ABSTRACT
Counseling psychology's designation as a specialty within the field of psy.. chology indicates that it makes unique contributions to science and prac.. tice. Hence, its promise, or potential, as an important branch ofpsychology has been duly noted. The specialty status also carries with it an implicit obli.. gation, or promise, to the field that our uniqueness will be borne out in the work we do and that we will pursue answers, from our perspective and through our scientific approaches, to questions that others in psychology are posing and attempting to answer. Indeed, counseling psychology is poised and obligated to contribute to the understanding ofpositive psycho.. logical phenomena, and to the promotion ofhealthy living. Counseling psy..
chologists, along with members of other applied and scientific specialties, can work toward helping people fulfill their personal promises-to realize their potential, and to enhance the quality of life for others.
