NBCC Visions is our official newsletter. It is published electronically every month and delivered to all NCCs via email.
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Published: 10/23/2024
Teen dating violence (TDV) can influence a teen’s emotional well-being and how they perceive themselves and the entire world. To help ease TDV’s long-term mental health effects, Bhavika Parmar, MA, NCC, LPC, emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive environment for teens to discuss their experiences and advocating for community awareness.
Read Full Article »Published: 10/23/2024
Amy Duffy, PhD, NCC, LPC, LCMHCS, CCTP, offers her expert insights for working with children who have witnessed domestic violence. She emphasizes the importance of building trust, creating a safe space for healing, and not rushing the process.
Read Full Article »Published: 10/23/2024
When a client is in imminent physical danger, there is not time to gather resources or even think through the best avenue for relief. This is where a safety plan comes in so important. Dr. Jennifer Toof shares guidance for creating a safety plan with a client facing violence.
Read Full Article »Published: 10/23/2024
Each year on Oct. 10, World Mental Health Day is observed to raise awareness of mental health i s sues and advocate for improved access to care. This year’s theme is “It’s Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace.” The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) stands firmly in ...
Read Full Article »Published: 10/23/2024
Counselors are invited to participate in NBCC’s job analysis focus groups for the NCE and NCMHCE. Sign up for an in-person or virtual focus group to help ensure the examinations are current and effective to guarantee future counselors are qualified to safely practice.
Read Full Article »Published: 9/30/2024
Khary Blackmon, MS, NCC, LPC, a school counselor and private practice owner, provides his expertise on how collaboration with caretakers and consideration for cultural backgrounds can help combat the rise in suicide among younger populations.
Read Full Article »Published: 9/30/2024
Amanda C. La Guardia, PhD, NCC, LPCC-S, discusses nonsuicidal self-injury, its assessment and treatment, the importance of distinguishing it from suicidal ideation, and other helpful information for counselors.
Read Full Article »Published: 9/30/2024
NBCC welcomes Brian D. Banks as Chief Government Affairs Officer and inaugural Executive Director of the Policy Advocacy and Research in Counseling Center (PARC). Banks has big plans for this new initiative and is excited to bring his considerable experience to NBCC.
Read Full Article »Published: 9/30/2024
Suicide survivors are often thought of as close friends and family, but the loss of a life touches many others. We spoke with Dr. Alexander Becnel about the effects of losing a coworker to suicide and how colleagues can cope with the loss.
Read Full Article »Published: 9/30/2024
NBCC celebrates three individuals who are advancing the counseling profession and equity in mental health. Their work includes advocating for the Counseling Compact, translating the National Counselor Examination into Spanish, and making counselor education accessible.
Read Full Article »Published: 9/30/2024
Registration is open for the Mental Health Connections global virtual conference. Find out what NBCC Global Capacity Building staff have to say about the event and the meaning behind this year’s theme, Fostering Community, Propelling Peace.
Read Full Article »Published: 9/30/2024
Members of NBCC’s Communications Department and the editorial staff of The Professional Counselor (TPC), NBCC’s peer-reviewed journal, recently received five 2024 APEX Awards for Publication Excellence.
Read Full Article »Published: 9/30/2024
Recognize your colleagues, mentors, and counselor educators who are making a difference in the counseling profession. Nominations are now open for the 2025 NBCC Awards.
Read Full Article »Published: 8/21/2024
We are proud to honor Dr. Christian Chan and Dr. Meredith Rausch with the Servant Leadership Award, recognizing their exceptional dedication to advancing the counseling profession and mentoring counselors-in-training. This prestigious award celebrates their impactful contributions and commitment to service.
Read Full Article »Published: 8/21/2024
Clare Merlin-Knoblich, PhD, NCC, discusses the importance of incorporating social justice into counselor supervision and ways that educators can help counselors-in-training become more effective and self-aware.
Read Full Article »Published: 8/21/2024
The Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities (SAIGE) advocates for LGBTGEQIAP+ counselors and clients and seeks to dismantle barriers to counseling and resources by building a more inclusive counseling profession. Public Policy Committee Chair Gene Dockery recently spoke with Visions correspondents about SAIGE’s work.
