NBCC Visions Newsletter

NBCC Visions is our official newsletter. It is published electronically every month and delivered to all NCCs via email.

Stay up to date on NBCC and Affiliates’ latest activities. If you did not receive the latest issue, please log in to your Credentialing Gateway account to update your contact information.


What Is Play Therapy?

Published: 12/18/2024

Play therapy is a modality used across mental health professions. We spoke with Dr. Kami Tran about the role of play therapy in counseling and how counselors can incorporate it into their own practice.

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Play Therapy and Ethics

Published: 12/18/2024

As a modality shared among the mental health professions, play therapy does not have its own ethical code. It must also be adaptable for each profession. Franc Hudspeth, PhD, NCC, ACS, LPC-S, RPT-S™, RPh, spoke with us about what this means for ethical play therapy practice.

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Using Play Therapy to Address Behavior Concerns in Children

Published: 12/18/2024

Play therapy can be effective in helping children with behavior issues, but it differs greatly from ordinary play. Ahou V. Line, PhD, NCC, LPC, RPT, CSC, CCPT-S, provides insight into those differences.

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Utilizing Play Therapy to Help Traumatized Children

Published: 12/18/2024

Alyssa Drake, MA, NCC, LAPC, offers her expertise on allowing children to lead play therapy sessions to help them cope with traumatic experiences.

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NCC Spotlight: Jonsye Wurthmann

Published: 12/18/2024

Jonsye Wurthmann, MEd, NCC, LPC, has been a National Certified Counselor for nearly 30 years. Read the highlights of her career and how national certification has empowered her journey.

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Join Us for the Annual Mental Health Connections Global Virtual Conference

Published: 11/20/2024

The 2024 Mental Health Connections global virtual conference will welcome presenters from more than 20 countries, including returnees Yun Shi, PhD, LMFT; Zachary Pietrantoni, PhD, NCC, LSC; and Jennifer Toof, PhD, NCC, LPC. We are also excited to welcome back multiple sponsors, including IRCEP and RENEW, who continue to support the mission of the conference.

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Day in the Life of a Counselor

Published: 11/20/2024

We recently caught up with three counselors who previously shared their experience with us as part of the Day in the Life of a Counselor keynote presentation, presented as part of NBCC’s online Mental Health Connections global conference. Learn what’s new in their careers and counseling communities.

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NCC Spotlight: Loni Crumb, PhD, NCC, LCMHCS

Published: 11/20/2024

Loni Crumb, PhD, NCC, LCMHCS, has worked in mental health for nearly 20 years as a counselor, scholar, and advocate for underserved populations.

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NBCC Institutes Offer Multicultural Service-Learning Opportunities

Published: 11/20/2024

NBCC’s Institutes program continues to expand, providing multicultural service-learning opportunities in the United States and abroad for students, counselors, and other professionals.

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Microfunding Opportunities at the Mental Health Connections Global Virtual Conference

Published: 11/20/2024

Our 2023 microfunding recipient, the Global Livingston Institute, plans to utilize the funds to create a mental health referral platform that connects individuals with mental health services providers in Uganda. This year’s recipient, Curamus Wellness, aims to increase the mental health knowledge of individuals in the Philippines.

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NBCC Continues Collaboration in Bhutan

Published: 11/20/2024

For many years, NBCC has partnered with stakeholders in Bhutan to advance counseling professionalization in the country. Learn more about this effort and what our colleagues have planned next.

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Understanding and Addressing Teen Dating Violence

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.

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Supporting Children Who Have Witnessed Domestic Violence

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.

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The Safety Plan: A Vital Tool for Clients in Danger

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.

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NBCC Celebrates World Mental Health Day

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 ...

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NCE and NCMHCE Job Analysis Focus Groups Are Underway!

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.

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Addressing the Rise in Adolescent Suicide Through Collaboration

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.

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Understanding Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Throughout the Lifespan

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.

