Addressing Helping Competencies in Student Affairs: Analysis of Helping Skills Course Syllabi

Graduate students share their experiences of building helping skills: A case study

“…More recently, Reynolds and Altabef (2015) reviewed syllabi related to the teaching of helping skills in graduate programs such as education, counseling, and student affairs. The results showed that many of the courses were missing educational information related to common mental health issues such as signs of suicide interventions and eating disorders (2015).…”

“…The results showed that many of the courses were missing educational information related to common mental health issues such as signs of suicide interventions and eating disorders (2015). When offering a helping skills course, Reynolds and Altabef (2015) encouraged the use of quantitative and qualitative studies to assess the comfort level, understanding, competence, and in-depth understanding of participants. Both Reynolds and Altabef (2015), as well as Protivnak et al (2013), encourage continued research at institutions that do and do not have helping skills training for higher education professionals.…”

“…When offering a helping skills course, Reynolds and Altabef (2015) encouraged the use of quantitative and qualitative studies to assess the comfort level, understanding, competence, and in-depth understanding of participants. Both Reynolds and Altabef (2015), as well as Protivnak et al (2013), encourage continued research at institutions that do and do not have helping skills training for higher education professionals. Burkard et al (2004) recommended that graduate programs for future student affairs professionals also evaluate their programs as they relate to expected competencies for the field.…”

“…Little is known about student perceptions of the preparation of helping skills in noncounselor education programs (Jaeken et al, 2017;Reynolds & Altabef, 2015). It is important to document the learning experiences of these students as they prepare for future careers that will require the daily practice of these skills (Reynolds & Altabef, 2015).…”

“…Little is known about student perceptions of the preparation of helping skills in noncounselor education programs (Jaeken et al, 2017;Reynolds & Altabef, 2015). It is important to document the learning experiences of these students as they prepare for future careers that will require the daily practice of these skills (Reynolds & Altabef, 2015). Because this focus on helping skills in non-counselor education programs is fairly recent, it is important to learn if what is taught and how it is being taught are adequately preparing them for interacting with students, especially with those who are struggling emotionally and psychologically.…”