Counseling and Human Services Departmental Newsletter
UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON Fitness for the Profession
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CMHC
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SC
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Rehab
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CHS
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CTC
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Recent graduates
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Events
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Clubs/Honor Societies
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Student Accom11 plishments
Happening’s in 12 CHS Professional Achievements/ Conferences
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Professional Achievements/ Conferences
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Faculty Fun Fact/ PCPS Contact List
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Accreditation
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V O L U M E
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I S S U E
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F A L L
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How is gratitude important for mental health? Welcome to our Counseling and Human Services Fall 2019 Newsletter that explores the impact of Gratitude on Mental Health. This is a timely topic as we come to the close of the semester and transition into the Holiday season. I believe Gratitude is a way of living that is at the core of well-being and mental health. Author, Kristi Nelson reminds us that Gratefulness not only changes your life, but also extends beyond your intimate sphere, it gives rise to compassion, kindness, forgiveness, and empathy, and thus informs how we treat others and how we act in the larger world. Not surprising these qualities are at the heart of what it means to be a Counselor in Dr. Lori Bruch, today’s world. Hopper (2019) further helps us realize that gratitude doesn’t just Department Chair make us feel good, it also has a useful function when life is hard. Grateful people tend to cope with stress in smarter ways and regulate emotion more skillfully. Within the last decade, there has been an increased scholarly emphasis on the impact of gratitude providing additional evidence that incorporating gratitude into life (and counseling) is a complimentary and necessary practice. Our Panuska College of Professional Studies has also embraced Gratitude this year. Our PCPS First Year Student Lecture featured Author Elena Anguita. Elena shared her life story and the WHOOSH moment when she realized the power of spreading thanks. She inspired the audience to engage with the simple practice of writing a thank you note and shared how this practice can boost our peace, love, energy, enthusiasm, and prosperity. I am grateful to Dean Debra Pellegrino for bringing Elena’s message to us and for being a champion of saying thank you and modeling this practice. I have personally experienced how these small acts of gratitude can come back to you in unexpected miraculous ways. While gratitude has come to the forefront of our work and lives, it is important to realize how deeply embedded it is in our University’s mission. Nearly 500 years ago, St. Ignatius Loyola laid out a spiritual path grounded in the conviction that God is active in our world. Ignatian spirituality aims to bring people closer to God and more deeply into the world---with gratitude, passion, and humility on a journey to becoming men and women or others (https://jesuits.org/spirituality). It seems fitting to share a special prayer by Father Jack Morris, S.J. who beautifully captures the inclusive meaning of gratitude: Mighty God, Father of all, Compassionate God, Mother of all, bless every person I have met, ever face I have seen, every voice I have heard, especially those most dear; bless every city, town, and street that I have known, bless every site that I have seen, every sound I have heard, every object I have touched. In some mysterious way these have all fashioned my life, all that I am, I have received. Great God, bless the world. These words remind us that all that we are is a sum of all that we experience. I am deeply grateful to the University for providing lectures that help us think more deeply about issues that matter. This semester we had opportunities to experience Autism across the Spectrum, Failing Forward, An Inside Look at the War in Syria, and so much more. With our students we can ponder the greater lessons from these powerful presentations. On behalf of my colleagues, we are grateful for the leadership of Father Pilarz, Provost Gingerich, and Dean Pellegrino (and all who support them). We are grateful for the work of our undergraduate and graduate students and alumni in making a difference on campus and beyond through community based learning, practicum, internships, and career paths. What our students do matters and we all benefit from their commitment to entering a profession that requires reaching for the stars with hearts full of gratitude. Please stop by our fourth floor and feel free to take the 30 day Gratitude challenge created by our graduate assistants. In closing, I am personally grateful to my colleagues who give freely of their time and talents in all aspects of our department’s work (especially assessment) and who know the importance of gratitude. I have found that with each passing decade my gratitude is nourished through prayer, quiet moments, a good book pile, the wonder of nature, acts of kindness, and relationships. With gratitude and appreciation, Lori
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10 Dimensions of Fitness for Profession for Counselors-in-Training The Fitness for the Profession Document helps in the evaluation of an individual’s beliefs, attitudes, and behavior in many areas of one’s life, such as academic, clinical, professional, and personal. The CHS Department hopes that this document will help in the self-assessment, self-correction, and self direction of each student on the path to becoming a professional counselor. The list below are the 10 dimensions of the document that are important in the training of a counselor and in the practice of a professional counselor.
