History of Counseling
Historically, humans have sought out guidance from trusted community partners, such as a religious leader, teacher, or a confidant. As society entered into the industrial revolution, many found themselves seeking out vocational guidance, thus leading to the beginnings of what we now know as counseling. As scholars and doctors began studying human psychology and psychiatry, society began to consider a person's emotional and mental wellbeing in addition to their physical health.
In 1976 the American Mental Health Counselor Association was formed, which was considered the first step towards differentiating mental health counselors from career guidance counselors. In the 1980's credentials and licensures for the profession became established through the formation of the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) in 1983. This new change allowed for better monitoring and regulation of the profession.
Today, each state monitors the licensure of a mental health counselor with specific guidelines and a code of ethics to ensure the professional is operating under ethical and legal practices. There is an array of treatment methods and modalities used widely around the world allowing for each counselor to train and certify themselves in a therapeutic approach in which they are most aligned.
What to Expect from a Licensed Professional Counselor:
Your counselor is a licensed professional with advanced training and over 3,000 hours of supervised experience. They’re guided by the ethical standards of the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors to ensure your care is always safe, respectful, and grounded in integrity. You’ll be met with dignity and compassion throughout your journey here.
What is therapy like and how can it help?
Therapy is personalized to each client’s unique needs, beginning with a thorough biopsychosocial intake that explores past, present, and future influences and includes familial, genetic, nutritional, physical, and spiritual factors. Treatment may be short- or long-term, with progress shaped by engagement both in and between sessions. Clients often develop stronger coping skills, deeper self-awareness, more effective communication, healthier relationship patterns, and a greater sense of confidence and self-esteem.
Confidentiality and Therapy:
- Is a part of a licensed counselors code of ethics to ensure client information is kept safe and private, therefore increasing the comfortability of disclosure.
- The exceptions would be provided with clients written permission via the organization/therapists release of information policies.
- A counselor may break confidentiality upon the disclosure or suspicion of immediate danger to self or others, or suspicion of abuse or neglect to a child or elder.
