From Victim to Survivor

**Warning**

This blog post contains some material that may make some readers uncomfortable

There seems to be a recent surge of rape hitting the headlines, often with juveniles involved. From the Sandusky trial to the most current Steubenville football players, there seems to be a culture of rape, complete with cover-ups and onlookers who decided against intervening. In the last case, not only did the witnesses not stop the assault (which took place in numerous locations, including an assistant coach’s house), but they used their phones to take pictures and video, which were later posted to numerous social media outlets. What in society makes one think that that is appropriate behavior? The media is also guilty of crucifying the plaintiff in the Steubenville case, which leaked the name of the underage female who experienced the assaults. Social media was also used to show support for the two footballers who were sentenced from 1 year to the time they are 21, which is only a few years. Additionally, the social media platforms were tools for individuals to spew vile threats against the female involved in the case. I don’t care if there was alcohol involved, no means no, and intoxication (especially for someone as young as the female involved) does NOT imply consent.

Why do I feel so passionate about bringing light to the rape culture that seems to be a growing global pandemic? Because I am a survivor of rape and sexual abuse, and I know what the individuals who are experiencing the assaults are going through. For a long time, even now, there is shame attached to my experience, which is a common thing for those who have gone through such terror. And while it’s common, it doesn’t make any sense, as it is something that happened TO you, not something that you chose to happen.

My experience started as a child, where an individual molested me over a span of a few years, which started before I entered kindergarten. A child should NEVER have to experience that nightmare. Fast-forward to my pre-teen years…a friend had invited me to spend some of our summer vacation at her cabin with her and her family. There was a local swimming hole, where an individual started to pay us attention, rub lotion on us, and we thought nothing of it, as he had his two kids there. We went back to his house for a snack, and he took me into the bathroom and proceeded to rape me. The smell of Irish Spring soap filling my senses as I screamed for my friend to help me. She stayed in the kitchen during the assault, and later told me that she had promised this “man” that he could have me, as he had “groomed” her previously. I never spoke of the incident, for the shame of the experience kept me quiet. I felt as if I had done something to bring it on. I was 12. My next assault was many years later, in my 20’s. A roommate (and friend whom I trusted), promised my sexual services to someone whom he had owed a drug debt to…without my knowing. When I resisted, I was beaten and raped. Again, I didn’t say anything. I had admitted defeat and thought that that was the only thing I was good for, to be used and abused, a punching bag without a voice.

I have to admit, these experiences have influenced the way I live my life now. I have anxiety, PTSD, immense control and trust issues, and have never had sex while sober, as I always felt a need to escape mentally, in order to go through with the act. I don’t like people touching me, nor feeling like I am trapped and unable to physically escape. The smell of Irish Spring soap brings me back to that experience, and often stops me in my tracks if I am out in public. I have never told any of my past relationships of my experiences, including my late fiancé. I know I have issues, but they also give me strength; strength to persevere, to push myself to be an advocate for those who have experienced the same things, and to work towards becoming a trauma therapist, so I can help others in their recovery.

I have consciously not used the word “victim” in this post, as I prefer to think of myself and others like me as “survivors,” because once we label ourselves victims, we are defeated in our own minds. My plea for those who read this is that they don’t turn their head when they witness an assault. Reach out, tell someone, and if you are the one experiencing the recurrent nightmares and pervasive thoughts, know that there are others out there who know what you are going through.

Counseling challenges: Cultural, ethical, and legal issues (Also known as the "Very nice effort" paper)

Abstract

Counselors often walk a delicate line between helping their clients, and the ethical and legal issues that come with working with individuals who are in distress. While there are set guidelines in place for counselors regarding such issues, it is often not a clear pathway to navigate smoothly. If a counselor does not make the right choice during practice, they risk repercussions, not just professionally, but on a personal level as well. Being entrusted with the lives of others, knowing that steps and decisions made during treatment can ultimately change the life of another human being, is a massive responsibility, and one that should not be taken lightly. Cultural competence plays a role in therapeutic pathways, and approaches should be tailored to suit the unique needs of clients, while still abiding by the legal and ethical implications that may arise. Working with a variety of professionals can also complicate the journey, making effective communication with clients and other treatment team member an essential key to mental health. 

