History of the Counseling Profession

The history of the counseling profession is filled with stories of people and events that helped shape it and make it what it is today. The field has been influenced by multiple historical events, societal needs, and social contexts. The counseling profession continues to evolve through unique approaches and philosophies from the counseling field and from contributions of the American Counseling Association (ACA), American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA), and the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC).

For this Discussion, you examine historical contributions to the identity of the mental health counseling profession and predict its future.

To prepare for this Discussion:

Review the readings in the Learning Resources. Focus on the history of the counseling profession and future considerations.

Review the media in the Learning Resources. Consider which events in history led to the formation and growth of the counseling profession.

Select one historical event that you believe has had a major influence on where the counseling profession is today and why.

Consider any growing community needs or trends that relate to mental health counseling. Based on your observations or other data, where do you believe the profession is headed?

1) Description of one historical event.

2) Impact on the counseling profession today (explain).

3) Contribution to shaping the identity of the profession (explain).

4) Prediction about the future of the profession (provide evidence based on your observations or other data about the current state of mental health counseling).