Exploring the Relationship Between Components of Professional Identity for Counselors

Abstract

The present study of 1,218 counselors used a correlational research design to explore the relationship between components of professional identity for counselors. The study explored relationships between factors of practice setting, years of experience, compassion, demographics, and overall professional identity. The study included provisionally and fully licensed counselors. Counselors in full-time practice reported a significantly higher sense of professional identity as compared with counselors in part-time practice. Further, highly experienced counselors reported significantly higher strength of professional identity as compared with novice counselors. However, no significant group differences were found based on counselor work setting, licensure type, and gender identity. Type of practice, years of experience, and compassion emerged as the best predictors of counselor professional identity. Implications for clinical supervision and burnout prevention to support strong professional identity for counselors are discussed.