Participation Type
Panel
Session Title
Session 2.06 Health and Mental Health
Presentation #1 Title
Training Appalachians to Counsel Appalachians: Best Practices for Mental Health Counseling
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
People of Appalachian culture are an invisible minority in the United States. Given their strong values of kinship, collectivism, mistrust of outsiders and bureaucracies, and a proud Appalachian identity, this culture may not respond successfully to traditional, individualistic models of mental health counseling. Appalachians face increased difficulties when compared to the mainstream US population with issues such as trust, traditional gender roles, educational opportunities, substance abuse, family support, enmeshment, and community identification. An additional obstacle is that trust in the counseling relationship takes longer to build, and family, church, and community involvement are frequently necessary for providing additional social support. Using a multicultural perspective, our panel will discuss theories and issues relevant to effectively working with Appalachians in mental health counseling and we will present interventions and techniques that seem to best address these cultural issues. The panel will also address best practices in educating and training Appalachians to work as mental health professionals with Appalachians in the counseling field.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Dr. Schnopp-Wyatt is an Associate Professor and Regional Academic Director with the Lindsey Wilson School of Professional Counseling. She is dedicated to providing educational opportunities in Central Appalachia. Her research interests involve social and cultural factors that affect the self-concept; specifically, the cultural worldview of Appalachians and implications for counseling.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #2
Lovonne Fleming-Richardson is the owner of Appalachian Community Care LLC, co-owner of Commonwealth Psychological Services PLLC, and adjunct instructor for Lindsey Wilson College School of Professional Counseling. She is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor, and National Certified Counselor. She is also a Current Member at Large of the Kentucky Association of Play Therapist.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #3
Durand Warren has a master’s degree from Lindsey Wilson College and is currently working as a substance abuse counselor at Logan Mingo Area Mental Health. He has presented at both Kentucky Counseling Association (KCA) and Kentucky Mental Counseling Association (KMHCA) on resilience.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #4
Crystal Trout is a recent graduate of Lindsey Wilson College School of Professional Counseling and is currently pursing a doctorate degree. As a life-long resident of eastern Kentucky, she is interested in applications of counseling techniques to better serve the Appalachian population. She has presented at both Kentucky Counseling Association (KCA) and West Virginia Counseling Association (WVCA).
Training Appalachians to Counsel Appalachians: Best Practices for Mental Health Counseling
Jenkins Hall B10
People of Appalachian culture are an invisible minority in the United States. Given their strong values of kinship, collectivism, mistrust of outsiders and bureaucracies, and a proud Appalachian identity, this culture may not respond successfully to traditional, individualistic models of mental health counseling. Appalachians face increased difficulties when compared to the mainstream US population with issues such as trust, traditional gender roles, educational opportunities, substance abuse, family support, enmeshment, and community identification. An additional obstacle is that trust in the counseling relationship takes longer to build, and family, church, and community involvement are frequently necessary for providing additional social support. Using a multicultural perspective, our panel will discuss theories and issues relevant to effectively working with Appalachians in mental health counseling and we will present interventions and techniques that seem to best address these cultural issues. The panel will also address best practices in educating and training Appalachians to work as mental health professionals with Appalachians in the counseling field.
