In this issue readers will find:
- California Licensure Law Makes Counseling History
- Gender Differences in Work Expectations May Begin in the Home
- New From ACA: Job Search Guide for Counselors and Counselor Educators
- New Subjects, More Bloggers on ACA Blog
- Conference Clipping: 10 Sessions on Technology Offered
- Reliable Resource: Follow-up to Counseling Today Story on Nature and Mental Health
- ACA Seeks Director of Ethical & Professional Standards
- Fast Fact: People of Color Will be Majority by 2050
- Worth Reading: Common Standards for College and Workplace Readiness
- ACA Awards Nominations Must Be Postmarked by October 30
- Relevant Research: Relationship between Mental Health Conditions and Obesity
- Graduate Students: Enter ACA's Student Ethics Case Study Competition
- ACA Forensic Interest Network Advances Counseling Involvement in the Law
- AMCD Mentoring Program: Send Applications by December 1
- Calendar: ACA Branch Conferences Coming Up
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California Licensure Law Makes Counseling History
When Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed California Senate Bill 788 into law on October 11, 2009, counseling history was made. The legislation, establishing the licensure of professional clinical counselors in the state, culminated an advocacy effort that lasted more than 33 years and has resulted in licensure legislation in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
The first state to enact counselor licensure was Virginia, in 1976. Counselor licensure initiatives involving ACA and other national, state, and local organizations, as well as coalitions of public and professional organizations, followed with laws enacted one by one in every jurisdiction in the nation. Today, more than 110,000 licensed professional counselors practice in a wide range of treatment settings assisting clients with behavioral disorders and developmental issues. Licensed professional counselors have achieved full standing as independent mental health service providers and today are recognized by the vast majority of private insurance providers, as well as under federal and state public health programs.
ACA President Lynn Linde marked the California event by stating: "This is a momentous occasion. This means that professional counseling is now recognized in all areas of the country and, more importantly, that protections for the consumers will now exist everywhere. Licensure for counselors significantly expands the availability of mental health services, which is crucial to helping meet the need for services."
"Today is a victory for so many counselors who have been advocating for licensure in California," said Richard Yep, CAE, ACA Executive Director. "This legislation will serve to regulate the profession of counseling and that is good for the profession and for consumers of mental health services."
ACA congratulates the California Coalition for Counselor Licensure (CCCL) for its success in leading the licensure effort in the state. ACA has long sought to gain licensure of counselors in all U.S. jurisdictions, and has provided both financial support and technical assistance to CCCL in support of California's effort. Information on implementation of the bill is available on CCCL's website:
Gender Differences in Work Expectations May Begin in the Home
Girls are asked to perform chores in the home more than boys, according to the inaugural "State of the Kid" report by Highlights for Children magazine. When asked if they had chores to do in the home, a majority (71.9%) answered yes. Somewhat surprising, however, were the gender differences in the responses. Significantly more girls (74.4%) reported having chores to do than boys (65.3%). A review of the full report offers findings on subjects such as schoolwork, tests, play time, and family time. When asked if it is harder to be a kid today than it was for their parents, the majority of kids (67.3%) didn't think so.
New From ACA: Job Search Guide for Counselors and Counselor Educators
A Job Search Manual for Counselors and Counselor Educators: How to Navigate and Promote Your Counseling Career
by Shannon Hodges and Amy Reece Connelly
This new handbook presents how-to tips for counselors seeking positions in counselor education, college and community college counseling, schools, and community agencies. Whether you are trying to land your first job, changing career paths, or launching your own private practice, this book demystifies the process and highlights what you need to know to find fulfilling work. Topics include tapping into the hidden job market, developing a résumé/vita, writing winning cover letters, using job search planning tools, enhancing networking skills, interviewing with search committees, handling rejection, and moving from one counseling setting or specialty to another. Throughout the text, Hodges and Connelly offer frontline expertise and humorous personal anecdotes that help make the search process more enjoyable.
2010 | 200 pages
Order #72894
ISBN 978-1-55620-297-1
List Price: $24.95
ACA Member Price: $19.95
New Subjects, More Bloggers on ACA Blog
Since it was created earlier this year, the my.counseling.org blog has developed into a "go to" site for the expression of views on popular, even controversial, issues. The ACA blog, which serves as a tool for information and strategy sharing, is written by counselors for counselors.
A recent post calls upon counselors to rethink this statement: "I just listened." Why? Check it out!
Seven new bloggers, representing a variety of counseling specialties and settings, will soon be posting and all four of the original bloggers will be continuing their commentary. Keep in touch with the issues of the day by visiting my.counseling.org regularly.
It is very easy to read the blog--no passwords, usernames, log-ins are required....just click on the link and you are there. No training is required! Once you get there, don't forget to add your "two cents," but only if you choose!
