[Counselor_Educ] Supporting Our Counseling Community in Challenging Times - ACA Message to Members

Thu Jan 29 22:00:45 EST 2026

[American Counseling Association]<https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Facaa.informz.net%2Fz%2FcjUucD9taT05NTM2MzY5JnA9MSZ1PTc3MjA2NDAyNyZsaT05MDUwMjc0MQ%2Findex.html&data=05%7C02%7Ccounselor_educ%40listserv.ohio.edu%7C39ac3b87b0a44ffc0f7808de5fabc3b1%7Cf3308007477c4a70888934611817c55a%7C0%7C0%7C639053388475427101%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=DZwQGbj8QICV6jpoEipbQ2h8E2DB6izdz6ioGaO88QU%3D&reserved=0>

Dear ACA Members,

These past weeks have brought an overwhelming series of events that are affecting the mental health of our counseling community and the clients we are called to serve. As counselors, we hold space for others every day, yet we, too, are human and impacted by the stressors pressing in from all sides. The uncertainty surrounding immigration developments, the contagion of violence permeating our communities and daily lives, the deeply concerning situation in Minnesota, and the heartbreaking and untimely loss of Florida counselor Rebecca White have left many of us feeling shaken, fearful and unsure of what comes next. Please know that your reactions are valid - this is a normal response to abnormal and distressing times.

So many of you entered this profession out of a commitment to help others. We hear your concerns about how new laws and regulations may disproportionately affect minoritized and immigrant communities, and we share your care and compassion for the people whose lives are most deeply affected. ACA has long stood in solidarity with immigrants, refugees and communities of all religious faiths (see the 2017 statement "Liberty & Justice for All"<https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Facaa.informz.net%2Fz%2FcjUucD9taT05NTM2MzY5JnA9MSZ1PTc3MjA2NDAyNyZsaT05MDUwMjc0Mg%2Findex.html&data=05%7C02%7Ccounselor_educ%40listserv.ohio.edu%7C39ac3b87b0a44ffc0f7808de5fabc3b1%7Cf3308007477c4a70888934611817c55a%7C0%7C0%7C639053388475463803%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=VGWE7jvP8RHpFm%2FAg39aTcL3oohWEzuEblC7U2j72p8%3D&reserved=0>) advocating for the rights of these individuals to be respected, grow and thrive. While we are working quickly to develop supportive resources, we want to be transparent: we are not immigration experts. We are, however, committed to supporting counselors who work within these communities, and we are actively drawing on the wisdom of members and outside experts who specialize in immigration-related issues, community trauma and culturally responsive care.

In moments like these, when everything feels uncertain and unsafe, it may feel counterintuitive to lean into self care. Yet counselors know - better than most - that self care is not optional; it is an essential anchor for protecting our well being and sustaining our ability to serve. The tragic loss of our colleague in Florida has brought to the forefront a truth that is too often left unspoken: counselors frequently work in environments where they are at real risk of bodily harm. This reality deserves far more discussion, support and visibility within our community. As we grieve, we must also remember that planning for your own personal safety is not a sign of fear or weakness - it is a vital form of self care.

We also know that connection to each other is critical. In the wake of these heartbreaking losses, we have been deeply moved by the outpouring of support from the ACA family and within the counseling community in support of our colleagues in Florida and Minnesota, as well as the leadership of the Florida and Minnesota Counseling Associations. Your compassion and willingness to uplift one another reflect the resilience and solidarity that define our profession. Moments like these underscore why we must continue to lean on one another - openly, honestly and without hesitation - as we navigate the emotional and professional challenges before us.

What ACA Is Doing Now and into the Future to Support You

We are working diligently to help you navigate this uncharted territory, and we're making longer term plans to drive progress on these and other critical issues in our profession. These efforts include:

  *   Developing new resources to guide personal and practice safety. We're planning Counseling Today articles and both annual conference and virtual sessions focused on client, student and counselor safety. No counselor should have to work in fear while pursuing their purpose and passion.
  *   Putting a spotlight on member and expert insights. We're engaging counselors and outside experts experienced in working with immigrant communities as well as those focused on workplace safety to ensure our guidance is accurate, informed and responsive.
  *   Seeking to create more space for dialogue where members can share concerns, best practices and support in our rapidly changing environment.

