Richard D. Parsons – författare

"This should be a required text for a school counseling degree."—Jill R. Boyd, Counselor and Olweus Bullying Prevention TrainerJohn Bullen Middle School, Kenosha, WI

"The author knows solution-focused counseling inside and out. He describes in excellent detail how to use this technique with multiple problems and multiple ages. The examples are spot on."—Cynthia Knowles, Prevention SpecialistLivonia Central School District, NY

Learn how to emphasize students' strengths to help them resolve problems!

This book helps new and experienced school counselors engage with students using a solution-focused approach that stresses cooperation and highlights positive attributes to facilitate goal achievement.

Thinking and Acting Like a Solution-Focused School Counselor provides the background and expertise needed to establish collaborative student relationships, identify student skills and abilities, and reframe problems into attainable goals. Emphasizing practice and feedback, the author includes actual session transcripts to help new and less-experienced counselors apply concepts directly to their own practice. Benefits of this book include:

A reflective, meaning-making model as a basis for effective school counselingAn introduction to the fundamental principles of solution-focused counselingClinical illustrations of solution identification and implementation strategies In-depth case studies and guided practice exercises

Like the companion books on behavioral, cognitive, and eclectic school counseling, this concise guide offers the knowledge and skills necessary to help troubled students in need of encouragement and hope.

"This should be a required text for a school counseling degree."—Jill R. Boyd, Counselor and Olweus Bullying Prevention TrainerJohn Bullen Middle School, Kenosha, WI

"The author knows solution-focused counseling inside and out. He describes in excellent detail how to use this technique with multiple problems and multiple ages. The examples are spot on."—Cynthia Knowles, Prevention SpecialistLivonia Central School District, NY

Learn how to emphasize students' strengths to help them resolve problems!

This book helps new and experienced school counselors engage with students using a solution-focused approach that stresses cooperation and highlights positive attributes to facilitate goal achievement.

Thinking and Acting Like a Solution-Focused School Counselor provides the background and expertise needed to establish collaborative student relationships, identify student skills and abilities, and reframe problems into attainable goals. Emphasizing practice and feedback, the author includes actual session transcripts to help new and less-experienced counselors apply concepts directly to their own practice. Benefits of this book include:

A reflective, meaning-making model as a basis for effective school counselingAn introduction to the fundamental principles of solution-focused counselingClinical illustrations of solution identification and implementation strategies In-depth case studies and guided practice exercises

Like the companion books on behavioral, cognitive, and eclectic school counseling, this concise guide offers the knowledge and skills necessary to help troubled students in need of encouragement and hope.

"This should become a standard graduate school text for up-and-coming school counselors. The author knows school counseling, school counselors, and what school counselors face on a daily basis. This book helps it all make sense, and makes it even easier to grow as a counselor."—Gloria Avolio DePaul, Elementary School CounselorSchool District of Hillsborough County, Tampa, FL

Blend individual therapeutic approaches into a model that works for you!

The process of behavioral change often transcends any single counseling methodology. However, successfully employing diverse intervention strategies requires a coherent framework and an integrated approach.

Richard D. Parsons presents a transtheoretical, or eclectic, model school counselors can use to evaluate student information, select the most effective interventions from a variety of theories, and coordinate the interventions with sequential steps for behavioral change. Following the format of the companion books on behavioral, cognitive, and solution-focused school counseling, this concise text includes:

A reflective, meaning-making model as a basis for effective school counselingAn introduction to the fundamental principles of eclectic or transtheoretical practiceClinical illustrations of eclectic intervention strategies that promote changeIn-depth case studies and guided practice exercises

Ideal for individual study or for use in group development, this practical guide allows new and less experienced practitioners to grow from "novice" to "expert" through ample opportunities for practice and feedback.

"This should become a standard graduate school text for up-and-coming school counselors. The author knows school counseling, school counselors, and what school counselors face on a daily basis. This book helps it all make sense, and makes it even easier to grow as a counselor."—Gloria Avolio DePaul, Elementary School CounselorSchool District of Hillsborough County, Tampa, FL

Blend individual therapeutic approaches into a model that works for you!