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NBCC Welcomes Brian Banks to Head Up New Policy Advocacy and Research in Counseling Center

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 (PARCC). Banks has big plans for this new initiative and is excited to bring his considerable experience to NBCC.

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Addressing Suicide in the Workplace

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.

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NBCC Awards Spotlight: Advancing Equitable Access to Counseling

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.

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Join Us This December for Mental Health Connections: Fostering Community, Propelling Peace

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.

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NBCC and TPC Win Five APEX Awards for Publication Excellence

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.

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Nominations Open for 2025 NBCC Awards

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.

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NBCC Awards Spotlight: Servant Leadership

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.

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Considerations for Incorporating Social Justice Within Counselor Supervision

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.

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SAIGE Continues a Tradition of Advocacy

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.

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Pursuing a Career in Student Affairs Counseling

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.

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NCE and NCMHCE Job Analysis Focus Groups Starting Soon!

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.

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The Importance of Mindfulness in Supervision

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.

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The Professional Counselor Confers 2024 Dissertation Excellence Awards

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.

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CM&F Liability Insurance Protecting Counselors, Students, and Supervisors

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.

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Award-Winning TPC Provides Unique Publication Experience

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.

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NBCC Awards Spotlight: Leadership Excellence for Counselors by Counselors

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.

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Considerations for Counseling Clients With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

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.

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Remarkable Start to Counselor Participation in Medicare

Published: 7/24/2024

Over 38,000 professional counselors have opted in as Medicare providers since enrollment opened at the beginning of the year.

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NBCC to Host Focus Groups for the Counselor Job Analysis

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).

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NBCC Partners With AU-SARO to Provide Mental Health Facilitator Training in Malawi and Zambia

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.

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Counseling Compact Update

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.

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Become a Counselor Advocate With NBCC Government Affairs Resources

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 ...

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Congress Poised to Temporarily Extend Medicare In-Person Telemental Health Visit Waiver Later This Year

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.

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NBCC Partners With National Council for Mental Wellbeing for Annual Hill Day

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.

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CMS Releases 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule

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.

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Equitable Access to Educational Opportunities for Those With Disabilities

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.

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Why Ableist Microaggressions Matter

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.

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NBCC Awards Spotlight: Innovations in Counseling

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.

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Counseling Confab: Movement as Reminiscence

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.

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Eradicating Bias, Dismantling Barriers: Examination Sensitivity and Bias Review (ESBR) Committee

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.

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Prepare to Serve Clients With the American Rehabilitation Counseling Association's (ARCA) Disability-Related Counseling Competencies

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.

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Counseling Medicare Beneficiaries With Disabilities

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.

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Working With Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families

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.

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Military Suicide: What Sets It Apart

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.

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Opportunities for Counselors to Support Military-Connected Populations

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.

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Continuing Education: A Call to Exploration and Action

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.

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NBCC Awards Spotlight: Denise Hawkins

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.

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NCC Spotlight: Kate Owen, NCC, LPC

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.

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NBCC Connects with Counselors at the 2024 ACA Conference & Expo

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.

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Ethical Use of Artificial intelligence in Counseling Practice

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.

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Celebrating the 2024 NBCC Award Winners

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.

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The Inevitable Future of Artificial Intelligence in Counseling

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.

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NBCC’s Code of Ethics Self-Assessment

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.

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NBCC Has Partnered With ACES and CSI to Offer CM&F Liability Insurance

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.

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NBCC and Medicare Mental Health Workforce Coalition Host Two March Webinars

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.

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The Long-Term Effects of Trauma

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.

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Making the Case for Early Screening Tools for Trauma-Informed Care

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.

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Trauma Counseling for LGBTQ+ Asylum Seekers

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.

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Serve on NBCC’s Examination Sensitivity and Bias Review Committee

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.

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NBCC Foundation Hosts the 2024 Bridging the Gap Symposium

Published: 3/20/2024

This year’s Symposium was held in Washington, D.C., with the chosen theme of Empowering Voices and Expanding Access.

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NBCC Foundation to Host Fourth Counseling Career Fair

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.

