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Reviews 09/13/2009 4:48 PM …While the outline of each
lesson,
including the author’s input on the possible challenges and
outcomes are
invaluable to a new counselor, the most significant piece of each
lesson is the
student reflection: “I think how I
feel
on the inside really tells more about who I am than how I look, but
I’m pretty
sure I’m both (224).” For new counselors,
having examples of how students
will respond to the sessions provides insight that cannot be found in
the
classroom. As a former adult mental health counselor, I know that one
aspect of
being a counselor is wondering how effective a implemented technique
will be.
Although Dr. Nick advises that “…any predetermined
lesson will not
automatically take students to the desired therapeutic
destination… (12),” the
feedback from students provided in the book will be a great source of
encouragement for the budding counselor. Fifty Steps Closer: Group
Counseling Guide in Reflections of
School-Aged Boys & Girls is a powerful
tool and should be required reading for every school counselor, new and
established. Melissa
Levine |
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As someone who
has a specialty background in working with children and their families
I can
only say this is the type of resource I was always searching for to
help
provide hands on guidance to meeting the needs to the school aged
children I
worked with. I find the topics and the formatting very
pertinent to the
very things so much of my work with children focused on.
Now as a Clinical Supervisor for 8 LPC
Interns as well as providing clinical oversight for approximately 60
fully
licensed therapists this is exactly the type of resource I like to have
at my
fingertips to refer them to as they look for ways to work with their
clients.
I have shared this book with my team, encouraging them to add
this book
to their “toolbox” of counseling resources and
bookmarked your website. Theresa Buzek, MS,
LPC-S |
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Student interns have found Fifty Steps Closer: Group
Counseling Guide in Reflections of School-Aged Boys & Girls
to be an invaluable resource in conducting their counseling groups. I
discovered Dr. Nick's materials to be most helpful with directing
School Counselors during course work and internships, as it represents
a real world model for the School Counselor as well
as for the students who experience the group process. The activities
can be easily tailored to meet the needs of the 9-12 student
population, as well as K-8. Fifty Steps Closer does not offer a
“cook book” approach to group counseling but rather
a guide to enhance the student’s experience in the counseling
process. Dr. Nick's sense of humor and school experiences makes Fifty
Steps Closer: Group Counseling Guide in Reflections of
School-Aged Boys & Girls a practical, affordable and
relevant book. |
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“For anyone who has ever wondered what kids think of counseling, this book offers insight. By presenting both the plan for each of the group sessions and a student’s experience of it, Dr. Minardi gives the reader a fly-on-the-wall perspective of the counseling process and its effect. This is a valuable resource for beginning and seasoned counselors alike.” Connie Kane, Ph.D. Coordinator School Counseling Program California State University, Stanislaus |
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I had the privilege of reviewing an early version of Nick's manuscript. My first reaction was that I had never read anything like it. Nick illustrates the insights acquired by children in group counseling by using the language of children. Only someone with deep understanding and extensive experience in group counseling with children can represent the nuances of a child's internal experience and what that experience means to the child. And, despite the occasional use of more 'adult' idiom, the reader can understand what a clinician can expect from a child in a group exercise. Nick's book is a unique learning tool. Tom Crain, MFT |
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A must have for every counselor that works with elementary/middle school students in any group setting! Dr. Nick has created the best prescription book of group therapy for children in the field that I’ve yet encountered. Step-by-step instruction for directing a group on just about every subject faced by our children today. Easy to use with great results as evident by the comments made by the students themselves with each activity. This book needs to be on the desk of every counselor that works with children! Gary L. Zanini , MA, MFT School Counselor |
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Dr. Minardi’s book of group counseling lessons is brimming with a variety of interesting and unique ideas to use with elementary and middle school students. As a counselor, and a counselor educator, I highly recommend this book of easily adaptable lessons to guide new counselors, as well as to inspire those with extensive counseling experience. Charlene West, D. Phil. Middle School Counselor Counselor Instructor – CSUS/Chapman University |
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If you already offer group counseling, then this is a must have resource! If you are considering offering group counseling in your school or private practice, this book is for you! Dr. Nick’s book provides the ideas and essential resources you will need to help your counselee’s be “Fifty Steps Closer” to healing! Cynthia M. Goodwin, M.A., P.P.S., School Counselor |
Copyright © Nick Minardi 2009