The history of the counseling profession is filled with stories of the people and events that helped shape it and make it what it is today. The field has been influenced

The Past, Present, and Future of Counseling

This is where you introduce the purpose and format of the paper. The introduction paragraph does three things: It sets the context for the paper, providing general information so your reader understands the topic; it demonstrates why the topic is important; and it states your thesis. Conclude your introduction with a sentence or two outlining the topics you will cover in the paper. The maximum page length for this assignment is 2 to 4 pages, not counting the title and reference pages. Please note this template is in perfect APA format. Do not change the font style or size, heading format, or reference format.

Present

Each section (under each heading) requires at least one paragraph (i.e., a minimum of three sentences). In this section, define the profession of counseling, describe how it differs from other helping professions, and summarize the philosophical underpinnings of counseling. Be sure to support your points with citations to the Learning Resources. Using multiple resources will support your points further.

Past

Choose a historical figure from the assigned chapter. Describe how the historical figure you chose would react to the definition of counseling above. How would this figure handle it? Would the figure be shocked, mildly surprised, or in complete agreement? How would the figure respond? Be sure to support your points with citations to the Learning Resources.

Future

From the assigned chapter, discuss the future direction you selected that most excites you, and explain how it will enhance your professional practice as a counselor. Be sure to support your points with citations to the Learning Resources.

Conclusion

Finish the paper with a strong conclusion paragraph. In this paragraph, summarize the main thesis and sub-topics of the paper. Leave your reader with an interesting impression. Aspire to spark their curiosity to learn more about the topic.

References

Erford, B. T., & Bardhoshi, G. (2018). Becoming a professional counselor: Philosophical, historical, and future considerations. In B. T. Erford (Ed.),  Orientation to the counseling profession: Advocacy, ethics, and essential professional foundations (3rd ed., pp. 3–34). Pearson Education. 

Note: You are required to include one scholarly, peer-reviewed article in addition to the chapter above. Keep in mind that only those resources that are cited within your text should be included in your references (i.e., you need to cite all of your references). Citations and references should match up exactly. If you cite a source, it must be included in your references. Be sure to delete this paragraph before submitting your paper.