A Content Analysis of Problematic Behavior in Counselor Education Programs

Abstract

Counselor education programs are obligated by accreditation standards and professional codes of ethics to identify counselors‐in‐training whose academic, clinical, and personal performance indicate problematic behavior that would potentially prevent them from entering the profession (McAdams, Foster, & Ward, 2007; Rust, Raskin, & Hill, 2013). Despite these obligations, there are no systematic criteria by which to address problematic behavior. This content analysis describes policies used by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs' doctoral counselor education programs that define, assess, and remediate problematic behavior.

Students' Perspectives on Gatekeeping in Counselor Education: A Case Study

“…These findings emphasize the importance of informing counseling students of the terms, definitions, and policies related to gatekeeping. Specifically, problematic behaviors need to be operationally defined in program handbooks so that students can understand what is expected of them prior to beginning a counseling degree (Brown, ). Moreover, specific parameters for problematic behaviors can help students reflect on their own performance and identify peers in need of assistance (Brown, ).…”

“…Specifically, problematic behaviors need to be operationally defined in program handbooks so that students can understand what is expected of them prior to beginning a counseling degree (Brown, ). Moreover, specific parameters for problematic behaviors can help students reflect on their own performance and identify peers in need of assistance (Brown, ). It may be helpful to provide students with a list of expected nonacademic behaviors and dispositions.…”

A Decision‐Making Model for Addressing Problematic Behaviors in Counseling Students

“…Numerous authors have discussed and debated gatekeeping-related terminology in the counseling literature (see Brown, 2013;Elman & Forrest, 2007;Homrich, 2009;Vacha-Haase, Davenport, & Kerewsky, 2004). A review of the literature reveals that there remains a lack of consensus regarding terms.…”

Pedagogy in Counselor Education: A 10‐Year Content Analysis of Journals

“…Blancher, Buboltz Jr., and Soper () conducted a 10‐year content analysis of the Journal of Counseling & Development and compared the results to two previous content analyses. A number of researchers have also conducted content analyses regarding areas of concern within counselor education, including problematic behavior (Brown, ), clinical preparation of school counselors (Akos & Scarborough, ), and crisis preparation (Barrio Minton & Pease‐Carter, ). A review of the literature shows that this method can be particularly useful for illuminating trends in related professions, such as teaching of psychology (Griggs & Collisson, ), school psychology (Little, Akin‐Little, & Lloyd, ), marriage and family therapy (Winston & Piercy, ), and social work (Wike, Bledsoe, Bellamy, & Grady, ).…”