Legal guides for counselors

            Counselors often wear many hats in the course of their position: confidant, guide, assistant, life coach, advocate, mentor, and occasionally work as a mediator between the legal system and their client. Working in such a diverse role, counselors are tasked with a great deal of responsibility, which also brings consequences for both the client and the counselor depending on the efficacy of treatment and the adherence to the ethical and legal standards in place. There are several guiding organizations, each contributing a different piece of the legal puzzle counselors are asked to navigate.

Consulting the established guidelines is essential for counselors, their clients, and the entire mental health treatment community. Each branch of counseling has their own guide to standard of care, but most use the American Counseling Association’s Code of Ethics (2005) as a template from which they design their own guiding principles of care. There are currently 19 divisions of the American Counseling Association (Remley & Herlihy, 2010), allowing for a multitude of specialties, ranging from testing and gerontology, to art and sexual minority counseling. However, with the variety of areas available for counselors to practice, it is ultimately the responsibility of the counselor to seek out, learn, and abide by the regulations in place on the local, state, and governmental levels.

Decision-making models in counseling

            Due to the complexities involved in making ethical decisions for others, as well as remaining on the correct side of the legal system, counselors are often aided by the use of decision-making models. There are several to choose from, so finding one that best suits the situation, client, and specialty is possible with an examination of those available. Some specialties also have their own versions of decision-making models, including school, career, and addiction areas of focus. Some models are influenced by theoretical or philosophical sources, whereas others are founded in evidence-based practices (Cottone & Claus, 2000), further stressing the importance of finding the right one to fit the current need and dilemma.

            While the approaches may vary, one key aspect to any decision model remains constant: the legal standard of care counselor’s use when working with clients. The standard of care practiced by counselors, regardless of setting, must be consistent with what a reasonable, similarly trained and educated counselor would practice under the same set of circumstances (Remley & Herlihy, 2010). When consulting a decision-making model, it is imperative that counselors are able to separate their personal values from their professional role, as clients may possess a different value system, not shared by the counselor. Additionally, counselors need to realize that one decision-making model may not apply to all of their clients, thus making the need to be familiar with a multitude of approaches a necessity for an effective therapeutic outcome.

            One decision-making model for counselors working with a possible ethical dilemma, developed by Sileo and Kopala (1993), is a five-step model divided into an A-B-C-D-E method of approach that fits a variety of possible situations. The steps include assessment (A), benefit (B), consequences and consultation (C), duty (D), and education (E). Sielo and Kopala have even devised a worksheet to simplify the steps to what can be a complex process in finding a resolution to an ethical problem. While such a simplistic sounding approach may seem straight forward, it is essential for counselors to remember that despite the model used, that it cannot substitute for the combination of character, virtue, and counselor decision-making skills that come from experience and education (Jordan & Meara, 1990).

Even after employing the steps in a decision-making model, counselors may feel unsure about their actions and conclusion. In such instances, there are four self-tests one can take to evaluate the approach used and the outcome achieved (Remley & Herlihy, 2010). By analyzing the justice, universality, publicity, and moral traces that remain after a decision, a counselor can either feel more confident in their actions, or use their findings as an opportunity to learn and grow.

The A-B-C-D-E decision-making model in use

            In the case of Simone, an 18-year-old new mother who has a limited formal education, is receiving government assistance, and has no real motivation or future goals, it is essential for a counselor to approach the therapeutic relationship in a method that is helpful and does not come across as judgmental. Simone reports that she does not have a large support system in place, and lacks healthy and effective coping mechanisms, which are essential for individuals in similar positions. Teen pregnancy and motherhood is often associated with a negative impact in the realms of biological, social, and financial arenas of one’s life (Kramer & Lancaster, 2010).

