VACES Graduate Student Conference 2012
Schewel Hall
Lynchburg College
Saturday, February 25, 2012
8:45 AM to 4:00 PM
SCHEDULE
8:45 a.m. - 9:20 a.m.
9(9
9:30
a.m. – 10:20 a.m.
Check-in: Lobby 1st Floor
Coffee and Light Continental Breakfast
Session 1 Presentations
2nd Floor Classrooms
Presentation
RM 207
The Daodejing and the Big Book: Parallel Programs of Recovery
Wendy Couch and Shannon O’Leary, College of William and Mary
Currently, AA is the most recognized and accepted program of recovery for addictions in
the US, and most rehabilitation and recovery programs support AA. Other models of
recovery exist, and we hope to explore the parallels between AA and the Daodejing, a
classic Chinese text that forms the framework of Chinese Buddhism and Taoism. The
two traditions share many themes, and we hope to explore the utility of the Dao within an
addiction recovery context.
Presentation
RM 208
Welcome to the Divided States: Counselors Unite!
Robin Raniero Norris and Grace Hipona, Capella University and Argosy University
This presentation will engage the attendees in a discussion of the current state of
licensure and reciprocity. This seminar will connect the attendees in the quest for an
overall definition for “counselor.” Both presenters have moved from various states and
have been engaged in the field of counseling for 10 years. Personal stories of licensure
will be shared as a platform for others to express their thoughts as well.
lobby
Presentation
RM 209
Applying to Graduate School: Preparing a Successful Admissions Packet
Dan St. John and Joy Maweu, Old Dominion University
Program participants will gain understanding on graduate admissions processes. Further,
participants will learn practical strategies to use when applying to graduate schools. The
presenters, who assist with graduate admissions at a university in Virginia, will discuss
the graduate application process, techniques to create a successful application packet, and
interviewing best practices.
Presentation
RM 214
Academic Achievement, Self-Esteem, and Gender: Gender as a Mediating Variable
Corderius Cowans, Liberty University
Few correlational studies of academic achievement and self-esteem have been conducted
in the social sciences. Furthermore, studies have not accounted for gender differences in
relation to academic achievement and self-esteem. It appears that gender differences
dictate these two variables. This research investigates the relationship of academic
achievement and self-esteem, while analyzing gender as a mediating variable. This
literature review analyzes gender differences between esteem and achievement in the
educational capacity.
Presentation
RM 215
Developing Trust to Promote the Spiritual Development of Child Sex Trafficking
Victims
Marie Lorah, Regent University
Current research in the field of counseling and psychology related to child sex trafficking
discusses the physical, emotional, and social needs of trafficked children. However, little
attention is given to the spiritual needs and development of this population. This project
uses the lens of developmental theorist Erik Erikson to understand spiritual development
primarily through the first psychosocial crisis, trust versus mistrust. It makes suggestions
of how counselors can facilitate spiritual development primarily through developing trust.
Presentation
RM 217
Proud to be a Feminist Multicultural Counselor Educator and Supervisor
Laurie Bonjo, Old Dominion University
Advocacy challenges us to act on behalf of cultural groups to which we may not directly
identify; connecting with people who are different from us provides us with an
opportunity to become an ally (ACA, 2005). Feminist multicultural supervision is an
invitation to consolidate our efforts as agents of social justice while maintaining and
celebrating the complex interaction of individual and societal cultural pluralism. Thus,
generating inter-group as well as within-group ally support is essential.
Presentation
RM 232
Integrating Christian Spirituality with Counseling Theories
Randall Rhodes, Regent University
This presentation discusses the ways in which Christian spirituality fits within the
theories of modern counseling. We will review scholarly articles about commonly known
theories and discuss how specific techniques derived from these theories are either
compatible or incompatible with Christian spirituality.
10:30 a.m. – 11:20 a.m.
