The Journal of Rehabilitation Counseling is the only specialized journal in the country dedicated to the field of rehabilitation counseling. It focuses exclusively on psychological and counseling issues related to the primary rehabilitation populations. These populations include older adults; individuals with substance use disorders; persons affected by natural, human-made, and technological crises; patients with chronic illnesses and psychiatric disorders; children, adolescents, and adults with special needs and their families; as well as groups at risk of suicide and other psychosocial harms.

Each issue of the journal contains articles of significance for rehabilitation counselors in the domains of counseling practice, education, and research. The journal publishes original empirical studies, theoretical papers and comprehensive literature reviews, case studies, research critiques, and descriptive investigations.

Journal of Rehabilitation Counseling, owned and published by the University of Kurdistan, fully complies with the open access requirements of the Bethesda Statement on Open Access Publishing (June 20, 2003) under the Creative Commons Attribution‑NonCommercial (CC‑BY‑NC) licence. Copyright is retained by the authors, who may share their articles or deposit them in repositories. This means that the articles can be freely shared and used, provided that proper citation is given. The journal adheres to all COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics) guidelines and conditions concerning the protection of authors’ rights and research ethics (details of ethical principles and clauses are specified on the relevant page in the journal information section).

This journal strives to determine the status of submitted manuscripts in the shortest possible time. All stages of submission, peer review, acceptance, and publication of articles are carried out free of any charge. All manuscripts are screened for similarity with domestic and international sources prior to peer review, and the similarity report will be sent to the reviewers along with the manuscript. If the similarity rate of a manuscript with other sources is 20% or higher, the manuscript will be excluded from the peer review process.

مجله دسترسی آزاد - ویکی‌پدیا، دانشنامهٔ آزاد

Journal Information

Journal Type:

Scientific-Research

Language:

Persian with brief English abstracts

Publication Frequency:

Quarterly (Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter)

Country/City of Publication:

Iran, Sanandaj

Publication Format:

Electronic (Online)

Owner/Publisher:

University of Kurdistan

First Issue:

Spring 2025

Review Type:

Double-Blind Peer Review (at least two reviewers)

Article Processing and Publication Charges:

Free of charge

Indexed:

Yes

Open Access:

Yes (full free access)

Initial Review Time:

Maximum one week

Peer Review Time:

Maximum two months

License Number from Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance:

96439

Journal Email:

r.counseling@uok.ac.ir

Original Article Psychological rehabilitation
Comparing the Effectiveness of Positive Thinking Training and Meaning and Purpose (MaP) Therapy in promoting Post-Traumatic Grouth and Psycho-Social Adjustment in Cancer Patients

Jamal Soureh; Yousef Valipour; Nader Hajloo

Volume 2, Issue 1 , July 2026, Pages 318-329

https://doi.org/10.22034/jrc.2026.145585.1038

Abstract
  Background and Objective: Cancer is one of the diseases that requires complex and multidisciplinary treatment; therefore, the aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of positive thinking training and Meaning and Purpose (MaP) Therapy in promoting post-traumatic growth and psychosocial ...  Read More

Original Article Mental rehabilitation
The Effect of Music Therapy on Sleep Quality in Aged 4–12 Years with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Hamadan

Seyed Amirhossein Mousavibahar; Fatemeh Alaee Karahroudy; Jamileh Mohtashami; Tayebeh Hasan Tehrani

Volume 2, Issue 1 , July 2026, Pages 330-339

https://doi.org/10.22034/jrc.2026.145586.1039

Abstract
  Background and Objective: Sleep problems are among the most common disorders in children with autism, and music therapy has been introduced as a complementary treatment to improve sleep in these children. This study aimed to determine the effect of music therapy on sleep quality in children aged 4–12 ...  Read More

Original Article Psychological rehabilitation
The Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Combined with Physical Exercises on Quality of Life in People with Panic Symptoms

Fatemeh Behrouzieh; Mohammad Reza Khodabakhsh

Volume 2, Issue 1 , July 2026, Pages 340-352

https://doi.org/10.22034/jrc.2026.145972.1041

Abstract
  Background and Objective: Panic disorder, with repeated unexpected attacks of panic and anxiety, disrupts the quality of life in the physical, psychological, social and environmental domains. This study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of cognitive therapy combined with physical exercises ...  Read More

Original Article Rehabilitation counseling
Effects of Group Motivational Interviewing on Psychological Flexibility in Mothers of Students with Physical-Motor Disabilities

Farshad Zarei; Farzad Amiri; Nazanin Bashiri; Saadat Taheri

Volume 2, Issue 1 , July 2026, Pages 353-364

https://doi.org/10.22034/jrc.2026.146155.1042

Abstract
  Background and Aim: Considering the numerous psychosocial challenges faced by mothers of children with physical disabilities, and the key role of psychological flexibility in adapting to these conditions, the aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of group motivational interviewing on ...  Read More

Original Article Rehabilitation
The Role of I'tikaf in Spiritual Empowerment and Enhancing Life Satisfaction Among Adults: A Semi-Experimental Study with a Psycho-Spiritual Rehabilitation Approach

