Licensed professional counselors are individuals who are certified to provide a high level of quality health as well as substance abuse care to hundreds and possibly millions of Americans (American Counseling Association, 2012; 2006). These individuals possess either a masters or doctorate degree in the field of counseling or any other related field which includes a coursework or internship in human behavior and development. They also have effective counseling strategies and ethical practice I various other knowledge areas. More than 80,000 professional counselors who are licensed in close a total of 48 states together with the District of Columbia State licensure are usually required to have either a master's or doctorate degree, 2-3 years of supervised clinical experience as well as the passage of a counseling examination. In the states where licensure or any other certifications are not required, the professional counselors are required to be certified by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). Participation in various continuing education programs is usually required for the renewal of either the license or certification (American Counseling Association, 2012). There is a need for counseling professional like myself to adhere to strict code of ethics aimed at the protection of the confidentiality of various elements of counseling relationships, prohibition of discrimination as well as the understanding of and the respect for diverse cultural backgrounds (embrace multiculturalism) (Patterson,1996;Sue, Arredondo, McDavis,1992). In this paper, I present a reflective account of a tentative theory and approaches to guide ones method of becoming a caring, professional counselor. I also integrate multicultural issues and ground all assertions in the professional literature. The paper also discusses how helping professional's theoretical orientation assists them in working with a specific population-adolescents and young adults. I also discuss how I plan to use the eclectic approach. I also address what current trends will impact my work with my population (such as the rise in use of synthetic drugs).
The road to being a caring and professional counselor
The road to becoming a caring and professional counselor requires a lot...
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