The process of behavioral change often transcends any single counseling methodology. However, successfully employing diverse intervention strategies requires a coherent framework and an integrated approach.

Richard D. Parsons presents a transtheoretical, or eclectic, model school counselors can use to evaluate student information, select the most effective interventions from a variety of theories, and coordinate the interventions with sequential steps for behavioral change. Following the format of the companion books on behavioral, cognitive, and solution-focused school counseling, this concise text includes:

A reflective, meaning-making model as a basis for effective school counselingAn introduction to the fundamental principles of eclectic or transtheoretical practiceClinical illustrations of eclectic intervention strategies that promote changeIn-depth case studies and guided practice exercises

Ideal for individual study or for use in group development, this practical guide allows new and less experienced practitioners to grow from "novice" to "expert" through ample opportunities for practice and feedback.

"The author successfully leads the school counselor through this approach in a manner that makes it easy for the reader to use the model effectively with students."—Diane Smith, School CounselorSmethport Area School District, PA

Help students change negative thinking by employing a cognitive model! How people think affects how they behave. Because of this fundamental connection, cognitive therapy can produce rapid and effective treatment results. In this concise how-to guide, Richard D. Parsons presents theory, analysis, and practical suggestions to support a cognitive counseling framework and shows school counselors how to use that framework when working with students.

This book offers clear strategies for helping new and experienced counselors understand how thoughts connect to feelings and how to discern functional from dysfunctional thinking. To assist readers in developing their skills as cognitive school counselors, the author provides:

A reflective, meaning-making model as a basis for effective school counselingAn introduction to the fundamental principles of cognitive counselingClinical illustrations of intervention strategies targeting dysfunctional cognitionIn-depth, verbatim case studies and guided practice exercises

Like Parsons' companion books on behavioral, solutions-focused, and eclectic counseling, Thinking and Acting Like a Cognitive School Counselor shows how new and even experienced counselors can put different therapies to practical use and move confidently from "knowing" to "doing."

"This is the go-to training manual for those who received minimal behavioral exposure in their counseling program."—Katy Olweiler, CounselorLakeside School, Seattle, WA

"After reading this book, I found myself thinking more behaviorally with my interactions with students. I plan to refer back to this book for ideas for fine-tuning some of what I do."—Cynthia Knowles, Prevention SpecialistLivonia Central School District, NY

How counselors can improve intervention outcomes by employing a behavioral model!

With a focus on observing and analyzing student actions, behavioral counseling has proven to be effective in treating a wide range of student problems.

Thinking and Acting Like a Behavioral School Counselor explains the core constructs of behavioral counseling and provides extensive illustrative material to help new and experienced school counselors translate theory into practice. Emphasizing skill development, Richard D. Parsons offers clear guidance to processing student data, developing case conceptualizations, and implementing treatment plans. This concise text includes:

A reflective, meaning-making model as a basis for effective school counselingAn introduction to the fundamentals of behavioral analysisClinical illustrations of intervention strategies targeting behavior modificationIn-depth case studies and guided practice exercises

Like the companion books on cognitive, eclectic, and solution-focused counseling, this exceptional resource transcends basic theory to help school counselors not only think like an expert, but act like one as well.

"This is the go-to training manual for those who received minimal behavioral exposure in their counseling program."—Katy Olweiler, CounselorLakeside School, Seattle, WA

"After reading this book, I found myself thinking more behaviorally with my interactions with students. I plan to refer back to this book for ideas for fine-tuning some of what I do."—Cynthia Knowles, Prevention SpecialistLivonia Central School District, NY

How counselors can improve intervention outcomes by employing a behavioral model!

With a focus on observing and analyzing student actions, behavioral counseling has proven to be effective in treating a wide range of student problems.