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Commitment to Wellness -The lifelong commitment to becoming the best one can be spiritually, mentally, physically, socially, and vocationally. 2. Commitment to Learning -The ability to self-assess, correct, and direct; continually seek knowledge and understanding; demonstrate academic and life management skills. 3. Core Academic and Clinical Competences -Holds knowledge in the core areas of certification. 4. Professional Identity -The commitment to ongoing development as a professional with the ability to put theory-into-practice. 5. Personal Maturity - Ability to live and function at appropriate level of emotional, psychological, and relational wellbeing; freedom from limitations to one’s professional performance. 6. Responsibility - Ability to fulfill professional commitments, be accountable for actions and outcomes; demonstrate effective work habits and attitudes. 7. Interpersonal Skills -Ability to interact with clients, families, other professionals, and the community effectively. 8. Communication Skills - Ability to communicate effectively (speaking, body language, reading, writing, listening) for varied situations; sensitive to diversity. 9. Problem-Solving -The ability to seek out resources for help, support, and insight. 10. Stress Management -The ability to recognize sources of stress and how they affect an individual,; ability to develop effective coping techniques; seeks appropriate support when needed.
Fitness for the Profession, a lifelong journey
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Clinical Mental Health Counseling How is gratitude important for mental health?
Gratitude is actually a positive emotion, so experiencing gratitude is a way to improve mental health! Gratitude can lead people to be in a state of mind where they are thankful for the beneficial things in their lives and not thinking about the non-beneficial things in their lives, which can also improve mental health. There is also spiritual aspects to gratitude that can connect people with their values, with loved ones, and with a Higher Power. How do you incorporate thankfulness and gratitude into your everyday life?
How is gratitude important for mental health? Gratitude is important for mental health because I believe it influences one's level of happiness and one's ability to remain positive, even when we experience hardships in life. Additionally, expressing gratitude can help us feel better and engage in more satisfying relationships, which contributes to having better mental health overall.
Thankfulness and gratitude are essential elements of my spirituality and religion. I have been given so much, and showing gratitude for the many blessings that I have received should be integrated into every relationship and most situations that I am in. Even in "negative" situations, there are usually things that I can be thankful for when I reflect closely enough. Sometimes I have the gratitude in my heart, sometimes I say it aloud, and sometimes I act on my gratitude. Prayer is a very common way that I will incorporate thankfulness and gratitude into my life. A type of prayer that I learned when I was young that has stuck with me is the ACTS prayer: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication. While I do not commonly pray that specific way, I Dr. Ben Willis, typically include what I am thankful for Program Co-Director when I pray to God.
How do you incorporate thankfulness and gratitude into your everyday life? I incorporate thankfulness and gratitude in my everyday life through daily prayer & reflection, and writing thank you notes to others. Additionally, saying "thank you" to others where credit is due.
How is gratitude important for mental health? How do you incorporate thankfulness and gratitude into your everyday life? Gratitude and thankfulness are imperative to daily life and mental health. It can be so enticing to dwell on the things in life that did not go as expected or took us down. It is easy to become shrouded in misery and lose sight of the things that make the world a beautiful place to live in. Thankfulness and gratitude remind us of those things. It is important to acknowledge that the world is not perfect, but reminding ourselves that it is not an absolutely evil place is just as important to keeping ourselves together. I do this for myself by looking back at the times that I have been knocked down. What I focus on about those moments is the incredible people around me that never let me stay there for very long. I am thankful everyday for the family. The family that I was born John Vincent Stocks with, and the family that I chose.
How is gratitude important for mental health? For me, gratitude is an important part of keeping a positive, adaptive mindset. Remaining mindful of the many good things in my life helps me to accept and respond to new obstacles without becoming overwhelmed by the stress of school or internships.
IV, CMHC Student
Dr. Bordonada, Program Co-Director
How do you incorporate thankfulness and gratitude into your everyday life? The most important way I incorporate thankfulness and gratitude into my everyday life is by taking a moment to stop and thank God for the situation He has placed me in. It serves as a reminder of the many blessings in my life and is a reminder to use stressful or challenging experiences as opportunities for growth. Geoffrey Morton, CMHC Internship Student
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School Counseling Why is gratitude important for mental health?
Showing appreciation, thankfulness, and gratitude not only makes "others" feel good about themselves but also makes "us" feel good about ourselves, in return. The research is clear that showing gratitude is associated with greater happiness and positive emotions. Gratitude can also lead to improved health benefits, the ability to form strong interpersonal relationships, and increased coping mechanisms to deal with adversities in life. Those are all strong contributors to mental health!
How do you incorporate thankfulness and gratitude into your everyday life?
I try to verbally and personally thank everyday people I encounter whenever I can (waiters, baristas, cashiers, airline pilots, and service professionals, in general). They do so much to enhance our quality of life on an everyday basis and they deserve to hear our praises and appreciation as often as possible. I also like to show my appreciation for others through small gestures such as hand-written thank you notes, small token gifts of flowers, food, or chocolates. I love to shop so I am always on the lookout for special little items that I can pick up for people and offer as random acts of kindness and gratitude. The best part is when you can surprise someone with something to honor how much you appreciate having them in your life!
