Advocation in the professional field of counseling is highly needed in the field and by learning different strategies it won’t be as difficult to do so. This assignment will allow will help me develop a position statement that will present facts and opinions on this topic to help educate my readers. For this assignment, I gathered facts of data to develop a well-supported argument for a position and made advocacy recommendations regarding a specific policy that influences professional credentialing of clinical mental health counselors.
“An advocate is a person who argues a cause, supports, or defends something in which he or she believes” (Erford, 2014). I am currently earning my master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling, where I have found that advocating for the client is a reoccurring topic. Advocation on behalf of the counseling profession is an important role, which promotes counseling as a profession. Having an advocate and to advocate is important because our careers depend on the public’s awareness of professional counselors as capable educators, providers, researchers, and helpers of our clients.
Advocation for the counseling profession is not as often addressed. As counselors we advocate for our clients and work for political and social change for their sake but advocating for our profession seems undesirable. As counselors and counselors in training, we must promote our profession for our profession and client’s sake. The challenge for all of us is to become more intentionally aware of opportunities to promote our profession starting in our daily globe of influence. Advocating for the counseling profession means being intentional about inviting the world to see what we do and why.
127 our experts are availableright now
Public policies can improve the social conditions underlying the professional counseling field. American Counseling Association Public Policy and Legislative Agenda are trying to increase support for professional counselors and their clients in all appropriate Federal and State laws, regulations, and legislation (ACA, 2005).
The things we do today often have an impact on what tomorrow will look like. Whether you are an individual, part of a small group, or a member of a state/national association, you can make a difference (Lopez-Baez, 2009). Keeping ourselves informed about who is advocating on our behalf and empowering those bodies with our membership and full support is a way that we can take part in the professional counselor advocacy movement. As a counselor in training, keeping myself along with my colleagues informed of public policy and how it can impact us throughout our licensure laws or other types of professional counseling credentialing is vital.
Lastly, what we often fail to realize is that self-advocacy is just as important. Waiting for others to organize, or leave it to someone else to speak up, to design policies and procedures that streamline processes for clients and counselors can hinder our progression.
Everyone can own a profession and advocate for the services you believe are relevant for the clients you serve. As a counselor in training, joining an organization will make me feel comfortable in this process. Wanting to TAKE ACTION in your professional field is important! By sustaining a vocal and noticeable presence throughout the policy-making process, professional counselors can ensure that vital mental health programs and services are protected and supported – both fiscally and politically. There are several avenues to get involved with and help change the direction of policy.
The time is now for all professional counselors and counselor educators to advocate for the profession to which you have chosen to dedicate yourself to. Just as you advocate for your clients and students, we need to advocate for the profession. If not us, then who? We are the best communicators when it comes to seeking support for professional counselors. We do not have to wait to make our voices heard.