Thinking and Acting Like a Behavioral School Counselor explains the core constructs of behavioral counseling and provides extensive illustrative material to help new and experienced school counselors translate theory into practice. Emphasizing skill development, Richard D. Parsons offers clear guidance to processing student data, developing case conceptualizations, and implementing treatment plans. This concise text includes:

A reflective, meaning-making model as a basis for effective school counselingAn introduction to the fundamentals of behavioral analysisClinical illustrations of intervention strategies targeting behavior modificationIn-depth case studies and guided practice exercises

Like the companion books on cognitive, eclectic, and solution-focused counseling, this exceptional resource transcends basic theory to help school counselors not only think like an expert, but act like one as well.

Organized around the latest CACREP standards, Counseling Theory: Guiding Reflective Practice, by Richard D. Parsons and Naijian Zhang, presents theory as an essential component to both counselor identity formation and professional practice. Drawing on the contributions of current practitioners, the text uses both classical and cutting-edge theoretical models of change as lenses for processing client information and developing case conceptualizations and intervention plans. Each chapter provides a snapshot of a particular theory/approach and the major thinkers associated with each theory as well as case illustrations and guided practice exercises to help readers internalize the content presented and apply it to their own development as counselors.

A blueprint for doing clinical work in field experience, this practical book aids students in developing their professional identity on their journey toward becoming a counselor. Authors Naijian Zhang and Richard D. Parsons help students integrate the knowledge they learn across the curriculum by presenting a roadmap of how to start, navigate, and finish a practicum or internship. Throughout the book, coverage of CACREP standards, case illustrations, exercises, and real-life examples create an accessible overview of the entire transitioning process.

Field Experience is part of the SAGE Counseling and Professional Identity Series, which targets specific competencies identified by CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs).

The Counselor as Practitioner-Researcher: A Practical Guide to Research Methods is designed to help readers integrate a researcher's perspective and research methodology into their professional practice. Approaching practice as a practitioner-researcher not only facilitates the gathering of data and the drawing of useful conclusions, but also results in more ethical and effective practice decisions.Section I provides readers with an overview of the need and value of research in support of the counseling profession and as a basis for sound and successful practice decisions. In Section II, the fundamentals of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed designs are reviewed. Section III highlights specific designs and their value to the counselor as practitioner-researcher, including between group, within subject, action research, and case study designs. The text concludes with an extensive case illustration of counselor research and the steps necessary to developing a specific research plan.The Counselor as Practitioner-Researcher assists those in training and those in practice to not only become informed consumers of research, but also "doers" of research as it guides their practice decisions, affords measures of accountability, and supports program evaluation.

Intervention and Prevention Strategies That Work: Empirically Supported Approaches to Multitiered School Counseling Services assists current and future counselors in the selection and employment of effective intervention and prevention strategies. The text features a collection of compelling and enlightening studies, which serve to provide readers with a sound basis for the design and application of evidence-based solutions.The interventions highlighted throughout the text are supported by methodologically and statistically proven research that ranges from randomized, controlled studies to single-subject case studies and clinical illustrations. Section I provides an overview of the need and value of evidence-based practice in a multitiered approach to school counseling. Sections II and III introduce techniques and strategies that have proven effective when working with students facing challenges related to academic success and social development, including motivational deficits, distractibility, bullying, prejudice, unhealthy peer relationships, and more. The final section discusses proven approaches for working with students who experience anxiety, stress, identity issues, grief, and suicidal ideation.Highly practical and relevant in nature, Intervention and Prevention Strategies That Work is an exemplary resource for practicing and future school counselors.

Introduction to School Counseling: Becoming a Leader, Advocate, and Change Agent introduces readers to the evolution of the role and function of the school counselor and their emergence as leaders, advocates, and collaborators in the provision of quality and equitable education for all students. The primary goal of the text is to provide readers with not only information but inspiration in service of their developing professional identity as a school counselor. Each chapter opens with a reflection from a school counselor, which provides readers with valuable insight into the lived experience of the school counselor. The chapters also employ case illustrations and guided exercises to foster greater understanding of the profession. Dedicated chapters explore the unique dynamic and breadth of the role of the school counselor, how to advocate for systemic change within school environments, ethical standards and behavior, and multi-tiered systems of support. Readers learn how to assist those with educational challenges, address threats to socioemotional development, connect with parents and caregivers, and better understand the nuances and requirements for serving in elementary, middle, and high school environments. Introduction to School Counseling is an inspiring and informative resource for foundational courses in school counseling.

