Free Essays on Counseling

Counseling is an interactive process characterized by a unique relationship between counselor and client that leads to change in one or more areas (Trickett, Sept. 9, 2003). Multicultural counseling requires the recognition of: (1) the importance of racial/ethnic group membership on the socialization of the client; (2) the importance of and the uniqueness of the individual; (3) the presence of and place of values in the counseling process; and (4) the uniqueness of learning styles, vocational goals, and life purposes of clients, within the context of principles of democratic social justice (Locke, 1986). As the theoretical and professional foundations of multicultural counseling have progressed, a natural evolution has been the development of ethical standards to help regulate the practice of multicultural counseling. Ibrahim and Arredondo (1986) authored a proposal to develop specific ethical standards regarding multicultural counseling in the areas of education, research, assessment, and practice. LaFromboise and Foster (1989) also discussed this by bringing attention to other issues related to ethics in multicultural counseling that involved participants in research and right to treatment. Which in respond to this the 1995 revision of the ethical standards, the American Counseling Association (ACA) included specific excerpts requiring counselors to respect diversity, avoid discrimination, and demonstrate cultural sensitivity when engaging in direct client services, research, education, testing, computer applications, public communications, and relationships with employers and employees (ACA, 1995). Within the section on professional competence, it requires them to show a commitment to gain knowledge, awareness, and skills related to serving all different types of clients. Researchers have stated the need to prepare professionals to become more skillful in dealing with ethical dilemmas, particularly those involving multicult... Free Essays on Counseling Free Essays on Counseling The historical perspective of counseling is covered in depth in chapter one. The evolution of the counseling profession was developed in answer to the direct need brought about by the industrial and urbanization of America (Aubrey, 1982; Herr, 1985). The introduction of counseling first emerged as vocational guidance. Frank Parsons is actually credited by many as the â€Å"father of guidance counseling.† Vocational guidance gave way in the early 1900’s, or rather set the stage for school counseling. From 1917 to the late sixties, important legislative actions took place, which has had a strong influence on the counseling profession of today. Though legislative actions continue today, early legislation served to shape the initial idea and practice of counseling. The evolution of counseling finally segued into ‘professionalization.’ The counseling professions meet the criteria commonly used to review whether an occupation meets professional status. Ac creditation, multiple types of certification and licensure are all key components in professional counseling. According to Egan, 1998, the helping relationship can be broken down into three phases – relationship building, challenging the client and facilitating positive client actions. There seems to be many different ‘approaches’ to counseling, but I feel Egan’s approach is focused, simplistic and effective. All approaches aside, ultimately there is much the future counselor must reflect upon prior to making the decision to become a counselor. From Roger’s (1958) coining the phrase, â€Å"self-actualized† to Roger’s (1958) identification of the â€Å"four conditions† that all counselors should possess, there is a plethora of characteristics, which the new counselor should be aware. While understanding the necessary characteristics of a counselor, the new counselor must also be keenly aware of the ethical and legal factors surrounding the counselor’s behavio... Free Essays on Counseling Counseling is an interactive process characterized by a unique relationship between counselor and client that leads to change in one or more areas (Trickett, Sept. 9, 2003). Multicultural counseling requires the recognition of: (1) the importance of racial/ethnic group membership on the socialization of the client; (2) the importance of and the uniqueness of the individual; (3) the presence of and place of values in the counseling process; and (4) the uniqueness of learning styles, vocational goals, and life purposes of clients, within the context of principles of democratic social justice (Locke, 1986). As the theoretical and professional foundations of multicultural counseling have progressed, a natural evolution has been the development of ethical standards to help regulate the practice of multicultural counseling. Ibrahim and Arredondo (1986) authored a proposal to develop specific ethical standards regarding multicultural counseling in the areas of education, research, assessment, and practice. LaFromboise and Foster (1989) also discussed this by bringing attention to other issues related to ethics in multicultural counseling that involved participants in research and right to treatment. Which in respond to this the 1995 revision of the ethical standards, the American Counseling Association (ACA) included specific excerpts requiring counselors to respect diversity, avoid discrimination, and demonstrate cultural sensitivity when engaging in direct client services, research, education, testing, computer applications, public communications, and relationships with employers and employees (ACA, 1995). Within the section on professional competence, it requires them to show a commitment to gain knowledge, awareness, and skills related to serving all different types of clients. Researchers have stated the need to prepare professionals to become more skillful in dealing with ethical dilemmas, particularly those involving multicult...