Assignment 1.

2 Journal Entry
Jan 19, 2014 6:16 PM

Name: Arianne Broadnax

Course: CNS 740 EG
Assignment: Assignment 1.2 Journal Entry
Date: 1/19/2014
The article, A Vision for the Future of Counseling: 20/20 Principles for Unifying and Strengthening the
Profession is a highly monumental trajectory for the profession of counseling (Kaplan& Gladding, 2011). It was
empowering to learn about the unification of multiple professional counseling organizations to ignite a
movement or shift within the counseling profession. It is clear to see the recognition of the current challenges
within the profession and how decisions to address them in a manner that not only changes the face of
counseling but attributes staying power, to the profession as whole. Its like the clich It starts at the top. The
20/20 counseling initiative has made several accomplishments to date such as identifying 7 critical areas to
advancement of the profession by expanding on the Counseling Futures Monograph written by Walz, Gazda
and Shertzer, in 1991, (Kaplan& Gladding, 2011). The initiative has formulated an oversight committee and
clearly defined a framework for operating in order to address the major issues and obtained endorsement for
the efforts forthcoming, (Kaplan& Gladding, 2011).
Results from the 20/20 initiative are that the profession will become more marketable due to
increased awareness of what counseling really is and its benefits, (Kaplan& Gladding, 2011). Research
conducted through this effort will allow professional counselors the opportunity to be more effective in their
work with evidence to support their practices, (Kaplan& Gladding, 2011). Increased emphasis will be put on
ethical practices and allowances for consistent licensing standards and regulations across state lines to ensure
portability for counselors, (Kaplan& Gladding, 2011).
While perusing the various cites- ACA and AASCB I learned a wealth of information that I could access during
my graduate studies and beyond to further support me with my career endeavors. The ACA is highly important
to the profession because the organization advocates for the profession and is multifaceted in its purpose to
promote, support and advance the profession of counseling. The foundation also discussed its support for
graduate students and could also benefit from supporting or should support efforts that involve the use of
technology in the field due to its growing use in our society and the fact that it is changing the way counseling
will look in the future. The AASCB also supports the profession through licensure and certification credentialing
which is solidifying for the profession. One area that might be of interests to the AASCB is looking into specialty
certifications for counseling professionals who desire to specialize in a particular area. The AASCB potentially
will likely support the 20/20 effort by devoting time to the area of portability with licensure.
References
Kaplan, D.M., Gladding, S.T. (2011). A vision for the future of counseling: The 20/20 principles for unifying and
strengthening the profession. Journal of Counseling and Development, 89(3), 367-372.