Professionalization of Counseling: Training and Education

Following the increasing rate of social change and the decrease of everyday social support there are new demands that long for a professionalization of the education and training of counselors. In this article some of the characteristics of a profession are discussed. As to the possible contribution of education and training there are two perspectives to be taken: In which way can they contribute to a process of professionalization that corresponds to the ethic and scientific self definition of counseling? And what about the professionalization of those persons and institutions that offer counseling education and training? With respect to such criteria the process of professionalization has started but is still at the beginning and longs for active and engaged shaping.