Read Full Article »Published: 8/21/2024
Rachel Coleman, MS, EdS, NCC, LCMHCA, Director of Career Development and Education at Duke University and owner of Dreaming Tree Counseling, PLLC, shares how her passion for both student success and counseling intersected to create a career in student affairs counseling.
Read Full Article »Published: 8/21/2024
A job analysis serves as the essential intersection between the behaviors, tasks, and responsibilities of counselors in the field and the assessment of knowledge necessary for safe and effective practice. Counselors are invited to take part in phase one of NBCC’s job analysis for the NCE and NCMHCE by attending a job analysis focus group. Sign up for a focus group and help shape the development of the foundational assessments for national certification and licensure for professional counselors.
Read Full Article »Published: 8/21/2024
Shengli Dong, PhD, shares his thoughts about what it means to be mindful and how supervisors and counselors-in-training can benefit from remaining nonjudgmental, aware, and present in their work.
Read Full Article »Published: 8/21/2024
The Professional Counselor (TPC) Dissertation Excellence Awards recognize original research that significantly contributes to the counseling profession. In this 11th year of the award program, TPC conferred two Dissertation Excellence Awards, one for qualitative research and one for quantitative research.
Read Full Article »Published: 8/21/2024
CM&F has been protecting health care professionals since 1919 with comprehensive, affordable liability insurance. Learn more about how counselors, counseling students, and supervisors can benefit from CM&F’s expertise and programs and receive discounted rates on outstanding liability insurance.
Read Full Article »Published: 8/21/2024
NBCC’s peer-reviewed journal The Professional Counselor (TPC) provides an exceptionally collaborative review process for new and established authors. Find out how TPC can help your research reach the widest audience possible to transform counseling and impact the scholarly discourse while ensuring you have a positive and engaging publishing experience.
Read Full Article »Published: 7/24/2024
The NBCC Leadership Excellence for Counselors by Counselors Award recognizes leaders whose contributions to the counseling profession have made a tremendous impact on counselors and the populations they serve. From spending years advocating for Medicare reimbursement to training more leaders, read about what the 2024 award recipients have accomplished in their careers.
Read Full Article »Published: 7/24/2024
Jacob Ulczynski, NCC, CHP, LPC, and his team work to help individuals with disabilities live their best lives. He discusses his thoughts on counselors becoming Medicare providers and other considerations for counselors.
Read Full Article »Published: 7/24/2024
Over 38,000 professional counselors have opted in as Medicare providers since enrollment opened at the beginning of the year.
Read Full Article »Published: 7/24/2024
Counselors are invited to participate in focus groups to provide input for the counselor job analysis and succeeding content for the National Counselor Examination (NCE) and the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).
Read Full Article »Published: 7/24/2024
NBCC recently partnered with the African Southern Union Southern Africa Regional Office (AU-SARO) to train school workers in Malawi and Zambia to become Mental Health Facilitators.
Read Full Article »Published: 7/24/2024
The Counseling Compact now includes 37 states! This update answers the most common questions about when and how counselors will be able to practice between compact states.
Read Full Article »Published: 7/24/2024
Counselors have the ability to advocate for the needs impacting the profession. NBCC’s Government Affairs Department offers different opportunities so you can play a role in this important work. Whether you’re passionate about supporting initiatives at the state, federal, or global levels, there’s a space for you to champion counselors ...
Read Full Article »Published: 7/24/2024
Learn more about efforts by policymakers and proposed legislation that would extend Medicare coverage for pandemic-era telehealth policies through 2026.
Read Full Article »Published: 7/24/2024
NBCC recently participated in efforts to promote mental health before members of Congress as part of Hill Day 2024 in Washington, D.C.
Read Full Article »Published: 7/24/2024
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released the 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule, which determines payment for services to health care and mental health providers.
Read Full Article »Published: 6/26/2024
Through her personal experiences with cerebral palsy and her professional expertise in counseling, Ellie Potts, MS, NCC, CRC, shares her insights on how counselors can advocate for equitable access in educational settings for those with disabilities.
