“Counseling the Unemployed”: Reflections on a Pilot Clinical Program

Presenters

Rebecca Nemecek, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Markie L.C. Blumer, University of Nevada, Las VegasFollow
Colleen Peterson, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Department of Marriage and Family TherapyFollow
Stephen Fife, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Department of Marriage and Family TherapyFollow
Katherine M. Hertlein, University of Nevada, Las VegasFollow
Gerald Weeks, University of Nevada, Las VegasFollow

Location

Greenspun Hall, UNLV

Description

•Unemployment and economic hardships are issues in the lives of clients serviced by marriage and family therapists (MFTs).

• “Counseling the Unemployed” program was created within a university-based clinical setting to help meet such needs.

•Student MFTs were educated on effects of unemployment, coping strategies, and then shared what was helpful in addressing such issues via an online qualitative survey.

•Anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and relational problems were reported to be common symptoms of clients who presented with unemployment issues.

•A degree of hopelessness and helplessness in the clients when compared to clients who did not present with issues related to unemployment was noted.

•Certain techniques were also found to be most helpful in working with clients who are unemployed.

Keywords

Family counselors; Marriage counselors; Unemployed – Counseling of

Disciplines

Counseling Psychology | Family, Life Course, and Society | Work, Economy and Organizations

Language

English