Introduction Program evaluation is a systematic means in collecting data and evaluating information for improving programs (Houser, 2015). It further explores the goals and rationale for a program improvement acquired through a needs assessment. Data collected in program evaluations are presented to stockholders, through research designs, measurement tools, and data to solidify the necessity of funding, change, and improvement in various programs in mental health counseling (Astramovich, & Coker, 2007).
Purpose of Program Evaluation
As, a result in ongoing changes in human services professions in this field, are now compelled to the pressuring counselors to show the effects of counseling programs and services (Astramovich, & Coker, 2007).
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The initiation of program evaluation using evidence based practice research allows the stake holders (Government county, state, and local officials, and insurance companies), to review the necessity for continued funding in counseling. Consequently, competency in research by must be proven by counselors as a need for continuation of such services. Therefore, as a professional clinician, I would like to conduct a program evaluation on the efficacy of Dialectical Behavior therapy for women who experienced domestic violence. A qualitative interview of women, would examine how they feel about psychoeducational therapy by applying Dialectical behavior therapy approach. The collection of quantitative data utilized for this study would view reports of domestic violence survivors, who interacted in therapy and the outcomes of therapy based on sample groups and size through random selection. This data would further help to support the need for ongoing services provided by as the statical data indicated women who found improvement in therapy …show more content…
In this data collection process this allows comparison of more than one group or sample to be evaluated at one time (Astramovich, & Coker, 2007). While performing a program evaluation, a longitudinal study would be most appropriate for this type of population group. Nonetheless research of this type may be considered a quasi-experimental research design., due to the length of time invested with this research. This research design is a longer observation of time when research involves people (Shadish, Cook, Campbell, 2002). In order evaluate the accurate efficacy of any psychoeducational therapy, comparisons of the same group and groups types would need time to prove the evidence as valid, therefore this design would be most effective in evaluating this
CACREP was found in 1981 by the American Personal Guidance Associations (Brief Orientation). The purpose of its creation was to oversee accreditation of counseling and related educational programs. Since 1981, CACREP has focused on revising every 7-year basis, revision committee are charged to examine the standards for areas of potential redundancy, lists within standards, and over-prescriptiveness (Urosky, 2013). Though CACREP has overcome milestones, it still encounters the challenges
Randall L. Astramovich and J. Kelly Coker define counseling program evaluation along with Loesch (2001) in that it is the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery through careful and systematic examination of program component, methodologies, and outcomes. Astramovich, et al. feel that counseling program evaluations precedes accountability and believe counselor’s distancing from evaluation is inherited from the lack of practical program evaluation models that are available to them. Once again in agreeance with Loesch ( 2001) it was recognized that counselors experienced confusion between program evaluations and accountability that prevented many from participating in ongoing program evaluations
The program audit, provided by the American School Counselor Association, serves to set the standard for the school counseling program. The program assessment aligns with the four components of the ASCA National Model and serves as an instrument for analyzing each component (ASCA, 2012). By using all the components of the audit, strengths and areas of improvement of the programs are determined and goals for the following year are created (ASCA, 2005).
Counselors are very dependent on the research of others. Counselors are among many who are responsible for producing evidence based practice. Counselors have a responsibility to be eager and capable of locating and using evidence based interventions. Research reports are used to help summarize the findings of different types of research in the counseling profession. The results of a research report should summarize the findings of the research. According to Sheperis, Young, and Daniels 2010, “it should be easy for the reader to connect the findings with the stated research questions and to determine whether the finding support or refute your hypothesis” (p.239). The following are two challenges that the counseling profession is faced with when it comes to outcome research: (1) producing sufficient volumes of evidence and (2) being able to find, interpret, and use the evidence from previous research. These challenges place a limit on the variety of interventions that are available to the counseling profession. One intervention that works for one child, might not produce the same results for another child. So it is very important that research provides information that is useful and effective. The lack of studies makes it more challenging to determine whether or not an intervention is an effective solution that will improve a student’s behavior or academics. “Ultimately, regardless of how effective a counselor may be, if the problems are not properly measured and assessed, intervention is disadvantaged and treatment is comprised” (Sheperis, Young, & Daniels, 2010, p. 3). In order to best serve clients we have to complete comprehensive research and use the results to the advantage of the client.
