Mission Statement

Program Mission Statement

The mission of the Counselor Education Program at Ohio University is to provide quality instruction and supervised experience to prepare our students to learn, lead, and serve in a diverse and changing world and to contribute to our community through providing counseling services, research, partnerships, training, and other related service activities.

Ohio University Counselor Education Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Students and faculty in the Ohio University Counselor Education program are guided by the American Counseling Association (ACA, 2014) Code of Ethics and are committed to the ethical practice of counseling. In the classroom, fieldwork, and extra-curricular activities, we acknowledge and value the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of our students, faculty, site supervisors, and clients. We believe that an emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and advocacy strengthens the learning experiences of all.

As a program in The Patton College of Education, we share a commitment to diversity and inclusion. We align with the mission of the Ohio University Office of Diversity and Inclusion to create a “supportive and affirming environment that welcomes and respects all persons, specifically, those individuals and groups who have historically [and currently] been excluded, not represented, and/or rendered voiceless in society.” Diversity signifies differences and heterogeneity between and among individuals, groups, and cultures. Specifically, diversity is inclusive of, but not limited to, all ages, races, ethnic groups, genders, gender identities, sexual orientations, national origins, cultures, socioeconomic classes, abilities, ways of thinking, geographic regions, religions, and veteran status (Patton College Diversity Statement).

The ACA (2014) Code of Ethics Preamble identifies five core professional values of the counseling profession that embody our commitment to ethical practice:

1. enhancing human development throughout the life span;
2. honoring diversity and embracing a multicultural approach in support of the worth, dignity, potential, and uniqueness of people within their social and cultural contexts;
3. promoting social justice;
4. safeguarding the integrity of the counselor-client relationship; and
5. practicing competently and ethically.

The consensus definition of counseling (Kaplan et al., 2014) describes counseling as a professional relationship that empowers diverse individuals, families, and groups to accomplish mental health, wellness, education, and career goals. To do so effectively involves an ongoing commitment to the aspirational Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling Competencies (Ratts et al., 2015) endorsed by the ACA.

Specific to the personal values of our students and faculty, the Ohio University Counselor Education program is guided by the ACA (2014) Code of Ethics, Section A.4.b. Personal Values:

Counselors are aware of—and avoid imposing—their values, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. Counselors respect the diversity of clients, trainees, and research participants and seek training in areas in which they are at risk of imposing their values onto clients, especially when the counselor’s values are inconsistent with the client’s goals or are discriminatory.

All students admitted into the Counselor Education program are required to sign a statement regarding their commitment to supporting and working with clients of diverse backgrounds.