Further complicating Simone’s situation is her familial history of mental health issues and her own possible learning disability, which some teachers had alluded to in the past. Possibly due to her stunted education and unhealthy family environment as a child, Simone is using marijuana to help her cope with the stress of being a new mother. All of these observations are associated with the first step in the decision-making model, assessment. Gathering information from clients allows the counselor to assess the strengths, weaknesses, depression, and resources, which can influence future steps. It is essential during the initial stage, and throughout the entire counseling relationship, that counselors put aside their own possible value conflicts and recognize that if such thing is not possible, they are ethically bound to make referral recommendations as per the 2005 ACA Code of Ethics (A.11.b.).

Upon assessing Simone’s presenting information, there are several areas that could benefit from further investigation. However, the physical and mental health of Simone and her child are the most pressing issues, and the ones that could benefit the most during the limited counseling sessions set forth by the grant that is providing payment for the services. Determining the key areas are essential in limited-duration counseling sessions, such as those arranged by Simone’s social worker.

After identifying the areas that would benefit most from assistance and change, it is time to move to the evaluation of the consequences and consultation stage of decision-making. It would be important to be honest with Simone about what could happen if she were to continue on her current path, including the possible legal implications that may occur due to her using and selling of marijuana. Simone’s lack of interest in pursuing any career goals could also negatively influence the quality of her life and that of her child as well. It is important for the counselor to remember that the approach used during counseling sessions has a possibility of pushing the client away, resulting in a negative consequence for themselves, as well as for their client. Consultation with outside professionals, namely addictions counselors, supervisors, and colleagues, may be of benefit to gain additional insight into the situation and steps that could be of benefit to the client.

Upon presenting the possible consequences and paths available to Simone, it is time for the counselor to assess who they have a duty to in the situation. Complicating the case is the fact that Simone has a child who solely depends on her for physical and emotional support. There could be possible child abuse or neglect at risk, which would make the question of “To whom do I have a duty?” a challenging one for the counselor to answer. According to the ACA Code of Ethics, counselor’s primary responsibility is to promote the welfare of the client (A.1.a.), however, with the addition of a child into the equation, it would be recommended for a counselor to consult their colleagues to determine if further notification is warranted. Under B.2.a. of the ACA Code of Ethics, confidentiality can be breached in the case of possible harm or legal requirements. However, such actions should be evaluated prior to undertaking, as the therapeutic relationship may be damaged, so it is imperative for the counselor to evaluate the possible ramifications that could occur because of breaching the confidentiality of the client and notifying law enforcement.

The final step in the current decision-making model is education, which applies to both the counselor and Simone. Education should be a career-long goal, as techniques, intervention methods, and laws evolve over time. In addition to addressing the ethical and legal issues that are associated with Simone’s case, it would also be important for the counselor to be culturally competent, as there are unique needs associated with the needs of the client. Not much is known about Simone’s cultural background, so it may be useful to delve into that area of her life to learn a little more about how her counselor and social worker can effectively address her needs. There are specific challenges that arise when counseling women, including the societal pressures to be a caregiver and provider for her child, discrimination based on gender, and employment barriers, especially among single mothers (Sue & Sue, 2013).

Education about the local marijuana laws would be applicable in Simone’s case, as there are avenues she could take that would allow her to legally obtain medicinal marijuana to help her cope with the anxiety of becoming a new mother. Under Oregon’s Medicinal Marijuana Program (OMMP), Simone would qualify for a reduced application fee since she receives public assistance (http://public.health.oregon.gov/DiseasesConditions/ChronicDisease/MedicalMarijuanaProgram/Pages/top20.aspx) if she wanted to pursue that option. However, it may be a challenge finding a doctor that would recommend her to the OMMP to obtain medicinal marijuana due to her present condition of being the sole caretaker for her child. While medicinal marijuana is legal in the state of Oregon, it is still considered a felony according to the federal government. Due to the possible legal implications, as Simone’s counselor, it would be important to educate her on other healthier options for stress management.