Dr. Cerrito, Program Director Why is gratitude important for mental health? Gratitude is important for mental health because it can shape the way we see the world. Even on my busiest days, if I can take a moment to name a few things to be grateful for, I feel less overwhelmed and more in the "here-and-now". It puts me into a better mindset immediately!
How do you incorporate thankfulness and gratitude into your everyday life? I practice gratitude through prayer by meditating on the things I am grateful for at the end of each day. I also try to take some time during quiet moments throughout the day to name a few things I am thankful for. This focuses me and helps me live by my values in a more authentic and intentional way.
Sarah Frederick, School Counseling Student
How is gratitude important for mental health? Gratitude is important for mental health because with gratitude people can foster empathy and resilience, experience happiness, build relationships, receive opportunities for growth and improve their overall health. With gratitude, we appreciate what is given to us. When gratitude is expressed, we become aware that every moment should be cherished. Especially because there is no certainty that another moment will arise. With moments that occur in life, we are given opportunity. Some of the moments received are either positive or negative. Regardless of the circumstances, we can still learn. Through this process of gratitude, individuals can acknowledge the goodness in life and appreciate the opportunity that arises.
How do you incorporate thankfulness and gratitude into your everyday life?
I incorporate thankfulness and gratitude into my everyday life through my personal and professional identity. As a future school counselor, I take all that I am fortunate enough to have and use it to motivate me toward my future goals. This shows in my hard work and dedication to school, how I appreciate those around me and in my future profession. I aim to show my thankfulness and gratefulness in the relationships I build with others. I am present in the moment with others and aim to care for the whole person. I strongly believe that if you put good into the uniBianca Gentile, School verse, it will one day benefit you and those around you in Counseling Intern
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Rehabilitation Counseling Why is gratitude important for mental health? Let me count the ways.. When practiced regularly, gratitude has been shown by numerous studies to have a direct impact on overall well being. It has been shown to impact mental health in terms of determination, energy, attention, enthusiasm, and optimism and lower levels of anxiety and depression but also physical wellness such as fewer aches and pains and even improvements in exercise patterns and better sleep quality.
How do you incorporate thankfulness and gratitude into your everyday life? To be honest, I need to implement more regularity to my gratitude practice. I have worked on this in different ways in the past, but currently do not have it as regular routine in my days or even weeks. I am hoping and planning for Thanksgiving to be my kick off to a daily practice. This newsletter Dr. Dalgin, focus is a terrific inspiration and motivation to get back on track. Program Director After all, who couldn’t use more overall well being? Why is gratitude important for mental health? Personally, I think gratitude can improve the overall wellness and attitude of someone. I think that showing appreciation to others can decrease stress and negativity. I think that expressing gratitude can encourage someone to cope with their mental health in a more optimistic and positive way. As counselors, we can need to keep in mind that showing gratitude towards our clients will be important because it may be the only time they’re receiving it How do you incorporate thankfulness and gratitude into your everyday life? I incorporate thankfulness and gratitude into my life by appreciating everything and everyone. I feel when it comes to gratitude you can’t be picky. I think it is important to appreciate everything in life and understand gratitude doesn’t have to be saved for the big things. Every day I take the time to remember how grateful I am for my life and where I am in that moment. Elyse Travers, RC internship Student
How is gratitude important for mental health? Practicing the skill of gratitude during the most challenging part of your day helps block negative emotions, such as anxiety or low self-esteem and changing them into peace and serenity. Gratitude in turn strengthens one’s mental health. How do you incorporate thankfulness and gratitude into your everyday life? I incorporate gratitude into my morning meditation each day. I am grateful for the little things in life like starting a new day and having the ability to do the work that is put in front of me. When the day has ended, I thank my higher power for guiding me through the day.
Gratitude = Thank you
Ann Hart, RC Student
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Counseling and Human Services Why is gratitude important for Mental Health?
That’s an easy question. According to Carpenter (2019), “People who regularly practice gratitude by taking time to notice and reflect upon the things they're thankful for experience more positive emotions, feel more alive, sleep better, express more compassion and kindness, and even have stronger immune systems” (para. 1). So, how about that? There is science related gratitude, and it shows that there are significant positive mental health effects! In fact, according to psychologist Robert Emmons (2008), consistent and intentional gratitude can increase happiness by as much as 25 percent! So, take a moment each day and think about for what and whom you are grateful…
How do you incorporate thankfulness and gratitude into your everyday life?
