The Counseling Psychologist in the New Millennium: Building a Bridge From the Past to the Future

Abstract

It is with enthusiasm, a strong commitment, and humility that I share with you my vision for the journal as the incoming editor of The Counseling Psychologist (TCP). During the past 30 years, TCP has established an outstanding reputation for publishing high-quality, scholarly articles. In looking back at the past 15 years as a consumer of TCP, I can recall reading and considering various trends in counseling psychology and being proud that I was a counseling psychologist. I am equally proud of the contribution that TCP and counseling psychology have made to the field of psychology. Counseling psychologists historically have worked and still work to promote people’s well-being. We have pushed for greater understanding of life transitions such as school to work and from career to career. We have worked to show that psychological interventions work and make a difference. We also have contributed to the psychological literature that argues and shows that all humans are socialized in distinct cultural contexts. We have worked to show how systems affect the lives of organizational members and how tests in organizations such as schools and business can be harmful and how tests and assessments can be used in responsible ways. As I consider the task of outlining a direction for TCP, I find that my view of the future is consistent with the past, as reflected in the work of previous editors. A core component of my vision is to maintain the tradition of excellence set forth and established by Whiteley (1999), Fretz (1999), Stone (1999), and Heppner (1999). My primary mission as TCP editor will be to continue its strong heritage and tradition and enhance it by building on its numerous strengths. It is clear to me that TCP, under Puncky Heppner’s editorship, has grown and expanded its contribution to counseling and psychology in general (Heppner, 1999). As we move further into the 21st century it seems imperative that the journal continue its growth and maintain its strength. In particular, I want to preserve TCP’s ranking as a top-tier journal with its high citation impact (Flores, Rooney, Heppner, Browne, & Wei, 1999).