Counselors and future counselors face a variety of challenges as society becomes more diverse and laden with differing value systems. As the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice (American Counseling Association, 1995) is changed to become more inclusive of the values held in a diverse society, changes in counselor preparation to incorporate…

Describes concepts from social anthropology as confirming the traditional role and skills of the counselor--warm, emphatic, interpersonal communicator. Proposes counselors take comfort in the speculation that they actually serve the long-term needs of society, but that helping professionals should also be concerned about accountability. (JAC)