Personal values of counselors

            Keeping one’s professional and personal boundaries separate is essential in the field of counseling and mental health; however, it is not always possible to keep aspects of one out of the other. Counselors are people, with beliefs and values of their own, which may influence their view on certain subjects that may arise during sessions with clients. In the case of Simone, her drug use while caring for her child may violate the belief system of her counselor. Society and the medical community has deemed marijuana as a therapeutic drug that can help to soothe a variety of ailments. However, under federal law it is illegal, thus presenting a possible issue in both the legal and ethical realms for the counselor. Seeking amplifying information, in conjunction with consultation with colleagues and supervisors, can contribute to finding an amicable outcome for both the counselor and client.

            Personal and professional goals are an important aspect to the lives of many individuals, and without such, many counselors would not have achieved their goals of licensure. Encountering someone such as Simone, who does not identify as having any aspirations or goals to work towards may be another area where the values and beliefs of the counselor would be challenged. While Simone’s possible learning disabilities may hinder her potential, with effective assistance, she may be able to become motivated to achieve more out of life than sitting at home caring for her child, passively watching television and listening to music. However, it would be important to remember that not all individuals are motivated by goals, so projecting the desires of the counselor onto Simone could end in disaster due to the incongruent outlooks.

            Just as Simone’s history and background have influenced who she is today, counselors often bring their beliefs and experiences with them into practice. It is essential that they do not allow their values to taint their practice, which is often easier said than done. During the educational process, the professional horizons are broadened and effective counselors are able to live in a state of essential cognitive dissonance, holding that two possible conflicting beliefs can occur at the same time. Becoming comfortable with the fact that the values of clients will often differ from those held by the counselor is a key trait for successful therapeutic practice.

Conclusion

            Personal and professional value systems for counselors, while ideally exist in two different realms, may intertwine with one another, thus posing a risk of tainting the client and providing less than optimal therapeutic services. One key tool that counselors can when evaluating a possible ethical dilemma is known as decision-making models, one of which has been identified in the current paper. While the models do not guarantee an ethical and legal outcome of the situation, it does provide key questions to help the counselor to navigate and evaluate the challenges posed by their clients. Providing fair, factual, and helpful feedback to the clients regarding the possible ramifications associated with the choices they make can return a sense of personal power to the clients, knowing that ultimately the choice is theirs.

**References Available Upon Request**

Rape and domestic violence: Cultural influences, barriers, and interventions

Abstract

Rape and domestic abuse touches all cultures, with an estimated 24 people being raped, assaulted or stalked per minute in the United States, which equals roughly 12 million men and women experiencing an incident of domestic violence or abuse each year (http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/nisvs/). The effects can be detrimental and permeate every facet of one’s life without access to assistance, counseling, and community involvement. Without such access, survivors of rape and domestic abuse report a higher incidence of headaches, sleeping disruptions, poor physical and mental health, as well as missing work due to associated symptoms. Programs that offer medical care, housing assistance, and counseling are essential to helping individuals heal and thrive after experiencing such a frightening and violent event. Community outreach, education, and prevention programs are essential tools in the fight against rape and domestic violence. However, due to the cultural differences that may arise, different approaches may be necessary to reach a variety of individuals in the most effective way possible.

Domestic violence and cultural barriers

            Domestic violence does not abide by any cultural rules, yet it is often viewed differently through the lens of culture, which also influences the likelihood of individuals receiving assistance when in need. Knowledge about the differences is essential when working with a diverse population, especially when working with individuals who may not seek help until it becomes serious, as in the case of domestic violence. Counselors have to put aside their own preconceived notions regarding what distress looks like, as some cultures praise the ability to mask emotions. Much of the research into domestic violence has been focused on White and poor women, with little emphasis on other cultures (Bent-Goodley, 2005), thus ignoring the differences between the experience violence among different races and sexual orientation.

