An emerging mental health crisis is proving increasingly frustrating and alarming to counselors. More and more military personnel are returning from Iraq and Afghanistan in dire need of mental health services, but according to Veterans for America, a leading veterans rights group, the ratio of providers to clients throughout the
Author: Web Admin
Each September, my column acknowledges the beginning of another academic year by focusing on the important role that American Counseling Association members play in the education and guidance of students in elementary, middle and secondary schools, as well as at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Clearly, those of you who
Last month, the American Counseling Association lost a member of its family, Dr. Patrick J. “Joe” McDonough, who served the association from 1983 to 1990 as its sixth executive director. Joe was someone who, as executive director, watched over an incredible time of growth and development, both for ACA and
Because this is my last column as president of the American Counseling Association, I thought it appropriate to share some views on the state of our association. The first thing I would note is that the role of ACA remains unique. While many organizations — such as the Council for
Earlier this year, a 12-year-old boy in Florida beat a 17-month-old girl to death with a wooden baseball bat because she was crying while he was watching television. Last month, national news outlets repeatedly played segments of a videotape in which a group of girls — ages 14 to 17
The curtain rises and the houselights dim. A shy and anxious young woman sits bathed in a spotlight as she wails her confession: “I’ve got problems! I’ve got problems!” Other actors appear around her and gleefully shout out their reply: “We’ve got them too! Welcome to the group!” Welcome, also,
Michael Firch spends a lot of time in the halls of Milford (Del.) Middle School and its busy cafeteria chatting with students, gathering information and spotting problems. One thing the veteran school counselor quickly notices amid the confusion, clamor and camaraderie is the student who doesn’t fit in — the
Each month, I share with you some thoughts, update you on what the American Counseling Association is doing and, sometimes, offer some personal reflections. This month, I am asking for a favor. In some respects, I think ACA is one of the “best kept” secrets from those who could stand
There are hundreds of theories and approaches to counseling and psychotherapy documented in the professional literature. Counselors often ask, “What theory works best? What approach will best meet the needs of my clients?” Along with my students, supervisees and colleagues, I often struggle to make sense of this reality. Like
Professional counselors sometimes question whether their efforts are having an impact. While some see results quickly, others wonder if they are making a difference. If you look at our society in its current state, I think a lack of professional counseling services and counselor education would have resulted in many