of what I would experience as a client, unsure of how I would react or what I would disclose
Smith, H. B., & Robinson, G. P. (1995). Mental Health Counseling: Past, Present, and Future. Journal of Counseling & Development, 74(2), 158-162
Within the counselling setting there can be many different approaches to take in order to help the client to over come their personal challenges. While all provide a unique and abstract way of handling, interpreting and solving these challenges they all have their own positives and negatives when scrutinized. Two approaches that have little in common but the fact they are used within the same working environment are the feminist theory and the psychoanalytic approach. Psychoanalytic approach has a structured and theoretical basic which leave it with much less room for interpretation and adaption to the client. Focusing more on the past and development then the
The comprehensive school counseling program is a program designed to provide all students with an equal opportunity to obtain their education. To be comprehensive, a school counseling program must be holistic, systemic, balanced, proactive, infused into the academic curriculum and reflective ( Dollarhide & Sagnik, 2012). Comprehensive school counseling programs are critical to students success. Each CSCP must be established based off of the schools mission. The CSCP must be well organized, comprehensive as well as systemically implemented. It is accountable through evaluations. The CSCP must also be reflective and infused into the academic curriculum. It is prevention and intervention focused. The focus of the CSCP is on the domains: academic development, social/personal development and career development. Academic development is the area of learning for the students. The career development is the area of learning to work- jobs to careers. The personal/social development is the area where the students learn to live and function daily.
The most important question asked in this article is why does evaluation matter in school counseling? One of the reasons why evaluation is so important in school counseling is because when you evaluate an intervention program you can see how you are making a difference for the students. The school counselor has a professional responsibility to show that what is being done in the program is effective. Also, it is important to evaluate school counseling programs because key stakeholders like parents, administrators, and school board can help justify the reasoning for resources for the school counseling program. The need to evaluate school counseling programs is even more important today as it was many years ago. Collaboration and teamwork will make evaluation more doable. Evaluation of local school?s intervention programs matters to the parents, administrators, and members of that community. The article goes into detail about what evaluation is and how it is not the same as research. School counselors can have an intervention or a program put in place at their school. They can evaluate an intervention and a program and see what the outcome is. There are many different types of evaluation. There are formative, implementation and outcome evaluation. The article expresses how important partnering and collaboration is with the school counselors and stakeholders. Partnering with the teachers and parents at the school can help lessen the workload for the school counselor. This review is important because it discusses how evaluation is important in a school counseling program. Evaluating and holding a school counseling program accountable is one step in being able to determine the effects the program have on the students and the school. The more counselors are able to show that their program is effective the more funding and
Hage, S. M. (2003). Reaffirming the unique identity of counseling psychology: Opting for the "Road less traveled by." The Counseling Psychologist, 31, 555-563.
This essay evaluates the counselling skills used during a 30 minute integrative counselling session with a male client aiming to combine strengths of person-centred theory, attachment theory and cognitive-behavioural therapy. It starts by offering a case formulation based on Padesky and Greenberger (1995), as well as Lazarus’ (1973) multimodal assessment template the BASIC ID (cited in Prochaska and Norcross, 2003, p.496), of a married young male client called Eric, who is suffering from anxiety and marital relationship problems triggered by unemployment and influenced by existing difficulties within the client's relationship to his mother.
I start the session with warmth greeting. After that, I provide a clear structuring to client such as confidentiality, limitation, the length of session, and so on. That actually help client understand more about counselling process and get verbal inform consent.
Professional ethical conduct is essential to the success of any client, whether it is in individual counseling or in a group setting. Professional psychologists, therapists, counselors, social workers or others in the field of human service or help have the duly responsibility to continuously become aware of their professional responsibilities, and manage their practice based on areas of ability. This paper will research ethics within groups and individual counseling, and compare their similarities and their differences.
Assessment is used as a basis of identifying problems, planning interventions, evaluating and diagnosing clients. Assessment involves identifying statements; actions and procedures to help individuals, groups, couples and families make progress in the counseling environment. Although counselors have the opportunity to limit their scope of practice with respect to modalities, theories, and types of clients, a counselor cannot function without an understanding of the processes and procedures of assessment in counseling. Formal and informal help counselors more accurately assess client issues, create case conceptualizations and select effective empirically proven therapies. The focus of assessments is on gathering information. Thus testing is a way in which counselors construct a measure of psychology through instruments or specified procedures to obtain valid and reliable methods in assessing a client. Counselor uses established scientific procedures, relevant standards and current professional knowledge
A study performed in 1992, reported approximately 3,400,000 youth had failed to complete high school and were not enrolled in high school (Starr 1998). This statistic is based on the United States where job competition has greatly increased due to technology. Many of these student lacked the support and training necessary to succeed in today’s society. Currently in every high school across the nation, there is a person responsible for offering support and training to the youth of America. Available for all students is a guidance counselor. Counselors within the high school setting play an influential role in the forming of post high school goals through the planning of numerous activities.