Counselor Training and Ethical Issues With Older Clients

Abstract

Working with older adults requires specialized preparation in professional ethics. A rationale for including this training in the counseling curriculum and a possible approach to this instruction are presented.

Reinventing Gerocounseling in Counselor Education as a Specialization

“…Researchers have argued that mental health practitioners who counsel older adults should be familiar with the unique life circumstances they face (Agresti, 1992;Gatz, Karel, & Wolkenstein, 1991;Johnson & Rosich, 1997;Myers, 1995;Myers & Blake, 1986;Schwiebert, Myers, & Dice, 2000;Stickle & Onedera, 2006;Zucchero, 1998). The baby boom cohort, which is the next generation moving toward the later years, will face unique challenges and circumstances as they age based on their sociohistorical context (Long, 1990;Taylor & Hartman-Stein, 1995).…”