Testimonials
WHAT LEADERS IN THE FIELD OF COUNSELING HAVE TO SAY ABOUT TXCSJ
Hugh C. Crethar, Ph.D.
Counselors for Social Justice President (2007-2008)
Social justice is a key component of ethical and effective counseling as it focuses on empowering and advocating towards a world that embraces the values of equity, access, participation and harmony. Association with Texas Counselors for Social Justice can serve as a home for professionals in Texas seeking to do work that is progressive, transformative, and preventative.
Dr. Stacee Reicherzer, LPC, NCC
Past-President, Texas Association of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues in Counseling (TALGBTIC)
I want to encourage all Texas counselors to consider that joining TxCSJ presents an opportunity for mobilization of advocacy efforts within our profession. Our responsibility, as people who have the privilege to serve as professional counselors, is to directly address the needs of client populations who are underserved, or never served, within our state. By becoming active in facilitating change agency, we advance the dignity and welfare for all of the people of Texas.
Dr. Chester Robinson, NCC
TCA Treasurer and Past President of the American College Association and the Texas College Counseling Association
Texas Counselors for Social Justice serve a vital function in all aspects of counseling - from school counseling to private practice to counselor education. As professional counselors, we have an obligation to advocate for our clients, their families and communities, and the profession. TxCSJ was founded to take the lead in these endeavors. All counselors will benefit from membership in TxCSJ from learning about the issues various client populations face to being apprised of advocacy opportunities in their speciality areas and geographic locales. Consider joining today.
B.J. Barksdale, LPC
Director, Texas Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development
TxCSJ embodies what counseling is all about, advocating for the client. TxCSJ advocates for everyone, our youth, the elderly, every race, gender, students at every academic level, and individuals of every socio-economic class. The organization needs professional counselors who are committed to equality, fairness, and making a difference in Texas. TxCSJ needs you!
Judy Lewis, Ph.D.
American Counseling Association President, 2000-2001
The links between effective counseling and the social justice movement are unbreakable. Members of the counseling profession have become increasingly aware that our clients and students are powerfully affected by their environments. This awareness is exemplified in Texas, where TxCSJ is going strong. I congratulate the organizers and members of this new organization. I also offer my personal support and commitment--any time, anywhere, whatever's needed. Thank you for your work, TxCSJ!
Doris Coy, Ph.D.
American Counseling Association President, 1994-1995
Congratulations to the TxCSJ division for joining the other state chapters of CSJ to promote social justice. It is with much pride as a former resident of Texas that I offer my best wishes for a social justice agenda that will impact the residents of Texas.
Judy Daniels, Ed.D
Founding Member of Counselors for Social Justice
Aloha and congratulations to everyone who helped to create TxCSJ! The birth of a new CSJ state chapter is always an exciting time filled with possibility. There is much social justice work to be done in Texas and I am confident that the leadership and members of TxCSJ will do important and transformative work to effect positive changes. Remember, power concedes nothing with out demand and you can be the change you wish to see in the world!
Molly Behannon, LPC
TCA Past President, TALGBTIC Director, TCA Wellness Committee Chair
Simply put, Love is all there is. In order to have Peace in our world, among all people it must first be in our own hearts and minds. Our thoughts, words, and deeds must be those of peace if we are to experience it in our world. TxCSJ represents this vision and offers an arena for all counseling professionals to practice peace and love through action. I am proud to be a part of this new division and offer my support and service. Namaste.
Kathy Ybanez, Ph.D., LPC-S
International Association of Marriage & Family Counselors (IAMFC) Secretary; Texas Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (TACES) Elected Senator, (2008-2011)
Today’s diverse society contains countless groups relying on professional counselors of every level to advocate for equity and access. TxCSJ offers an opportunity for students and counselors alike to further explore the multidimensional concerns of individuals and families in our society whose needs are often underserved. Connect with like-minded professionals by joining TxCSJ today!
Richard E. Watts, Ph.D., LPC-S
Editor, Counseling and Values, the journal of the Association for Spiritual, Ethical, and Religious Values in Counseling, a division of the American Counseling Association. Former President of the Texas Association for Counselor Education and Supervision .Former Executive Editor of the
Texas Counseling Association Journal (now the Journal of Professional Counseling: Practice, Theory, and Research)
All of the major world religions, and most of the great philosophies, stress the importance of ethical reciprocity (i.e., “The Golden Rule”) and loving our fellow human beings as ourselves (“The Law of Love”). Being a part of TxCSJ provides counselors an opportunity to be part of an organized effort to advocate for the poor and oppressed persons in our society that we serve as counselors. And when we advocate on behalf of the poor and oppressed, we practice the “Rule” and obey the “Law.”
