Scholars have examined globalization for many years in terms of its impact on individuals, but it remains a concept not often discussed in the counseling literature (Paredes et al., 2008). As counseling transforms from a Western-based practice to a global phenomenon, it is important to understand counseling within an international context. In this article, the ways in which the process of globalization are currently impacting the field of counseling, implications and future research directions are examined.

Currently, most adolescent self injurious behavior research is focused on adolescent White females, indicating that self-injury may be more prevalent among females and those of Caucasian decent (Whitlock, 2010). This session will present data from a current study indicating that perhaps males and other ethnic groups are also engaging in this destructive coping mechanism, perhaps in differing ways (self hitting and/or physically aggressive behaviors resulting in injury) than are being focused on by current conceptual and empirical works.

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Participating in and experiencing a counseling growth group is a process that is required in all CACREP-accredited counseling programs. Existent literature suggests that multiple variables may impact participants’ learning in growth groups, and call into question the effectiveness of such groups. Overall, the majority of the research (Barnette, 1989; Hogg & Deffenbacher, 1988; Yalom & Leszcz, 2005) implies that growth groups have the potential to produce meaningful and positive outcomes; however, there are gaps in the literature that do not address the direct experiences of individuals in growth group (Berman & Zimpfer, 1980; Goodrich, 2008). This article presents research that utilized phenomenological methodology to explore the experiences of 13 counseling maters’ students who participated in a growth group as part of their degree requirements. Data were collected through individual interviews and focus groups. Eight themes emerged from the analysis in regard to group process and setting. Awareness gained by participants relevant to the perceived purpose of the group, as well as qualities of effective groupleadership, was also examined.

Patterns of articles published in The Journal for Specialists in Group Work (JSGW) from 1981–2010 were reviewed in this meta-study. Author (e.g., sex, employment setting, nation of domicile) and article (e.g., topic, design, sample, sample size, participant type, statistical procedures, and sophistication) characteristics were analyzed for trends over time.

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Book Summary: In this versatile new book, practicing school counselors share their favorite group activities 67 of them in all for working with children and adolescents in the schools. For ease of use, activities are arranged by age as well as by stage. Introductory chapters highlight selection, use, and processing of activities, as well as ethical issues inherent in working with students in the schools. Each activity contains specific directions, goals, materials, and suggestions for adaptation. Suggestions for creating a supportive environment for groups are also included.

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Play therapy techniques are expanding out of a need to provide effective, age appropriate and multicultural interventions to children and youth with behavioral, emotional, and environmental concerns. Traditional therapies which require verbalization have had limited application when working with children because of the language development of children (Carmicheal, 2006). School counselors work in a school system serving hundreds of students with limited time and resources to do so. With responsibilities and complex issues mounting, play therapy offers tried and true, concise, easy to use and implement techniques. Come learn about play therapy and basic play therapy skills!

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