Counseling requires several interrelated factors that must function together to focus on assisting clients. Without these entities, the counselor may not have the client’s trust to aid them as is necessary. Before offering complete support to a client, a counselor must fully appreciate the significance of their professional identity and role in becoming a professional counselor. Although the counseling profession is in its infancy, several ideas, thoughts, and viewpoints are being stated by experts in the area on its future direction (Simmons et al., 2019). These specialists are attempting to focus their attention on crucial aspects, such as the ACA Code of Ethics or the DSM, to construct the sector (Simmons et al., 2019). This emphasis is essential because it serves as the basis for licensing rules, an ethical code, and educational training standards.
The Importance of Professional Identity
The counselor’s professional identity consists of professional attributes. Counselors who adhere to these education requirements, professional associations, standards of practice, and codes of ethics constitute a counselor identity (Simmons et al., 2019). Establishing the essential degree of trust between the counselor and their customers or potential clients depends heavily on the certifications and educational standards that must be met. While looking for a doctor, many people prioritize credentials and education over finding an expert; thus, the same is true for those looking for a career in the counseling business (Simmons et al., 2019). The “proof” that the counselor is qualified and able to perform the essential services is what many customers want.
The Necessary Components for Professional Identity
Counseling-affiliated organizations possess the components that are essential for professional identity. These are the organizations where counselors contribute to the code of ethics and professional competence and establish new counseling standards. Certifications and licenses indicate the level of education, experience, and supervision required for a counselor to practice in a certain field (Simmons et al., 2019). In the podcast, Dr. Sheperis emphasizes the necessity for all states and institutions to embrace the CACREP standards to develop a more consistent licensing system from state to state (Shook, 2017). In addition, this improves the counselor’s professional identity by establishing a norm for becoming a counselor, which clients will see as a highly tough procedure. Dr. Sheperis said that customers prefer counselors who have “board certification” in their qualifications since they feel more assured in their decision-making process (Shook, 2017). Because of this, clients may be certain that the counselor is qualified to help them with their specific problems because they know the counselor has the appropriate training and experience to do so.
The Challenges of Professional Identity
Due to the many obstacles associated with building a professional identity, the counseling industry may sometimes be difficult to traverse. Moving poses a significant impediment to maintaining one’s professional identification in the counseling field due to the differing requirements in each state (Simmons et al., 2019). Certain educational components may be required for certification in certain conditions but not others. These requirements may vary from state to state (Lawson et al., 2017). Numerous factors, including certifications, education, codes of ethics, licenses, and training requirements, contribute to forming a counselor’s identity (NCDHSR, 2018). Some of these unresolved questions may drive customers to question what it means to be a counselor and what certifications are necessary.
References
Lawson, G., Trepal, H. C., Lee, R. W., & Kress, V. (2017). Advocating for educational standards in counselor licensure laws. Counselor Education and Supervision, 56(3), 162-176. Web.
NCDHSR. (2018). NC DHSR AHCLCS: Facility Licensure Information. North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation. Web.
Simmons, R. T., Lilley, S. C., & Kuhnley, K. A. M. (2019). Introduction to Counseling: Integration of Faith, Professional Identity, and Clinical Practice (1st ed.). Kendall Hunt Publishing.
Shook, M. (Producer). (2017). What Makes a Counselor a Counselor? Professional Identity and Other Musings with Carl Sheperis [Audio Podcast]. The Thoughtful Counselor. Web.