What You Can Do Today

Some elements are already in place to help you take action right now. You can:

  *   Reach out to your congresspeople. You can contact your congressional representatives to share your thoughts on legislation affecting counselors on our Take Action page<https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Facaa.informz.net%2Fz%2FcjUucD9taT05NTM2MzY5JnA9MSZ1PTc3MjA2NDAyNyZsaT05MDUwMjc0Mw%2Findex.html&data=05%7C02%7Ccounselor_educ%40listserv.ohio.edu%7C39ac3b87b0a44ffc0f7808de5fabc3b1%7Cf3308007477c4a70888934611817c55a%7C0%7C0%7C639053388475485728%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=FmDmEvmVK8jiqrMNaUoKAe2%2BO7JntParlJexmaIcskg%3D&reserved=0>.
  *   Attend monthly Advocacy Power Hours hosted by ACA, which aim to help counselors stay informed about legislative developments at both the state and federal levels. Our next session on February 19 will focus specifically on state-level immigration issues. Bring your questions, concerns and success stories of what's working in your area. Register here<https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Facaa.informz.net%2Fz%2FcjUucD9taT05NTM2MzY5JnA9MSZ1PTc3MjA2NDAyNyZsaT05MDUwMjc0NA%2Findex.html&data=05%7C02%7Ccounselor_educ%40listserv.ohio.edu%7C39ac3b87b0a44ffc0f7808de5fabc3b1%7Cf3308007477c4a70888934611817c55a%7C0%7C0%7C639053388475503375%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Sp3sYigIU03JsM%2BI%2Fv6p53RsJ52XcP5fxQEjlz5XZtM%3D&reserved=0>.
  *   Learn new and different ways to advocate by participating in our presidential webinar series "Advocacy in Action: From Insight to Impact<https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Facaa.informz.net%2Fz%2FcjUucD9taT05NTM2MzY5JnA9MSZ1PTc3MjA2NDAyNyZsaT05MDUwMjc0NQ%2Findex.html&data=05%7C02%7Ccounselor_educ%40listserv.ohio.edu%7C39ac3b87b0a44ffc0f7808de5fabc3b1%7Cf3308007477c4a70888934611817c55a%7C0%7C0%7C639053388475521108%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=fOE%2BxZgSwgPRxdzmj96amb%2FxgQRrC3onLoEHV7mIZgU%3D&reserved=0>." The series provides counselors with skills and knowledge to expand their advocacy efforts and is free to ACA members through June 30, 2026.
  *   Prioritize self-care. You know yourself best and we encourage you to do what works best for you. We also invite you to visit ACA's self-care resources page<https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Facaa.informz.net%2Fz%2FcjUucD9taT05NTM2MzY5JnA9MSZ1PTc3MjA2NDAyNyZsaT05MDUwMjc0Ng%2Findex.html&data=05%7C02%7Ccounselor_educ%40listserv.ohio.edu%7C39ac3b87b0a44ffc0f7808de5fabc3b1%7Cf3308007477c4a70888934611817c55a%7C0%7C0%7C639053388475538504%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=PelQrLyvqS68Jjj2j3HCXSdLzbc6pISxnX%2BBLpVCOLY%3D&reserved=0> for ideas and thoughtful articles and wellness tips from your colleagues.

Please remember: You are not alone. ACA stands with you, supports you and is committed to navigating these uncertain times together. Your courage, compassion, and dedication continue to inspire us, and we remain steadfast in our mission to provide the resources, advocacy, and community you need now more than ever. Thank you for the important work you do.

With empathy and solidarity,

M. Elsa Soto Leggett, PhD

President, American Counseling Association

Victoria Kress, PhD

President-elect, American Counseling Association

Christine Suniti Bhat, PhD

Past President, American Counseling Association

American Counseling Association

2461 Eisenhower Ave.

Suite 300

Alexandria, Virginia 22314

(p) 800-298-2276 | (f) 800-473-2329

This message was intended for: bhatc at ohio.edu<mailto:bhatc at ohio.edu>.

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