Conference Clipping: 10 Sessions on Technology Offered
Speaking of technology, 10 programs on the subject--7 Introductory level, 3 Advanced level--are available at the ACA 2010 Conference & Exposition, March 18-22, in Pittsburgh. The topics cover a wide range including best practices in cybercounseling, using social networking, designing online counseling courses, online counseling interventions, using Second Life, and more. See p. 32 of the Advance Registration Brochure you received with your October issue of Counseling Today, or
Remember to register before November 30 to save up to $55. The full registration fee now for ACA Professional/Regular members is only $300; after November 30, it is $355. The current rate for those whose membership category is Student/New Professional/Retiree is $200, increasing to $245 after November 30. Also, a 1-day pass is available for $225; a 2-day pass, $360 (all categories and no pre-registration discounts.)
Reliable Resource: Follow-up to Counseling Today Story on Nature and Mental Health
Dr. Barbara Flom, an ACA member featured in the "Nature and Mental Health" article in the October edition of Counseling Today, passes along a new resource from the National Wildlife Federation for those interested in the mental health of children and youth. "Time Out: Using the Outdoors to Enhance Classroom Performance" contains a wealth of information for parents and educators who want to promote mental wellness by getting young people outdoors and more engaged with their environment.
ACA Seeks Director of Ethical & Professional Standards
ACA is currently seeking a full time Director of Ethics & Professional Standards to work at our Headquarters office in Alexandria, VA. Responsibilities include serving as ACA's Ethics Officer and providing consultation on the ACA Code of Ethics, directing and monitoring the ethical adjudication process, advising and assisting the Chair or Co-Chairs of ACA's Ethics Committee as appropriate, maintaining accurate and appropriate records, serving as the central resource for inquiries related to state licensure, and developing materials to assist counselors in the advocacy of the counseling profession. Requirements include a graduate degree in counseling (state license and/or national certification a plus), experience as a practitioner, and an identity as a professional counselor. Publications/presentations in the area of ethics and professional standards are a plus.
The ideal candidate will have knowledge of the 2005 ACA Code of Ethics plus knowledge of professional counseling, licensure, and reimbursement issues. You will also possess an ability and interest in helping professional counselors from all specialties and have excellent written and verbal skills, along with superior organizational abilities. Send letter of application, vita, complete contact information of three references and salary history to Cindy Welch, Chief of Staff, ACA, 5999 Stevenson Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22304; cwelch@counseling.org; fax 703-823-0953. Background checks are required. ACA is an AA/EOE organization and encourages minorities and women to apply.
Fast Fact: People of Color Will be Majority by 2050
The U.S. Census Bureau projects that the percentage of people of color in this country--that is, the nonwhite population--will increase from the current 31% to 52% by the year 2050.
Worth Reading: Common Standards for College and Workplace Readiness
Recent studies point to poor academic preparation as the primary factor in the failure of college students to attain degrees and the length of time required to complete collegiate studies. What needs to be done at the K-12 education level to address this problem is the focus of a set of common English Language Arts and Mathematics Standards released in September by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) and the National Governors Association (NGA), standards that are now posted for public review and comment. CCSSO and NGA are promoting the national (not federal) standards to define what high school students need to know in order to make a successful transition to college or the workplace. All states but Texas and Alaska have joined the Common Core Standards Initiative and the U.S. Department of Education has linked federal funding of schools to participation in the initiative.
ACA Awards Nominations Must be Postmarked by October 30
The ACA Awards Committee would like to remind members that the deadline for submitting nominations is just a few days away. Submissions must be postmarked by October 30. Awards will be presented at the ACA 2010 Annual Conference & Exposition, March 18-22, in Pittsburgh.
Any ACA member can submit a nomination of one or more ACA members who have made a noteworthy contribution to the counseling profession at the local or state levels. ACA Divisions/Organizational Affiliates, Branches, Chapters, Regions, or Committees also can submit nominations. Complete information is available in the
Nominations may be submitted by mail to ACA 2010 National Awards, c/o Holly Clubb, 5999 Stevenson Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22304-3300. Contact Holly at hclubb@counseling.org or 800-347-6647, x 212 for additional information.
Relevant Research: Relationship Between Mental Health Conditions and Obesity
A study of civil servants in the United Kingdom has found that common mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression may increase a person's risk of obesity. Reported in the online edition of BMJ, the research analyzed data from four medical screenings of 4,363 British government employees, ages 35 to 55, conducted over 19 years (1985 to 2004). People with a common mental health condition at all three previous screenings were twice as likely to be obese at the final screening as those who had no mental health symptoms at the previous screenings. Those who had more incidences of a common mental health disorder had the greatest risk of weight gain and obesity, the study authors noted.
Graduate Students: Enter ACA's Student Ethics Case Study Competition
ATTENTION ALL GRADUATE STUDENTS!
The Sixth ACA Student Ethics Case Study Competition is accepting registrations through November 29, 2009. This popular student activity has both a Masters Degree level and a Doctoral Degree level competition and is open to teams of students in counselor education nationwide.