Read Full Article »Published: 6/26/2024
Ableist microaggressions are an important aspect of cultural experience for people with disabilities, yet they are often overlooked by the counseling profession. We spoke with counselor educators and researchers Jennifer Cook, Melissa Deroche, and Lee Za Ong about their research into this subject and its relevance for counselors.
Read Full Article »Published: 6/26/2024
Uncover the inspiring stories behind the NBCC Innovations Awards, honoring those who are transforming the counseling profession through cutting-edge research, dynamic community partnerships, and original clinical practices. Learn how these trailblazers are addressing mental health needs and fostering a more inclusive counseling environment.
Read Full Article »Published: 6/26/2024
In the latest installment of NBCC's Counseling Confab, National Certified Counselor and Dance Movement Therapist Kim Rothwell shares about her experience utilizing movement as an aid for patients with Alzheimer’s to manage stress, process emotions, and enhance well-being.
Read Full Article »Published: 6/26/2024
The National Board for Certified Counselors and Affiliates is addressing bias and diversity in examinations through their Examination Sensitivity and Bias Review Committee. Through the committee, NBCC’s examinations are assessed to ensure they are representative of diverse populations and provide equal opportunities for counselors-in-training throughout the country.
Read Full Article »Published: 6/26/2024
The American Rehabilitation Counseling Association (ARCA) strives to promote the best practices for working with disabled clients. Its Disability-Related Counseling Competencies are an informative resource to help counselors understand the special considerations for working with this population.
Read Full Article »Published: 6/26/2024
Over 7 million individuals under 65 with disabilities are covered by Medicare, and counselors are poised to provide mental health care to those in need. We’ve compiled some resources to help you learn more about this population.
Read Full Article »Published: 5/22/2024
As the daughter of a former Army paratrooper and recruiter, Tia Porterfield, EdD, NCC, BExSc, MFLC, LCMHC, learned about the challenges faced by service members, veterans, and their families. Today, her passion is helping military-connected clients navigate the unique stressors that can be part of the experience.
Read Full Article »Published: 5/22/2024
Military, veterans, and their families face high suicide rates. To better help this population, counselors should be aware of cultural risk factors and other concerns. Dr. Rebekah Cole shares information about suicide and contributing factors in military-connected communities to help counselors be prepared to serve this population.
Read Full Article »Published: 5/22/2024
Through his personal and professional experiences, Tim Spalla, MA, LPCC, a former Army Ranger who completed multiple combat deployments to Iraq and is also a past member of the U.S. Special Operations Command, enlightens us on the numerous ways counselors can serve military-connected populations and how to get started.
Read Full Article »Published: 5/22/2024
Have you ever wondered how decisions are made at your state Licensure Board? This series of articles by guest writer Brian Carnaham provide a window into the processes and perspective of state's regulatory structure.
Read Full Article »Published: 5/22/2024
The NBCC Propelling Mental Health, Powering the Future: School Counseling Award was awarded to Denise Hawkins for her impactful work supporting students' mental health and promoting equity in education. Her recognition underscores the vital role of school counselors in addressing mental health and fostering academic success.
Read Full Article »Published: 5/22/2024
As a school-based military and family life counselor in South Carolina, Kate Owen, NCC, LPC, helps students from military families to cope with the unique challenges they face. Read more about her work and what she’s learned from her experiences.
Read Full Article »Published: 5/22/2024
NBCC offers a wealth of resources to support counselors and counselors-in-training. Last month, NBCC staff members had the opportunity to attend the American Counseling Association’s 2024 Conference & Expo. NBCC staff spoke to counselor educators, counselors, and counselors-in-training about various available resources and how NBCC can support their practice.
Read Full Article »Published: 4/29/2024
AI technology promises many uses in the mental health field but also poses new ethical risks. We spoke with NBCC Director of Ethics Dr. Brenden Hargett and counselor educator Dr. Jeffrey Parsons about how counselors can ethically implement the right AI applications in their practice.