Presentation
RM 207
Presentation
RM 208
Session 2 Presentations
2nd Floor Classrooms
The Latest on Biofeedback: Current Devices that You Can Incorporate into Your
Practice that May Help Accelerate Change
Lynn Gibbons, Marymount University
Some biofeedback devices are small hand-held units that easily affordable for the
beginning counselor. The use of heart rate variability training is associated with reduced
anxiety, depression, and stress. Thermal biofeedback is used to enhance sleep for more
mental clarity. EEG biofeedback is used to reduce or eliminate symptoms of ADHD,
anxiety, and depression. Research evidence and examples of how they are integrated into
a practice and agency will be presented.
The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music: Creative Pathway to Inner
Growth and Renewal
Kristin Gonzalez, James Madison University
This interactive workshop is designed to provide participants an introduction to the
Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music, as well as practical ways of working with
the transformative power of music for personal renewal. The core of the presentation is a
modified group experience of the Bonny Method, with a focus on self-care and gentle
self-exploration. Resources for further inquiry will be provided.
Presentation
RM 209
The Synergism of Trauma and Addiction
Elizabeth Heinz and Sherry Todd, Regent University
The synergism of trauma and addiction create unique treatment challenges. The
presentation objectives are to raise counselor awareness and challenge the prevailing
paradigm in addictions treatment. The physiological response to traumatic stress will be
explored, populations most at-risk will be identified, treatment concerns will be
discussed, and the most effective treatments will be highlighted.
Presentation
Incorporating Meditation and Yoga Into Group Therapy: Mindfulness-based Stress
Reduction
Melissa Rolfes, Lynchburg College
Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a cost-effective group therapy that
combines meditation and yoga to help clients mindfully cope with stress. This session
will explore the structure, techniques, and application of MBSR, as well as the utilization
of mindfulness techniques in various therapy settings.
RM 214
Presentation
RM 215
Presentation
RM 217
Presentation
RM 232
The Three R’s: A Supervisor’s Model for Addressing and Responding to Sexual
Harassment
Cassandra Pusateri, LaShauna Dean, and Jenna Rhodes, Old Dominion University
Supervisors of counseling students in practicum and internship are trained to
appropriately address many issues. However, there is a dearth of information and
literature available about addressing sexual harassment during supervision. During this
presentation, the presenters will discuss the importance of addressing sexual harassment
throughout the supervision process as well as review the Three R’s model that provides
clear steps to assist supervisors with responding to supervisee reports of sexual
harassment.
Starving for Expression: Drama Therapy as a Therapeutic Modality for Adolescent
Females with Eating Disorders
Melissa Jones, Regent University
This interactive presentation is specifically designed to introduce participants to drama
therapy for female adolescents with eating disorders. Individuals with eating disorders
may have needs that make traditional talk therapy less conducive for them. Through
therapeutic enactments, drama therapy provides clients with creative manners to express
their feelings, facilitates relationship development, and provides the opportunity to
explore social roles in a safe environment. Attendees can expect live demonstrations,
interactive discussions, and a multi-media presentation.
Children Serve, Too: An Exploration of Lifespan Development in Military Culture
Karena Heyward and Jessica Lloyd-Hazlett, College of William and Mary
The recent and current military engagements bring military families to the forefront of
public and governmental attention. However, little is known about the role of growing up
in a military family on development across the lifespan. This presentation summarizes
findings to date of a mixed methodology study of adult military children, ages 25 and
older, and their perceptions of the influence of military culture on their adult friendships
and romantic relationships.
11:20 a.m. – 11:50 a.m.