Stereotypes and discrimination also taint the perception of seeking help, as some fear that such thing will be looked at as a weakness or fear that their immigration status will prevent them from obtaining assistance (Bent-Goodley, 2005). Additionally, stereotypes may strengthen cultural privacy, which can lead to minority cultures becoming invisible to those who provide services to domestic violence victims (Burman, Smailes, & Chantler, 2004). However, there are culturally competent services in the community that are able to assist individuals who are experiencing domestic violence, regardless of race, gender, and sexual orientation.

Community Resource

            Local services are often a challenge to locate, especially when it comes to mental health and domestic violence. By nature, such things are often secretive and swept under the carpet by society. However, with effective outreach practices, individuals who are in need of such services are able to become aware of their existence and able to access the much-needed services. One local resource, who practices quite effective outreach methods, is the Center Against Rape and Domestic Violence, or CARDV (http://cardvservices.org/).  I became aware of the organization during my undergraduate years at Oregon State University where they gave a presentation during one of my classes on campus. They were formed in the late 1970s in Corvallis, Oregon, when they started a 24-hour crisis helpline for individuals (primarily women at the time) who were experiencing domestic violence or sexual trauma. With help from local government, CARDV helped to make Oregon the first state in which marital rape was a punishable offense under state law in 1978. As society changed, the services offered reflected a larger need for a more culturally competent approach. Staffers now are able to counsel a broader range of individuals, from homeless women to gay males in a domestic abuse situation, primarily due to cultural diversity training programs.

            The ability to accompany clients to the emergency room is an essential aspect, as many victims are reluctant to notify medical personnel about their experiences. A recent study suggests that emergency departments did not inquire about domestic violence, with minority communities  reporting less willingness to acknowledge or report domestic violence (Burman, Smailes, & Chantler, 2004).

            In addition to the 24-hour crisis line and accompanying clients to the emergency room, CARDV also assists in relocation, legal filing, and counseling for individuals, free of charge. A lack of insurance, ability to pay, or immigration status should not prevent one from obtaining assistance in the case of rape or domestic violence, as all are susceptible to the experience. CARDV raises money through donations, fundraisers, through their online store, and through federal grants, thus expanding the availability for services to clients, regardless of their ability to pay. CARDV provides a holistic approach to counseling services by offering a place to learn about parenting, nutrition, and yoga with individual appointments available for legal advice and mental health counseling services too, thus assisting clients in gaining valuable skills to help them in recovery.

            Providing community education via outreach is one of CARDV’s missions, which is facilitated through college events, Take Back The Night events, and presentations requested by community groups, parent groups, educators, students, and professional development. One of the growing fields of discussion and outreach involves the world of sex trafficking, which often occurs without the surrounding communities becoming aware of the incidence. However, through advocacy and working with other organizations, education as well as culturally sensitive practices are evolving and reaching the individuals in need. CARDV’s outreach methods can be found in a variety of places, including their contact information being found on stickers located on most of the restroom stall doors within the community of Corvallis, Oregon. Their call logs indicate the effectiveness of their outreach, as during the 2012 calendar year, CARDV fielded over 5,000 calls via their crisis line. Additionally, they provided shelter for nearly 100 adults and 70 children, helped over 700 adults navigate the legal system, and provided on-site hospital advocacy for over 70 individuals within Linn and Benton counties.

            Cultural competence within the organization is essential due to the variety of individuals who are in need of the services offered. Education for staff and volunteers is provided on a regular basis and covers topics ranging from the differences between collectivist and individualistic cultures, to gay and lesbian relationships. The members of CARDV also represent a diverse culture themselves, as their backgrounds include many different nationalities, age groups, and each come with their own life experiences. It is essential to remember that in assigning traditions and roles to certain cultures, assuming that they are stable across the cultural category, would be a disservice to the individual (Warner, 2008).

