In late June, a resolution was introduced in the Michigan Senate that was summarized as “protecting the rights of conscience of students seeking counseling degrees and licensed professional counselors.” In essence, this resolution (S.R. 66) was introduced in reaction to the Eastern Michigan University (EMU) case in which a counselor
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Cynthia Chandler has a secret weapon in her counseling toolbox. He’s furry, has four legs and facilitates breakthroughs with clients that Chandler suspects would not happen otherwise. His name is Rusty, and he’s one of Chandler’s cocker spaniels. Rusty might not be able to talk, but there’s no doubt he
A new report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) shows a dramatic increase in suicides among middle-aged women, and experts are wondering what has caused the startling jump. According to the report, women aged 50 and older showed a 49 percent increase in emergency room visits for drug-related suicide
In its August issue, Counseling Today delves into the merits of animal-assisted therapy and how a four-legged colleague can help break down barriers with counselors’ toughest clients. But new studies reveal that pet ownership provides similar emotional and social support for people who aren’t necessarily facing physical or mental health challenges.
In its June issue, Counseling Today discussed the ramifications military deployment has on couples, and new research continues to emerge showing how a parent’s deployment affects children’s mental health, particularly that of teenage boys. According to a study by researchers at the University of Washington School of Public Health, adolescents with
A recent Northwestern University study found that a teenager’s outlook on life can affect his or her health for years to come. Because of this, American Counseling Association members say it is important for counselors to help foster a positive sense of well-being in young people before they reach these
It turns out a positive body image is one of the most effective weight loss aids one can have, Psych Central reports. Portuguese researchers conducted a yearlong weight loss program with overweight and obese women, and discovered that women who attended 30 weekly group sessions to help improve their body
Expectant mothers are apt to avoid certain foods and drinks during pregnancy that could prove harmful to an unborn child, but studies are finding that high levels of anxiety and depression can also have lasting effects outside the womb. According to a cohort study in the July issue of the
A new poll finds 25 percent of 13-15-year olds have seen explicit sexual content online, and 26 percent have received sexual pictures on their cellphones. Of the 600 polled, 28 percent of the 13-15-year-olds have also received sexually explicit text messages. The study also polled 800 parents, 87 percent of
Fundamental changes are being considered to Medicaid, which is the key component of the nation’s health care safety net. Members of Congress and President Obama have begun working toward an agreement to raise the nation’s debt limit, but time is running out before the limit is reached and the federal