History and Development of Guidance

Guidance has evolved from early religious and superstitious beliefs to modern practices grounded in psychology and pedagogy.
The development of guidance techniques is influenced by several movements focused on human behavior and experience.

Definition: Practices presented as scientific but lack reliable testing and validation.
Examples include:
- Numerology: Predicting outcomes based on numbers (e.g., lucky/unlucky numbers, omitting 13).
- Astrology: Associating fate with celestial bodies (e.g., horoscopes).
- Graphology: Analyzing personality through handwriting.
- Palmistry: Reading palms to predict fate based on lines on the palm.
- Phrenology: Analyzing personality via skull shape and structure.
- Physiognomy: Predicting traits based on facial features.
- Dream Interpretation: Assigning meanings to dreams (e.g., killing dreams symbolize change).
- Occultism/Spiritualism: Exploring supernatural practices for guidance and insight.

Guidance is often misrepresented as mere advice giving.
It is intended for everyone, not just the maladjusted, and aims to optimize individual potential.
Misconceptions include:
1. Guidance is prescriptive.
2. Guidance is only for the maladjusted.
3. Guidance is merely lecturing.
4. No practical value in real-life application.

Early 20th Century: Growth of formal guidance programs influenced by philosophy and psychology.
Significant events include the vocational guidance movement, influenced by World War I and the need for assessment in education.
Post-war developments led to expanded roles in counseling beyond vocational needs to personal and educational aspects.

Guidance practices were influenced by early indigenous beliefs and later by American colonization.
Modern guidance began during the American occupation, with early training in counseling.
Key developments include:
- Establishment of professional organizations (e.g., PAP, PGCA) that promote psychological practices and standards.
- Regulation of counseling through acts like RA 9258 and RA 10029 to professionalize the field and ensure ethical practices.

RA 9258 (Guidance and Counseling Act of 2004): Professionalizes guidance practice.
RA 11036 (Mental Health Act of 2018): Focuses on mental health awareness, provision of services, and integration within educational institutions.
Policymaking has aimed to establish formal roles and responsibilities of counselors and mental health professionals in various settings including schools and workplaces.