Counseling Psychology Definition




Over the course of its history, Division 17 of the American Psychological Association (APA), now known as the Society of Counseling Psychology, has faced numerous challenges in clearly defining and refining its identity as a distinct specialty within the field. Before the establishment of Division 17, counseling as a profession was primarily focused on vocational guidance. However, a significant milestone was reached in 1946 when the APA formed Division 17, initially named the Division of Counseling and Guidance.

Despite this formation, the division still lacked a well-defined description that would set it apart as a unique specialty. This challenge stemmed from the fact that Clinical Psychology, represented by Division 12, was already a well-established and recognized division within the APA. In light of this, the Division of Counseling and Guidance was encouraged to establish specific standards for training and practice, akin to those of clinical psychology.

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Progress in carving out counseling psychology as a separate specialty was gradual, but significant strides were made. Finally, in the pivotal year of 1951, the field of counseling psychology formally emerged as a distinct and recognized specialty. It was during this period that the job title of “counseling psychologist” was introduced, signifying the recognition of counseling psychology as a unique area of expertise within the broader domain of psychology.

Over time, counseling psychology has evolved and matured into a multifaceted discipline that focuses on understanding and addressing individuals’ psychological and emotional challenges within various contexts. As a specialty, counseling psychology places a strong emphasis on fostering personal growth, enhancing well-being, and promoting mental health through therapeutic interventions, guidance, and support.

Today, the Society of Counseling Psychology, formerly Division 17, stands as a vibrant and influential professional organization dedicated to advancing the theory, research, and practice of counseling psychology. Its members work tirelessly to contribute valuable insights and evidence-based approaches to the field, striving to make a positive impact on individuals, families, and communities.

In 1951, a pivotal event took place that significantly shaped the trajectory of Division 17, now known as the Society of Counseling Psychology. The division sponsored the Northwestern Conference on the Standards for Training Counseling Psychologists, which marked a crucial moment in the development of counseling psychology as a distinct specialty. During this conference, participants engaged in fruitful discussions aimed at defining the roles and functions of counseling psychologists.

It was at this very juncture that the name of Division 17 was changed to the more fitting “Division of Counseling Psychology.” This rebranding reflected a broader vision for counseling psychologists, expanding their scope beyond the narrow confines of vocational guidance. The revised description of counseling psychologists outlined a profound mission: to foster the psychological development of individuals across the entire spectrum of the adjustment continuum. This encompassed people functioning at tolerable levels of adequacy as well as those grappling with more severe psychological disturbances.

The core of counseling psychology’s focus remained on individuals within the normal range of functioning, but the training of counseling psychologists was designed to qualify them to address the needs of individuals at any level of psychological adjustment. This approach underlined the emphasis on positivity and prevention, focusing on stimulating personal development to maximize both personal and social effectiveness while simultaneously forestalling psychologically crippling disabilities.

Despite the significant progress made during the 1951 conference, challenges persisted regarding the status and precise focus of this burgeoning specialty. To address these concerns, a subsequent conference convened in Atlanta in 1987 to delve deeper into the essence and direction of counseling psychology. During this gathering, the “valued characteristics” of counseling psychology were expounded, shedding light on the true essence of the field.

These valued characteristics included a strong emphasis on positive mental health, a strengths-based approach to adjustment and coping, the empowerment of individuals, active advocacy, political involvement, and direct teaching of skills. The promotion of mental well-being was not limited to the individual level but extended to encompass groups and systems, recognizing the importance of addressing mental health issues at multiple levels of society.

Moreover, counseling psychology was acknowledged as an influential force across the entire lifespan, addressing not only vocational satisfaction but also personal fulfillment. The incorporation of prevention and remediation strategies further solidified counseling psychology’s commitment to proactively addressing mental health challenges.

Furthermore, counseling psychologists recognized the critical importance of viewing individuals and their behaviors within a sociocultural context influenced by variables such as culture, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, and sociohistorical perspectives. This awareness emphasized the need to be sensitive to the diverse backgrounds and experiences that shape individuals’ lives, fostering a more inclusive and understanding approach to therapy.