Poster Presentations
First Floor Lobby
1. Increasing Cognitive Development Through Reflection and Discrimination Matching: An
Integrative Model for Supervising Practicum Students
Jessica Lloyd-Hazlett: College of William and Mary
2. Holistic Supervision
Kendra Surmitis: College of William and Mary
3. Identifying and Treating Adolescent Substance Use Disorders
Eleni Maria Honderich: College of William and Mary
4. Multicultural Icebreakers
Judith Slowey-Brown: Virginia State Polytechnic and University
5. Learning the Fields on the Path of Career Development
Carly Owens: Virginia Commonwealth University
6. Maximizing Cultural Competency in Supervisees: A Developmental Model for Supervision
Jeff Christensen and Eleni Honderich: College of William and Mary
7. The Pain is My Relief
Brittany Hall, Erica Garrison, and Rosemary Ellis: Radford University
8. The Convergence of Emotional Intelligence, Sexual Trauma, and Neurobiology: A Comprehensive
Literature Review
Chelsea Breiholz and Jacque Voltmer: Liberty University
9. A Phenomenological Pilot Research Study on the Perceptions of Family Role Changes in Older
Immigrant Males
Joy Maweu: Old Dominion University
Noon to 1:00 PM
Luncheon: Hall Campus Center Ballroom
VACES Executive Board Luncheon Meeting
Location: TBA
1:10 - 2:00 p.m.
Presentation
RM 207
Session 3 Presentations
2nd Floor Classrooms
Minimizing Social Contagion in Adolescents Who Self-Injure: Considerations for
Group Work, Residential Settings, and the Internet
Kendra Surmitis, College of William and Mary
Social contagion is a growing concern as the numbers of adolescents engaging in selfinjury increases. Taking into consideration the influence of electronic media, group
environments, and residential treatment, this presentation will offer an overview of social
contagion as one factor motivating self-injury. Potential benefits and pitfalls of treatment
of self-injury in these environments will be reviewed, and approaches to minimize social
contagion will be explored. Dialogue will be encouraged in the consideration of social
factors.
Presentation
RM 208
Manners Matter: An Elementary Guidance Unit on Manners
Holly Guelig and Lindsey Collins, Virginia Commonwealth University
The best place to start teaching basic social skills to students is in elementary school. We
have created a complete four-lesson guidance unit on manners that includes a fictitious
and loveable friend named Manny the Manatee. We will use him to help the students
learn basic manners to have while in the classroom, the lunchroom, and when working
with others. We will introduce the unit and share a lesson with the group.
Presentation
Complementarian Versus Egalitarian Gender Role Identity in Christian Women:
Implications for Marriage and Family Therapy.
Yilin Wang, Lindsey Weck, and Roxy Zook, Regent University
This presentation compares and contrasts two gender role identities common among
Evangelical Christian women: complementarianism and egalitarianism. How these two
identities develop and their implications for marriage and family counseling are also
explored. Participants will gain ideas on assessing and responding to clients who
embrace similar gender identity roles.
RM 209
Presentation
RM 214
Applying to Doctoral Programs: An Insider’s Perspective
Thomas Field, James Madison University
Many master’s level students considering further academic studies are either unfamiliar
with or unprepared for the application process to doctoral programs. This presentation
will review the critical steps in preparing an application, including how to: reflect upon
career goals and preparedness, research programs, plot a timeline, meet with program
faculty, maximize chances of a successful application, prepare for the interview, and
make final decisions.
Presentation
RM 215
Counseling Student Perceptions of Multicultural Pedagogy
Matthew Bonner, Old Dominion University
This study was a phenomenological study of a student’s perceptions of the benefits of
multicultural pedagogy. The study was performed in three parts which concerned the
student’s life history, the phenomenon of multicultural pedagogy in a counseling
program, and reflections about multicultural pedagogy. Several salient themes emerged
and these themes can help counselor educators comprehend the efficacy and
enhancement of multicultural pedagogy.
Presentation
RM 217
The Many Faces of Cohabitation and its Effects on the Counseling Process
Melissa Jones, Regent University
The purpose of this program is to highlight the growing popularity and different types of
cohabitation among couples. The differences and similarities between couples who are
married and cohabitating couples will also be discussed. Cohabitation has become a
pivotal part of the modern day union, and thus it is important for counselors to understand
the best methods for working with cohabitating couples.
