The first edition of this book was published in 1987, when prevention was
an elusive concept. In fact, as a way to lend definitional clarity, I found it
necessary then to indicate by the book’s title that it would focus on primary
(not secondary or tertiary) prevention for counselors. This clarification, I
am pleased to note, is no longer necessary. Contemporary understandings
of prevention are sufficient for capturing the directions needed for counselors and other helpers as they try to make a difference in the lives of people
in systems and settings. At that time, there seemed to be interest building
in prevention for counselors. For instance, I noted in the Preface to that
edition (p. vi):
This gathering movement rides on the swell of primary prevention
and goes by various synonyms, including wellness and health promotion. One can scarcely ever pick up the local newspaper or listen to the
evening news without being confronted by presentations about the
benefits of exercise, the importance of proper nutrition, the deadly
hazards of smoking and excessive drinking, ways to manage and
reduce stress in our lives, or how important support systems are for
good health. People by the legion are learning to take better care of
themselves so they can avoid becoming treatable patients.