Counseling Specializations and Multidisciplinary Teams

Counseling Specializations and Multidisciplinary Teams

The different specializations within the counseling profession all play unique roles. Each specialization has evolved through its own unique history- aiming at the same goal which is the wellness of its clientele. The purpose of this paper is to review the history, roles, and characteristics of two specialty counselors; mental health and addiction which were chosen in reference to the case study of "Paul."

Historical Perspective

Beginning in 1957- guidance counselors began using a model that included all aspects of developmental psychology (Meyers, 1991). From that point counselors started to evolve from the field of guidance and into the current models emphasizing development and prevention (Meyers, 1991). The wellness model which is the emphasis in optimizing an individual's human potential is the current trend of professional identity within the counseling community. In order for a client to obtaining wellness the counselor's role is to help them through each developmental phase that is present with intervention, prevention and resilience.

Resilience is studied in children that developed normally despite adversity and is applied with the premise that it can be taught with empowerment during challenges (Fleming & Ledogar 2010). Prevention has been present throughout history. Adler expanded the premise of prevention and he defined a healthy psychosocial development of children (Hage, & Romano, 2010).

Applying the Ethical Decision Making Model

In dealing with the case of "Paul"-proper ethical decision making stipulates to first "identify the problem" (Kitchener, 1984). This can be done through the initial interview with Paul and his wife. Then "apply ACA Code of Ethics" (Kitchener, 1984) and follow the necessary course of action that is stipulated pertaining to Paul's problem(s). Next "determine the nature and dimensions of the dilemma" (Kitchener, 1984) this can be done by fallowing the moral principles of autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence, justice, and fidelity and decide which principles apply to Paul's situation (Kitchener, 1984). Then "generate potential courses of action" (Kitchener, 1984) for Paul and also "consider the potential consequences of all options, and choose a course of action" (Kitchener, 1984). The last two steps are to "evaluate the course of action" (Kitchener, 1984) and then "implement the course of action" (Kitchener, 1984) for Paul.

Counseling Specialization

My chosen counseling specialization is that of the mental health field. This is a broad base field which gives counselors the capability to help a multitude of patients with issues such as; mental illness, family,