American Counseling Association Activities

Professional Development Activity
American Counseling Association-ACA questions:
What is the Role of Students in ACA-American Counseling Association?
As stated on its official website, “ACA is the largest association exclusively representing the community of counselors in various practice settings” (Welcome Students, 2013). Students can have an active voice participating as representatives or members of a variety of committees; students input are necessary for the future of the association and its demands. Members benefit from an array of resources only available to them (Role in ACA, 2013).
What are Insurance options for students in ACA, and how much does it cost?
ACA student insurance membership is available for students enrolled in a master’s degree counseling program performing practicum and internship counseling services and includes professional liability (malpractice).The coverage is available through Healthcare Providers Service Organization-HPSO providing 24 hours a day coverage whether on the job, off-duty, and even if changing jobs. The Annual Premium is $37.00 which includes $2.00 HSPO membership fee. This comprehensive coverage includes the following valuable benefits (Students Features and Benefits, 2013): • Up to $1,000,000 each claim professional liability coverage
• Up to $3,000,000 aggregate professional liability coverage
• Occurrence-based Coverage
• Pays Your Defense Costs
• Deposition Representation
• Defendant Expense Benefit
• License Protection
• 24-hour coverage Additional coverage, up to the applicable limits of liability, at no extra costs: • Assault Coverage (not available in Texas)
• Personal Liability coverage
• Personal Injury coverage
• First Aid Expense
• Medical Payments • Damage to Property of Others
In the Students section, what are some of the opportunities you can participate in? Do you think they’d be helpful?
On the Role in ACA section (2013), are listed several ways a student can get involved. I truly believe all these opportunities are supportive to students in the counseling field because gives us a better view in how not only enhance our learning experience but discover possibilities for professional involvement after Graduate school; trough networking, sharing of ideas, keeping up to date in research, legislation, and community involvement among others. Ways student can get involved as follows:
• ACA Governing Council, a student representative joins the Council and meets regularly with them to establish policies that govern and administer the affairs of the Association which purpose is enhance the quality of life in society by promoting the development of professional counselors, advancing the counseling profession, and by using the profession and practice of counseling to promote respect for human dignity and diversity.
• Conference, the most important inclusive professional development event in the field where Graduates and students have the opportunity to network, learn about new resources, career assistance, and participate in more than 400 educational sessions and earn credits at no additional fee.
• ACA Foundation, through scholarships and funded programs the foundation support counselors in the advancement of the program as well as advocacy by providing literature, technical assistance, partnership with other organizations, and funds to attend ACA annual conference among others; through fundraising among professionals and community supporters.
• Counseling Today, is a monthly magazine where professionals as well as students can publish in detail articles on diverse topics related to the field. It is accessible online and interactive. Provides a section for blog comments on the article as well as a mean to communicate with the author(s) for further discussion. It includes a job classifieds section as well.
What catches your interest in the ACA Weblog? What is something interesting that you read about?
I loved the blog by Dr. Minnie Almader (2013), Our Journey is Interlinked: An Encounter with Puente Project College Students. Last summer, Dr. Almader was riding a train in Los Angeles, CA after returning from Morocco where she was working as a counselor at a University. In the train, she met two students from Puente Project College which offer a program well recognized nationwide for increasing the transferring rate of community college students in California to four years universities in the same state system; excellent attainment achieved by integrating counseling and academic English with an emphasis on Latino/a literature. Dr. Almader knew well what Puente Project was. She worked as a trainer for that program promoting positive social change while working on her dissertation back on 2001. The two students were exiting the program and had been accepted in two recognized California Universities. Both students beat the odds with tenacity and their hard work paid off despite language barriers and financial needs. The students felt committed to succeed, become role models among Latinos, and show leadership by becoming active members of their community. Dr. Almader identified with students as she dealt with similar situations when she was a student too.
