Professional Counselor Advocacy Paper

1083 Words5 Pages

Established with motivation advocacy is a core component of the identity of the professional counselor. Currently over time, the "look" of advocacy has provided change from professional counselors helping: clients achieve a sense of empowerment the professional counselor engaging in social action activities on behalf of clients, systems, and communities to bring justice to those who are experiencing barriers to their development. Advocacy barrier is to support the on going process of the professional counselor. The step is designed to help the counselor focus on current issues and enhance the future of the counselor professional organization. . The advocacy processes needed to address institutional and social barriers that impede access, …show more content…

“It is important for counselors to understand that there are risk factors inherent in the work and that noticing signs of stress or distress is a sign of health, not impairment. None of us is immune to the effects of the work. When counselors can view their emotional responses to their work as an expected part of empathic engagement rather than something they are doing wrong, they are more likely to seek support, talk about stress with colleagues and engage in self-care practices to support their overall wellness.” Wellness is especially important because counselors are one of the primary instruments in their own work, says Gerard Lawson, associate professor of counselor education at Virginia Tech. “It’s impossible to separate who I am as a person from the work I do as a counselor,” says Lawson, who chaired the ACA Task Force on Counselor Wellness and Impairment. “If I’m not well, that’s going to get in the way of me being able to tune into the needs of my …show more content…

The established duties can include assessment, vocational training, crisis intervention, consulting, and referrals for when inmates are released The Family Service Agencies there are many community and private agencies that focus on assisting families. Historically these agencies have religious roots, but will treat those of varying religious backgrounds. Here, as well, counselors have a variety of functions, including assessment, case management, family therapy and individual therapy. The Gerontological Services with aging of the population, gerontological services will also be in high demand. Because they are at a different developmental stage than their younger counterparts, older people have different mental health needs. Both prevention and treatment are important, and clients may be dealing with additional stressors such as the loss of a spouse. Other issues include negative stereotypes, physical problems, and loneliness. Settings include nursing homes, senior centers, and other programs for senior