Definition of Counseling and Requirements of Counseling Practitioners Counseling is the process of talking, seeking advice, and seeking help from others, which Riesman defines as a process of helping, educating, and growing through interpersonal relationships. That is, counseling helps, educates, and benefits the visitor. Because counseling is a process, it requires several sessions, each of which often lasts for a period of time. According to the definition of the American Encyclopedia of Philosophy, counseling is: 1. focused on normal people; 2. effective in helping people throughout their lives; 3. emphasizing the strengths and values of individuals; 4. emphasizing the role of cognitive factors, especially in rational choices and decisions; 5. studying individual differences in goal setting, planning, and social roles; 6. 6. to take into account situational and environmental factors, and to emphasize the use of environmental resources, as well as to change the environment when necessary. The Chinese Mental Health Association (CMHA) stipulates the qualifications for registration as a psychotherapist and psychological counselor: 1) membership in the Chinese Mental Health Association or the Chinese Psychological Society (hereinafter referred to as the two societies) and submission of an application to the two societies (non-members of the two societies may also submit an application to the two societies if they meet the following conditions); 2) higher education in psychology or medicine (bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree) or passing the relevant additional examinations of the two societies 3. Strictly abide by the Code of Ethics for Psychotherapy and Counseling Practitioners established by the two associations; 4. Be mentally healthy and meet the following conditions 5-8; 5. Have at least two years of clinical practice experience in psychotherapy and counseling of at least four hours per week; 6. Have obtained a training certificate in psychotherapy and counseling from a training institution or training program recognized by the two associations (where 7. Have done at least 5-8 cases of treatment or counseling for visitors and can submit more than 2 complete cases with more than 8 sessions of systematic treatment or counseling; 8. Have passed the examination of professional knowledge of psychotherapy and counseling (including basic concepts of psychotherapy and counseling, psychological disorders, psychological diagnosis, psychological measurement, therapeutic process, therapeutic relationship, and therapeutic interview) of the two associations. The examination will include basic concepts of psychotherapy and counseling, psychological disorders, psychological diagnosis, psychological measurement, therapeutic process, therapeutic relationship, therapeutic interview, and theories and techniques of psychoanalysis and behavioral therapy, as well as case analysis and treatment plan development.) For those who do not have advanced degrees in psychology or medicine, an additional test will be given on basic knowledge of psychology.