Last week’s landmark Supreme Court rulings signified a huge step forward for gay rights — and leaders of the American Counseling Association say the two decisions will impact the profession of counseling, as well. On June 26, the court declared unconstitutional the part of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act
Month: July 2013
Thirty million Americans will struggle with a clinically significant eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa or binge eating disorder at some point in their lives, according to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA). Pressure to conform to the “thin ideal” starts early. The NEDA website indicates that between
One of the most disheartening experiences I have had as a counselor educator was overhearing a counselor sound ashamed and apologetic about our profession. Admittedly, counselors do experience a disproportionate amount of marginalization within the mental health community. When we take a look at the job descriptions, we are noticeably
Each July, ACA welcomes a new president who will serve for the next 12 months as our association’s leader and primary spokesperson. For the past 16 years, I have had the honor of being the person who works most closely with the association’s chief elected officer to carry out the
Here are some popular misconceptions about brief therapy: It sacrifices a real therapeutic alliance. It is only popular because insurance companies love it. It doesn’t work long term. Many counselors with in-depth training in brief therapy models are quick to dispel these myths and contend that brief therapy can help
I t’s a little surprising to find out that someone so passionate about counseling began her professional career as a retail associate at a Jordan Marsh clothing store in Manchester, N.H. Less surprising perhaps is finding out why Cirecie West-Olatunji, who took office as the 62nd president of the American
Students in counselor education courses often ask what special training they need to counsel clients with spiritual issues. I ask these students to consider what course content, prior employment, life experience or other education might prepare them to address religious or spiritual themes. Some report they would rely on pastoral
Are you a mental health counselor? If so, you may be only vaguely aware of the ways in which CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs)-only language in hiring, credentialing and reimbursement policies could impact your practice. As practicing mental health counselors and board members of the Maryland
Everyone who enters a graduate program in counseling daydreams at some point about his or her professional future. The ultimate goal for some is to start a private practice. For others it is to work in a certain setting or with clients who have specific issues or treatment needs. Many