This is a case study competition in which university counselor education teams analyze a hypothetical ethics case in order to create an appropriate ethical decision and a plan to respond to that decision. Teams of three or four students participate in either a Masters level or Doctoral level competition. There will be four winning teams at each level. First place winners will win a $75 gift certificate for the ACA Bookstore to each team member and a certificate along with a letter of recognition. Second place, each team member will receive a $25 gift certificate at the ACA Bookstore, a certificate and letter of recognition. Third place will receive a letter of recognition and certificate and all participating programs will receive a letter of recognition. There will also be an "Honorable Mention" given to the fourth place winner. The competition is limited to one team per institution.
Winning entries - along with the winning team members and institutions - will be highlighted in Counseling Today and at the ACA annual conference.
Visit
ACA Forensic Interest Network Advances Counseling Involvement in the Law
Interested in the relationship of counseling to forensic science? Check out the ACA Forensic Interest Network, a resource for all counselors who are interested in gaining a better understanding of human behavior and laws, the legal process, and legal systems. Introduced last year, the group seeks to inform the counseling and legal communities, as well as the public, of current research, educational, and service activities in the field of counseling and the law, and, hopefully influence public policy. To participate, send an email to Holly Club at hclubb@counseling.org. There is no cost to join the Network and it is open to members and nonmembers. Specific questions about the work of the network should be directed to Victor Palmisano, Facilitator, at vep@buffalo.edu.
AMCD Mentoring Program: Send Applications by December 1
The ACA Division, Association of Multicultural Counseling and Development (AMCD), is accepting applications for the 2009-2010 Mentoring Program. Graduate counseling students (masters or doctoral level) and early career counseling faculty members (untenured) are encouraged to apply. Contact the Program chair, Dr. Kimberly N. Frazier (kfrazie@clemson.edu) for requirements, application procedures, and details. Application materials must be received by midnight (PT) on December 1. They can be sent via ground mail to: Dr. Kimberly N. Frazier, The Eugene T. Moore School of Education, Counselor Education Department, 318 Tillman Hall, Clemson, SC, 29634 or via email to kfrazie@clemson.edu. Check the AMCD website (
Calendar: Branch Conferences Coming Up
October 30-November 1
Pennsylvania Counseling Association
Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel, State College, PA
November 4-6
Mississippi Counseling Association
Jackson Convention Center, Jackson, MS
November 4-6
All Ohio Counseling Association
Hilton at Easton Town Center, Columbus, OH
November 5-8
European Branch of the American Counseling Association
Flair Hotel Parkhotel, Weiskirchen, Germany
November 7
Wisconsin Counseling Association
Mid-State Technical College Campus, Wisconsin Rapids, WI
November 11-13
Arkansas Counseling Association
Holiday Inn, Fort Smith, AR
November 11-14
Illinois Counseling Association
Hilton Springfield, Springfield, IL
November 11-14
Texas Counseling Association
Sheraton Dallas, Dallas, TX
November 11-14
Virginia Counselors Association
Williamsburg Marriott, Williamsburg, VA
November 13
Oklahoma Counseling Association
Moore-Norman Technology Center - Penn Campus, Oklahoma City, OK
November 13
Minnesota Counseling Association
Zuhrah Shrine Center, Minnesota, MN
November 18-20
Alabama Counseling Association
Sheraton Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
November 19-21
Florida Counseling Association
Doubletree Miami Mart, Miami, FL
November 21
MACD Conference on Counseling Arab Americans
Maryland Association for Counseling and Development
Bowie State University, Bowie, MD
November 22-24
Tennessee Counseling Association
Sheraton Read House, Chattanooga, TN
Divisions, Branches, and Regions are valuable sources of learning and professional development. Information on events will be posted approximately 8-10 weeks prior. This information is made available to ACAeNews via the ACA master calendar and the various organization web sites. Send calendar items to dbrown@counseling.org. Please provide the sponsor, dates, site and contact person information. Information posted here is restricted to that sponsored by ACA divisions, branches, regions and related organizations.
ABOUT ACAeNews
ACAeNews is published 24 times annually by the American Counseling Association for the benefit of members across the counseling profession. Any reference to a product, service, activity, or listing of a website in ACAeNews does not imply endorsement by ACA. Any views and opinions are those of the sponsoring organization and may or may not be shared by ACA.
Direct comments, questions, and submissions to fburtnett@counseling.org. All submissions will be subject to review by ACA for accuracy, timeliness, and relevance to the readership and may be edited.
Lynn E. Linde, President
llinde@loyola.edu
Richard Yep, CAE, Executive Director
ryep@counseling.org
Debra Bass, Director of Marketing and Communications
dbass@counseling.org
Frank Burtnett, NCC, NCCC, ACAeNews Editor
fburtnett@counseling.org
Don Kenneally, Internet Development / Production
dkenneally@counseling.org
ACA Website: www.counseling.org
Copyright 2009, American Counseling Association, 5999 Stevenson Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22304. Telephone: 703-823-9800. Email: fburtnett@counseling.org. Permission is hereby granted to reproduce anything contained in this newsletter as long as the American Counseling Association is identified as the original source of the information.
CONTACT INFORMATION
American Counseling Association
5999 Stevenson Ave. Alexandria, VA 22304
800.347.6647 | 800.473.2329 (fax)
Copyright 2009, American Counseling Association, All Rights Reserved.