"I learned a long time ago that the smartest thing I can do is to be on my own side, to be an advocate for myself and others like me."
– Maya Angelou
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Sue Pressman, 69th President of ACA
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Sue Pressman, 69th President of ACA
Every day is a good day to stand up for our profession, but April is the perfect time to make extra effort as it is counseling awareness month. Understanding how professional counselors help people of all ages, races, and backgrounds is a critical step in gaining understanding and the respect and support of lawmakers, business people, educators, and corporate and government decision-makers. The importance of this is not to be underestimated as relationships are built, partnerships built, and career opportunities realized when our constituencies understand the value of counseling.
Advocacy is one of three drivers in the strategic framework of the ACA 2018-2021. The document defines the legal profession as "[giving] the voice and representation of counselors, the profession and the consumer". To give a voice, I asked some counseling colleagues to share their perspectives on counseling awareness.
Karol Taylor, an internal government advisor and former long-time government employee, used her insider expertise for an encore as a career advisor and author. Karol specializes in serving federal government clients, and points out that “the government needs to know that advisors are well trained, recognized, and licensed. That they are your point of contact for the enormous needs uncovered by the pandemic. The large number of suicides must be addressed in a national, systemic way. "
Pamela Gunther, a lifelong certified rehabilitation counselor in retirement with the adult deaf community, emphasizes: “The deaf community has its own culture and visual language, American sign language. It cannot be emphasized enough that counselors who provide services to deaf clients have unique training and skills. This is a specialty within the consulting profession. You must be very fluent and experienced in both the language and the culture. Just knowing how to sign an interpreter or bring them to the counseling session is not good enough. It is also extremely important to recognize that deaf people have a bicultural identity. Consultants who have this intimate knowledge and experience are the best resource for providing counseling services. "
Hillary Press, a family partnership specialist, former professional school counselor and current member of the ACA Governing Council, emphasizes the positive effects of access to counseling in the school environment. “School counselors provide academic and social / emotional support to students prior to K-12 while creating college and career-minded citizens of the 21st century. The pandemic has led to an increased need for psychological support and basic needs [e.g., food, shelter] for students and families. School counselors have specialized knowledge and are uniquely positioned to support these needs as they understand the needs of their school community. "
Professional advisors have a wide variety of skills. We are practitioners, educators, business owners, executives, writers, authors, and researchers. We observe, measure / evaluate, question, adapt and much more. We use our skills and behaviors to empower others to set and achieve their goals. As evidenced by the 18 chartered ACA departments, we bring unique skills to the clients, communities and organizations we serve. We serve with compassion and passion to help others thrive and make their dreams come true.
The ACA Virtual Conference Experience recognizes the importance of advisory awareness. The conference begins in conjunction with Counseling Awareness Month on April 5th. The on-demand training runs through May. It promises a virtual experience like no other. Each week in April will focus on a variety of advisory topics and will provide the opportunity to experience respected keynote speakers and hundreds of professional presentations. If you haven't already registered, it's not too late (see Counseling.org/conference). Our conference is open to everyone. Please join in and learn.