Another easy question. As a person blessed with health, love, vocation, and family, there is no lack of gratitude in my life. Often, if not each day, I consider all the wonderful things life offers and think about how grateful I am to have them…and at the same time consider those who do not have such blessings. The latter more so than the prior is what helps propel me to be a man for and with others, as Ignatius teaches us.
Dr. Datti, CHS Program Director Why is gratitude important for mental health?
I believe that gratitude is important for mental health because it allows us to take inventory of the sources of happiness we have in our lives, no matter how large or small they may be. If we don't take the time to acknowledge these positive things in our lives, it can be very easy to become wrapped up in the negatives, which in turn can be detrimental to our mental health. I think it is important to take a step back every now and then from the immediate moment and appreciate your journey.
How do you incorporate thankfulness and gratitude into your everyday life?
I try to practice a lot of self-reflection, not necessarily in a formal way, but just thinking about where I am currently at. I read a quote recently that said something along the lines of "you once dreamed about being where you are now," and I think that can be conceptualized in many ways. For example, when I find myself wrapped up in the stress of internship and classes, I think about how being a college student and fully engaging myself in a field that I love is something I always wanted as an adolescent. My "future plan" in my high school yearbook was actually to find a job in a field that I love, and I know that I have definitely found this field through the counseling department. While it's easy to become overwhelmed with internship hours and upper-level course work, I try to remind myself that this is exactly where I am meant to be and that the stress can be managed. Conceptualizing my current position in terms of my younger self helps me to be so thankful for all of the amazing opportunities I have been afforded, and for all of those opportunities yet to come.
Meghan Pratt, CHS Internship Student
Why is gratitude important for mental health?
A significant part of working on one’s mental health is establishing a positive attitude and mindset. This is where gratitude comes in, focusing on things one is grateful for can help shift their mindset to become more positive, which can be very impactful when a person has known nothing but negative thinking for so long. While one cannot wish the negative aspects of their life away, the way in which one perceives their life can make a huge difference on their mental health. Gratitude is helpful in this way because it encourages one to focus on the positive aspects of their life, regardless of how many negative aspects there may be.
How do you incorporate thankfulness and gratitude into your everyday life?
Each day I try to think of one thing that my life would be different without, and one thing that my day would have been different without. Identifying one thing my life would be different without, reminds me to be especially thankful for those "guaranteed" aspects of my life. Doing this keeps me grounded and reminds me that the aspects of my life I subconsciously consider basic or standard, are not so for so many others in our world. Thinking about one thing my day would have been different without reminds me to be grateful for every positive aspect of my life no matter how small. The girl from class who bonded with me over our shared stress of the semester and made me feel less alone, sharing a well needed laugh with a coworker, getting a "thinking of you" text from a high school friend or relative about a memory that made them smile. At the end of a particularly difficult day, these small habits allow me to use gratitude as a tool to achieve a more positive outlook and put things into perspective when it seems like the negatives of life are starting to permeate my thinking and attitudes.
Carly Dugan, CHS Student
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Counselor Training Center How is gratitude important for mental health? Without gratitude the negativity that we encounter can take up long term residence in out mind, hearts and spirits. This might be the definition of long term stress and distress. While we focus on the things that are hard or painful, giving some space and time to those things that we are grateful for (however small sometimes) can aid in creating balance. Balance is a foundation to build wellness. Gratitude can shift perspective: it's important. How do you incorporate thankfulness and gratitude into your everyday life? I routinely ask myself at the end of the day, What have I seen, heard or experienced today that has been "life-giving"? In effect I am asking what am I thankful for, big or small. It is important to me that that I end the day cognizant of the many gifts and blessings I have. Love, life itself, laughter, hot coffee, and adorable dogs to name a few. Certainly this is harder on some days than others as not everyday is a "great" day and yet on those days that are less than stellar I dare say, the question and subsequent answer becomes even more important. Perhaps most importantly is that I try everyday (emphasis on try) to take or make opportunities to let people in my life know they matter and I am grateful for and to them.
How is gratitude important for mental health? Human beings will experience pain and strife -- the difference is how you let it define you. In counseling, we often work with the belief that so much about our lives and experiences is dictated by how we perceive it whether that be behavior or emotion. Either way, gratitude is a strength that promotes resilience and healing in our clients by creating meaning from struggle. Gratitude allows us to feel thankful for the lessons and revelations learned from difficult experiences. It also provides the opportunity for an individual to feel gratitude toward themselves for making it through their situation. How do you incorporate thankfulness and gratitude into your everyday life? When I am feeling anything but thankful I have come to realize that often means I am most in need of gratitude. As humans, we often get caught up in every day and do not take the time to reflect on every happening within each day. In a day that I experience a difficult situation at work, I am inclined to forget how good that coffee I got that morning. I have learned to recognize this, and strive to be thankful for all aspects of the day, rather than only remember the negative. No matter what, there’s at least one part of your day to be thankful about that will make all the difference -- even if it just a good cup of coffee.