            As a whole, CARDV does represent a high level of cultural competency, which is an intentional practice due to the variety of individuals seeking their assistance. Through self-awareness on an individual basis for staff and volunteers, the personal reflection and honest assessment of their own personal beliefs regarding culture are able to be used as learning tools and opportunities for growth, both within the organization and on a personal level. Additionally, continual learning about diverse cultures, including strengths, weaknesses, and cultural norms within said culture, can provide a wealth of insight for staff, which can help them to better serve their clients. Being keen on nonverbal cues is also essential, as many who experience domestic violence may be too scared to share their stories verbally, so being astute to evasive measures is useful in providing a safe and comforting environment. All of these things contribute to gaining a higher level of cultural competence which can help staff, volunteers, and clients in obtaining the best outcome possible (Sue & Sue, 2013).

Advocating and role as an employee

            Upon graduation, if I were to become employed as a trauma counselor with CARDV, the key focus would continue to be advocating and providing outreach in order to spread the message of CARDV’s mission, which is to provide services and support for those affected by domestic abuse. Continual cultural diversity training would be essential to reflect the needs of the clients and help staff to better address sensitive needs of individuals seeking services. While the intake interviews are more focused on the history and incidence of abuse, it would be necessary to keep them culturally sensitive too, which would help to create an environment that is supportive and empathetic to the client, two very important qualities as indicated by Sue and Sue (2013). It is important to remember that clients utilizing the CARDV crisis helpline are already in a fragile state and the language used can either increase or decrease the likelihood of them obtaining services. Conducting training on effective communication would be useful to implement, in addition to training on approaching individuals during community outreach events. I would also remind staff and volunteers to treat clients as individuals, rather than relying on cultural norms.

Conclusion

            Domestic violence is a pervasive infection in society, and without effective intervention methods, has the possibility of wrecking havoc across the globe. Cultural sensitivity, in addition with education and community outreach are essential tools in combating the systemic use of abuse to keep individuals quiet about such a damaging event such as rape and domestic violence. Offering a variety of services in once central location, in a holistic manner, is more effective when working with clients who live in fear of being found by their abusers. By helping clients to become more empowered and self-efficacious, their mental health improves as they make the transition from victim to survivor. The culture of violence can permeate any societal culture, thus the need for cultural sensitivity and exposure to diverse populations is essential in providing effective therapeutic interventions to those in need.

**References Available Upon Request**

Providing care in a careless world

From personal experience, I can attest to the fact that the priorities in society are in a word…FUCKED. I am pursuing a career in the mental health care industry, thus have had the opportunity to work in diverse settings, with clients who have a variety of challenges, both behavioral and physical. I wish I could say that I am shocked at the treatment, both of the clients and the staff, but I suppose I am too jaded by experience. In a world where large corporations are rewarded for bad behavior via bailouts, the care industry is continually falling by the wayside.

The following is a job description that details the job duties involved in a typical caregiving role:

Job Description:

• To implement all policies, procedures, and/or legal commitments to residents as required by the State and the agency.
• To actively participate in developing and implementing plans to meet the needs of the residents.
• To actively participate in staff meetings, training sessions, workshops and special meetings as required.
• To fulfill delegate responsibilities and report at staff meetings on such duties as required.
• To be an advocate and appropriate role model for all residents.
• To document on proper forms all activity relative to the operation of the home to include, but not be limited to the following:
• Unusual incidents involving consumers, staff, or other persons related to the home.
• Administration of medication, medication errors, accidents, medical emergencies, seizures and other medical matters.
• Noticeable changes in resident conduct, either positive or negative.
• All necessary forms pertaining to resident programs.
• All required forms related to operation of the agency vehicles.
• All necessary forms related to specific delegated responsibilities.
• To distribute all medications according to each resident's medication schedule, and as trained.
• To follow written behavior support strategies, including completion of all written documentation requirements.
• To provide activities or programs for residents during work shift.
• To provide counseling or reinforcement to resident(s). The responsibility is to be carried out in accordance with training received.
• To assist in supervising and transporting resident to community activities, if designated an approved driver.
• To know and follow emergency home procedures for fire, tornadoes, accidents and other such circumstances.
• To assist guardians, parents and volunteers in understanding and working towards implementing the principles of person centered practices when in contact with consumers.
• To help maintain the quality of the home environment by taking initiative in cleaning and making minor repairs of home, property and grounds when required or needed.
• To assist in shopping, meal preparation, and clean-up when on duty.
• To seek supervisory direction, whenever uncertain about proper procedures, by contacting management staff in an orderly manner as defined by the agency's organization chart.
• To report, promptly, any instances of observed or suspected mistreatment, abuse, or neglect of any consumer to proper authorities and supervisor.
• Stoop, bend, lift and carry at least fifty pounds of weight without assistance when performing household duties, shopping, or assisting persons served.

