Advocacy: A Counselor’s Responsibility Jim Gruenewald Ed. D. LCPC

Matthew 9:36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. (NIV)

“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” Mother Teresa

“Each other” includes everyone, especially the most marginalized, powerless, disabled, forgotten… Who do you think of when you consider the above?

Advocacy The responsibility of a counselor to the greater good of the local and global communities, with a specific commitment to help others who would not otherwise benefit from counseling services. (adapted from Kottler, p 58) This is one of the many varied counselor roles that carry ethical responsibilities. In this case, it involves aspiring to uphold the virtue of justice.

ACA Code of Ethics Section C - Professional Responsibility Counselors aspire to open, honest, and accurate communication in dealing with the public and other professionals. Counselors facilitate access to counseling services, and they practice in a nondiscriminatory manner within the boundaries of professional and personal competence; they also have a responsibility to abide by the ACA Code of Ethics. Counselors actively participate in local, state, and national associations that foster the development and improvement of counseling. Counselors are expected to advocate to promote changes at the individual, group, institutional, and societal levels that improve the quality of life for individuals and groups and remove potential barriers to the provision or access of appropriate services being offered. Counselors have a responsibility to the public to engage in counseling practices that are based on rigorous research methodologies. Counselors are encouraged to contribute to society by devoting a portion of their professional activity to services for which there is little or no financial return (pro bono publico). In addition, counselors engage in self-care activities to maintain and promote their own emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual well-being to best meet their professional responsibilities. See “aca code of ethics” in Moodle/Resources

Advocacy CACREP 2016 Criteria, Section II, F, 1, d & e. The student will understand : d. the role and process of the professional counselor advocating on behalf of the profession e. advocacy processes needed to address institutional and social barriers that impede access, equity, and success for clients

Advocacy and Christianity When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:37 - Starts with being conscious of the situation (“saw”) Continues with active compassion Determining the specific responsibility of Christian advocacy needs to be deeply a personal exercise where we see and experience God’s calling.

Process of Personal Assessment Assignment Being conscious of your calling In your personal assessment, what setting and population did you see yourself being drawn to? Being compassionate in your action -In your personal assessment, what compassionate activities do you see yourself doing as you advocate for that population?