Bridget Kolf, Practicum Student
Geri Barber, Program Director
How is gratitude important for mental health? There are many benefits to gratitude, especially when it comes to mental health. Practicing gratitude can help us be aware of the things we love and can help us feel more positive emotions. Gratitude helps us find things to be grateful for, no matter how big or small. The more grateful we feel, the better we can be in all aspects of life. How do you incorporate thankfulness and gratitude into your everyday life? Each day I try to find at least one thing I am grateful for, and each day I have been able to find something. I try to focus on the good and be thankful for the little things. We live in a beautiful world filled with life of all sorts, and to me that is a blessing in and of itself!
Abigail Rieder, Practicum Student
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Recent Graduates How is gratitude important for mental health?
Gratitude, to me, is about being thankful for all and everything that you have and are given. It’s about showing our appreciation for others in a way that is truly meaningful and comes from within. Our gratitude can be radiated into the lives of others, simply by being thankful and showing kindness which can have a great impact on our mental health. Showing and expressing gratitude can give others and ourselves a sense of positivity. The uplifting, positive emotions that feed into our mental well-being gives us a sense of purpose and drive that can make all the difference in one’s mental health. As a future counseling professional, I think that it is important to radiate thankfulness and gratitude to the individuals we work with and the individuals we provide services to. By expressing our gratitude, we can show others how important they are to us, and we can show them the ways in which they contribute to the world. How do you incorporate thankfulness and gratitude into your everyday life?
In my everyday life, I try to show gratitude and thankfulness to others in everything I do. Whether it’s simply holding a door or sharing a smile with someone, I try to radiate positivity into other’s lives through simple, normal tasks. You really do not know what could be going on in another stranger’s life, and just being there for someone and being present allows gratitude to flourish into a lifestyle. A smile is such a small thing, but can mean so much to someone else, and I try to live my everyday life with that mindset. Over the summer I started writing down things that I have in my life that I am thankful for, and that alone has allowed me to find deeper appreciation of the things and the people I am surrounded by in my life. Even if it’s just the small, miniscule things that make me happy to the major things in my life that I am grateful for, I write it down. I have so much to be thankful for in my own life and being able to recognize that and show appreciation for it has truly given my life a profound sense of meaning and purpose.
Rachel Kollar, CHS Graduate
How is gratitude important for mental health?
Mental health is composed of many different aspects, but what I have found working in mental health is how easy it is to get overwhelmed by the things we feel like we have to do instead of focusing on the fact we get to do those things. When you can slow yourself down, be present in the moment, I think gratitude becomes easier to see. We rush from projects to events to things we forget we put on our calendar, and we suddenly forget about the amazing-ness of the fact that the sun comes up each morning.
How do you incorporate thankfulness and gratitude into your everyday life?
In my daily life, I often try to think about the seemingly small things I am grateful for that I sometimes take for granted, such as a good cup of coffee, pens that write well or the perfect parking space. I am a really big believer in Abraham Hick's quote, "When you focus on the good, the good gets better". I choose each day to be thankful for the small things, because they hold such power to turn into the big things.
Bridget Furdon, CMHC Graduate
How is gratitude important for mental health?
Framing our past through feelings of gratitude is a wonderful way to self-reflect and re-experience emotions in a healthy way. Both fond and painful memories could be revisited with a new level of positivity if gratitude is the focal point.
How do you incorporate thankfulness and gratitude into your everyday life?
Like many others, life challenges distract me from regularly reflecting on who and what I am thankful for. Keeping small mementoes on my desk, in my car, and around the house serve as reminders so when a hectic day takes over, a quick glimpse of a special keepsake helps me to think, Douglas Rand, Rehabilitation Graduate feel, and appreciate.
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Events DisAbility Conference The Conference on DisABILITY was a wonderful experience. Since autism is a spectrum disorder, I loved that the speakers were all on different parts of the spectrum. I believe that this helped myself and others to have a better understanding of the condition. Throughout the conference, there was a continued emphasis on ability rather than disability. Jose Velasco and his mother, Deya, spoke about Jose’s employment with the Internal Revenue Service as well as his journey to becoming an Eagle Scout. Kerry Magro, who is a best-selling author and professional speaker, spoke about his experience with autism and his continued efforts to raise disability awareness. Lastly, Jeremy Sicile-Kira’s presentation displayed his ability to paint beautiful works of art. Each of these inspiring stories demonstrated that everyone has the ability to flourish, and rehabilitation professionals should always have the goal of helping individuals to reach their fullest potential.
