October Issue of Journal of Counseling & Development Released Today

Alexandria, Va. (Oct. 1, 2025) — The October print issue of the Journal of Counseling & Development (JCD), the quarterly flagship journal of the American Counseling Association (ACA), published today.

“The October issue is a diverse mix of topics needed by practicing counselors and counselor educators,” says Bradley T. Erford, PhD, the journal’s editor-in-chief and professor at Vanderbilt University in Nashville.

“The issue features research on rural counseling competencies, a 25-year synthesis of Myers-Briggs Type Indicator research, and high-quality research on counseling ruptures, athlete career profiles, and wellness among college students among other topics.”

The issue features new research alongside best practices and assessment and diagnosis content. JCD publishes practice, theory and research articles across 18 different professional counseling specialty areas and work settings.

A sampling of articles include:

• Extreme Childhood Trauma Can Increase Shame, Resistance to Seeking Help as Adults

New research shows that adults who have experienced extreme stress or trauma during childhood — known as adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) — are more likely to feel ashamed about seeking counseling services even when they recognize they need professional help. By identifying harmful thinking patterns that often result due to early childhood adversity, researchers offer new insights into how to reduce self-stigma related to seeking help. Read: Self-Stigma of Help-Seeking After Adverse Childhood Experiences: Event Centrality and Posttraumatic Cognitions.

• Counseling in Rural Communities: What Practitioners Need to Know

  Counselors who practice in rural areas face unique challenges, such as professional isolation, lack of access to supervision and peer consultation, and limited resources and services. In this study, a panel of experts identified the essential knowledge, skills, attitudes and beliefs that are needed to effectively practice in rural locations. Findings offer valuable insights for counselor educators, clinicians, and supervisors, providing a foundation for improving counselor preparation and practice in rural settings. Read: Rural Counseling Competencies: A Delphi Study.

• For Many Competitive Athletes, the Transition from College to Work Can be Challenging.

The challenge of leaving competitive sports and entering the workforce creates distinct career development patterns among former college athletes. Researchers identified nine different career identity profiles, ranging from highly successful adaptations to challenges with identity confusion, providing crucial insights for improving how we can support athletes in their transition to post-athletic careers. Read: Post-Athletic Career Profiles in Adulthood: Identity Formation and Well-Being of Former NCAA Division I and II Intercollegiate Athletes.

View the entire October issue of the Journal of Counseling & Development on the JCD website.

NOTE TO JOURNALISTS: To schedule an interview with members of the research teams or for copies of articles that are not open access, please contact Karen Addis at karen@addispr.com or news@counseling.org.

About the American Counseling Association
Founded in 1952, the American Counseling Association (ACA) is a not-for-profit, professional and educational organization that is dedicated to the growth and enhancement of the counseling profession. ACA represents more than 60,000 members and is the world’s largest association exclusively representing professional counselors in various practice settings. Driven by the belief that all people can benefit from the power of counseling, ACA’s mission is to promote the professional development of counselors, advocate for counselors, and ensure that ethical, culturally inclusive practices protect our members’ clients and all people who seek counseling services. For more information, visit the ACA website and follow them on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky and YouTube.