The following information may be helpful for those
interested in seeking the services of a professional counselor. This
information can be found at the American Counseling Association's
webpage (www.counseling.org
). Please visit their website for more valuable resources.
Professional Counselors -- Helping People…
Throughout our lives, we encounter many
challenges.
Conflicts in relationships. Life transitions. Emotional crises.
Educational and career decisions. Physical illness and disability.
And many more.
Sometimes the challenges are exciting. Sometimes they're
frightening. And sometimes we can benefit from help and support as
we strive to master them.
Professional counselors are trained and committed to providing
the help and support we may need to master the challenges of life.
Working in a diverse range of settings and with a variety of
areas of specialized expertise, professional counselors work with
people of all ages, races, cultural backgrounds, and circumstances
to help them maximize their potential, make positive changes in
their lives, and achieve their goals.
Promoting Educational Success
Education both enriches our lives and empowers us with the
knowledge and skills we need to succeed. Professional counselors
play a critical role in maximizing educational opportunities.
In elementary and secondary schools, professional school
counselors collaborate with parents, teachers, and others to:
Supporting Career Development
In this time of rapid economic and technological change, finding
a rewarding career can be difficult. Many professional counselors
specialize in providing the assistance we need to identify and
pursue career objectives that match our interests, skills,
aptitudes, and needs.
Working in public and community agencies, military facilities,
educational institutions, businesses, and private practice, career
and employment counselors help people of all ages and circumstances
achieve their career goals, including persons who are just starting
out in the workforce, dislocated workers, ex-offenders, family
caregivers reentering the workforce, individuals interested in
changing careers, retirees looking for a second career, and many
more.
Rehabilitation counselors provide assistance to persons with
disabilities in identifying and pursuing career goals and obtaining
the resources needed to live independently. Working in public and
community agencies, health care and educational institutions, and
private practice, rehabilitation counselors provide help in
accessing assistive technology, education and training resources;
job development and placement assistance; counseling to address
emotional, interpersonal, and other issues related to a disability;
and other assistance to enable persons with disabilities to lead
productive and independent lives.
Improving Mental and Emotional Well-Being
From childhood through late adulthood, there are times when we
may need help addressing problems and issues that cause us emotional
distress or make us feel overwhelmed. Professional counselors offer
the caring, expert assistance we need during these difficult times.
Working in public and community agencies, businesses, educational
institutions, private practice, and many other settings,
professional counselors offer help in addressing issues such as:
