An online counseling modules approach for programs in communication disorders: The effect on the comfort-levels of graduate clinicians

This study was conducted to determine whether implementation of online counseling training modules could effect a change in the comfort level of graduate clinicians in speech-language pathology in the provision of counseling individuals with communicative disorders and their families. Qualitative and quantitative data relative to pre-and post-implementation of online counseling training were gathered from 12 graduate clinicians enrolled the Communication Disorders Special Cohort M.A. Program. Non-parametric statistical analysis was performed to determine statistical significance, in addition to correlation analysis to determine any relationship between pre-training module comfort-levels and variable factors (i.e., work experience, life experience, previous coursework, and age). Test statistics indicated a very strong significant change in participants' comfort level in the provision of counseling post implementation of the online counseling training. Little to no correlations were found between the pre-training comfort levels in counseling provision and variables mentioned. Overall, participants found the brief online training to be somewhat helpful.