Current Topics in Counseling provides a comprehensive but concise overview of critical professional topics and treatment issues. Students in helping profession programs including counseling and psychology learn skills and techniques, but often feel unprepared to deal with the specific and difficult issues clients bring to them. This book gives students an overview of eight critical issues (sexual abuse, eating disorders, self-mutilation, suicide, substance abuse, grief and loss, sexual minority concerns, and trauma and violence), including a definition and description of the problem and sections on prevalence, developmental issues and patterns, assessment strategies, treatment options, counselor issues (with a special note for school counselors), ethical concerns and additional resources. Each chapter includes an authentic case study as well as exercises that encourage students to extend their understanding.

Table of Contents

PREFACE Every chapter includes a Case Study, a Note for School Counselors, a Summary, and Additional Resources, including films and fiction as well as scholarly resources. Every chapter covers the following topics: * definition and description of the problem * prevalence * developmental (age-related) influences * assessment * treatment options and considerations * ethics * diversity (including race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation) * persons with disabilities. 1. Sexual Abuse 2. Self-Mutilation 3. Eating Disorders 4. Sexual Minorities 5. Substance Abuse 6. Suicide 7. Trauma and Violence 8. Grief and Bereavement