History and Systems of Counseling: A Course Whose Time Has Come

Abstract

In this article I advocate that a history and systems of counseling course be established in counselor education programs. Potential advantages are identified. Five main areas are examined that need to be addressed in a course of this nature. Samuel T . Glndding is an associate professor, Department of Counseling, Human Services and Foundations, University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Teaching the History of Counseling: Training the Next Generation

“…By knowing the past, they can critically evaluate current work in light of its historical roots and build on these past accomplishments rather than reinvent conceptualizations or methods (Berry, 1990). Finally, knowing the history helps to instill a sense of identity with the profession (Gladding, 1984). In a way, learning from one's history prepares one to plan for the future.…”

“…Surprisingly, relatively little has been written on this topic in many of the applied sciences. Considerably less effort has been directed toward teaching the history of counseling, and this has been seen as a deficit in counseling training programs (Gladding, 1984). Likewise, a number of specific teaching activities have been designed to promote significant and interesting learning experiences about the history of a particular discipline, such as crossword puzzles (Crossman & Crossman, 1983), role-playing of historical figures (Brooks, 1985), debates (Lewin & Wakefield, 1983;Selby & Calhoun, 1982), library search exercises (Schilling, 1983), and historical trivia games (Beagle, 1986).…”

“…In a way, learning from one's history prepares one to plan for the future. Finally, knowing the history helps to instill a sense of identity with the profession (Gladding, 1984). In essence, studying the history of a profession increases the problem-solving competency of the next generation of practitioners (Potter, 1967).…”

“…Likewise, a number of specific teaching activities have been designed to promote significant and interesting learning experiences about the history of a particular discipline, such as crossword puzzles (Crossman & Crossman, 1983), role-playing of historical figures (Brooks, 1985), debates (Lewin & Wakefield, 1983;Selby & Calhoun, 1982), library search exercises (Schilling, 1983), and historical trivia games (Beagle, 1986). Considerably less effort has been directed toward teaching the history of counseling, and this has been seen as a deficit in counseling training programs (Gladding, 1984).…”

Using Oral History Readings in Teaching the History of Counseling

“…Within psychology, for example, over 50 articles have been published since 1955 that discuss strategies for teaching the history of psychology (see Ware & Benjamin, 1991). Considerably less effort has been directed toward teaching the history of counseling and counseling psychology, which has been seen as a deficit in counselor training (Gladding, 1984;Heppner, Wright, & Berry, 1990).…”