Mandated Disciplinary Counseling: Working Effectively With Challenging Clients

Abstract

Mandated disciplinary counseling has been a long-established practice for many college and university counseling centers. Although the practice is well established, practitioners continue to raise questions about its appropriateness and effectiveness. Student dynamics and other issues influencing the efficacy of mandated counseling are explored. Counseling readiness interventions are recommended to mitigate the types of reactance issues that can be barriers to effective counseling outcomes.

The Perceived Value of Counselor Preparation for Student Affairs Professionals

“…Student affairs professionals work to extinguish unhealthy behaviors while retaining students at the university, and to facilitate student development (Wilson, 1996). Kiracofe and Buller (2009) suggested the importance of using counseling skills during mandated discipline. Training in counseling theories, human development, mediation, group facilitation may help student conduct representatives assess levels of development, adjust interventions, encourage behavioral change, and deescalate high emotional situation with students and parents.…”

Counselling Aboriginal peoples: A thematic study of counselling experiences.

“…Within this study, there were two participants who were mandated to attend counselling, either through probation or the Ministry o f Children and Families. Similar to the contradictory reports by participants o f whether mandated counselling is beneficial or not, studies also demonstrate contradictory results (Kiracofe & Buller, 2009;Snyder & Anderson, 2009;Vairo, 2010). For example, Travis stated he attended counselling through the Ministry and found it to be beneficial as he dealt with his anger and finished school.…”

“…On the other hand, Al was mandated to attend counselling through probation and he admitted he did not put the effort into the process. Studies also reflect this finding (Kiracofe & Buller, 2009;Snyder & Anderson, 2009). Researchers demonstrate that mandated counselling can increase compliance with court ordered programming, reduce reoffending, and assist at-risk students (Kiracofe & Buller, 2009;McMurran, 2007;Snyder & Anderson, 2009).…”

“…Studies also reflect this finding (Kiracofe & Buller, 2009;Snyder & Anderson, 2009). Researchers demonstrate that mandated counselling can increase compliance with court ordered programming, reduce reoffending, and assist at-risk students (Kiracofe & Buller, 2009;McMurran, 2007;Snyder & Anderson, 2009). On the other hand, studies have demonstrated that mandated treatment is not effective because in order for a person to be successful, he or she needs to enter treatment voluntarily, which mandated programming does not allow (Kiracofe & Buller, 2009;Tutty, Babins-Wagner & Rothery, 2009).…”

“…Researchers demonstrate that mandated counselling can increase compliance with court ordered programming, reduce reoffending, and assist at-risk students (Kiracofe & Buller, 2009;McMurran, 2007;Snyder & Anderson, 2009). On the other hand, studies have demonstrated that mandated treatment is not effective because in order for a person to be successful, he or she needs to enter treatment voluntarily, which mandated programming does not allow (Kiracofe & Buller, 2009;Tutty, Babins-Wagner & Rothery, 2009). In addition, success is in the eye of the beholder as those mandated to treatment are viewed less favourably than those who enter voluntarily, which can affect the outcome as well (Vairo, 2010).…”