Which actions are counselors required to take regarding public statements?

Counselors are required to correct any misrepresentations of their qualifications to ensure transparency and maintain the integrity of the profession. This action is essential because it safeguards clients from misinformation that could lead to misunderstandings about the counselor's abilities or expertise. Properly representing qualifications helps build trust and ensures clients make informed decisions about their choice of counselor.

The other options, while they may seem relevant to professional behavior, do not fulfill the same critical necessity for ethical practice. Soliciting testimonials can create potential biases or conflicts of interest, as clients may feel pressured to provide positive feedback. Advertising academic credentials prominently might lead to competitive or misleading comparisons among professionals without context about the relevancy of those credentials to the client's needs. Encouraging clients to share their experiences, although beneficial, is not a requirement and should be approached carefully to maintain confidentiality and the professional relationship.