Read Full Article »Published: 4/29/2024
NBCC had the opportunity to recognize and celebrate the winners of the first ever NBCC Counseling Awards. These individuals have prioritized the needs of others, demonstrated innovation in the counseling profession, and worked to expand access to mental health resources.
Read Full Article »Published: 4/29/2024
Zori Paul, PhD, NCC, LPC, enlightens us on the growth of artificial intelligence in counseling and how to best utilize it for success with clients.
Read Full Article »Published: 4/29/2024
NBCC’s new Code of Ethics Self-Assessment, set to launch in May 2024, will help ensure counseling students, professionals, and faculty fully understand and adhere to our Code of Ethics.
Read Full Article »Published: 4/29/2024
With our shared mission of providing a resource for professional counselor identity and practice, NBCC, ACES, and CSI are excited to offer this opportunity to our students, counselors, and supervisors.
Read Full Article »Published: 4/29/2024
Over two webinars, Drs. Erin Emery-Tiburcio and Matthew Fullen educated attendees about fundamental principles and advanced applications in mental health treatment for older adults.
Read Full Article »Published: 3/20/2024
Aiesha Lee, PhD, NCC, LPC, discusses the long-term effects of trauma on mental health and important considerations regarding trauma-informed counseling.
Read Full Article »Published: 3/20/2024
We recently spoke with Cheryl Step, MS, NCC, NCSC, LPC, a trauma-informed care training and consultant professional, on her insights, experiences, and successes utilizing early screening tools.
Read Full Article »Published: 3/20/2024
Individuals seeking asylum in the United States because of their LGBTQ+ identity are likely to bear multiple traumatic experiences. Based on his published research, Dr. Mina Attia shares important considerations for counselors working with this population.
Read Full Article »Published: 3/20/2024
NBCC is accepting applications for the Examination Sensitivity and Bias Review (ESBR) Committee. Members meet semiregularly to ensure that examinations are fair, representative, and as free of bias as possible.
Read Full Article »Published: 3/20/2024
This year’s Symposium was held in Washington, D.C., with the chosen theme of Empowering Voices and Expanding Access.
Read Full Article »Published: 3/20/2024
The Counseling Foundations virtual career fair brings together counselors and employers from across the country to connect and discuss career growth. Registration is free for job seekers, and multiple packages are available for employers.
Read Full Article »Published: 3/20/2024
NBCC and the Medicare Mental Health Workforce Coalition are offering two informative sessions today and tomorrow on addressing the mental health needs of older adults. Both webinars are being held in collaboration with the E4 Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Disparities in Aging.
Read Full Article »Published: 2/21/2024
Taneka Fuller, NCC, NCSC, LPC-S, and Susan Jones, MA, NCC, LPC, share their insights and experiences introducing and utilizing creative therapies in their work as school counselors.
Read Full Article »Published: 2/21/2024
Robyn Spodek-Schindler, NCC, LPC, LPAT, ATR-BC, discusses her work as an art therapist and what counselors can learn from a client’s creative work.
Read Full Article »Published: 2/21/2024
Suzanne Degges-White, PhD, NCC, LCPC, shares her thoughts on the integration of expressive arts in counseling, its benefits for clients, and advice for fellow counselors.
Read Full Article »Published: 2/21/2024
Guest writer Brian Carnahan is Executive Director of the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, & Marriage and Family Therapist Board. He shares with us some of the changes to counseling licensure that have occurred since the pandemic and explores continuing challenges for licensure and regulation.
Read Full Article »Published: 2/21/2024
Music is a universal art form that can offer benefits for any population. We spoke with NCCs Michael Brooks and Aaron Temple about how they have incorporated music generally and for specific populations.
Read Full Article »Published: 2/21/2024
The NBCC Foundation will be hosting their annual Bridging the Gap Symposium from March 14–16, 2024. This year’s Symposium will be held in Washington, D.C.
Read Full Article »Published: 2/21/2024
Professional coaching providers can contribute to the development of the Board Certified Coach Examination (BCCE) by taking the BCCE job analysis survey. This ensures the BCCE stays relevant and reliable in certifying future BCCs.