Eli Zambrano
Past President, Texas Counseling Association
Hallmarks of the counseling profession include compassion, caring, and advocacy. Texas Counselors for Social Justice provide professional counselors opportunities to collectively learn about and address advocacy issues that concern clients in all settings across Texas. Join!
Michael K. Altekruse, Ed.D., NCC
President, Association for Counselor Education and Supervision, 1990-1991. Founding member of the Council for Accreditation for Counseling and Related Educational Programs
As a former Texas resident and an active member of the Texas Counseling Association (TCA), I am pleased to see the newest Division of TCA, the Texas Counselors for Social Justice. Leave it to Texas to be one of the first states to establish this important Division.
Loretta J. Bradley, PhD
American Counseling Association President: 1998-1999
CSJ was approved as a division of ACA during my presidential year and I was very pleased about that. I am very pleased also that there will be a CSJ chapter here in Texas. Congratulations!
Dr. Susan A. Adams
TCA Ethics Chair (2007-2008; 2008-2009); TAADA (Texas Association of Adult Development and Aging) President
Jimmy Carter described America as a beautiful mosaic representing different people, different beliefs, different yearnings, different hopes, and different dreams. Texas Counselors for Social Justice (TxCSJ) division stands on the threshold of becoming the beacon division that provides a professional opportunity to adovcate for all Texans. As counselors, we have a responsibility to value, protect, and advocate for human rights of all our citizens. TxCSJ offers you an opportunity to be a change agent. I encourage you to become part of this leading edge division which advocates for the support of the inherent worth and value of each individual and the collective identity that blends into this beautiful mosaic that represents the piece of the American population found within the Texas borders!
Yvonne T. Quintanilla, Ph. D.
American Counseling Association Human Rights Commitee-appointed 2008-2011; Association for Counselor Education and Supervision-Co Chair of Supervision Interest Network appointed in 2008; Kentucky Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Treasurer 2007-2008
Counselor Educators in Texas are leading the way for social justice change and are setting a standard for the rest of the nation to follow. This organization will serve as a voice for the oppressed in our schools, communities, mental health agencies and profession. I am proud to be a part of this new organization for social justice change. It a great time to be a TxCSJ member!
Vickie Lynn Purdy, M.S., LPC
2006-2008 President, Rio Grande Valley Counseling Association
Few things say as much about who we are, individually and collectively, as our willingness to take action in the face of injustice. Joining TxCSJ will help us grow in awareness of the needs of the underserved, formulate a compassionate response, and unite our efforts as positive agents of change. If you long for ‘liberty and justice for all’ and are willing to roll up your sleeves to promote peace, this organization is for you!
Sal Acosta
President, Texas Association for Muticultural Counseling and Development
The movement of professional counselors addressing social injustices in society in an organized way is the next logical step for the counseling profession. I would like to encourage Texas counselors to join TCSJ to help shape the direction of this organization and have a positive impact on our society.
Dr. Alma Leal
Co-Chair, TCA Graduate Student Involvement Committee
I truly believe that this is one of the divisions that everyone needs to belong to, especially in light of the local, state, national and world events we are experiencing that require that we advocate for clients and better address issues that impact all of us—poverty, natural disasters, war, terrorism, racism, and crime.
Dr. Michael D'Andrea
President-elect of CSJ
I am excited to endorse the efforts of the Texas Counselors for Social Justice Association in becoming a new division in CSJ. Under the leadership of Selma Yznaga, the TXCSJ represents a model for counselors in other states to consider following in establishing other CSJ associations in their areas. I applaud Ms. Yznaga and all of the other hard working social justice advocates for demonstrating how we can work together to extend our efforts as counselors in building a more sane and just society. If you are not already a member of this exciting new organization, I would encourage all counselors and other mental health professionals to join TXCSJ today and work together with other like-minded professionals and students in building a better world.
Eric Green, PhD
President, Counselors for Social Justice (2008-2009)
I highly encourage, at the academic, practitioner, and grass roots level, the participation in and support of the new Texas state chapter for Counselors for Social Justice. We have the power to advocate for those who have no voice, especially disenfranchised children and families suffering from pain, poverty, displacement, prejudice, and trauma. Join me in supporting Dr. Selma Yznaga in this socially conscious group of counselors all across Texas. United, we will achieve magnanimously.