The "practice of professional counseling" means the application of mental health, psychological, and human development principles in order

to facilitate human development and adjustment throughout the life span. Counselors prevent, assess, and treat mental, emotional or behavioral disorders and associated distresses that interfere with mental health. Counselors conduct assessments for the purpose of establishing treatment goals and objectives; and plan, implement and evaluate treatment plans using counseling treatment interventions. The practice of professional counseling includes: individual, group, and marriage and family therapy; assessment; crisis intervention; treatment of persons with mental and emotional disorders; guidance and consulting to facilitate normal growth and development, including educational and career development; utilization of functional assessment and counseling for persons requesting assistance in adjustment to a disability or handicapping condition; consulting; research; and referral. The use of specific methods, techniques, or modalities within the practice of professional counseling is restricted to professional counselors appropriately trained in the use of such methods, techniques or modalities.