In exchange for fulfilling the above needs, guess the hourly wage... 

Fitness Rant and Motivation Differences

I have been on my fitness journey for a while now…about two years or so. I guess I am a late-comer to the whole thing, but at least I am here and on a mission. I have learned a lot over the past two years, about health, fitness, nutrition, and most importantly, myself. A lot of people workout in order to look good for X, Y, and/or Z…be it a bikini, vacation, or other sort of event. While I am not saying that they are wrong, for their motivation and goals are their own…but that is most certainly NOT why I do what I do.

So, why do I do it? Why do I push myself past my comfort zone? Why do I eat healthy food? Why do I not follow the “typical American diet?” Frankly, in part because someone once told me I couldn’t do any of it. I enjoy the challenge. And while I will never come face to face with the person who told me I couldn’t, knowing that I am able to push myself and conquer some of my fears, well, that is worth the sweat and discomfort. And then some.

As some are motivated to look good, I am motivated to feel good. Sure, I may be sore (as I am currently experiencing the after-effects of a good couple of workouts this week already), but it’s a good sore…a sore that many people try to avoid like the plague. I have turned my living room into my jungle gym, with over 400 pounds of weights, assorted medicine and stability balls, various elastic bands, a Smith machine and a pull-up station. I also have completed many at-home workout programs: Insanity, Insanity: The Asylum (Volumes I and II), P90X, P90X2, and Les Mills Combat. 

I am currently in the first week of the newest addition: TapOutXT. While I am finding decent calorie burns as a result of this program, there are many things lacking. First off, I am so glad that I know about proper form and technique, as this system is quite piss poor in that area…it shows fit looking people performing lunges in a dangerous manner, squats that are just barely a bend, swayed backs, and just a general disdain for proper form. I can only imagine the injuries that people who are less familiar with the movements will sustain, thus preventing them from reaching their fitness goals.

Another thing I don’t like about this workout program is the “host,” as I find him to be rather douchey and annoying. He too has bad form and keeps talking about how people want to “look good” and “have a TapOut body.” Um, I’d rather he shut his mouth, pay attention to form, and teach rather than flex. The videos are also poor quality, not synced up, and the lack of music makes it seem to last forever. Perhaps my dislike of the program has to do with my motivation and goes back to why I do what I do…not to look good, but to feel strong and capable, both mentally and physically. I shall continue this program, trying to overlook the shortcomings and use my knowledge to help in preventing injury. If anything, it serves as an example of what NOT to do.

I have 102 days left until I complete my second Tough Mudder…

Oregon licensure and certification guidelines: The who, what and how of counseling

Abstract

The counseling profession is one that is focused on providing the best therapeutic care for a client, while still maintaining the laws and ethics set forth by a variety of governmental sources, including local and state entities. Navigating the regulations and credentialing requirements can be challenging, as many of the statutes are not written in a reader-friendly approach, and can change frequently. Keeping up to date with the proposed changes as they pertain to credentialing, certification, and licensing can help a counselor to stay one-step ahead, and is the responsibility of the individual providing therapeutic services. The governing bodies vary from state to state, and from specialty to specialty, so keeping abreast of the requirements can make transitions and conformation easier if one desires a change in practice.

