Analysis of the Counseling Profession
Abstract
This paper will discuss three facets of the counseling profession: the current state of the profession, potential threats to the profession and the future of the profession.
Analysis of the Counseling Profession
Current State of the Counseling Profession While the profession of counseling is a little over 100 years old it is only recently that it has come into its own in terms of parity and respect among other professionals, legislators and the public. Licensure is now available in every state lending a more unified approach and feel to the profession. There is however continued inroads to be made in unifying the counseling profession as a whole. This can be done only when the common interest of the counseling profession is placed above political and personal agendas. (Erford, B.T., 2012)
Through technology, counseling has gone global. Foreign governments are recognizing the importance of mental health and wellness and seeking consultation as it relates to developing credentialing processes and organizational support. (Erford, B.T., 2012)
Currently the counseling profession has strong ties to the medical model in part driven by managed care. Brief-term, evidenced-based, cognitive- behavioral approaches are used frequently at this time. I believe that for accountability purposes it is important that treatment interventions are evidenced based; however, it is important to consistently check interventions and techniques used with clients for effectiveness.
The current state of the counseling profession appears to be standing on a precipice. Technology, neuroscience and the unity of the profession will lend themselves to a very exciting future.
Threats to the Counseling Profession A significant threat to the counseling profession is the possible splintering of the profession. While the profession has developed standards and licensure in all 50 states, some counselors seem intent on dividing into different groups. There remains an
This paper will discuss three facets of the counseling profession: the current state of the profession, potential threats to the profession and the future of the profession.
Analysis of the Counseling Profession
Current State of the Counseling Profession While the profession of counseling is a little over 100 years old it is only recently that it has come into its own in terms of parity and respect among other professionals, legislators and the public. Licensure is now available in every state lending a more unified approach and feel to the profession. There is however continued inroads to be made in unifying the counseling profession as a whole. This can be done only when the common interest of the counseling profession is placed above political and personal agendas. (Erford, B.T., 2012)
Through technology, counseling has gone global. Foreign governments are recognizing the importance of mental health and wellness and seeking consultation as it relates to developing credentialing processes and organizational support. (Erford, B.T., 2012)
Currently the counseling profession has strong ties to the medical model in part driven by managed care. Brief-term, evidenced-based, cognitive- behavioral approaches are used frequently at this time. I believe that for accountability purposes it is important that treatment interventions are evidenced based; however, it is important to consistently check interventions and techniques used with clients for effectiveness.
The current state of the counseling profession appears to be standing on a precipice. Technology, neuroscience and the unity of the profession will lend themselves to a very exciting future.
Threats to the Counseling Profession A significant threat to the counseling profession is the possible splintering of the profession. While the profession has developed standards and licensure in all 50 states, some counselors seem intent on dividing into different groups. There remains an
References: Erford, B.T. (March 2012). What the future holds for the counseling profession. Counseling Today Herlihy, B. (March 2012). What the future holds for the counseling profession. Counseling Today Ivey, A.E. (March 2012). What the future holds for the counseling profession. Counseling Today Locke, D.W. (April 2012). A critical time. Counseling Today Shallcross, L