ABSTRACT

This chapter discusses the importance of sensitivity to diversity and advocacy. It reviews important elements of the specialization of college counseling and student affairs, and highlights major college student development and adult development theories. The chapter addresses leadership theories and learning theories, as they relate to counselors and student affairs professionals who work in higher education. It looks at the role of counselors in providing counseling services, developing and managing programs that are prevention-focused, and intervening in crisis situations. A primary source of research is through professional journals, such as The Journal of College Student Development, the Journal of College Counseling, the Journal of College Student Psychotherapy, and the Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice. College counseling centers sometimes get the reputation of being relationship clinics, and people with this view are likely speaking to the prevalence of relationship issues for which many students seek counseling services.