Written by Megan Dottermusch

In recent years, counseling has become a popular mental health profession among those interested in preventing and treating different forms of mental, emotional, and behavioral issues. Timeline: The History of Counseling features information about industry pioneers like Sigmund Freud, details government involvement through legislation, particularly in dealing with the fallout from thousands of returning WWII soldiers, and illustrates how more modern laws like Title IX turned our attention to the needs of diverse populations. It describes the impact of categorizing counselors as primary mental health professionals, legitimizing the profession and differentiating those who are certified counselors. Also examined is how counseling techniques and the overall profession have changed throughout the last few centuries, leading us to the counseling practices and techniques we know and use today.

Check out the interactive timeline to learn more about the history of counseling and how the profession has evolved into a highly respected and well-established career choice.