ABSTRACT
Counseling psychology's designation as a specialty within the field of psychology indicates that it makes unique contributions to science and practice. Counseling psychology and optimal human functioning and its contributors emphasize how programmatic research lines, counseling practice, and policy development have examined and promoted the "good life" for all people. Counseling psychology's scientist-practitioner perspective and traditional foci undergird the tremendous promise we have as specialty contributing to positive psychology discovery and practice. Hence, this chapter composes to take on a leadership role in psychology's effort to understand and promote optimal human functioning. The pursuit of knowledge regarding personal strengths and optimal human functioning has been fueled by the dedication and passion of psychologists and other behavioral and social scientists. Discovery of conditions that contribute to and characterize optimal human functioning has been stymied by numerous professional practices that preempt the integration of knowledge that would lead to great gains for all.