By: Shaina Shelton
Internship Fair On October 24th, 2019 the CHS Internship Fair was held. The purpose of the internship fair was to assist undergraduate and graduate students in communicating with community agencies and organizations for potential internship opportunities. The event provided students with an opportunity to create open discussions and explore internship options that representatives have available. Students who attended were able to learn about a variety of internships that would allow them to apply their counseling skills in different ways to gain real world experiences.
By: Shelby Valvano
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Honor Societies and Clubs Chi Delta Rho has spent the semester planning and gearing up for some great events! We are seeking to launch a service, fundraising, and social event this academic year, and our board has been busy planning and collaborating. Stay tuned for updates!
Written by: Sarah Frederick
Chi Delta Rho
(Leah Talarico, Vice President & Dr. Cerrito, faculty advisor)
TUA This semester in collaboration with CHSA, TUA hosted an internship fair specifically for counseling students, in which 15 local human services agencies came to engage with students about potential internship or volunteer opportunities. This fair was a huge success with over 40 CHS students of all grades attending, and many who left with interviews or internships set up. Written by: Carly Duggan
CHSA This semester CHSA participated in a variety of service events that helped to engage many of our new members. Starting in October we participated in Street Sweep, assisted with Love Your Body Day, held our very own internship fair, and held a club service event in which we created over 50 cards for the veterans in the Gino Merli veterans center! For our last event 15 of our members participated in a Safe Zone training specifically for CHSA, which was a great way to increase our competencies and get to know each other better! Written By: Carly Duggan
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Student Accomplishments Rose Kelly Award The Rose Kelly Award was established by a University of Scranton Alumnus, Joseph Wineburgh, Ph.D., to link the efforts of educators to the achievements of college students. Dr. Wineburgh established the program to honor an elementary teacher, Rose I. Kelly, who greatly influenced his life. It is an award presented jointly to a student in each undergraduate college who has completed two years at the University (currently a junior) and to the teacher who the student recognizes as having had a great impact on the student’s life. The student selected by each college will have demonstrated exemplary achievement in both academics and in general campus involvement. Congratulations Diana Valentina Mesa on all your hard work and dedication!
Students, Amy Atkinson, and Carly Deitz presented alongside Dr. Datti at the Annual PA Counseling Association fall conference in State College.
Dr. Willis and Abigail Rieder presenting at Pennsylvania Counseling Association’s 51st Annual Conference titled “Wellness in Counselor’s Professional and Self Identity”
Anthony Savercool, Leah Talarico, and Dr. Willis presented at the Pennsylvania Counseling Association’s 51st Annual Conference titled “Wellness in Counselor’s Professional and Self Identity”
Catherine Buckley and Stacey Watkins presented at the Woodland’s 13th Annual Grandparents Raising Grandchildren conference.
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What’s happening in CHS? Effective in Fall 2018, we welcomed Dr. Troy to the CHS Department. We are so excited to have been able to work with her and we are thankful to have you!
#ScrantonCHS Follow us on Instagram!
Welcome Dr. Sonja Lund! Effective in Fall 2019, we welcomed our newest professor to the CHS Department. We congratulate you on your new position and we look forward to having you as part of the CHS team.
Effective in Fall of 2019, Dr. Bordonada was promoted to Co-Director of the Clinical Mental Health Program. We congratulate Dr. Bordonada on her promotions and we are lucky to have you!
Congratulations to Dr. Morgan on his new book “Addiction, Attachment, Trauma and Recovery : The Power of Connection”. Understanding addiction is no longer just about understanding neurons or genes, broken brain functioning, learning, or faulty choices. Oliver J. Morgan provides a fresh take on addiction and recovery by presenting a more inclusive framework than traditional understanding. Cutting- edge work in attachment, interpersonal neurobiology, and trauma is integrated with ecological-systems thinking to provide a conciliant and comprehensive picture of addiction. Humans are born into connection and require nourishing relationships for healthy living. Adversities, however, bring fragmentation and create the conditions for ill health. They create vulnerabilities. In order to cope, individuals can turn to alternatives, “substitute relationships” that ease the pain of disconnection. These can become addictions. Addiction, Attachment, Trauma, and Recovery presents a model, a method, and a mandate. This new focus calls for change in the established ways we think and behave about addiction and recovery. It reorients understanding and clinical practice for mental health and addiction counselors, psychologists, and social workers, as well as for addicts and those who love them.
