“Adventure Counseling.” Many people initially assume that a master’s-level counseling class with this title involves frivolous “fun and games” and offers little in the way of valuable content. In reality, it is a course unique in its educational potential and unlike any other educational experience I have taken part in
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The recent passage of legislation that will provide greater career opportunities for licensed professional counselors within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs sparked several conversations regarding the enormous support needed by military personnel — both those currently serving and those who have served — and their families. A friend and
For the past decade, the unmoderated COUNSGRADS listserv has been connecting, advising and supporting graduate students in counselor education programs nationwide. The listserv is a place for graduate students to exchange dialogue about the topics they’re exploring in classes and the research they’re conducting, share ideas about counseling and the
In its continuing efforts to advance the counseling profession and promote respect for human dignity and development, the American Counseling Association recently received two pieces of good news. First, the U.S. Department of Labor has asked ACA to represent the counseling profession and play a collaborative role in revising the
Why be involved with a professional association? I recently posed this question to the staff of the American Counseling Association, and it’s something I constantly ask our leaders and other groups of professional counselors. It’s my attempt to “drill down” and see what leads people to make the decision to
Jean is a troubled 40-year-old who has been working as a district manager for the same sales company for eight years. With three children at home, ages 12, 8 and 5, she is torn between priorities for her career and her family life. Her husband’s new job is going to
Let me wish all of you a happy, prosperous, healthy and peaceful new year. The staff and I enjoyed a few days off at the end of the month, but rest assured that we have returned to the office with a renewed vigor in hopes of doing even more to
The American Counseling Association announced last fall that Linda Ellerbee would serve as a keynote speaker for the 2007 Annual Convention in Detroit. Some may ask why an acclaimed television producer and former network journalist is speaking to a group of counselors. After all, what do journalists and counselors have
In December, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, in partnership with the Ad Council, launched a national, multimedia public service awareness campaign designed to decrease negative attitudes concerning mental illness. One of the campaign’s fundamental strategies is to encourage young adults to support friends who are living with
The counseling profession took a significant step toward full recognition under federal law with passage of legislation establishing licensed professional counselors as mental health specialists within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system. Passage of the legislation took place literally in the final hours of the 109th Congress