Early Roots
Professional Identity
1950's and
1960's
1970s–1990s
2000s–Present
100

He is known as the “father of vocational guidance,” opening the Boston Vocation Bureau in 1908.

Who is Frank Parsons?

100

In 1946, this act funded education and training for returning veterans, helping establish counseling psychology.

What is the GI Bill (Servicemen’s Readjustment Act)?

100

The official journal of counseling psychology which began publication in 1954.
 

What is the Journal of Counseling Psychology?

100

In the 1970s, counseling psychologists expanded from vocational work into this broader area.
 

→ What is mental health counseling/personal adjustment?

100

Today, counseling psychology emphasizes this model that integrates research and clinical practice.
 

What is the scientist-practitioner model?

200

Counseling psychology grew out of this field of psychology, which focused on education, guidance, and measurement.

What is vocational and educational psychology?

200

This APA Division was founded in 1952 and remains the professional home of counseling psychologists.

What is Division 17 (Society of Counseling Psychology)?

200

The 1950s and 1960s emphasized this counseling approach, highlighting normal development and strengths.
 

What is the humanistic/developmental approach?

200

In the 1980s, the field emphasized cultural responsiveness, giving rise to this growing area of practice.
 

What is multicultural counseling?

200

Counseling psychology differentiates itself from clinical psychology by focusing on these two positive aspects of people.
 

What are strengths and development?

300

This event in the 1940s greatly expanded the need for testing, rehabilitation, and counseling for veterans.

What is World War II?

300

This 1951 report questioned whether counseling psychology was truly distinct from clinical psychology.

What is the Shakow Report?

300

Carl Rogers influenced counseling psychology by promoting this therapeutic style.
 

What is client-centered (or person-centered) therapy?

300

This counseling psychology conference in 1987 was pivotal in articulating the specialty’s values and vision.
 

What is the Georgia Conference?

300

This initiative reflects counseling psychology’s leadership in promoting fairness and inclusion across settings.
 

What is advocacy for diversity and social justice?

400

This test, widely used in schools and workplaces, was central to early counseling psychology’s focus on aptitude and vocational guidance.

What is the Strong Interest Inventory (or Strong Vocational Interest Blank)?

400

Counseling psychology officially became an APA-recognized specialty in this year.

What is 1946? (some sources specify recognition after World War II with Division 17 in 1952—students can discuss).

400

In 1952, this training model was emphasized to prepare counseling psychologists as both researchers and practitioners.
 

What is the scientist-practitioner (Boulder) model?

400

This decade saw a strong emphasis on prevention, wellness, and lifespan development.
 

What are the 1980s?

400

Counseling psychology has contributed heavily to this newer field of psychology, focused on well-being and flourishing.
 

What is positive psychology?

500

This pioneering woman developed career counseling systems and was one of the earliest female leaders in vocational psychology.

Who is Leta Hollingworth (or sometimes Anna Roe, depending on the angle)?

500

The first APA-accredited counseling psychology training programs were housed at these types of institutions.

What are university counseling centers and teacher’s colleges?

500

This theory of vocational choice, developed in the 1950s, emphasized personality-environment fit.
 

What is Holland’s Theory of Vocational Types?

500

The 1990s brought a strong push for advocacy and this broader ethical commitment to society.
 

What is social justice?

500

A recent focus in counseling psychology includes adapting practice for these kinds of rapidly growing client populations.
 

What are multicultural, neurodivergent, and marginalized populations?