This study investigated current public perceptions of professional counseling by exploring perceived differences of professional counselors versus other helping professionals, perceptions of professional counseling in the United States, and agreement with the American Counseling Association's 20/20 definition of counseling. Using the Helping Professionals Questionnaire, 300 participants were surveyed. The four major themes identified were education, task, focus, and identity confusion. Implications for future research and advocacy initiatives are also reviewed.

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) has become increasingly common among teens and emerging adults. An individual may engage in NSSI for a variety of reasons from coping with emotional pain or as a distraction from difficult thoughts and painful memories. Although NSSI is a common presenting concern, those in supportive roles of clients struggle to understand the motivations to self-injure as well as how to include appropriate supportive family members in the counseling process for long-term healing. The purpose of this article is to (a) review attachment styles in conceptualizing NSSI, (b) discuss the value of including supportive caregivers/family members in treatment, and (c) provide an evidence-based summative list of suggestions for counselors to provide to caregivers. A case illustration is provided.