Counseling in an Enlightened Society: Values for a New Millennium

Abstract

In the year 2001, civilization will enter a new century and a new millennium as well. For counseling professionals the start of a new millennium encourages an examination of the philosophy and practice of mental health intervention. The purpose of this article is to share a vision that can possibly lay the foundation for an enlightened world society. It also attempts to outline how the counseling profession can influence the possibility of sucha society.

Developing a Social Advocacy Model for Counselor Education

“…professional, and community roles; and it is demonstrated by the student as part of their exit process as well as in their employment settings. As Lee and Sirch (1994) stated, "Counseling professionals must be willing to adopt the role of societal change agents and work toward systematic intervention on behalf of their clients" (p. 94). We believe preparing counselors to be COUNSELOR EDUCATION AND SUPERVISION / MARCH 1998 / VOL.…”

“…These were not new ideas for us; however, by formalizing these statements into a program philosophy and description we publicized our belief in the importance of preparing new professionals who see themselves as agents of social change (Bennett, 1993;Hayes, 1980;Hutchinson & Stadler, 1975;Podemski & Childers. 1980;Lee & Sirch, 1994). The counselor and teacher education faculty developed a mission statement that was proactive and reflected a commitment to social change and advocacy: "The mission .…”

“…Vital social and cultural issues of the 1990s call for counselors to understand and implement change strategies. Recently, Lee and Sirch (1994) asserted that counselors with a belief in the possibility of an enlightened world society must adopt a sense of social responsibility. They stated that, -part of their philosophy must be a commitment to the idea of social change on a global level and to their role as catalysts for such change.…”

A Critical Analysis of the Social Advocacy Movement in Counseling

“…For example, Griffin (1993) promoted advocacy in the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision. Lee and Sirch (1994) examined the impact of counseling on society, calling for counselors who are willing to be change agents and work with diverse clientele. Skills, including patience, caring, goal setting, and working well with others, were all necessary in their goal of an "enlightened society," reflecting a sense of social responsibility for the new millennium.…”

School Counselors and Principals: Partners in Support of Academic Achievement

“…School reform efforts have focused on setting more rigorous academic standards. But reform leaders have paid little attention to the partnership role school counselors can play with principals to promote rigorous academics for all students (Aubrey 1985;Lee and Sirch 1994). School counselors are taking stock of their position in the education reform movement and evaluating where they are headed in the future with regard to promoting high achievement levels for all students.…”