Analysis of Counseling Profession, Research Paper Example

The American Counseling Association (ACA) represents counseling professionals across the nation and are committed to the growth and development of the counseling profession and those who seek their services (American Counseling Association, 2011).  Counseling services can range from assisting college students in determiningtheir degree programto providing rehabilitative counseling to those with psychological challenges and disabilities. The overall objective of the profession is to provide analysis,adjustmentsand recommendations for patients who seek assistance in for condition (American Counseling Association, 2011).

Managed behavioral healthcare in the 21^st century has created an increased understanding of psychologicalissues in patients. The definitions of normal versus abnormal behavior are less stigmatized with insanity assumptions and are no longer solved through institutionalization. When individuals are experiencing life challenges, it is important for them to seek support from trained and license professionals who are able to successfully diagnose their condition and determine the proper therapy needed to manage it. A number of different traumatic or everyday situations can initiate the need for a counseling professional:

• Sexual and substance abuse
• Domestic violence
• Divorce
• Career changes

Current State of the Profession

“Because of the increasing complexity and scope of patient problems presenting to the health care environment, patient care now routinely combines the efforts of physicians of different disciplines, skilled nursing professionals, and other health care professionals” (Ethics in Medicine, 2008). Today, physicians and other healthcare practitioners are working closely with counselors and other support systems in order to provide patients with a total care system. Contemporary developments in evidence-based rehabilitative care and scientific advancements inquantifiable treatments are now available to practitioners in an effort toprovide clinical therapy with a wider range of solutions for patients.

There are over 80,000 licensed and trained counselors in the United States. Since the licensure process generally mandates a master’s degree or higher with three years of clinical practice, many of the nation’s counselors are highly skilledin managing a variety of critical issues as it relates to psychological care (American Counseling Association, 2011). Recent changes in societal influences, however, are impacting how and when counselors provide therapeutic support (Ethics in Medicine, 2008).As individuals seek alternative methods to manage personal and professional issues in addition to increasing developments in religious and spiritual beliefs, it is important for contemporary counselors to be aware of areas that may influence the counseling session. Some of these influential areas include:

• Belief systems (i.e. faith)
• Value systems (i.e. non-medicinal interventions)
• Cultural and social influences (i.e. preconceived ideas)

Potential Threats to the Profession

Holistic, Contextual & Multicultural Approach

A one size fits all approach is not a valid or reliable approach in managing the counseling of patients today. As minority growth soar in America, so does the need for a more holistic, contextual and multicultural approach to the counseling profession.The traditional theories and practices of the counseling sessions have focused on White, middle class males (Savickas, 2003). The absenceof concentrations on counseling areas that are sensitive to race, sexuality and cultural influences have created deficiencies in the counseling process.As mentioned earlier, with the increase invarious practices and belief systems, there must also be the incorporation of methods and approaches that will accommodate these changes.

Health and Cost Related Issues

When health and cost related issues are a factor, counselors and patients are restricted in the psychiatric care process. Recent developments in psychiatric care have removed the clinical decisions from a limited number of solutions to a continuum of care for patients (Book, 2002). This development has also created more flexibility in areas such as payment options, range of services and a wider selection of practioners. The potential threat to this advancement is the nation’s current economic crisis and recent developments in healthcare reform. If patients are no longer able to take advantage of a total care systemdue to unemployment and underemployment, the counseling profession process is compromised and the country is faced with minimized psychiatric care. This could result in the returning of antiquated systemswith limited options.

Recommendations for Future Growth and Development of the Profession

Education and Community Awareness

While some individuals are aware as to why their moods and behaviors have changed, there is a segment of the population who is unaware as to what is causing a change in their thoughts and actions. Without proper help, these individuals will likely experience an increase in psychological turmoil and will act on their behaviors and concerns. In order to increase awareness and to assist in addressing these issues, it is important for the American Counseling Association and counselors across the country to work with practitioners, community leaders and organizations in providing more education on psychiatric signs and disorders. It is also important for counselors to work to dispel myths and cultural influences regarding mental health. While theseinitiatives may not necessarily be a professional requirement, counselors must work to ensure that Americans remains psychologicallysound in order to meet the personal and professional objectives of the community. Additionally, educating the community will also help to develop generations who are often unaware of the resources and services available to them.

New Research and Innovative Tools

In order to improve the psychological condition of patients, counselors must seek advancements in the mental health profession itself. Traditionally, counseling and career development has utilized existing models and core activities from historical information and data; however, with today’s technological advancements, practitioners now haveaccess to increased opportunities for clinical research, applications and tools (Savickas, 2003).  Developing counseling methods through computer intervention models, psychometric tools and web based applications will not only result in cost savings for the practitioner and the patient but will also provide more quantitative findings that are critical to diagnosis and recommendations.

Conclusion

The counseling profession has not always had the benefit of total care management systems and technological development to support in the care of its patients. Today, physicians, counselors and other healthcare practitioners are working together to ensure that patients are provided the best possible care and through the most effective means. While these advancements have made remarkable strides in the counseling profession, there are threats to its continuation.  Counselors must work to implement programs and services which will not only support continued research and development but will also mirror the rapidly changing racial, social and economic landscape of America.

References

American Counseling Association. (2011). Public Policy. Retrieved August 4, 2011 from web: http://www.counseling.org/

Book, J. (2002). Behavioral Health Care Then and Now: Significant Progress, But More Work to Do. American Psychiatric Association, 53, 1249-1251. Retrieved August 04, 2011 from website: www.psychservices.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/full/53/10/1249

Ethics in Medicine. (2008). Interdisciplinary Team Issues. Retrieved August04, 2011 from web: http://depts.washington.edu/bioethx/topics/team.html

Savickas, M. (2003). Advancing the Career Counseling Profession: Objectives and Strategies for the Next Decade. Retrieved August 4, 2011 from web: http://eec.edc.org/cwis_docs/NEWS_ARTICLES_JOURNALS/Career_Development_Qrtly/Savickas.pdf