About the Texas Counseling Association Organization . . .

OUR ROOTS: WHERE AND HOW WE BEGAN

On November 29, 1947, a group of counselors met for the first time as the "Guidance Section" at the 69th Annual Convention of the Texas State Teachers Association in San Antonio, Texas. Prior to that time, from 1935 to 1940, interested parties met during the TSTA convention. World War II came along and all meetings were discontinued. In 1943 at the TSTA convention, it was suggested that the vocational guidance personnel start meeting as were other groups of school personnel.  Virginia Hofstedler, who would later be known as Dr. Virginia Love, chaired the 1947 meeting of the "Guidance Section"of TSTA. Discussion at this meeting dealt mainly with the establishment of guidance programs in public schools.  Dr. Royal Embree of the University of Texas, and the person who deserves much of the credit for the preservation of TCA's history, was elected chairman for the 1948 meeting to be held in Dallas. He is considered the Association's first president. Dr. Embree served two consecutive terms as president and conducted the 1948 and 1949 meetings. During the 1948 meeting in Dallas, a decision was made to begin moving toward the development of an association. This was brought to fruition by the next annual meeting held in Fort Worth at Thanksgiving, 1949. A constitution committee began work establishing the constitution and by-laws of the Texas Guidance Association. By 1950, the TGA constitution was completed by George Beamer, William Truax and John Love, and an organization was born. However it was still a departmental affiliate of TSTA. This was the same year that Bill Truax began his service as Executive Secretary/Director - an unpaid position he held for nearly 25 years. Following the 1950 conference address, committee reports were given and a business session was conducted.  Corinne Britt chaired the 1951 meeting which was conducted in Houston and shared with Deans of Women and mental hygiene groups. 

TCA STRATEGIC PLAN

Mission
The Texas Counseling Association is dedicated to providing leadership, advocacy and education to promote the growth and development of the counseling profession and those who are served.

Values
Unity of Purpose  Empowerment   Leadership    Professionalism    Affecting Positive Change   Respect for Humanity

Vision Themes

Unity
Innovative and Inclusive Organization
Clearly Recognized Professional Identity

Advocacy
Premier Counselor Advocates
Social Change Agents
Accessible Research Based Clearinghouse

Wellness
Balanced Integration of the emotional, intellectual, physical and spiritual self

Strategic Directions & Specific Strategies

I.      Initiating Educational Outreach
        (a) Educate Public about Counseling
        (b) Educate Counselors and Counselors in Training about Current and Emerging issues

II.     Launching A Unified Professional Identity 
         (a) Conduct Research & Disseminate Results
         (b) Develop Unified Counselor Identity
         (c) Promote Professional Counselor Identity

III.    Aligning TCA Organizational Systems with Purpose
         (a)Review Organizational Systems to Maximize Unity

 

TCA STRUCTURE

TCA is composed a Board of Directors, Senate and various Committees that work together to make the association more effective.  

HEADQUARTERS & STAFF

The TCA headquarters office is located at 1204 San Antonio, Suite 201 in Austin, Texas 78701. The office is opened from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and we welcome anyone to stop by with questions or for any information. You may also contact us at 800/580-8144 or 512/472-3403. You may also fax us at 512/472-3756 or via email at jennifer@txca.org. Any of TCA's staff members will be happy to assist you.