Vocational rehabilitation counselors in the state of Wisconsin: their theoretical orientation, the types of therapeutic intervention they purchase, and the usage and value of these techniques

Abstract

The purpose of this descriptive study was to determine what types of therapeutic intervention rehabilitation counselors in the State of Wisconsin purchase, how frequently they do, and the value counselors place in the certain types of therapeutic intervention. This study also looks at the issue of repressed memories and how frequently rehabilitation counselor’s clients are recovering memories in therapy, and how many have resulted in legal actions. A survey was developed by the researcher and mailed to 215 rehabilitation counselors working for the state agency in 1999. 112 counselors responded for a return rate of 52%. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the responses from the survey. Results from this survey indicated that the fifty-seven percent of the counselor’s caseload was general, and the theoretical orientation that counselors refer their clients to most frequently is eclectic or general, with behavioral and client-centered also being strong. The most frequently purchased therapeutic technique purchased was biofeedback, with relaxation therapy being second. In looking at how many clients have been involved in legal actions related to material discovered or developed in therapy, it was reported that there were sixty-eight client’s claims against parents, siblings, clergy, teachers, daycare workers, etc. Thirty-seven clients filed claims against there own therapist, and twenty-nine parents had counter claims against their sons/daughters therapist. In looking at how many clients in the past ten years had uncovered material dealing with sexual abuse, alien abductions, and satanic rituals; there were eight hundred and thirty-three cases of sexual abuse, fifty-six cases of satanic rituals and twelve cases of alien abductions. When counselors were asked if they knew if any of their client where it seemed likely that a memory of trauma was somehow suggested by a therapist rather than by a genuine experience, fifty-four responded no, thirty two responded undecided, and thirteen responded yes. This survey uncovered interesting results as reported by rehabilitation counselors in the State of Wisconsin and raises serious questions about the type of psychotherapy that is being conducted with clients today.