This story touched my heart in many ways. It brought memories and experiences lived by me before and after coming to U.S. with limited English, no relatives or friends, and the need to support my family. Despite the adversity, I never lose hope that one day I would be able to enhance my communication skills, get a better job, and continue my education.
Where is the convention in 2013? What is the student cost?
The ACA Conference 2013 will be in Cincinnati, OH (Cincinnati ACA Conference and Expo, p.11). The cost for students attending all day sessions is:
$95 by December 15, 2012; $125 by February 15, 2013; or $165 after February 15, 2013.
If a student is accepted as part of the Graduate Student Volunteer Program, on-half of the registration fee will be waived. If the student is a returning volunteer, the fee will be reimbursed in full.
• Who are the keynote speakers? What do you think of these speakers and the perspective they will bring?
Cincinnati ACA 2013 Conference and Expo (p. 11) keynote speakers will be Ashley Tyler Judd, a well known actress. The second keynote speakers are Dr. Allen E. Ivey and Dr. Mary Bradford Ivey. I consider beneficial for professionals as well for any other person interested in counseling, to hear the experiences of a public figure as Ashley T. Judd, who bravely and shameless is willing to discuss how personal issues rooted in childhood affected her adulthood behavior and relations to the point of suffering depression and dependency, and how through treatment she found empathy, hope, a meaning in life, and learned how to cope without a guilty feeling. In regards Dr. Ivey and Ivey, I found very interesting to learn how a neurological perspective can intersect with counseling and how the study of the brain helped to construct the microcounseling framework of Developmental Counseling Theory.
• What is the student volunteering process and volunteer options? What would a student volunteer gain from this experience?
Students interested in volunteering to Cincinnati ACA 2013 Conference and Expo (p. 11) (Get Involved, 2013), need to complete and submit a Volunteer Agreement and Registration forms. After submission, a notification will be sent 10-15 days after and no later than the end of November of the current year. Students will receive via email, a link to complete a Volunteer Travel Form; this information is necessary in order to work on the students schedule during conferences and the final schedule will be provide at the Volunteer Orientation site previous to the conferences. A $50 fee has to be submitted to hold the students spot. If a student cancels, his participation ant it is made within less than two weeks of the conference, the student won’t be allowed to volunteer in the future and will be charged the full amount of the conference fee including the deposit. Hotel, transportation, and meals are to be paid by the student. By becoming a volunteer, students have the opportunity to connect with other ACA members, build a network, identify mentors and well know professors, learn about job opportunities in the field, and develop leadership skills.
Go to Divisions, Regions, and Branches. Examine the different divisions. Which are of interest to you? Go to the division’s websites, browse around and find out more about the divisions that interest you.
There are 2 branches that interested me the most: the first is, The American School Counselor Association-ASCA (2006-2012), which “supports school counselors ' efforts to help students focus on academic, personal/social and career development so they achieve success in school and are prepared to lead fulfilling lives as responsible members of society.” The second is, the Association for Multicultural Counseling-AMCD, which advocates for social justice and quality of life experiences for individuals of diverse cultures and other populations socially marginalized. Through development of programs with cultural competence and improvement of educational opportunities, the association seeks ethnic and racial empathy, understanding, education, and continue personal growth for members from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Now, click on Midwest Region: What states are in our region?
The ACA Midwest Region covers thirteen states or branches: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Wisconsin (Welcome to the ACA ~ Midwest Region, 2013).
• When is the Nebraska State Conference? What is the fee for students to attend?
The 2013 NCA conference will be on October 3rd and 4th, in Kearney, NE. There is not information available yet on the fees for the 2013 NCA conference but I found the fees for 2012:
Student fee 3 days conferences $95 early bird; $105 a month before the conferences; $125 two weeks before conferences (NCA State Conference).
Explore Public Policy, what helpful links does this have? What does it provide which can assist in counselor education about issues and increase involvement?
The link was temporary unavailable but still, I found a link to Counseling Today Online, and ACA blog that I mentioned above, and the Code of Ethics. *Attached is the Code of Ethics.
American School Counselor Association-ASCA questions:
Where will the ASCA 2013 conference being held?
The 2013 Annual Conference, will be on June 30–July 3, 2013; in Philadelphia, Pa. (American School Counselor Association, 2006-2012).
How much is the student membership? Is liability insurance provided through ASCA membership? What are the 2 publications that come with membership?
