Library System: Counseling Research Resources: Academic Counseling Resources

Using Academic Journals

As you research the sources you are considering, determine the viewpoint of the academic institution or professional association which published the journal, in order to assess the academic quality and their spiritual or moral perspective. Is the resource spiritual or secular? Is the source liberal or conservative? You can also use articles to expand your research by locating the sources that are listed in the bibliography of each article.

American Counseling Association (ACA) Academic Journals

CACREP Counseling programs require the utilization of ACA Academic Journals in the educational program, in addition to other quality sources. Here is a list of ACA Journals for your convenience:

Americal Psychology Association Academic Journals

American Psychology Association Journals
While a number of these journals are more research or technically focused than counseling focused, several are good resources quality academic journals for counseling programs, including the following (you may find others that are also relevant):
American Psychologist
Couple and Family Psychology
International Journal on Play Therapy
Journal of Latinx Psychology
Journal of Psycotherapy Integration
Practice Innovations

Other Quality Academic Journals on Counseling Topics

Journal of Marital & Family Therapy
Journal of Marital & Family Therapy (JMFT) is published quarterly by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and is one of the best known and most influential family therapy journals in the world. JMFT is a peer-reviewed journal that advances the professional understanding of marital and family functioning and the most effective psychotherapeutic treatment of couple and family distress. Toward that end, JMFT publishes articles on research, theory, clinical practice, and training in marital and family therapy.
Journal of Positive Psychology
The Journal of Positive Psychology – Dedicated to furthering research and promoting good practice. Positive psychology is about scientifically informed perspectives on what makes life worth living, focusing on aspects of the human condition that lead to happiness, fulfillment, and flourishing. The Journal is devoted to basic research and professional application on states of optimal human functioning and fulfillment, and the facilitation and promotion of well-being. Topics appropriate for the Journal include original research on human strengths and virtues, personal and social well-being, as well as applications to psychotherapy and counseling. Articles that evaluate the teaching and coaching of positive psychology are also invited.
Journal of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing
Journal of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing (JPPW) is a peer-reviewed academic journal covering positive psychology and provides an interdisciplinary and international forum for the science of positive psychology and wellbeing. The Journal is devoted to basic research and professional application on states of optimal human functioning and fulfillment, and the facilitation and promotion of well-being. Topics appropriate for the JPPW include original research on human strengths and virtues, personal and social well-being, as well as applications to psychotherapy and counseling.