Presentation
RM 232
A Dangerous Dance: PTSD’s Effect on the Family
Jennifer Kirsch, College of William and Mary
This presentation will describe the various causes and effects of post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD) on victims and their families. It will detail symptoms of secondary or
“vicarious” traumatic stress disorder in spouses/partners and children and treatment
options available to the family and the individual suffering from PTSD.
2:10 – 3:00 PM
Presentation
RM 207
Session 4 Presentation
2nd Floor Classrooms
The Relationship Between Marital Satisfaction and Attachment Style: Implications
for Counseling
Dae Woon Cho, Liberty University
Marital satisfaction has been used as a measure of romantic attachment. Past studies have
shown that several factors contribute to marital satisfaction. Attachment style is one of
the most dominant factors that predict relationship satisfaction and dissatisfaction. The
study of the relationship between marital satisfaction and attachment style will provide an
understanding of how the marital relationship develops. This research investigates how
the specific attachment styles impact marital satisfaction.
Presentation
RM 208
Attachment and Mindfulness in Psychotherapy
Deeba Khumar, Marymount University
This session will examine the concept and relationship of attachment and mindfulness in
psychotherapy using various research studies to understand its relevance in therapy. The
main focus of the presentation will be on the adult manifestation of their attachment
pattern in therapy. The concept and implications of mindfulness will also be discussed in
relation to attachment in psychotherapy. Finally, the basic principles of attachment
informed psychotherapy will be discussed using a case study.
Presentation
RM 209
Increasing Students’ Confidence and Effectiveness in Substance Abuse Assessment
LaShauna Dean and Cassandra Pusateri, Old Dominion University
Counseling students are reporting a lack of confidence and experience in assessing clients
for substance abuse despite the prevalence of substance use. This presentation is
designed to assist undergraduate/graduate students and counselors gain practical
skills/knowledge in SA assessment and evaluation. It features a review of research
related to SA assessment to extract best practices in substance abuse assessment and
evaluation. A seven-step model of assessment will be presented to assist counselors in
assessing substance use/abuse in clients.
Presentation
RM 214
Presentation
RM 215
Presentation
RM 217
Presentation
RM 232
3:10 – 4:00 p.m.
Presentation
RM 207
Interpersonal Motivation and the Development of Virtue within the Therapeutic
Process
Alexandra Brink, Regent University
Clients who feel that they have created their own goals in therapy feel more involved in
their care and have a stronger motivation to reach their goals and continue the treatment
process even after therapy has ended (Zuroff et al., 2007). Clients who feel
autonomously motivated develop personal virtuous characteristics through the therapeutic
process. There is a lower dropout rate among clients who feel interpersonally motivated
and have a strong working alliance with their counselor.
Teaching Counselors-in-Training to Provide Competent Counseling to BisexualIdentified Clients
Laurie Bonjo, Old Dominion University
Most counselor education programs today offer very little training with regard to
counseling bisexual-identified individuals, yet the numbers of individuals who openly
identify as bisexual are steadily increasing. School counselors, mental health counselors,
career counselors and other helping professionals are progressively more likely to
encounter individuals whose issues and concerns intersect with their bisexuality. This
presentation will help counselor educators understand how to integrate awareness of
bisexual identity development into counselor training around LGBTQQIA issues.
The Invisible Workforce: The Impact of Physically Disabled Parents on Identity
Formation for Late Adolescent Children
Feylyn Lewis, Regent University
The purpose of this presentation is to determine how the identity formation of a late
adolescent child who cares for a physically disabled parent is impacted by this caretaker
role in the family. Audience members will gain an awareness of the potential
developmental setbacks as well as opportunities for support for adults who may have
taken on the caretaker role in adolescence.
Group Supervision in Counselor Education: An Empirically-Based Application of
Group Theory and Practice
Ki Chae, College of William and Mary
How are theories of group work applied in group supervision in counselor education? A
critical review of the literature identifies gaps related to diversity and power dynamics,
the application of group processes into group work, and substantiates a theory-based
model for implementation at university programs. Recommendations for best practices in
clinical group supervision and a model incorporating best practices into a counselor
education program for both master’s and doctoral-level students will be discussed.
