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Counseling Individuals Through the Lifespan
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Counseling Individuals Through the Lifespan

Third Edition


September 2025 | SAGE Publications, Inc
Organized around the 2024 CACREP Standards, Counseling Individuals Through the Lifespan introduces readers to the fundamentals of the counseling process during each stage of human development. Topics such as the client-counselor relationship, counseling theory, research, and interventions are addressed with a focus on caring for the total person within their environment and culture. Emphasizing the importance of intentionality and self-reflection, the chapters include case illustrations and guided practice exercises to further the development of successful 21st century counselors.

The 
Third Edition has been revised to include important issues associated with COVID-19 and the aftermath, trauma caused by the loss of family members, significant others, and family pets, and the impact of artificial intelligence.
 
Preface
 
Acknowledgments
 
About the Authors
 
Part I:
 
Chapter 1: Human Development Through the Lifespan
Why is Studying Human Development So Important?

 
The Future of Artificially Intelligence (AI)

 
Climate Change

 
The Counseling Connection

 
The Complexity of Human Development

 
Life Domains of Human Development

 
A Biopsychosocial Approach

 
Human Development Knowledge Applied to Counseling

 
Summary

 
Additional Resources

 
Recommended Supplemental Readings

 
References

 
 
Chapter 2: Theories of Human Development
Theories and Theoretical Models of Human Development

 
Cultural Diversity and Human Development

 
Seeking the Truth: Research Methodologies

 
Rules Governing Human Subjects Research

 
Research Contributing to a Counselor's Identity

 
Summary

 
Additional Resources

 
Recommended Supplemental Readings

 
References

 
 
Part II:
 
Chapter 3: Conception and Prenatal Development
Healthy Prenatal Development

 
Risks to Healthy Prenatal Development

 
Counseling Issues

 
Summary

 
Additional Resources

 
Recommended Supplemental Readings

 
References

 
 
Chapter 4: Infancy (Birth to 12 Months Old)
Healthy Infant Development

 
Counseling Issues

 
Summary

 
Additional Resources

 
Recommended Supplemental Readings

 
References

 
 
Chapter 5: Toddlerhood (Ages 1 to 3)
Healthy Toddler Development

 
Risks to Healthy Toddler Development

 
Counseling Issues

 
Summary

 
Additional Resources

 
Recommended Supplemental Readings

 
References

 
 
Chapter 6: Preschool: Early School Age (Ages 4 to 5)
Healthy Preschool Development

 
Risks to Healthy Preschool Development

 
Counseling Issues

 
Summary

 
Additional Resources

 
Recommended Supplemental Readings

 
References

 
 
Chapter 7: Middle Childhood (Ages 6 to 12)
Healthy Middle Childhood Development

 
Cognitive Development

 
Social Development

 
Emotional Development

 
Counseling Issues

 
Cultural Diversity

 
A Time of Wonder

 
Summary

 
Additional Resources

 
Recommended Supplemental Readings

 
References

 
 
Part III:
 
Chapter 8: Early Adolescence (Ages 11 to 15)
Healthy Early Adolescence Development

 
Self-Concept and Self-Esteem in Early Adolescence

 
Counseling Issues

 
Current Counseling Trends

 
Cultural Diversity

 
A Time of Stress and Adaptation, as well as Wonder and Awe

 
Summary

 
Additional Resources

 
Recommended Supplemental Readings

 
References

 
 
Chapter 9: Late Adolescence (Ages 16 to 19)
Healthy Late Adolescence Development

 
Emotional and Social Development

 
Alcohol and Drug Use

 
College: A Unique Arena for Emerging Adulthood

 
College: Choosing Not to Go to College and Returning Home After College

 
Counseling Issues

 
Cultural Diversity

 
Summary

 
Additional Resources

 
Recommended Supplemental Readings

 
References

 
 
Chapter 10: Emerging Adulthood (Ages 20 to 29)
Healthy Emerging Adulthood Development

 
Risks to Healthy Development During Emerging Adulthood

 
Counseling Issues

 
Conclusion

 
Summary

 
Additional Resources

 
Recommended Supplemental Readings

 
References

 
 
Chapter 11: Middle Adulthood (Ages 30 to 65)
A Period of Recent Recognition

 
Changes in Middle Adulthood

 
Midlife Crisis or Midlife Transition

 
Generativity Versus Stagnation

 
Person-Environment, Culture Interaction, and Socioeconomic Status

 
Counseling Issues

 
Summary

 
Additional Resources

 
Recommended Supplemental Readings

 
References

 
 
Part IV:
 
Chapter 12: Late Adulthood (Ages 66 to 75)
Responding to the Counseling Needs of a Growing Aging Population

 
The Aging Process

 
Aging: A Natural Transition and a Factor in Counseling

 
Counseling Clients in Late Adulthood

 
Summary

 
Additional Resources

 
Recommended Supplemental Readings

 
References

 
 
Chapter 13: Oldest-Old Elderhood (Ages 76 and Older)
A New Era and a New Approach for the Oldest-Old Elderhood

 
Understanding Quality of Life and Life Satisfaction in Old Age

 
Adjustment to Advanced Aging

 
Emotional Impact of Chronic Illness and Disability

 
Psychosocial Crisis

 
Gerontological Counseling Expertise

 
Cultural Competence

 
Summary

 
Additional Resources

 
Recommended Supplemental Readings

 
References

 
 
Epilogue: From the Author’s Chair
 
Matrix of Core Curricular Experiences
 
Glossary

For instructors

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