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Professional Achievements/Conferences PUBLICATIONS Datti, P. A., & Conyer s, L. M. (2019, in pr ess). Examining differences of human service utilization among Latino men living with HIV and varied racial identifications. Journal of Human Services, TBA. Datti, P. A. (2019). Human ser vice considerations for LGBT+ clients living with HIV. Conference Proceedings: 2018 National Organization for Human Services, 2018, 18-30. Feather, K. A., Bordonada, T. M., Nelson, K. A., & Evans, K. (2019) Social justice training: An innovative certificate program for counselor education. Teaching and Supervision in Counseling, (1)1, 67 – 84. Limberg, D. H., Ohrt, J. H., Carlson, R. G., Bordonada, T. M., Bates, D., Wymer, B., & Guest, J. (2020) School Counselors: Experiences and Responses During the South Carolina 1,000 Year Flood. Professional School Counseling, 23(1), 1 – 10. Lund, S. (2019). A Comparison of College Student-Athletes With Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Nonathletes With ADHD: Academic Adjustment, Severity of Mental Health Concerns, and Complexity of Life Concerns. (Unpublished doctoral dissertation). Counseling and Human Services, Old Dominion University. doi:10.25777/85vd-yr45 Morgan, O. J. (2019). Addiction, attachment, trauma, and recovery: The power of connection. New York, NY: W.W. Norton & Company. Purswell, K. E., Willis, B. T., & Lara, A. (2019). Counselor development across the lifespan: A Q-methodology study. Journal of Counselor Leadership and Advocacy, 6, 1-15. doi:10.1080/2326716X.2019.1628674 PRESENTATIONS Atkinson, A., Deitz, C., Hernandez, V., & Datti, P. A. (2019, November - accepted). LGBTQ+ military affiliated persons: Understanding implications for counselors. Presentation to be provided at the A nnual Pennsylvania Counseling Association fall conference, State College, PA. Cerrito, J. A. (2019, June). Fit for the future: Increasing child career readiness with innovative interventions. Paper presented at the meeting of the National Career Development Association nual Conference, Houston, TX.
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Cerrito, J. A. (2019, June). Selected for participation in the Counselor Educator Academy at the National Career Development Association, Houston, TX. Charette, J., Connell, A., Datti, P. A., Gruber, R., & Petitto, D. (2019, November - approved). Being LGBT+ in today’s social and political climate – advancements, challenges, and counseling implications. Half-day pre-conference institute to be provided at the annual Pennsylvania Counseling Association fall conference, State College, PA. Datti, P. A. (2019, Mar ch). Examining differences in human service utilization among Latinx Men living with HIV and varied racial identifications. Research presentation at the Mid-Atlantic Consortium on Human Services, York, PA.
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Professional Achievements/Conferences PRESENTATIONS CONTINUED... Feather, K. A., Bordonada, T. M., & Linich, K. (2019, October). An Initial Investigation of Individual Instructors’ Self-Perceived Competence and Incorporating Disability Content into CACREP Accredited Programs: Rethinking Training in Counselor Education. Presented at the A ssociation for Counselor Education and Supervision Annual Conference, Seattle, Washington. Purswell, K. E., & Willis, B. T. (2019). Does counselor students’ development align with the Rønnestad and Skovholt’s LDM Model?: Data from an initial collection and a one-year follow up. Accepted to be presented at the A ssociation for Counselor Educators and Supervisors Biannual Conference. Seattle, WA. October 2019. Reider, A., & Willis, B. T. (2019). Enhancing the wellness of caregivers of people with dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. Accepted to be presented at the Pennsylvania Counseling A ssociation A nnual Conference. State College, PA. November 2019. White, D., & Willis, B. T. (2019). Discussion disruptors. Invited presentation for Parker Hill Church small group leaders. Dickson City, PA. September 8, 2019. Willis, B. T., Talar ico, L. G., & Saver cool, A. C. (2019). Understanding and working with identity to enhance wellness. Accepted to be presented at the Pennsylvania Counseling A ssociation A nnual Conference. State College, PA. November 2019.
