LibGuides: Counseling: Introduction to Research

Even a small library, like the one at Doane University, contains a lot of information on topics in the field of counseling. You just need to figure out how to get to it! This guide was created to take a little of the mystery out of using the library's resources as you begin to do research in this field.

Here are a few tips to improve your research success:

Try synonyms for your topic, and explore broader and narrower concepts.
Pay attention to key terms and other subject headings in the databases.
Always take a look at a work's references. Notice if there are authors that appear time and again; those are the experts on the topic.

More help can be found on the Tip Sheet for Counseling Students (PDF).

Don't know much about your topic?

A good summary article from a reference book like an encyclopedia can get you started in the right direction. It also might help you narrow the focus of your topic.

Wikipedia can be helpful as a starting point but as a professional counselor you'll want to go beyond a sometimes questionable resource such as this.

The Doane Library provides online ebooks on counseling like the ones shown below. Find out what other reference books we have by searching the library's catalog.

The ACA Encyclopedia of Counseling by American Counseling Association
ISBN: 9781119025467

Publication Date: 2015-04-14

This encyclopedia makes counseling come alive through its user-friendly writing style; instructive examples that connect readers to practice, teaching, supervision, and research; and its helpful cross-referencing of entries, boldfaced important terminology, and suggested resources for further study.
Counseling around the world : an international handbook by Thomas H. Hohenshil, Norman E. Amundson, and Spencer G. Niles
ISBN: 9781119222736

Publication Date: 2015

Native counselors and leading experts from 40 countries discuss the opportunities for growth and the challenges they face in their countries.
The Counseling Practicum and Internship Manual, Second Edition : A Resource for Graduate Counseling Students by Shannon Hodges
ISBN: 9780826128447

Publication Date: 2016

With a strong focus on counseling as a specific professional identity, the book includes new information on developing one's own approach to counseling and supervision, maintaining satisfactory working relationships with supervisors and colleagues, developing good writing skills and record keeping, and managing crisis and trauma.
Ethics Desk Reference for Counselors by Jeffrey E. Barnett; W. Brad Johnson
ISBN: 9781119027010

Publication Date: 2014-11-04

This handbook provides counselors and students with the means to quickly apply the 2014 ACA Code of Ethics to practice and to professional roles and activities.
Handbook of Professional Practice and Ethical Considerations by Rachel Tribe (Editor); Jean Morrissey (Editor)
ISBN: 9780203323625

Publication Date: 2004-11-01

Provides a supportive guide to the major professional, legal and ethical considerations faced by trainees on counselling and psychotherapy courses, as well as providing an invaluable resource for more experienced therapists.
Understanding Research in Clinical and Counseling Psychology by Jay C. Thomas (Editor); Michel Hersen (Editor)
ISBN: 9780805836714

Publication Date: 2003-01-01

This book has chapter that is good for a basic understanding of the literature review and how to best use databases and the internet for searching. See "Reviewing the Literature and Evaluating Existing Data," chapter 11.