In your own words, how has the profession of counseling changed since the early 1900s? What changes, based on future projections by leaders in the profession, do you foresee as most impactful, and why?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answer will vary. Here are a few possibilities:
a. How the profession of counseling has changed:
i. Counseling has become more diversified.
1. It has moved from a vocational and educational focus to include clinical mental health counseling, addictions counseling, college counseling, etc.
2. Diverse counseling theories and approaches
3. Clinical mental health counselors work in many different settings.
ii. Counseling is becoming more unified
1. With the work of the 20/20 taskforce, the profession is becoming unified in its efforts to advance the future of counseling
iii. It is more evidence-based.
iv. It has grown in number and popularity
1. Membership of professional organizations
2. Credentialing, particularly licensure in all 50 states in the U.S.
v. Standardized training with the creation of CACREP
vi. Publishing of the ACA code of ethics
b. Future projections
i. Understanding and responding ethically to rapidly evolving technology
1. ACA code of ethics and credentialing will likely evolve to address issues specific to online or distance counseling, as well as to interactions with clients on social media
ii. Understanding the complex connections between mental health and neurobiology and neuroplasticity
1. Could impact counselor training, our understanding and conceptualization of mental disorders, and our approaches to treating these disorders.