Welcome to Hot Topics! In this episode, host Gabrielle Crichlow is joined by guest Dr. Heather Robertson, a distinguished professor and chair of the Counselor Education program at St. John's University. They explore the world of counseling education, discussing its nuances, challenges, and the impact of recent events like the COVID-19 pandemic. Gabrielle shares her personal connection to the field, while Dr. Robertson explains what counseling education entails, the various specializations, and how counselors are trained. They highlight the essential skills needed, including the importance of practice and real-world experience, and address the challenges faced by school counselors, particularly during the pandemic. The episode also covers current issues, such as recent changes in federal student loan regulations affecting prospective students, and emphasizes the importance of cultural humility and self-care for future counselors. Tune in for valuable insights and inspiration for anyone considering a career in counseling! Who is Dr. Heather Robertson? (Updated) Dr. Heather C. Robertson (she/her) is a Professor and Chair of Counselor Education at St. John’s University. She holds multiple licenses, including Licensed Professional Counselor (CT, VA), Licensed Mental Health Counselor (NY), and is a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC). Her research focuses on Substance Abuse, Military and Veterans, Career Transition, Telemental Health, and reducing the stigma of Mental Illness and Addiction. Dr. Robertson earned her Ph.D. from Virginia Tech and an M.S. from Texas A & M University at Corpus Christi. She has served as past-president of the American Counseling Association of New York and the New York State Career Development Association. With over 20 peer-reviewed publications and presentations at more than 50 conferences, she authored the 2021 book "Telemental Health and Distance Counseling: A Counselor's Guide to Decisions, Resources, and Practice" and the forthcoming "Integrating Telemental Health Practice Into Counselor Education Training." Her counseling specializations include substance use, mental health, career development, and military populations, and she currently provides mental health counseling in a skilled nursing facility on Long Island. You can learn more about the St. John's University Counseling Program: On the web: https://www.stjohns.edu/offices-departments/counselor-education On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/counselor-education-st-john-s-university-school-of-education/ You can find Dr. Heather Robertson: On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-c-robertson/ By Email: robertsh@stjohns.edu Purchase Dr. Robertson's 1st book, "Telemental Health and Distance Counseling: A Counselor's Guide to Decisions, Resources, and Practice": - From the Publisher: https://www.springerpub.com/telemental-health-and-distance-counseling-9780826179944.html - From Amazon: https://a.co/d/05Gw6Vsy Purchase Dr. Robertson's 2nd book, "Integrating Telemental Health Practice Into Counselor Education Training": - From the Publisher: https://www.wiley.com/shop/psychology-general/integrating-telemental-health-practice-into-counselor-education-training-p-9781394222872 - From Amazon: https://a.co/d/02vAisn6 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/vFBXB8N8x7M Rate this episode on IMDB: TBA ******************************************** Follow Gabrielle Crichlow: On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gabrielle.crichlow On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabrielle.crichlow On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielle-crichlow-92587a360 Follow A Step Ahead Tutoring Services: On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/astepaheadtutoringservices On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astepaheadtutoringservices On X: https://www.x.com/ASATS2013 On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-step-ahead-tutoring-services/ On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@astepaheadtutoringservices On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@asats2013 On Eventbrite: https://astepaheadtutoringservices.eventbrite.com Visit us on the web: https://www.astepaheadtutoringservices.com Sign up for our email list: https://squareup.com/outreach/a41DaE/subscribe Sign up for our text list: https://tapit.us/cipPJO Check out our entire "Hot Topics!" podcast: https://www.astepaheadtutoringservices.com/hottopicspodcast Support us: Cash App: https://cash.app/$ASATS2013 PayPal: https://paypal.me/ASATS2013 Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/ASATS2013 Zelle: success@astepaheadtutoringservices.com Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/hot-topics--5600971/support Original Date of Episode: July 9, 2026
