Professional Identity Development: A Grounded Theory of Transformational Tasks of Counselors. (January 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Moss, Julie M.; Gibson, Donna M.; Dollarhide, Colette T.
• Is Part Of: Journal of counseling and development. Volume 92:Number 1(2014:Jan.)
• Page Start: 3
• Page End: 12
• Publication Date: 2014-01
• Subjects: Vocational guidance -- Periodicals; Counseling -- Periodicals; Vocational education -- Periodicals; 361.0605
• DOI: 10.1002/j.1556-6676.2014.00124.x
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0748-9633

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p>The purpose of this qualitative grounded theory study was to investigate practicing counselors' professional identity development at nodal points during their career. Through the use of 6 focus groups of beginning, experienced, and expert counselors, 26 participants shared their experiences, and 6 themes emerged to form a theory of transformational tasks of professional identity development. Through these tasks, counselors encountered issues of idealism toward realism, burnout toward rejuvenation, and compartmentalization toward congruency.</p> </abstract>