Student Membership is $60. This is a nonvoting membership type. Student ASCA members will automatically be covered for $1 million in professional liability coverage at no additional cost. The 2 publications included with membership are Professional School Counseling Journal and ASCA School Counselor Magazine (Members Benefits & Info, 2006-2012)
Read the tips and cruise the suggested web sites. Are they helpful, if not what would be helpful?
Yes, they are very helpful because parents learn how to become proactive in their student’s education, what to expect from the school counselor, and the resources available to keep them connected with their child’s education. It is important to contact the counselor at least three times a year. This is an opportunity to foster a good bridge of communication among parents, students, and school counselor. Students need to be encouraged by their parents to talk to counselors and express their needs, frustrations, and hopes. Counselors will help them to find solutions for an optimal educational, personal, and social development to reach their goals. Parents can obtain feedback from counselors in regards their student’s progress and school experience, and offer to the counselor invaluable information and input to better understand the student’s background; which will help the counselor to work more efficiently with the student. Also, parents can be informed by the counselor of school policies, events, and resources (Back-to-School-Tips, 2006-2012).
Read “Articles for Parents,” print one and bring to class. (Attached)
On “Role of the School Counselor,” print out Appropriate and inappropriate Activities for School Counselors and bring to class. (Attached)
Go to ASCA Bookstore; find useful books titles and summaries to share in class.
These are the books that I found more interesting and their description by ASCA (Online Store, 2006-2012):
1. Empowering Children to Help Stop Bullying at School. “This curriculum includes: an engaging story to help spark meaningful conversations with students about bullying; an extensive list of assertive words or actions children can use when they are treated with disrespect; many real-life examples of students who were silent witnesses, followers and bullies who chose to help children who were bullied instead; a wealth of practical activities that build critical thinking skills; and examples of how children can work creatively with adults to stop bullying at school.” (Character Development Group, 2009)
2. Teaching Self-Control: A Curriculum for Responsible Behavior. “Looking for long-term solutions to disruptive and violent behavior? This book is a practical and comprehensive curriculum that helps teachers minimize classroom disruptions by teaching students self-control and responsibility. The ready-to-use lesson plans are easily integrated into existing content areas and will actively involve students in the learning process. 188 pages.” (Solution Tree, 2003)
3. Helping Adolescents with ADHD & Learning Disabilities: “Ready to Use Tips, Techniques, and Checklists for School Success. This problem-solving guide by Judith Greenbaum and Geraldine Markel gives teachers, counselors, and other professionals the information and materials they need to improve ADHD/LD teens ' academic and social skills and develop appropriate educational programs for them. A practical checklist format makes it easy to locate essential information, and hot topics such as self-management, motivation, homework completion, medication, and assistive technology are covered in detail. The book includes interesting student case histories throughout, over 100 reproducible graphic organizers, and specific recommendations for involving parents. A special appendix at the end of the book identifies 20 common classroom problems, from excessive movement, overactivity and hyperactivity to poor test-taking skills, and lists strategies to help students with ADHD or LD.” (Jossey-Bass, 2001)
American Mental Health Counselor Association-AMHCA questions:
Read “Why Use a Clinical Mental Health Counselor?”Did you learn anything new? What?
I did not know the variety of services provide by a CMHC and how an individual can obtain quality care at very cost-effective price without compromising the quality of the service compared to the services rates charged by psychologists. (Why Use a Clinical Mental Health counselor?)
Go to “Clients Resources.” Which ones were especially helpful? Which ones could you see using with clients?
The links that I interested the most within AMHCA, Client Resources are:
• Top 100 Counseling Resources on the Web, offers different perspectives in how to address specific client’s problems by using a variety of techniques as art and music therapy or Christian therapy, or several therapy strategies targeted to specific issues as grief and anxiety. At the same times offer an overview of countless resources for students in the counseling field that can inspire us to discover infinite learning possibilities within the profession.
• Counselor Exam Preparation, offers materials and resources that are available for counselor exam preparation. There are workshops DVDs, study career guide, counselor preparation for examination, and state license requirements among others.

