Implementing Individualized Counseling Programs: Staff Perceptions of Important Activities

Louis J. Kruger, N. S. Fagley, Charles A. Maher, Harry W. Parad

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Staff perceptions of activities that may facilitate implementation of individualized counseling programs (ICPs) were surveyed. The activities are named Discussing the ICP, Understanding Concerns, Reinforcing Others' Contributions, Adapting the ICP, Building Positive Expectations, Learning About Obstacles, and Evaluating Implementation and Outcomes (DURABLE). Ninety staff members at a residential facility providing short-term counseling services for children and adolescents with behavior problems were asked to (a) rate the relative importance of each DURABLE activity for facilitating ICP implementation, (b) rate their involvement in each activity, and (c) list any additional activities believed to be important in facilitating ICP implementation. Each DURABLE activity was perceived by respondents to be more than moderately important in facilitating ICP implementation. Of the seven DURABLE activities, Discussing the ICP was perceived to be most important, whereas Building Positive Expectations and Reinforcing Others' Contributions were rated as least important. Two other activities also reported as important in facilitating ICP implementation were (a) developing and maintaining effective communication among staff members, and (b) involving the child in ICP development and implementation. Implications of the results for practitioners and directions for research are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)71-77
Number of pages7
JournalProfessional Psychology: Research and Practice
Volume18
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 1987
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Psychology(all)

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