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Role‐play is often used as a pedagogical technique by counsellor educators to help counsellors‐in‐training (CITs) learn and practise counselling skills. This study used qualitative content analysis to assess the effectiveness of Chat Generative Pre‐Trained Transformer (ChatGPT), an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot, in simulating client role‐play to facilitate practising counselling skills. The author used 10 case vignettes to conduct a simulated role‐play where ChatGPT was asked to simulate the client and author as counsellor. The results indicated that ChatGPT demonstrated authenticity, consistency, appropriate emotional expression, cultural sensitivity, empathy and self‐awareness while portraying the client. However, at times, ChatGPT's responses to the counsellor's questions appeared overly idealised, lacking the authenticity typically observed in real clients. Furthermore, ChatGPT, as a simulated client, lacked non‐verbal cues, limiting the overall experience of counselling skill practice. Recommendations for CITs and future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conversation AI such as ChatGPT is a disruptive technology that has the potential to influence the field of counseling. The present article examines how AI based chatbot ChatGPT can be used by counselor educators in helping counselors-in-training practice counseling skills through role play. The author developed a model, ChatGPT Client Simulation (CCS), to support counselors-in-training learn and practice counseling skills. The CCS model can be used both in synchronous online as well as in-person counseling courses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study used a constructivist grounded theory (CGT) approach to explore, examine and develop a grounded theory (GT) of spiritual awakening conceptualisation and process. The authors used the interview data of 34 eminent spiritual teachers who have written books on spirituality, led spiritual retreats and conducted lectures and trainings on spiritual quest. These participants come from diverse backgrounds (e.g., American, Asian, European and Mexican), trainings (e.g., Buddhism, Yoga, Hinduism, Taoism, Christianity and other mindfulness traditions) and professional experiences. The data analysis of the interviews led to the development of the spiritual awakening evolution (SAE) model, explaining the process and evolution of spiritual awakening. According to this model, spiritual awakening evolves through four phases: an initial transient shift in perception, further practice to support spiritual development, surrendering and a continuous journey of spiritual development. As spiritual awakening experiences are transcultural, the SAE model can inform counsellors' understanding of clients' spiritual needs and the meanings of those experiences. Implications for counsellor practitioners, counsellor preparation programmes and research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the wake of COVID-19, health care providers experienced an immense expansion of telehealth usage across fields. Despite the growth of telemental health offerings, issues of licensing portability continue to create barriers to broader access to mental health care. To address portability issues, the Counseling Compact creates an opportunity for counselors to have privileges to practice in states that have passed compact legislation. Considerations of ethical and legal aspects of counseling in multiple states are critical as counselors begin to apply for privileges to practice through the Counseling Compact. This article explores ethical and legal regulations relevant to telemental health practice in multiple states under the proposed compact system. An illustrative case example and flowcharts offer guidance for counselors planning to apply for Counseling Compact privileges and provide telemental health across multiple states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigating how counselors perceive technology as a tool for delivering counseling services is crucial to understand the usage and challenges that may have implications for training programs, policymaking, and allocation of resources. With the COVID-19 crisis and accompanying shelter-in-place and self-distancing guidelines, telemental health, including distance counseling, has become a satisfactory primary delivery system and is now expected to be part of routine counseling care. The present pre-COVID-19 study explored practicing counselors' perceptions of distance counseling regarding advantages and challenges. While noting benefits, results indicate continuing barriers to widespread telemental health use encompassing licensure, training, safety, privacy, evaluation, and regulatory policies. Also, attention is needed for therapeutic relationships and culturally alert digital interventions. In addition, counselors can take advantage of rapidly changing technologies to provide numerous innovative counseling services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]