We just returned from presenting at the Louisiana Counseling Association annual conference in New Orleans. The conference theme was, “The Counseling Family” which was evident from the minute we got off the plane to the final workshop. We have never felt more welcomed and appreciated by a state counseling association than by our counseling “brothers and sisters” in Louisiana. They walk the talk.

In our keynote speech we stressed the strength of our family is our diversity and unity. When you stop to think about it, we have had success by bringing all of us together and standing tall. Martin Luther King once said, “People will ride your back, so long as it’s bent.”Whether achieving licensure, parity, ability to bill insurance, influencing legislation or taking our rightful place in the helping community we have done it together.

As we go forward we need to remember we are a part of a larger family and the associated responsibility. Not only to our clients but each other; locally, nationally and worldwide. In 2011, ACA’s conference will be in New Orleans. We urge you to attend not only for the wealth of professional enrichment but also for the people of Louisiana. We wouldn’t miss a chance to return. Here in Illinois we have a saying, “One profession, one voice”. After our experience in Louisiana we could say, “One profession, one voice, one family”. Hope to see you there!

Norm Dasenbrook and Bob Walsh are counselors in private practice, consultants, and authors (www.counseling-privatepractice.com)