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Join Us Today and Tomorrow for Free Webinars on Older Adults and Mental Health

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.

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School Counselors Can Find Success in Treating Children and Adolescents Through Creative Therapies

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.

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NCC Spotlight: Robyn Spodek-Schindler

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.

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Expressive Arts Therapy Can Empower Clients of All Ages

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.

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Observations About the Post-Pandemic World – A Licensure Board Perspective

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.

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Integrating Music in Counseling Practice

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.

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Register Now for the NBCC Foundation's 2024 Bridging the Gap Symposium: Eliminating Mental Health Disparities

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.

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Professional Coaching Providers Are Invited to Take the Job Analysis Survey

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.

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A Message From NBCC Board Chair Monalisa McGee-Baratta

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.

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Addressing the Prevalence of Mental Health Issues in Older Adults

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.

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Considerations When Counseling Older Adults With Substance Use Disorder

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.

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Expand Your Reach With the Board Certified-TeleMental Health Provider Credential

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.

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NBCC and the MMHWC Host Medicare 601 Webinar

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).

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NBCC Awards CACREP Accreditation Grants

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.

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Culturally Relevant Counseling: A Q&A With Daun Kwag, MA, NCC

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.

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New Fellowship Will Increase Access to Care in New Jersey’s Inner Cities

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.

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NCC Spotlight: SAMHSA MFP Fellow of the Month Allison Joyal

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).

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The Fourth Global Mental Health Connections Virtual Conference is a Success!

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.

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NBCC’s Global Partnerships Continue to Grow

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.

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Dr. Michael Brooks Recognized with 2023 Outstanding Teaching Award

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).

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Florida Nonprofit Removes the Financial Barrier to Counseling

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.

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Counseling Confab: Linda J. M. Holloway, EdD, NCC

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.

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Counseling in the Wake of a Disaster

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.

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The Implications of Race-Based Traumatic Stress (RBTS) Between Counselors and Clients

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.

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NBCC Offers a New Partnership With CM&F Liability Insurance

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.

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Changing the Way We Think About Self-Care as Counselors

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 ...

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Self-Care Prioritization for Counselors

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.

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Helping Caregivers to Care for Themselves

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.

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The TeleMental Health Examination Transitions to a New Format

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.

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The MMHWC and NCMW Host Medicare 501 Webinar

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.”

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NBCC Foundation Now Accepting Fellowship Applications

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.

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NBCC Visions is a resource for counselors, counselor educators, and counseling students. This monthly newsletter provides up-to-date legislative news about the profession; communicates information on certifications, scholarships, and volunteer opportunities; and shares ideas on successful counseling techniques.

Log in to your Credentialing Gateway account to update your contact information and make sure that you don’t miss out on the latest news!

The Counseling Confab

The Counseling Confab feature is dedicated to National Certified Counselor guest writers with stories of successes; challenges; and advice, tips, and tools for other counselors. Our hope is to pique your interest in a new modality to study, provide practical tools to use in sessions, and strengthen your confidence in working with different populations.

Those interested in contributing should email newsletter@nbcc.org with their article for review. The structure of the articles that we feature is flexible, and we hope that writers are able to highlight their work and construct their stories in their own voice, in a way that speaks to their strengths. We ask that you limit your article to 1,500 words or less. Should your submission be approved, it may be edited for formatting or space reasons.

NCC Spotlight

There is no doubt that counselors do amazing work within their communities. Publishing articles and books; developing presentations, workshops, and training programs; receiving awards and other recognitions—NCCs are truly vital contributors in the mental health profession.

The stories that we hear are incredibly inspiring, and we want to share them! If you are interested in being highlighted in the NCC spotlight, or if there is an NCC that you would like to nominate, please contact us.

If you have had an interesting journey into the profession of counseling, work with underserved populations, advocate for your clients and for the profession, or specialize in a particular modality, we want to share your story! Email newsletter@nbcc.org with information on why you would make a good candidate to highlight.

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