Role Of Social Justice In The Counseling Profession
Social Justice in the Counseling Profession
Changes in world politics and US policy have affected the personal paradigms of many, as well as that of many professions. In this essay, I will discuss the meaning of social justice for the counseling profession. First, I will highlight how social justice has become a crucial necessity because of a changing world. Next, I will suggest how to promote and apply social justice in the counseling profession. Finally, I will point out some major characteristics that counselors should foster in order to bring social justice into the counseling process.
It took decades for activists in the social justice movement to get many people to question their biases, values, and beliefs. Many in government, as well as private individuals, realized that there are no reasons to hate others or …show more content…
It is our responsibility to embed social justice into the field through lifelong learning process. Genuine empathy and understanding of human struggles can be achieved by counselors through constant learning, mentoring others, and advocacy. Lee (2005) tells us that counselors are significant agents for change who “... eradicate systems and ideologies that perpetuate discrimination” (p. 163). Goodman, (2004) pointed out that such abilities as “... self-awareness, consciousness-raising, sharing power, giving voice, and sharing tools” (as cited by Arthur and Collins, 2014, p. 1004) would integrate social justice into counseling. Therefore, social justice in the counseling profession means continuing awareness of societal changes, self-guidance to learn and educate, and advocacy to promote changes. Lee (2005) advises us to take any chance to become an activist in social justice and as he said, “Always take seriously your potential position as a role model or mentor to the next generation of professionals” ( p. 165), because such action would ensure the legacy of the counseling
Changes in world politics and US policy have affected the personal paradigms of many, as well as that of many professions. In this essay, I will discuss the meaning of social justice for the counseling profession. First, I will highlight how social justice has become a crucial necessity because of a changing world. Next, I will suggest how to promote and apply social justice in the counseling profession. Finally, I will point out some major characteristics that counselors should foster in order to bring social justice into the counseling process.
It took decades for activists in the social justice movement to get many people to question their biases, values, and beliefs. Many in government, as well as private individuals, realized that there are no reasons to hate others or …show more content…
It is our responsibility to embed social justice into the field through lifelong learning process. Genuine empathy and understanding of human struggles can be achieved by counselors through constant learning, mentoring others, and advocacy. Lee (2005) tells us that counselors are significant agents for change who “... eradicate systems and ideologies that perpetuate discrimination” (p. 163). Goodman, (2004) pointed out that such abilities as “... self-awareness, consciousness-raising, sharing power, giving voice, and sharing tools” (as cited by Arthur and Collins, 2014, p. 1004) would integrate social justice into counseling. Therefore, social justice in the counseling profession means continuing awareness of societal changes, self-guidance to learn and educate, and advocacy to promote changes. Lee (2005) advises us to take any chance to become an activist in social justice and as he said, “Always take seriously your potential position as a role model or mentor to the next generation of professionals” ( p. 165), because such action would ensure the legacy of the counseling