Mohammad Rostami; Soheila Rostami; Wrya Hafidi; Pardis Rostami

Volume 2, Issue 1 , July 2026, Pages 365-378

https://doi.org/10.22034/jrc.2026.145969.1040

Abstract
  Background and Objective: In recent years, spiritual interventions have received increasing attention as complementary approaches in psychosocial rehabilitation and health promotion. The present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of E'tekaf (Islamic spiritual retreat) as a spiritual–social ...  Read More

Original Article Rehabilitation
The effect of a Goalball-Based Empowerment Program on Motor Skills, Loneliness, and mental vitality in Students with Visual Impairments

Anwar Dastbaz; Banfsheh Youzi; Saifollah Rahmani

Volume 2, Issue 1 , July 2026, Pages 379-396

https://doi.org/10.22034/jrc.2026.146210.1043

Abstract
  Background and Objective: Given the established role of adapted sports in promoting the physical and psychological functioning of individuals with visual impairment, evaluating the effectiveness of these interventions remains an important research priority. Accordingly, this study investigated the effects ...  Read More

Evaluating the role of Rehabilitation Counseling in Promoting Mental Health of Older Adults after Disasters: A Scoping Review
Volume 1, Issue 3 , November 2025, , Pages 165-174

https://doi.org/10.22034/jrc.2025.143898.1012

Abstract
  Background and Objective: Disasters can have significant psychological consequences for older adults, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Due to their specific physical, psychological, and social conditions, older adults are more vulnerable to these effects compared ...  Read More

Language pragmatics in Children with Normal Development and Compare with in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Volume 1, Issue 2 , July 2025, , Pages 154-164

https://doi.org/10.22034/jrc.2025.144285.1018

Abstract
  Background and Objective: One of the disabling factors in children is damage to social communication. Language pragmatics is one of the main components of social communication. The present study aims to evaluate and compare pragmatic ability in children with normal development and compare it with children ...  Read More

Prolonged Grief Disorder, Depression and Sense of Coherence in College Students
Volume 1, Issue 2 , July 2025, , Pages 124-136

https://doi.org/10.22034/jrc.2025.64008

Abstract
  Background and Objective: Prolonged grief disorder (PGD) has been introduced as a new disorder in the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, and is characterized by main symptoms including intense longing, rumination about the deceased person, emotional pain, and ...  Read More

The Effectiveness of Health-Oriented Behavioral Intervention on Life Satisfaction of People with Physical - Motor Disabilities Working in Governmental Organizations
Volume 1, Issue 2 , July 2025, , Pages 94-113

https://doi.org/10.22034/jrc.2025.143639.1015

Abstract
  Background and Objective: Life satisfaction is a construct of subjective well-being that refers to how individuals evaluate the quality of specific aspects of their lives, such as work, marriage, health, and recreation. This component is also related to the quality of more general aspects of life, such ...  Read More

Adolescent Students' Perception of Economic Uncertainty and Tendency to Suicidal Thoughts
Volume 1, Issue 3 , November 2025, , Pages 175-190

https://doi.org/10.22034/jrc.2025.143912.1009

Abstract
  Background and Objective: Economic crises and the accompanying uncertainty are recognized as major contributing factors to psychological distress. This study aimed to qualitatively explore the perceptions of adolescent students in Ahvaz regarding economic uncertainty and its association with suicidal ...  Read More

Original Article
The Effectiveness of Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) on Improving Autism Symptoms and Challenging Behaviors in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Isfahan

Somayeh Ghorbani Kehrizsangi; Nafiseh Khodadadi

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 20 August 2026

https://doi.org/10.22034/jrc.2026.146342.1044

Abstract
  Background and Purpose: Symptoms of autism spectrum disorder emerge early in childhood, restricting or impairing daily functioning. Early identification of autism along with the provision of timely, appropriate interventions improves their quality of life. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine ...  Read More

Original Article
From Reflex to Behavior: A Systematic Review of the Effects of Reflex Therapy on Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Ghazale Nahavandi; Saeed Rezayi

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 20 August 2026

https://doi.org/10.22034/jrc.2026.146419.1046

Abstract
  Background and Purpose: Primitive reflexes play a crucial role in the early development of the child’s brain. However, many of these reflexes must gradually be inhibited during normal childhood development. In individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder ...  Read More

Original Article
Prediction of suicidal thoughts based on feelings of loneliness, self-esteem and life satisfaction in university students

Shahriar Dargahi; Nima Rezvani; Zohre Ghanbari

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 20 August 2026

https://doi.org/10.22034/jrc.2026.146356.1045

Abstract
  Background and Purpose: Suicide is one of the most urgent public health crises in the contemporary world, and university students appear to be more vulnerable to suicidal thoughts than the general population. The present study aimed to investigate the role of loneliness, self-esteem, and life satisfaction ...  Read More

Original Article
Comparison of the Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Existential Therapy on Self-Compassion and Distress Tolerance in Women with Breast Cancer

Samad Azizi; Nasrin Homayounfar; Behzad Taghipuor; Farzad Sadaghiyani; Roqayeh Barzegaran

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 24 August 2026

https://doi.org/10.22034/jrc.2026.146594.1048

Abstract
  Background and Objective: The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Existential Therapy on self-compassion and distress tolerance in women with breast cancer.Methoh: This applied research employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest ...  Read More

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