We examined the virtues of optimism, hope, and gratitude as potential correlates and predictors of posttraumatic stress (PTS) and posttraumatic growth (PTG) in a sample of trauma survivors (N = 151). Results indicated that each of these qualities significantly correlated with PTS and PTG. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that optimism, hope, and gratitude each significantly predicted PTS, with hope being the greatest predictor of PTG. Clinical implications for professional counselors are discussed.

Research focused on individuals living with HIV, or recovering from substance use disorders (SUDs), suggests that these individuals may experience a poorer quality of life (QOL) than the general population. Further, conflicting views exist regarding the psychosocial impact of living with multiple chronic health conditions. This study aimed to understand how individuals evaluated their QOL, forgiveness, and stress in relation to their HIV status and recovery status. A two-way between-groups MANOVA was performed to investigate the effects of HIV and recovery status on QOL, forgiveness, and perceived stress, followed by a series of univariate tests to explore the interaction of HIV and recovery status on QOL, forgiveness, and perceived stress. Findings from this study suggest that persons living with both of these chronic conditions may not be doing as poorly as previous literature may indicate, particularly when considering the intersection of HIV and recovery from SUDs. Clinical implications for rehabilitation counselors are discussed.

Long‐term recovery from crystal methamphetamine (CM) use has yet to be well researched in the counseling literature. This article presents results of a phenomenological consensual qualitative research study focused on the lived experiences of individuals in recovery from CM use.

Counseling skills courses serve as a foundation upon which counselors-in-training (CITs) build their professional skills and identity. However, basic skills courses also often ignite pervasive anxiety in CITs, which can hinder skill development. The present manuscript presents experiential tools to use in counseling skills courses to effectively combat CIT anxiety: setting the groundwork with clear expectations of CIT performance, anxiety-reducing activities, and facilitating experiential role play activities. An accompanying figure and sample class schedule demonstrate a conceptual framework for intentionally infusing each of these three components into counseling skills courses to reduce pervasive anxiety in CITs.