Longevity Speaks: Observations from Long-Serving Counseling Center Directors

Abstract

This article summarizes the online responses of 28 counseling center directors who have directed the same center for at least 20 years. In general, respondents report ample job satisfaction. Major changes on their watch include increases in student pathology and demand for appointments; major non-changes include the developmental issues of college students and the essence of the treatment process. If given the chance, most long-term directors would do it all over again. They are generous in their advice for younger colleagues, most memorably in the suggestion, “Relax and enjoy the profession that you have selected.”

Keywords:

• college counseling center directors
• college mental health changes and continuities
• long-term perspective