Willis, B. T. (2019). Identity, identity, so many identities!: Using cr eative ways to help students/ supervisees to understand identity and identity development. Accepted to be presented at the Association for Counselor Educators and Supervisors Biannual Conference. Seattle, WA. October 2019. Willis, B. T. (2019). Personality disorders. Invited presentation for Marworth Treatment Center clinical staff. Waverly, PA. September 11, 2019. WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TOO
PRESENTATION EXPERIENCE
“I have a revised chapter appearing in Winter 2019, title “12 Step Spirituality,” with Dr Keith Morgen. The chapter will appear in the 3rd edition of Integrating Spirituality and Religion into Counseling: Guide to Competent Practice by Cashwell & Young (ACA Press)” - Dr. Morgan
“I recently (9/28) presented at the European Branch of the American Counseling Association Conference in Vienna, Austria. I presented with my colleague Dr. T’Airra Belcher who teaches at the University of Loyola in New Orleans. Here is a picture of us at our presentation and a picture of us in front of St. Stephen’s Cathedral (one of the city’s most recognized symbols).” – Dr. Lund
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We asked our faculty to tell us, “If you could time travel, where would you go?” Dr. Bruch- “I wouldn't time travel, I would stay and enjoy the present! Dr. Willis- “I would love to see what the current US would look like before European settlers came here in the late 1400s.” Dr. Troy– I would travel back to 1787 to watch the drafting of the US Constitution. Such an important and fascinating process to understand. Dr. Datti– “I would travel back 100 years to wherever and freak everyone out with my cell phone.” Dr. Morgan- “If I could time travel I would love to go back to 1935 so that I could meet Bill W, Dr Bob, and Fr Dowling - all co founders of Alcoholics Anonymous.” Dr. Wilkerson- “I would travel FAR into the future. I would like to see how the world looks 100+ years down the road and get a chance to see how we did in the present.” Dr. Cerrito- Back to childhood - such a fun and simple time in life! Dr. Eschbach– “I would go back in time to the 1940s when my Grandmother started Eschbach Park (over 100 acres) to be a part of the dance hall where "big bands" played, and to help the way my Dad, Aunts, and Uncles did.” Dr. Bordonada- I want to travel anywhere that includes wearing sunglasses and lots of SPF for my everyday attire! Dr. Jensen-If I could time travel, I would go back to my childhood years (between the ages of birth to 12 years old) so I could once again enjoy that time with my grandmother, Kathleen. Dr. Lund- If I could time travel I would go all the way back to around the 1770s when my favorite composer, Mozart, was alive. I would love to hear his works exactly as he meant for them to be performed. I learned so much about him during my Vienna trip and he truly was a musical genius!
PCPS Contact List Name
Phone
Office
Debra Pellegrino, Ed.D Dean, PCPS
570-941- 6305
ELH226
Lori A. Bruch, Ed.D, CRC, LPC, Department Chair
570-941-4308
MGH455
Gerianne Barber, MS, NCC, LPC, CRC, CTC Director
570-941-7635
MGH433
Julie Cerrito, Ph.D, NCC, NCSC, SC Director
570-941-4163
MGH447
Rebecca Spirito Dalgin, Ph.D, CRC, CPRP, RC Director
570-941-7819
MGH437
Paul Datti, Ph.D, CRC, HS-BCP, CHS Director
570-941-4127
MGH451
Ben Willis, Ph.D, NCC, ACS, CMHC Director
570-941-6172
MGH441
Tiffany Bordonada, Ph. D, CMHC Director
570-941-7487
MGH443
Newsletter Staff: Faculty Advisor: Dr. Mary Troy Student Editors: Kaitlin Lambert and Shelby Valvano
CRC Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) The CRC credential is specific to Master’s of Rehabilitation Counseling. The passing of this exam ensures that the counselor fits in nationally with the key competencies for the field. Possessing this credential makes a Rehabilitation Counselor more marketable and distinguished among other counseling professionals. This credential also demonstrates one’s commitment to learning through education, trainings, and practice. The credential can also lead to job placement, advancement in the position or salary, and referrals from medical and non-medical professionals. For more Information about the exam and benefits of the credentials please see https://www.crccertification.com/about-crc-certification .
NCE National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification This exam is used to assess the knowledge, skills, and abilities that are required for effective counseling. Passing the NCE is a requirement in many states and used in military health system services. Passing is also needed to get the National Certified Counselor (NCC) credentials. The NCC is the largest national counselor certification in the world. There are specialty certification is addictions, school counseling and clinical mental health as well. For more information about this exam, the benefits, and the difference between a national certification and state licensure, please see http://nbcc.org/Certification/CertificationorLicensure .
HS-BCP Human Services Board Certified Practitioner (HS-BCP) Graduates of the CHS program are eligible to sit for the Human Services - Board Certified Practitioner (HS-BCP) exam to receive the HS-BCP credential. The credential allows for independent verification of practical knowledge and educational background in human services. With increased competition in this growing field, becoming board certified in human services shows attainment of high standards and allows you to stand out as a part of a distinguished group known for commitment to maintaining excellence in the field. With the number of human services jobs expected to climb rapidly this decade, the HS-BCP credential can help launch a rewarding career. Note that this is one of the very few credentials offered at the undergraduate level. Because of our program's accreditation status with CSHSE, University of Scranton CHS majors who have 15 credits or less to complete are eligible to apply for the credential and sit for the examination prior to graduation. Please see the Center for Credentialing Education’s (CCE) website for more information on the credential and exam:http://www.cce-global.org/HSBCP.