The transformation of Division 17 into the Division of Counseling Psychology marked a significant milestone in the evolution of this unique specialty. Through dedicated conferences and discussions, counseling psychologists expanded their focus from vocational guidance to encompass all aspects of life adjustment. The “valued characteristics” laid out during the 1987 conference further solidified counseling psychology’s commitment to positive mental health, empowerment, advocacy, and a holistic approach to fostering well-being in individuals and communities. By embracing the complexities of human experience and celebrating diversity, counseling psychologists have continued to make a profound impact on the lives of those they serve.

In a significant milestone for counseling psychology, the American Psychological Association (APA) published the Archival Description of Counseling Psychology in 1999. This publication was a moment of recognition and affirmation, solidifying counseling psychology’s status as an applied specialty within the field of professional psychology. The contemporary definition and scope of this profession are described as follows:

Counseling Psychology is a versatile practice and health service-provider specialty, encompassing various aspects of human functioning across the entire lifespan. It delves into a wide array of concerns, including emotional, social, vocational, educational, health-related, developmental, and organizational issues. At its core, counseling psychology is dedicated to understanding and addressing both typical and atypical development in the context of human experiences, examined from individual, family, group, systems, and organizational perspectives.

Within this professional specialty, counseling psychologists play a vital role in assisting individuals, families, and communities in dealing with physical, emotional, and mental challenges. Their primary objective is to enhance well-being, alleviate distress, and facilitate positive adjustment, providing support to individuals experiencing crises or struggling with maladjustment. Furthermore, practitioners in this field are equipped to offer comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment for psychopathological conditions.

The overarching framework of counseling psychology revolves around the life-span development of individuals. As such, counseling psychologists are keen on exploring and fostering the healthy aspects and strengths of their clients, whether they be individuals, couples, families, groups, systems, or organizations. They recognize that the environment and situational influences significantly impact one’s experiences and well-being, giving special attention to cultural, gender, and lifestyle factors that shape the individual’s journey.

An essential aspect of counseling psychology lies in recognizing the influence of career and vocation on an individual’s development and functioning. By understanding the interplay between personal aspirations and professional goals, counseling psychologists aim to facilitate a fulfilling and balanced life for their clients.

In summary, the Archival Description of Counseling Psychology of 1999 serves as a crucial milestone, establishing counseling psychology as an esteemed applied specialty in the realm of professional psychology. The discipline’s comprehensive focus on personal and interpersonal functioning across the lifespan, combined with its commitment to promoting well-being and addressing various concerns, underscores the invaluable role that counseling psychologists play in enriching the lives of individuals and communities alike.

References:

  1. American Psychological Association, Division of Counseling and Guidance, Committee on Counselor Training. (1952). The practicum training of counseling psychologists. American Psychologist, 7, 182-188.
  2. American Psychological Association, Division of Counseling and Guidance, Committee on Counselor Training. (1952). Recommended standards for training counseling psychologists at the doctoral level. American Psychologist, 7, 175-181.
  3. American Psychological Association. (1999). Archival description of counseling psychology. The Counseling Psychologist, 27, 589-592.
  4. Blocher, D. H. (2000). The evolution of counseling psychology. New York: Springer.
  5. Kagan, N. I., Armsworth, M. W., Altmaier, E. M., Dowed, E. T., Hansen, J. C., Mills, D. H., et al. (1988). Professional practice of counseling psychology in various settings. The Counseling Psychologist, 16, 347-365.
  6. Munley, M. H., Duncan, L. E., McDonnell, K. A., & Sauer, E. M. (2004). Counseling psychology in the United States of America. Counseling Psychology Quarterly, 17, 247-271.
  7. Pepinsky, H. B. (1984). A history of counseling psychology. In D. H. Blocher, (2000), The evolution of counseling psychology. New York: Springer.
  8. Rude, S. S., Weissberg, M., & Gazda, G. M. (1988). Looking into the future: Themes from the third national conference for counseling psychology. The Counseling Psychologist, 16, 423-430.
  9. Super, D. E. (1955). Transition: From vocational guidance to counseling psychology. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 2, 3-9. Whiteley, J. N. (1984). Counseling psychology: A historical perspective. The Counseling Psychologist, 12, 3-109.

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