The Counselor as Prophet: Frank Parsons, 1854–1908

This article summarizes the life and work of the political and economic reformer, Frank Parsons. The author gives special attention to his founding, shortly before he died, of the Vocation Bureau, often described as the origin of professional counseling in the United States. Through his work, he offered a challenging example for counselors today as both a social crusader and a pioneer in the systematic guidance of youth.