Sources for guidance

            There are various sources available for counselors and those wishing to enter into the counseling field to gain information and guidance on the numerous laws and regulations that govern the field, and knowing how to navigate the plethora of information is essential in obtaining effective, useful, and most importantly, correct information. The internet is a great source of material; however, the information is only as reliable as the source, which can be daunting with the wealth of material presented online. One of the more reliable resources at the disposal of counselors in the state of Oregon is http://www.oregon.gov/oblpct/Pages/about_us.aspx, which is a government web source that provides a portal in which to obtain information regarding a variety of counseling needs. In addition to the state laws, those in the counseling field are expected to follow the American Counseling Association’s Code of Ethics (http://www.counseling.org/resources/codeofethics/TP/home/ct2.aspx), which is a separate code that outlines the ethical guidelines that counselors need to abide by in order to provide the best service possible, while keeping the client safe from unintentional psychological harm.

Oregon counseling laws

            Oregon set forth guidance in the form of counseling laws in 1989, which govern the practices of both qualified mental health counselors and those working in the marriage and family practices. The aim of these new regulations was to establish a uniformity of certification practices in order to protect both the providers and the clients from individuals posing as counselors who in actuality lack the essential training involved in becoming a licensed and practicing member of the mental health community. An update to the law governing practice was made in 1999, which prohibited the practice of psychology without a license (http://www.oregon.gov/oblpct/Pages/about_us.aspx). The regulations as they pertain to counselors fall within two categories, statutes (or laws) and rules. Statutes can be changed by legislature, and include reporting obligations and complaint procedures. Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs) include internship requirements, licensing procedures, fees, and continuing education requirements (http://www.oregon.gov/oblpct/Pages/web-lr.aspx).

Internship requirements

            Students pursuing a counseling profession need to keep abreast of the internship requirements, as they may differ from the course curriculum suggested by their particular institute. In Oregon, the master’s program must be either COAMFTE, CORE, or as the Capella University program, CACREP approved, must be at least two years in length, and include 700 clock hours of supervised clinical experience, with 280 of those hours entailing direct client contact hours (http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/pages/rules/oars_800/oar_833/833_060.html). In addition to the aforementioned degree program requirements, students are to abide by the rules set forth in OAR 833-050, which includes 2400 hours of supervised direct client contact in order to be eligible for licensure (http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/pages/rules/oars_800/oar_833/833_050.html). The requirements differ if one is pursuing marriage and family counseling, so paying close attention to the individual requirements for your specialty is imperative in order to prevent errors.

Continuing education

            In order to stay up to date with the most current therapeutic techniques, approaches and rules, continuing education is a requirement among licensed counselors practicing in the state of Oregon. In the first year of licensed practice, counselors are required to report their continuing education on “an even number of years,” which can be a little confusing to navigate, as the required hours vary depending on when the counselor obtained their license, hence making the governing website an invaluable resource for counselors, new and seasoned alike (http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/pages/rules/oars_800/oar_833/833_080.html). In general, 40 hours of continued education is required per reporting period, and must include six hours of training in ethics. However, the continuing education requirement can be waived if made necessary by a medical condition, with the procedure outlined in OAR 833-080-0021.

Ethics

            Oregon has its own Code of Ethics for counselors, found in OAR 833-100-0011, which addresses client welfare, integrity, and competence (http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/pages/rules/oars_800/oar_833/833_100.html), and is meant to work in conjunction with the ACA Code of Ethics. The six hours of required continuing education in the realm of ethics highlights the important role ethics play in the counseling field. Ethic violations most commonly include sexual misconduct or other dual relationships, inappropriate influence, abandonment, and failure to maintain confidentiality (http://www.jzmc.org/trends-in-ethic-violations-and-sanctions-by-mental-health-boards.htm).

Conclusion

            In order to provide the highest quality of therapeutic services, counselors and those working in the mental health field need to keep current on rules, regulations, and guidelines, both on the Federal and State levels, as they pertain to their individual fields. By abiding by the published information set forth by the individual states, including continuing educational requirements, counselors are able to be effective and appropriate, protecting themselves and their clients from harm. It is essential for counselors to take it upon themselves to keep up to date on any changes, as ignorance is not an appropriate, nor acceptable excuse for being in violation.

**References Available Upon Request**