The American Medical Association’s (AMA) recent classification of obesity as a disease will not only impact those who fall into that category, it will also affect the way counseling professionals treat obese clients. The question of whether this new classification is a wholly positive step forward remains to be seen,
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Angela Coker’s time conducting research in Botswana has not only taught her about counseling practices in the country, it has also reinforced the importance of increasing cultural competence among American counselors. Coker, a licensed professional counselor and associate professor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, is currently in the midst
As ACA members reflect on the recent acquittal of George Zimmerman in the fatal shooting of 17-year old Trayvon Martin, it is important to realize that – no matter what each of us might think about the outcome of the trial – this case has serious implications for the counseling
Leaders from various branches, regions and divisions of the American Counseling Association are convening in Washington, D.C. July 24-27 for the ACA Institute for Leadership Training. The institute gives attendees the opportunity to enhance their leadership skills and dedication to the counseling profession through workshops, learning sessions, visits with
Conflict regularly occurs within the organizational setting. Whenever two or more employees are together, the potential for disagreement arises. At the basic level, conflict simply means a difference of opinion. While an initial impression might suggest resolving the conflict, a more effective approach may be to manage it. Professional counselors
I am a cancer survivor and just completed my M.A. in mental health counseling in December 2012. By chance, I interviewed to do my internship at a residential treatment facility for individuals who are mandated by the courts to seek treatment for their drug or alcohol addictions. Most of my
In the field of mental health practice, domestic violence is an issue of much significance. As mental health practitioners, we learn early on that domestic violence is about the abuser’s power over his or her victim, be it emotional or physical. We learn to take into consideration the victim’s cultural
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
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