<p> This is a study concerning the perception of consultation among school counselors, teachers, and mental health professional counselors (MHPCs) working collaboratively in the public school setting for the benefit of the academic and behavioral success of students. Although there are many consultation models and theoretical views (Brigman, Mullis, Webb, &amp; White, 2005; Caplan, Caplan, &amp; Erchul, 1995; Erchul &amp; Conoley, 1991; Erford, 2011; Kampwirth, 2006), this study utilized the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) framework for consultation in schools. </p><p> Although MHPCs are not considered school counselors by definition, and they are not compensated by school districts, they still serve as consultants with school counselors and teachers for the purpose of student success. This study explored the perception held by school counselors, teachers, and MHPCs regarding consultation conducted in the public schools. It also examined the perception of how the consultation process between these three professional groups affects students&rsquo; behavioral and academic success. This study utilized a qualitative design which used grounded theory methods of data analysis, collecting and analyzing data from interviews of school counselors, teachers, and MHPCs as they collaborate in the public schools. The participants included the MHPCs from one Midwestern agency and school counselors and teachers with whom the selected MHPCs had opportunity to interact in consultation in elementary and secondary schools.</p>

<p> Structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine the factors that relate to school counselors&rsquo; knowledge and skills of multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS). A sample of 4,066 practicing school counselors who are members of the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) participated in an online survey and were included in the final analysis. Results of the structural model indicated that time spent on ASCA aligned activities was directly related to school counselors knowledge and skills of MTSS. In addition, time spent on ASCA aligned activities mediated the relationship between school setting, school level, MTSS training, challenges to obtaining knowledge and skills of MTSS, and knowledge and skills of MTSS. Rural school setting, secondary school level, MTSS training, and challenges related to training, administrative support, time, and staff buy-in were directly related to time spent on ASCA aligned activities and indirectly related to school counselors knowledge and skills of MTSS. Implications for school counselor training programs, counselor educators, school counselor leaders and practicing school counselors are also provided.</p>

<p> This thesis proposed an Adlerian therapy group with a focus on integrating art, play, trauma-, and attachment-informed practices to treat children who are experiencing the effects of intergenerational trauma. Summaries of the research documented various mechanisms of trauma transmission from parents to children, as well as the consequences for the children, including a decrease in executive and behavioral functioning and less academic success. The review of the literature supported multilevel, school-wide, trauma-informed interventions that provide information and support to administrators, teachers, staff, and parents, and direct services to the children. These services include the proposed Adlerian therapy group designed to support school-aged children suffering from the effects of trauma. The purpose of the group is to foster self-worth, to improve mental health, and to enhance better academic and social functioning. This paper also recommended future research to assess the effectiveness of the approach and of school-based trauma-informed programs, in general. </p><p>

<p> This study compares developmental assets, restorative practices, and conflict resolution to determine how each of these approaches to working with students relates to various elements of school counseling and the four major components of school counseling programs contained in The American School Counseling Association&rsquo;s National Model. Existing literature on Developmental Assets, Restorative Practices, and Conflict Resolution was reviewed to examine the logistics of each of the models as well as to explore the benefits and limitations of using these processes to improve student outcomes within the realms of academic, personal, and social development. This thesis provides a platform for explaining how various strategies used within Developmental Assets, Restorative Practices, and Conflict Resolution can enable school guidance counselors to utilize evidenced-based practices in their school counseling programs to better serve the schools and the students with whom they work. </p>

<p> Holistic methods have increased in popularity in the American culture. Interventions such as yoga, aromatherapy, mindfulness and walking therapy have been shown to be beneficial for the treatment of both physical and mental illnesses. However, little research exists regarding the use of holistic interventions in the field of counseling. This phenomenological study explores the experience of counselors who integrate holistic interventions into their practice and seeks to determine the essence of their development of self-efficacy. Co-researchers in this study included eight holistic counselors from rural, suburban and urban areas across the United States. Through semi-structured interviews, the co-researchers revealed the significance of personal experience with holistic methods, the influence of client feedback and the experience of formal and informal training on their development of self-efficacy. The findings of this study prompted recommendations for counselors who desire to integrate holistic methods and for the field of counselor education, including increased training and areas for future research.</p><p>

<p> This master&rsquo;s thesis proposed an integrative group counseling intervention utilizing trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), attachment theory, and mindfulness for youth who have experienced Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). The proposed group is intended as a Tier 2 support in a trauma-informed multi-tiered system of supports on a school campus; however, the group can be offered in mental health treatment settings. Synopses of the research described the symptomology of trauma, detailing the adverse consequences for youth who have experienced trauma, including the neurobiological impairments, mental health challenges, social limitations, maladaptive behavioral outcomes, harmful academic impact, and negative health outcomes. The literature review substantiated the probable benefits of the use each component of this integrative group counseling intervention to support youth with post-trauma difficulties. The integrative intervention is designed to reduce trauma symptomology, improve attachment patterns, and increase mindfulness in youth who have ACEs. Limitations, implications and recommended future research are discussed.</p><p>