Are you ready to log on and learn in the online classroom? You may have comfortable clothes and a snack prepared, but have you created a plan for how you'll participate, considered how you'll troubleshoot potential technical issues, and thought through other challenges and opportunities?A Student's Guide to Surviving & Thriving in Online Classes provides you with practical, research-based suggestions to prepare you for success in online educational experiences. With this guide, you'll reframe your concept of the "classroom" and reflect on your personal learning style in relation to online learning. You'll learn how to adapt critical study habits and learning skills, including self-regulation, personal motivation, goal setting, and time and task management, to virtual settings.A timely and vital resource, this guide will help you develop the mindset and skillsets required for you to thrive in your online courses.A Student's Guide to Surviving & Thriving in Online Classes is part of the Cognella Series on Student Success, a collection of books designed to help students develop the essential life and learning skills needed to support a happy, healthy, and productive higher education experience.

As the need for mental health services increases dramatically, the need for competent, effective counselors has risen in tandem. Clinical Mental Health Counseling: An Introduction to the Profession and Practice provides future counselors with a clear, focused orientation to the field. The text helps readers understand the evolution of the role of the mental health counselor and the value served by those within the profession.The book's primary focus is on fostering the development of the reader's professional identity as a clinical mental health counselor. Section I of the text reviews the history and foundation of the profession and highlights the factors that make mental health counseling unique among mental health professionals. In Section II, readers are introduced to the theories and models that guide mental health counselors' practice in case conceptualization and treatment formulation. Section III examines the various roles, settings, and populations served by clinical mental health counselors. The final section discusses those elements that come together to make clinical mental health counseling a profession.Clinical Mental Health Counseling is designed to align with contemporary CACREP competency standards and features coverage of best practices, current laws and regulations, and the impact of technology on practice delivery. The book is ideal for foundational courses in clinical mental health counseling.

For those in the mental health professions, understanding the nature and dynamics of groups goes well beyond simple curiosity. Groups provide a platform, a medium, and a mode for facilitating growth and development and alleviating and resolving life problems.Understanding and Facilitating Group Process provides readers with the foundational skills they need to competently and confidently engage in and lead group work. The material reflects the knowledge identified as fundamental to professional practice according to 2016 CACREP standards.The content and exercises within the text provide readers with an understanding of the theoretical foundations of group work; the dynamics of group process and development; therapeutic factors; and the characteristics of effective group leaders. Readers learn about types of groups and other considerations that affect conducting groups in various settings. Finally, the text presents ethical and culturally relevant strategies for designing and facilitating a group. Throughout, learning exercises clarify concepts and engage the reader, and Takeaway for Counselors features provide readers with reflections to guide professional practice.Illuminating and essential, Understanding and Facilitating Group Process is an ideal textbook for courses and programs in mental health counseling.

Our ability to take time out to simply look inside and begin to increase our awareness and familiarity with our strengths and resources is a gift and an essential step to becoming more self-reliant.In Connecting with the Expert Within: Re-Awakening to Your Strength and Competence, author and practicing counselor Richard D. Parsons guides you on a personal journey of self-exploration and reflection to help you uncover the able and capable individual at your core. You'll be challenged to reflect upon times in the past when you've employed your resources, talents, and personal strengths to thrive—and how you can leverage those experiences and strengths to face new challenges, tasks, and goals. You'll learn how to position yourself for positive growth, build your self-confidence and self-efficacy, and transform your visions into attainable goals. The book includes a number of exercises that will help you tap into your inner expert and make life-changing discoveries.Connecting with the Expert Within is a self-affirming and inspirational book that teaches you how to apply key concepts of positive psychology, resilience, and personal growth to help you achieve your goals and experience a happier, more fulfilled life.

