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By Victoria Kress, PhD, LPCC-S, NCC

July 2026

As I step into the role of �ֲ���ýpresident, I find myself holding many emotions, but two rise to the surface: deep gratitude for the trust that has been placed in me and a clear sense of responsibility. These are complex and uncertain times. The world can feel loud, fast and, at times, overwhelming — for our clients, for our communities and for us as counselors. Yet I am continually struck by a steady feeling beneath all of that.

In counseling, we often talk about “holding the frame,” which is creating a space that is grounded, intentional and safe enough for people to explore what feels chaotic or unclear. The frame does not eliminate uncer­tainty, but it allows meaning to emerge within it. That is what our profession offers the world right now.

Counselors help people slow down, make sense of their experiences and reconnect — to themselves, to others and to a sense of purpose. In a time that often pulls people toward urgency and disconnection, we offer presence. I often say that the world does not need our perfection; it needs our presence. In a culture that rewards quick answers, we make space for reflection. This work is not small. It is essential.

As we look ahead, I am especially ener­gized by a few areas where we can grow stronger together.

One area I am excited about is legislative advocacy. Counselors need to feel as confident using their voices in the public sphere as they do in the counseling room. When we advocate for our clients and profession, we extend the impact of our work beyond individual sessions and into the systems that shape our collective well-being. Legislative advocacy requires a distinct set of skills that are not always emphasized in our training. Over the coming year, �ֲ���ýwill be expanding opportunities for counselors to build competence and confi­dence in this area through targeted training and development.

Another area for growth is our willingness to directly name and address systemic harms that have not been fully acknowledged within our profession. This includes recognizing a form of marginalization we do not often discuss — childism, or the systemic devaluing of children and young people through atti­tudes, policies and practices. Importantly, not only are these dynamics present in broader society, but they can also show up within our profession, shaping how we conceptualize, prioritize and respond to the needs of youth. Counselors are uniquely positioned to notice these patterns, give language to them and advocate for change in the systems that shape development, safety and belonging.

Finally, I want to name something that feels both simple and profound: We need each other. This is not a time to divide, but a time to come together, stay connected and collaborate to create meaningful change. We often hear that survival belongs to the “fittest,” but in reality, it belongs to those who can adapt — and those who can remain connected.

�ֲ���ýis more than an organization. It is a professional home where counselors can learn, grow and connect in work that can sometimes feel isolating. I came to �ֲ���ýyears ago looking for that sense of community, and I found it. I hope we continue to build an association where counselors across identities, roles and career stages feel seen, supported and valued.

If we return to that idea of holding the frame, I see �ֲ���ýas helping to create the conditions that allow our profession to do its best work — offering structure, support and a shared sense of purpose amid complexity.

We are living in times that call for both courage and compassion. Fortunately, those are qualities counselors practice every day. I am honored to stand alongside you in this work.