Normative Issues

Sara K. Bridges & Michelle S. Goddard

Normative issues are those based on intrapersonal and interpersonal concerns that could be expected to occur in the course of a life. When people think about issues that might compel someone to seek professional help, they often envision severe and potentially even life-threatening issues such as major depression, extreme anxiety, addiction, mania, debilitating phobias, and suicidality. These issues obviously deserve the attention of mental health professionals, and it could even be said that “social permission” is implicitly—and sometimes even explicitly—granted to attend counseling based solely on the severity of the difficulties experienced. Clients who are experiencing severe difficulties rarely question their “right” to be in counseling. However, numerous others could benefit from an objective counseling experience as they endeavor to cope with the struggles of everyday living. Some normative issues are developmentally based and could become more problematic for different people at different points in their lives. This entry provides ...

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