Leadership in Counseling Psychology: Introduction to the Special Issue

Abstract

In this article, we introduce a special two-part issue of The Counseling Psychologist focused on leadership in counseling psychology. Despite the critical role of leadership in the field's development, current status, and future possibilities, the topic has received little attention as a focus of scholarly inquiry within counseling psychology. We first present a context and rationale for the creation of this special issue, noting the timeliness of this topic within psychology and in society more broadly. Next, we introduce the articles that comprise this two-part special issue as well as two closely related articles contained in the August issue. A brief concluding article at the end this twopart special issue will (a) review the scholarship presented, (b) discuss its relevance, and (c) consider implications and directions for future work in the areas of research, education and training, practice, advocacy, and social justice.

Counseling Psychology Model Training Program

“…Good review articles and recent attempts at integrative leadership frameworks may be particularly useful (Derue, Nahrgang, Wellman, & Humphrey, 2011; Eberly, Johnson, Hernandez, & Avolio, 2013; Kois, King, LaDuke, & Cook, 2016; Lord, Day, Zaccaro, Avolio, & Eagly, 2017). A special issue was recently published in The Counseling Psychologist on leadership (Fassinger, Buki, & Shullman, 2017a, 2017b). These integrative frameworks indicate that effective leadership training includes both informational and relational components, as well as opportunities for hands-on application with feedback.…”

Paradigmatic Challenges in School Counselling: Correlates and Reflections on Practice

“…In fact, the counselling literature shows that counsellors need to possess multicultural competence and awareness and therefore take an active role in the formation of social justice (Gonzalez, 2012). Actually, this theme coincides with the transformative leader roles of counsellors (Fassinger, Buki, & Shullman, 2017) and the role of advocating social justice (Bemak & Chung, 2011;Chang, Crethar, & Ratts, 2010;McMahon, Mason, & Paisley, 2009;Stone-Johnson, 2015).…”

American Psychological Association (APA) Leadership Institute for Women in Psychology: Herstory, impacts, and next steps.

“…They completed and received feedback on the Fundamental Interpersonal Relationship Orientation-Behavior (FIRO-B), a tool designed to assess preferences, interpersonal behaviors that impact performance, specifically inclusion, control, and affection (Kuehl, DiMarco, & Wims, 1975). Participants also completed the Leadership Skills Self-Efficacy Scale, a 40-item instrument covering seven areas including: Vision, Motivation, Communication, Negotiation, Mentoring and Managing People, Managing Resources, and Managing Yourself as a Leader (Fassinger, 2017; Fassinger et al, 2006; Fassinger & Shullman, 2007).…”

“…LIWP is also focusing on the leadership competencies required to be flexible, open to change, and to make a positive difference in a VUCA world (Coons, 2017; Fassinger, Buki, & Shullman, 2017; Shullman, 2017; Stiehm & Townsend, 2002). However, LIWP’s VUCA frame is more empowering.…”