content for the National Counselor Examination (NCE) and the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).
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Published: 7/24/2024
NBCC recently partnered with the African Southern Union Southern Africa Regional Office (AU-SARO) to train school workers in Malawi and Zambia to become Mental Health Facilitators.
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Published: 7/24/2024
The Counseling Compact now includes 37 states! This update answers the most common questions about when and how counselors will be able to practice between compact states.
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Published: 7/24/2024
Counselors have the ability to advocate for the needs impacting the profession. NBCC’s Government Affairs Department offers different opportunities so you can play a role in this important work. Whether you’re passionate about supporting initiatives at the state, federal, or global levels, there’s a space for you to champion counselors ...
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Published: 7/24/2024
Learn more about efforts by policymakers and proposed legislation that would extend Medicare coverage for pandemic-era telehealth policies through 2026.
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Published: 7/24/2024
NBCC recently participated in efforts to promote mental health before members of Congress as part of Hill Day 2024 in Washington, D.C.
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Published: 7/24/2024
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released the 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule, which determines payment for services to health care and mental health providers.
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Published: 6/26/2024
Through her personal experiences with cerebral palsy and her professional expertise in counseling, Ellie Potts, MS, NCC, CRC, shares her insights on how counselors can advocate for equitable access in educational settings for those with disabilities.
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Published: 6/26/2024
Ableist microaggressions are an important aspect of cultural experience for people with disabilities, yet they are often overlooked by the counseling profession. We spoke with counselor educators and researchers Jennifer Cook, Melissa Deroche, and Lee Za Ong about their research into this subject and its relevance for counselors.
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Published: 6/26/2024
Uncover the inspiring stories behind the NBCC Innovations Awards, honoring those who are transforming the counseling profession through cutting-edge research, dynamic community partnerships, and original clinical practices. Learn how these trailblazers are addressing mental health needs and fostering a more inclusive counseling environment.
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Published: 6/26/2024
In the latest installment of NBCC's Counseling Confab, National Certified Counselor and Dance Movement Therapist Kim Rothwell shares about her experience utilizing movement as an aid for patients with Alzheimer’s to manage stress, process emotions, and enhance well-being.
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Published: 6/26/2024
The National Board for Certified Counselors and Affiliates is addressing bias and diversity in examinations through their Examination Sensitivity and Bias Review Committee. Through the committee, NBCC’s examinations are assessed to ensure they are representative of diverse populations and provide equal opportunities for counselors-in-training throughout the country.
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Published: 6/26/2024
The American Rehabilitation Counseling Association (ARCA) strives to promote the best practices for working with disabled clients. Its Disability-Related Counseling Competencies are an informative resource to help counselors understand the special considerations for working with this population.
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Published: 6/26/2024
Over 7 million individuals under 65 with disabilities are covered by Medicare, and counselors are poised to provide mental health care to those in need. We’ve compiled some resources to help you learn more about this population.
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Published: 5/22/2024
As the daughter of a former Army paratrooper and recruiter, Tia Porterfield, EdD, NCC, BExSc, MFLC, LCMHC, learned about the challenges faced by service members, veterans, and their families. Today, her passion is helping military-connected clients navigate the unique stressors that can be part of the experience.
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Published: 5/22/2024
Military, veterans, and their families face high suicide rates. To better help this population, counselors should be aware of cultural risk factors and other concerns. Dr. Rebekah Cole shares information about suicide and contributing factors in military-connected communities to help counselors be prepared to serve this population.
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Published: 5/22/2024
Through his personal and professional experiences, Tim Spalla, MA, LPCC, a former Army Ranger who completed multiple combat deployments to Iraq and is also a past member of the U.S. Special Operations Command, enlightens us on the numerous ways counselors can serve military-connected populations and how to get started.
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Published: 5/22/2024
Have you ever wondered how decisions are made at your state Licensure Board? This series of articles by guest writer Brian Carnaham provide a window into the processes and perspective of state's regulatory structure.
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Published: 5/22/2024
The NBCC Propelling Mental Health, Powering the Future: School Counseling Award was awarded to Denise Hawkins for her impactful work supporting students' mental health and promoting equity in education. Her recognition underscores the vital role of school counselors in addressing mental health and fostering academic success.
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Published: 5/22/2024
As a school-based military and family life counselor in South Carolina, Kate Owen, NCC, LPC, helps students from military families to cope with the unique challenges they face. Read more about her work and what she’s learned from her experiences.
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Published: 5/22/2024
NBCC offers a wealth of resources to support counselors and counselors-in-training. Last month, NBCC staff members had the opportunity to attend the American Counseling Association’s 2024 Conference & Expo. NBCC staff spoke to counselor educators, counselors, and counselors-in-training about various available resources and how NBCC can support their practice.
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Published: 4/29/2024
AI technology promises many uses in the mental health field but also poses new ethical risks. We spoke with NBCC Director of Ethics Dr. Brenden Hargett and counselor educator Dr. Jeffrey Parsons about how counselors can ethically implement the right AI applications in their practice.
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Published: 4/29/2024
NBCC had the opportunity to recognize and celebrate the winners of the first ever NBCC Counseling Awards. These individuals have prioritized the needs of others, demonstrated innovation in the counseling profession, and worked to expand access to mental health resources.
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Published: 4/29/2024
Zori Paul, PhD, NCC, LPC, enlightens us on the growth of artificial intelligence in counseling and how to best utilize it for success with clients.
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Published: 4/29/2024
NBCC’s new Code of Ethics Self-Assessment, set to launch in May 2024, will help ensure counseling students, professionals, and faculty fully understand and adhere to our Code of Ethics.
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Published: 4/29/2024
With our shared mission of providing a resource for professional counselor identity and practice, NBCC, ACES, and CSI are excited to offer this opportunity to our students, counselors, and supervisors.
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Published: 4/29/2024
Over two webinars, Drs. Erin Emery-Tiburcio and Matthew Fullen educated attendees about fundamental principles and advanced applications in mental health treatment for older adults.
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Published: 3/20/2024
Aiesha Lee, PhD, NCC, LPC, discusses the long-term effects of trauma on mental health and important considerations regarding trauma-informed counseling.
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Published: 3/20/2024
We recently spoke with Cheryl Step, MS, NCC, NCSC, LPC, a trauma-informed care training and consultant professional, on her insights, experiences, and successes utilizing early screening tools.
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