Shaping the Counseling Profession: Analyzing the Leadership Experiences of Former American Counseling Association (ACA) State Branch Presidents

Abstract

The researchers used a phenomenological qualitative research design to explore the lived leadership experiences of eight past presidents within one state branch of the American Counseling Association. The researchers identified five themes: (a) advocacy; (b) leadership qualities; (c) involvement; (d) challenges to unity; and (e) wellness, self-care, and boundaries. Additionally, the authors identified a subtheme, relationships, within the involvement theme. The authors discuss the implications for leadership practice and research and provide recommendations for archiving leadership history. The archival of this leadership history provides depth and insight to the experiences of counseling leaders and may engender leadership development among current counseling professionals.