Read Full Article »Published: 1/17/2024
The Chair of NBCC’s Board of Director’s, Monalisa McGee-Baratta, reflects on the previous year and looks forward to the possibilities of 2024.
Read Full Article »Published: 1/17/2024
Dr. Matthew Fullen, an Associate Professor in counselor education at Virginia Tech, talks about shifting the paradigm in how we work with older adults.
Read Full Article »Published: 1/17/2024
Aimee N. Callicutt-Keesler, MS, NCC, LCAS-A, LCMHC-A, discusses counseling older adults with substance use disorders and the challenges in working with these clients.
Read Full Article »Published: 1/17/2024
Through earning the Board Certified-TeleMental Health Provider (BC-TMH) credential, you can increase your knowledge of the best telehealth practices and expand your reach as a counselor.
Read Full Article »Published: 1/17/2024
NBCC recently held the Medicare 601 webinar, “The Enrollment Process for Counselors and MFTs.” The webinar was sponsored by the Medicare Mental Health Workforce Coalition (MMHWC).
Read Full Article »Published: 1/17/2024
NBCC has awarded three CACREP grants to clinical mental health counseling programs to assist them with the cost of obtaining their initial accreditation.
Read Full Article »Published: 12/20/2023
Daun Kwag, MA, NCC, shares her insights on how cultural identity impacts mental health, the importance of culturally relevant counseling, and how we can improve our cultural competence.
Read Full Article »Published: 12/20/2023
NBCC Foundation volunteer Kathryn Fellows, NCC, LPC, generously donated $10,000 to fund a new master’s-level fellowship for a New Jersey counseling student who identifies as Black or African American and is committed to serving the state’s inner cities.
Read Full Article »Published: 12/20/2023
2022 NBCC Foundation Minority Fellowship Program Fellow Allison Joyal, MS, NCC, LPC-A, has been chosen as the December Fellow of the Month by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Read Full Article »Published: 12/20/2023
The virtual conference brought together counselors and other mental health professionals from all over the world. Together, they explored training, practice, and research geared toward increasing mental health equity. The conference saw a 30% increase in participation from previous years.
Read Full Article »Published: 12/20/2023
NBCC is proud to continue our work with partners in Mexico and to introduce our collaboration with Dr. Vijonet Demero, supporting his mission to promote mental health awareness in Haiti.
Read Full Article »Published: 12/13/2023
Michael Brooks, PhD, NCC, LHMC, LPC-S, of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, was presented with the prestigious 2023 Outstanding Teaching Award from the Southern Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (SACES).
Read Full Article »Published: 11/29/2023
Letitia Browne-James, PhD, NCC, BC-TMH, LMHC-S, founded LBJ Behavioral Services to provide no-cost counseling services to diverse uninsured and underinsured clients throughout her state of Florida. We spoke to her about her experience and the need for pro bono services.
Read Full Article »Published: 11/29/2023
Counselor educator and author Dr. Linda Holloway shares about her vision to provide a safe space for children to explore emotions and foster mental well-being through storytelling.
Read Full Article »Published: 11/29/2023
Two counselors well-versed in working with disaster survivors share their insights about counseling in the wake of a disaster and supporting communities in need. Linda Diaz, PhD, NCC, CCMHC, LPC-S, and Theodore P. Remley, Jr., PhD, JD, MEd, EdS, NCC, LPC, share their experiences in communities impacted by disaster to help counselors who feel called to serve in those areas.
Read Full Article »Published: 11/29/2023
National Certified Counselors and authors Dr. Warren Wright, Dr. Jennifer Hatchett Stover, and Dr. Kathleen Brown-Rice share their personal and professional experiences and insights with race-based traumatic stress and its effects in their work.
Read Full Article »Published: 11/29/2023
NCCs, supervisors, and counseling students will have the opportunity to receive discounted rates for professional liability insurance through CM&F Liability Insurance.