Session 5 Presentations
2nd Floor Classrooms
Grief Experiences of an African-American Child after Sudden Death: A
Retrospective Analysis
Douglas Lewis, Lynchburg College
A case study was conducted on a 42-year-old, single, African-American female whose
father was killed suddenly. This research will provide a deeper understanding of the
“sudden death” experience and its effect throughout life and development. Current
literature is sparse; however, it does imply that African-American children experience
Childhood Traumatic Grief (CTG) at higher frequencies. This study will provide
practitioners with a glimpse into how grief manifests itself in African-American children.
Presentation
RM 208
The Correlation Between Emotional Intelligence and Counselor Burnout Rates
Dorel Captari and Laura Faidley, Liberty University
Emotional Intelligence (EI) is gaining more attention in research literature and may have
significant implications in counseling practice. A four-branch model of EI is presented,
including the ability to: 1) perceive emotions in self/others, 2) use emotions to problem
solve, 3) understand emotional meanings, and 4) manage emotions. The influence of EI
on counselor well-being is also explored. Noting high counselor burnout rates, the
presenters will provide a review of the recent literature and discuss the findings of their
empirical study on the EI-burnout relationship.
Presentation
RM 209
Understanding Mental Health and Mental Illness
Faith Williams, Janis Manalang, and Latonia Staten, Argosy University
The presenters will address the understanding of mental health and mental illness. The
topics discussed will be depression, major depression, and schizophrenia. The
presentation is designed to engage participants in a dialogue about mental health and
mental illness. There will also be an opportunity for the audience to raise questions of the
presenters.
Presentation
Compassion Fatigue and Burnout in the Foster Care System: Strategies for
Diagnosis and Treatment
Charles Carrington, Regent University
Get info that will separate you from others in your future job search! Research
demonstrates ‘burnout’ as a primary cause of the increasingly high attrition rate among
foster parents, and agencies are looking for retention methods. Evidence suggests that
training in compassion fatigue and self-care may reduce attrition and burnout in the
human services field. This presentation will offer ideas to help you develop effective
foster parent retention programs.
RM 214
Presentation
RM 215
Presentation
RM 217
Presentation
RM 232
Effects of Sexual Abuse on Females in the Context of Fowler’s Mythic-Literal Stage of
Faith
Elise Peterson, Keri Didway, and Heather Flippin, Regent University
This presentation focuses on how sexual abuse in childhood and early adolescence
impacts the spiritual development of James Fowler’s mythic-literal faith stage. Existing
research on the effects of childhood sexual abuse was synthesized with the various facets
of Fowlers theory. It is hypothesized that sexual trauma impacts the mythic-literal stage
through the stage’s concrete operations, moral reciprocity, limited self-awareness, and
understanding of narratives.
Experiences in Live-Supervision: An Investigation through the Lens of Ego
Development
Jessica Lloyd-Hazlett and Karena Heyward, College of William and Mary
Live-supervision is a cornerstone of many counselor education programs. However,
despite its benefits and widespread use it can elicit a high level of anxiety. The current
presentation explores the relationship between students’ subjective experiences in livesupervision and levels of ego development, as measured by the Washington University
Sentence Completion Test (WUSCT). Implications for supervisory practice and student
training will be discussed.
Supervisory Encounters Between Chinese Supervisees and American Supervisors
Hsin-Ya Tang and Erik Braun, Old Dominion University
China, including Taiwan, remains the largest sending country in the United States, but
Chinese students have received limited attention in counseling research. Attention to
supervision between Chinese supervisees and American supervisors is essential to
training American supervisors who are able to attend to Chinese supervisees’ needs. In
this presentation, we will discuss issues and challenges that may occur in the supervisory
relationships between Chinese supervisees and American supervisors.