Undergraduate Role Players as “Clients” for Graduate Counseling Students

Abstract

We describe two exercises using undergraduates from abnormal psychology courses to act as role-play clients for graduate counselor–trainees. The first exercise involves mock counseling sessions; the second is a mock case conference. We grade graduates on their counseling and case-conceptualization skills. Undergraduates participate as ungraded volunteers. We believe that graduate students benefit from the challenge and honest feedback that undergraduate role players provide. Undergraduates reported academic benefits and increased empathy for the characters they played. The exercises seem to be educationally beneficial and may also help decrease undergraduates' negative stereotyping of persons with psychological problems.

Role-Playing in Counselor Student Development

“…Role-playing has been shown to have many positive benefits including increases in students' empathy (Truax & Carkhuff, 1967), enthusiasm and class participation (Balch, 1983), academic knowledge and empathic understanding (Anderson, Gunderson, Banken, Halvorson, & Schumutte, 1989), performance (Baker, Daniels, & Greeley, 1990;Larson & Daniels, 1998), and reflection of feelings (Robinson & Cabianca, 1985). According to Seligman (2005), role-play practice groups can lead to professional, as well as personal, development in students.…”

Use of Simulated Multidisciplinary Treatment Teams and Client Actors to Teach Case Conceptualization and Treatment Planning Skills

“…Students have reported an overall appreciation for the "real-life" experience of such exercises (Pomerantz. 2003), which have been enhanced by the use of believable actors who provide instructive feedback (Anderson et al .. 1989). In addition.…”

“…Training programs have used professional actors (McNaughton et al, 1999); drama/theater students (Fall & Levitov, 2002;Lane, 2000;Levitov et al, 1999;Pomerantz. 2003); undergraduate psychology students (Anderson et al, 1989); psychiatric nurses (Bagels. 1994); and "friends, relatives, and neighbors of university faculty and staff.…”

Conducting Introductory Psychology Activity Modules as a Requirement in Advanced Undergraduate Courses

“…For example, Anderson, Gundersen, Banken, Halvorson, and Schmutte (1989) had undergraduate students in abnormal psychology serve as "c:lients" for graduate counseling students and reported that ithe experience was beneficial to both groups. For example, Anderson, Gundersen, Banken, Halvorson, and Schmutte (1989) had undergraduate students in abnormal psychology serve as "c:lients" for graduate counseling students and reported that ithe experience was beneficial to both groups.…”