Read Full Article »Published: 10/25/2023
The nature of the work of counselors puts them at risk for developing compassion fatigue and burnout. Self-care is essential not only for our health and well-being, but also for providing the best care for clients. Julius A. Austin, PhD, NCC, LPC, who coauthored the book Counselor Self-Care , recently ...
Read Full Article »Published: 10/25/2023
Kathleen Driscoll, PhD, NCC, ACS, BC-TMH, LCMHC, provides insight on prioritizing herself and how fellow counselors can do the same.
Read Full Article »Published: 10/25/2023
All too often, caregivers prioritize the needs of others over their own self-care. Research has shown that caregivers face higher rates of stress and often hold full-time jobs in addition to their caregiving responsibilities. We spoke with counselor Juan Olivera about the challenges and techniques that apply to helping caregivers improve their self-care routine.
Read Full Article »Published: 10/25/2023
Counselors can enhance their clinical skills and marketability with the Board-Certified TeleMental Health Provider (BC-TMH) credential. Beginning in November, register for the newly formatted TMHE to earn your BC-TMH.
Read Full Article »Published: 10/25/2023
The Medicare Mental Health Workforce Coalition (MMHWC) and NCMW recently held the Medicare 501 webinar, “New Engagement Opportunities for Community Behavioral Health Centers With Counselors and MFTs Under Medicare.”
Read Full Article »Published: 9/20/2023
The NBCC Minority Fellowship Program will award up to 90 fellowships of up to $20,000. Applications are now open for master’s- and doctoral-level counseling students.
Read Full Article »Published: 9/20/2023
Anna Lieber, NCC, CCMHC, LCMHC, discusses the crisis of suicidal ideation among older adults and important considerations for counselors when working with this population.
Read Full Article »Published: 9/20/2023
Research has consistently found that the LGBTQ population experiences greater rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidality than the general population. Recent surveys reveal additional details about this crisis. We spoke with Dr. Clark Ausloos about the implications for professional counselors.
Read Full Article »Published: 9/20/2023
Suicide rates among active military members, veterans, and family members have increased significantly in the past two decades. Avery Rosser, MS, NCC, LPC, CPCS, shares his insights on prevention techniques.
Read Full Article »Published: 9/20/2023
Clinical supervisors play an important role in supporting supervisees who may have experienced the loss of a client to suicide. Dr. Camila Pulgar Guzman shares advice counselors and supervisors can implement when faced with the suicide of a client.
Read Full Article »Published: 9/20/2023
NBCC and the NBCC Foundation will host their annual international virtual conference from Nov. 29–Dec. 1, 2023, and NCCs are eligible for a 20% registration discount.
Read Full Article »Published: 8/23/2023
Proper documentation of supervision is necessary for counselors and their supervisors to uphold the highest ethical standards. We spoke with Anthony P. Onorato, MA, LPC, ALPS, AADC, to gain insights into successful documentation of supervision.
Read Full Article »Published: 8/23/2023
The Association for Counselor Education and Supervision has been supporting counselors since 1952. ACES President Margaret Lamar shared with us about recent and upcoming offerings and opportunities, as well as a renewed emphasis on supervisor support.
Read Full Article »Published: 8/23/2023
Counselors may experience vicarious trauma at any point in their careers. Supervisors must be alert to the signs in both themselves and their supervisees. In this article, researchers Samara Richmond, Amber Samuels, and Elizabeth Crunk share advice about this danger.
Read Full Article »Published: 8/23/2023
The loss of a client to suicide is devastating for a counselor. Supervisors can help their supervisees cope with these postvention techniques.
Read Full Article »Published: 8/23/2023
Strong counselor–client relationships are built on a foundation of honesty and trust. However, differing social values can challenge these relationships. Devona M. Stalnaker-Shofner, EdD, NCC, LPC, helps us explore how supervisors can assist in navigating these tough conversations.
Read Full Article »Published: 8/23/2023
Sherritta Hughes, PhD, ACS, LPC, is an Approved Clinical Supervisor in New Jersey. She started her own small business, Counselor Education, Supervision, and Development (CESD), LLC and nonprofit organization, Hughes Integrative Wellness, Inc., and continues to be an innovator in the counseling profession.
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