The American counseling field has reached most credentials, which are expected from a profession. The current standards in the United States provide safe counseling environment for clients and protect counselors' rights. Understanding the developments and key points of historical procedures could help international researchers to contribute the…

Declining membership is a concerning yet poorly understood issue affecting professional associations across disciplines (Bauman, 2008). Rehabilitation counseling association membership is in decline even while number of certified rehabilitation counselors continues to increase (Leahy, 2009). Factors influencing rehabilitation counseling…

This study investigated school psychologists' continuing professional development (CPD) activities, topics, needs, motivations, financial expenditures, and opinions, as well as relationships between select demographic characteristics and certain CPD practices and preferences. A survey was mailed to 1,000 randomly selected Regular Members of…

The authors provide a sociohistorical overview of the development of the counseling profession in Japan. They describe Japan's major social, cultural, and political changes; growing psychological problems in Japanese society; and an increased need for counseling services. Historical overviews and the current state of counseling are presented with…

Based on the core conditions of client-centered counseling and supported by aspects of psychodynamic, cognitive developmental, and behavioral theories, a perspective is introduced that provides a resolution to the dilemma experienced by counselors and counseling students whose personal values and beliefs conflict with the ethical guidelines of the…

The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) is celebrating its 40th anniversary and the 20th anniversary of the Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential. NASP was founded on March 15, 1969 during a national planning conference in St. Louis. In this article, the author provides a brief overview of the NASP.

The problems involved with the issue of accreditation for counselor education programs are discussed. The lack of progress in this area is partly due to the diverse committees and a lack of communications among them. Some suggestions for resolving the situation are given. (CG)

This article presents results and recommendations of the ACES Licensure Commission study on the licensing of counselors. (Author)

The Alabama Counseling Association (ALCA) has an ongoing plan for professional growth and development reflective of the multiple counseling professions and the diversity of its members. Based on the development and history of the organization, this research project was designed to assess ALCA's progress toward achieving its stated outcome goals. A…

Counselor licensing is an important issue in California. This paper discusses the current licensure situation in California and how other states handle licensure. Also examined are the positions of the national professional organization, the American Counseling Association, and the national credentialing body, the National Board for Certified…

Presents a reprint of an article proposing professional preparation guidelines which first appeared in the October 1983 "Measurement and Evaluation in Guidance." Seven response articles offer additional perspectives on the proposed standards. (JAC)

This speech points to the advantages and importance of certification and licensure of counselors. It includes a general discussion of certification, certification requirements, and projections for the future in terms of counselor training. Also included is a background discussion on licensure and its implications, especially in relation to…

Describes the purpose and organization of the Board of Certified Professional Counselors developed by the American Mental Health Counselors Association. The decision to certify rather than license was based on HEW research and recommendations. A glossary of terms is included. (JAC)

Internal polarization and current external pressures are forcing changes in art therapy. True art therapy must be based in art, and its practitioners must be conducting therapy. A clear definition is necessary or the field of art therapy may become so overinclusive that it holds meaningless distinctions. (LSR)

This paper presents a discussion on counseling and excellence between Garry R. Walz (director of the ERIC Clearinghouse on Counseling and Personnel Services and former president of the American Association for Counseling and Development--AACD), Edwin L. Herr (former president of AACD), and Jean A. Thompson (president of AACD). Topics covered in…