A human being's development is a complex, multidimensional process, one open to variations and variances. For professional counselors to effectively serve those in need or provide preventative programs fostering the development of wellness, understanding the intricate nature of human development and the factors that impact that development is vital.Facilitating Growth Through Lifespan Development provides readers with a unique and illuminating review of theories and research that describe and explain the lifespan, including its normative tasks and progressions, and the challenges and roadblocks that can be encountered. Readers gain a deeper understanding of the interplay between one's biological foundations and the physical-social-psychological environments in which an individual's development plays out.The book is organized alongside stages of development, transitioning from conception to death. Each chapter presents theory and research depicting the unique neurological and cognitive changes experienced during a particular stage of development; normative changes in emotional and social development; and conditions that reflect development "outside of the norm" and invite mental health intervention and prevention efforts. Throughout, cases and self-directed exercises foster greater levels of reader engagement and practical application.Featuring a novel approach to the subject, Facilitating Growth Through Lifespan Development is an ideal textbook for courses and programs in mental health counseling and human development.

Assessment in Counseling: Guiding Practice and Decision Making considers the real-world use of assessment by counselors and other helping professionals. The book underscores the importance of collecting data to understand a client's history, current circumstances, and future goals; provide a clinical diagnosis; develop goals and objectives for treatment; and determine the appropriate time to terminate treatment.Section I introduces the assessment process, lists the characteristics of "good" assessments, reviews various instruments and approaches to assessment, and discusses the use of the DSM as an assessment tool. Section II describes the use of assessments across different functional areas in the counseling profession, including school-based assessment, assessment in hospitalization settings, in addictions work, in times of crisis and trauma, in forensic settings, and more. The final section discusses additional considerations, including working in interdisciplinary teams and reading and writing evaluation reports. Each chapter features an introduction, learning objectives, exercises and case illustrations, and a closing exercise to bring the chapter's material together. Highly practical and realistic, Assessment in Counseling is an excellent resource for courses and programs in counseling, as well as practicing helping professionals.

Brief therapy is a unique and effective approach to mental health service delivery. Brief Psychotherapy: Time-Limited and Effective Treatments offers readers insight into the assumptions and operating principles that are at the core of all brief therapies. The book reviews contemporary and time-limited models of psychotherapy and also provides clinical illustrations of each theory.Part I provides readers with an overview of brief therapy. The chapters describe brief therapy's unique perspective and focus for mental health service, the social and cultural forces that have contributed to its emergence, its key values and principles, and various factors that may impact the suitability of brief therapy for individual clients.Part II focuses on various theories and their applications with chapters that cover solution-focused brief therapy, time-limited dynamic psychotherapy, brief cognitive behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, emotion-focused therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, and single-session therapy. Each chapter describes the individual theory's history and significant contributors; unique perspective; assumptions and guiding principles; principles in action; supportive research; and its suitability and effectiveness. Throughout, engaging case studies and activities bridge theory and practice and enrich the student learning experience.Designed to provide students and practitioners with an effective introduction to emerging mental health treatment and provisions, Brief Psychotherapy is an ideal resource for mental health training programs and practitioners at all levels.

Preparing for Your Licensing Exam: NCE and NCMHCE well prepares future counselors to sit for their National Counselors Examination and National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination. The book not only helps readers cultivate physical and mental states optimal for testing, it also reviews core concepts and competencies that are likely to appear on the exams.The opening chapter provides readers with a set of strategies and techniques to help them review all they have learned and also facilitate the ability to retrieve that information during testing. The following chapters address key topics within the profession, including professional orientation and ethics, lifespan development, social and cultural diversity, career development theory and practice, theories and techniques, group work and group counseling, assessment, research and program evaluation, and professional development, identity, and supervision. Each chapter features an introduction that identifies competencies assigned by CACREP, NBCC, and NCMHCE and related to the specific content area; descriptions of key theories, concepts, and constructs; sample test questions for self-assessment; and additional resources for further review. All chapters and testing materials included in this text have been prepared by university faculty who specialize in the topics covered in their chapter.Preparing for Your Licensing Exam is an essential resource for any future counselor preparing to take the NCE or NCMHCE.