• ADHD National Directory at ADD Resources, helps people with ADHD achieve their full potential through education, support and networking opportunities. They maintain an educational website, a bookstore, and publish a monthly eNews. By using these resources, professionals working with these people can make an impact in the individual, family, in the classroom, workplace, and community.
• Effective child therapy, promotes scientific inquiry, training, professional practice, and public policy in clinical child and adolescent psychology as a means of improving the welfare and mental health of children, youth, and families.
Where and when is the 2013 annual AMHCA conference scheduled?
According to the website, The 2013 Annual Conference will be on July 18-20, in Washington, DC (Annual Conference). Go to Student Benefits, what are they?
These are AMHCA (Student Benefits) most important membership benefits:
• Professional liability coverage is included with AMHCA Student Membership. This policy will pay for defense against covered claims and provide professional liability limits up to $1,000,000 per claim, and a $3,000,000 annual aggregate.
•Keep public policy supporting the profession and future clients through powerful advocacy initiatives at Federal level with Congress and the Executive Branch, and at State level.
• Receive continued support for learning and professional growth with research, clinical studies, and guidance for counseling practice in print, online, and in person.
• Search for positions using Job Board.
• Student reduced rates to attend AMHCA annual conference
• Connect with peers nationwide through the Graduate Student Committee and learn about student programs
• Build your professional network of students and practicing professionals and expand your knowledge at AMHCA’s Annual Conference at reduced student rates.
• Special member discounts on all AMHCA products and publications as the monthly newsletter Advocate and the Journal of Mental Health Counseling, an exclusive quarterly journal delivered by mail and available online.
Who is the current president of IMHCA and what she does? What are the perks of membership?
Her name is Kelly Wagner and is a licensed LMHC. She lives in Fort Dodge, IA. There is not a lot personal information about Ms. Wagner or her job description but I was able to outline some challenges her position faces as the President of IMHCA by reading one of the associatin newsletter (Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association Newsletter Vol 2013 Issue 1, 2013). is encourage professional and students to become members of the association and attend conferences because the money obtain from dues goes to Washington and Iowa lobbyists that represent the priorities of the association and mental health counselors. Also, encourage members to read legislative updates and news to keep the IMHCA informed of any concerns, ethical challenges. IMHCA board is composed by volunteers committed to the mental health profession, Ms. Wagner exhort members to become active because as she stated, “our profession is literally ‘last on the list’ for Federal Government reimbursement for services. We are, literally, not yet even on the list for reimbursement for Medicare and some other Federal programs. According to feedback to AMHCA’s lobbyist from federal legislators, lack of uniformity in licensing requirements across the states is one of the main reasons MHC’s are not being considered for reimbursement at this time” (p. 4).
Some of the benefits of IMHCA membership include (Members Benefits):
• Continuing education opportunities at the annual conference, at a reduced, members-only rate
• Access to the IMHCA web site, including free postings for IMHCA member employers, free membership to the member listserv, access to upcoming events and more
• Access to “members only” information on our web site
• State lobbying efforts for legislation affecting mental health counselors and their clients
• A quarterly newsletter reporting current issues relating to the profession
• Statewide networking with other mental health professionals
• Opportunities for continued professional development including: presenting at/attending conferences and workshops, joining the IMHCA board/leadership committees, publishing articles or letters to the editor for the IMHCA newsletter, and much more.
Chi Sigma Iota questions:
What is the name of our chapter and when was it founded?
The name of the chapter for the University of Northern Iowa is Upsilon Nu Iota, and it was founded on April 26, 2006.
What would be of value to join or a reason not to join?
A reason to join is the opportunity to pursuit academic, professional, and clinical excellence in the profession of counseling through commitment on scholarship, research, professionalism, and leadership. One reason that might prevent a student to become a member is the requirement to be recommended by a CSI chapter once earned a grade point average of 3.5 or better on a 4.0 system.
What are the requirements to be a member?
“Membership in Chi Sigma Iota, as specified in the Bylaws, is by chapter invitation to both students and graduates of the chapters ' counselor education programs. Students must have completed at least one semester of full-time graduate coursework in a counselor education degree program, have earned a grade point average of 3.5 or better on a 4.0 system, and be recommended for membership by the chapter, including promise for a capacity to represent the best about professional counseling through appropriate professional behavior, ethical judgment, emotional maturity, and attitudes conducive to working to advocate for wellness and human dignity for all. Faculty and alumni of the program shall have met the overall G.P.A. requirement as graduates of a counselor education program and be recommended to CSI by the chapter. The primary identity of these persons shall be as professional counselors, including evidence of a state or national credential as a professional counselor. Standard First Year Membership is $50.00 (Membership, 2013).

REFERENCES

Almader, M. (2013, January 29). Our Journey is Interlinked: An Encounter With Puente Project College Students. Retrieved February 10, 2013, from American Counseling Association Weblog: http://my.counseling.org/2013/01/29/our-journey-is-interlinked-an-encounter-with-puente-project-college-students/

AMCD Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development. (n.d.). Retrieved February 10, 2013, from American Counseling Association: http://www.multiculturalcounseling.o

American School Counselor Association. (2006-2012). Retrieved February 10, 2013, from American Counseling Association: http://www.schoolcounselor.org/

Annual Conference. (n.d.). Retrieved February 10, 2013, from American Mental Health Counselors Association: http://www.amhca.org/member/annual_conference.aspx

Back-to-School-Tips. (2006-2012). Retrieved February 10, 2013, from American School Counselor Association.

Cincinnati ACA 2013 Conference and Expo. (n.d.). Retrieved February 10, 2013, from American Counseling Association: http://www.counseling.org/Convention/PDF/ARB-lowres.pdf

Client Resources. (n.d.). Retrieved February 10, 2013, from American Mental Health counselors Association: http://www.amhca.org/public_resources/client_resources.aspx

Get Involved. (2013). Retrieved February 10, 2013, from American Counseling Association: http://www.counseling.org/Students/GetInvolved/TP/Home/CT2.aspx

Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association Newsletter Vol 2013 Issue 1. (2013). Retrieved February 10, 2013, from www.imhca.net/sites/default/files/.../IMHCANewsWinter2013.pdf

Members Benefits. (n.d.). Retrieved February 10, 2013, from Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association: http://www.imhca.net/membership

Members Benefits & Info. (2006-2012). Retrieved February 10, 2013, from American School Counselor Association: http://www.schoolcounselor.org/content.asp?pl=325&sl=128&contentid=128

Membership. (2013). Retrieved February 10, 2013, from Chi Sigma Iota: http://www.csi-net.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=689

NCA State Conference. (n.d.). Retrieved February 10, 2013, from Nebraska Councelin Association: http://www.necounseling.org/state-conference/

Online Store. (2006-2012). Retrieved February 10, 2013, from American School Counselor Association: http://www.schoolcounselor.org/store_home.asp

Role in ACA. (2013). Retrieved February 10, 2013, from American Counseling Association: http://www.counseling.org/Students/RoleInACA/TP/Home/CT2.aspx

Student Benefits. (n.d.). Retrieved February 10, 2013, from American Mental Health Counselor Association : http://www.amhca.org/become/student.aspx

Students Features and Benefits. (2013). Retrieved February 10, 2013, from Healthcare Providers Service Organization: http://www.hpso.com/professional-liability-insurance/student-coverage-description.jsp

Welcome Students. (2013). Retrieved February 8, 2013, from American Counseling Association: http://www.counseling.org/Students/

Welcome to the ACA ~ Midwest Region. (2013). Retrieved February 10, 2013, from American Counseling Association.

Why Use a Clinical Mental Health counselor? (n.d.). Retrieved February 10, 2013, from American Mental Health Counselor Association: http://www.amhca.org/publicse_a_mental_health_counselor.aspx

References: American School Counselor Association. (2006-2012). Retrieved February 10, 2013, from American Counseling Association: http://www.schoolcounselor.org/ Annual Conference Back-to-School-Tips. (2006-2012). Retrieved February 10, 2013, from American School Counselor Association. Cincinnati ACA 2013 Conference and Expo. (n.d.). Retrieved February 10, 2013, from American Counseling Association: http://www.counseling.org/Convention/PDF/ARB-lowres.pdf Client Resources Get Involved. (2013). Retrieved February 10, 2013, from American Counseling Association: http://www.counseling.org/Students/GetInvolved/TP/Home/CT2.aspx Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association Newsletter Vol 2013 Issue 1 Members Benefits. (n.d.). Retrieved February 10, 2013, from Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association: http://www.imhca.net/membership Members Benefits & Info Membership. (2013). Retrieved February 10, 2013, from Chi Sigma Iota: http://www.csi-net.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=689 NCA State Conference Online Store. (2006-2012). Retrieved February 10, 2013, from American School Counselor Association: http://www.schoolcounselor.org/store_home.asp Role in ACA Student Benefits. (n.d.). Retrieved February 10, 2013, from American Mental Health Counselor Association : http://www.amhca.org/become/student.aspx Students Features and Benefits Welcome Students. (2013). Retrieved February 8, 2013, from American Counseling Association: http://www.counseling.org/Students/ Welcome to the ACA ~ Midwest Region Why Use a Clinical Mental Health counselor? (n.d.). Retrieved February 10, 2013, from American Mental Health Counselor Association: http://www.amhca.org/publicse_a_mental_health_counselor.aspx