• I would like to learn more about telehealth/telecounseling. I would like to have a better understanding of how the bond between counselor and client is impacted by distanced sessions. I wonder if this practice is more successful with individuals who are accustomed to the frequent use of technology?

• Professional identity refers to the understanding and internalization of one's role, values, ethics, and responsibilities within a profession (Psychology4U, n.d.). My professional identity as a counselor is shaped by education, experiences, professional standards, and personal beliefs.  It is shaped by my personal experiences, professional training, and dedication to lifelong learning. Upon earning my LPC licensure, I aim to establish a private practice specializing in trauma and grief counseling, particularly for individuals in rural areas with limited access to mental health services. My goal is to provide a safe space for clients to process loss, develop coping strategies, and rebuild their lives.

• I believe I am in the developing phase of my professional counseling identity. I feel confident in my skills related to client rapport, ethical practice, and advocacy, but I recognize that my professional identity as an LPC is still evolving. As I complete the bridge program and work toward licensure, I am refining my theoretical approach and expanding my clinical experience by integrating evidence-based practices like CBT and Solution-Focused Therapy into my work.

• Strengths in My Professional Counselor Identity

• Building Rapport & Empathy – My experience as a school counselor has strengthened my ability to connect with clients, provide a safe space, and foster trust.

• Ethical & Client-Centered Approach – I prioritize professional ethics, confidentiality, and maintaining a nonjudgmental, supportive environment.

• Solution-Focused Thinking – I naturally lean toward helping clients find strengths and solutions, which aligns with Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) principles.

  
  

• Areas for Improvement & Growth

• Expanding Clinical Experience – As I transition into private practice, I want to refine my skills in trauma and grief counseling, ensuring I am well-equipped to serve this population effectively.

• Deepening Theoretical Knowledge – I aim to continue learning and integrating evidence-based approaches like CBT and SFT into my practice.

• Supervision & Consultation – I want to seek guidance from experienced professionals to enhance my clinical decision-making and case conceptualization skills.

• Business & Practice Management – Since private practice requires entrepreneurial skills, I need to develop business strategies, marketing, and administrative efficiency to run a successful practice.

Psychology4U. (n.d.). Professional identity in psychology and beyond. Retrieved from https://psychology4u.net/psychology/professional-identity/

One of my primary goals in Professional Orientation is to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the ethical, legal, and professional standards that guide mental health and wellness practices. Through this course, I aim to enhance my knowledge of consultation, case management, and evidence-based interventions, ensuring that I can effectively support individuals in need. Additionally, I hope to strengthen my professional identity by exploring the roles and responsibilities of mental health practitioners, engaging with professional organizations, and applying theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios (CACREP, 2016). By the end of the course, I intend to be well-prepared to navigate the complexities of the field with confidence, integrity, and a commitment to ethical and data-driven decision-making.

To me, professional identity in mental health and wellness counseling means embodying the values, ethics, and responsibilities of a compassionate, competent, and ethical practitioner dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey toward healing and personal growth. It involves a commitment to lifelong learning, self-awareness, and adherence to professional standards that prioritize client well-being (ACA, 2014). Upon completion of my degree, my desired professional role is to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), where I can provide evidence-based therapeutic interventions, advocate for mental health awareness, and create a safe, supportive space for individuals to explore their emotions, challenges, and strengths. I aspire to empower clients by helping them develop coping strategies, process trauma, and build resilience, ultimately fostering their overall well-being and personal fulfillment.

I believe I have had the opportunity to explore and develop my professional identity as a school counselor, gaining valuable experience in supporting students' academic, social, and emotional needs. However, as I transition toward becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), I recognize the importance of expanding my knowledge and skills to align with the broader scope of mental health counseling. I look forward to engaging with the coursework in this class to deepen my understanding of ethical considerations, case management, and clinical interventions from the perspective of a licensed professional. This journey will allow me to refine my counseling approach, strengthen my professional identity, and better serve individuals in diverse mental health settings.

I believe my strengths in my professional counselor identity align with key aspects of the 2016 CACREP Standards, particularly in my ability to build strong, empathetic relationships with clients, maintain ethical and professional integrity, and advocate for mental health awareness. My experience as a school counselor has provided me with a solid foundation in case conceptualization, crisis intervention, and fostering a supportive environment for individuals in need. Additionally, I am confident in my communication skills, ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and commitment to lifelong learning and professional development (CACREP, 2016).

However, I recognize that there are areas I would like to improve as I transition toward becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Specifically, I aim to deepen my knowledge of clinical assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning to ensure I can provide comprehensive, evidence-based interventions (CACREP, 2016). Additionally, I would like to refine my skills in working with diverse populations, integrating multicultural competencies to better serve individuals from various backgrounds and lived experiences. Through this course and further clinical training, I hope to enhance my ability to navigate complex ethical dilemmas, strengthen my professional confidence, and develop a more well-rounded counseling identity that reflects the highest standards of the profession.

References

American Counseling Association. (2014). ACA code of ethics. https://www.counseling.org/resources/aca-code-of-ethics.pdf

Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. (2016). 2016 CACREP standards. https://www.cacrep.org/for-programs/2016-cacrep-standards/

Through this course, I would like to gain more knowledge on telehealth. I people who have used these services and I am interested in learning more about how the counselor and client manage their sessions and are successful.

I am unsure of where I am in terms of professional counseling identity development. I am very new the the program and I don't feel I have a firm identity just yet. I am hoping that once I start my supervised practice I will learn more and have a better understanding of where I am.

I do believe I have a strong active listening skills and I am an empathic type of person. I think these are good traits to have to help establish good rapport and trust with clients. Time management and organization are something that I struggle with. I do not always show this on the outside but internally I do struggle with this.

I am looking forward to the next eight weeks and learning all I can from this course and everyone!

1. Empathy and Active Listening: Your ability to connect with students and understand their feelings and experiences allows you to build trust and rapport, creating a safe space for them to express themselves.

2. Communication Skills: You likely excel in conveying complex ideas in an accessible manner, making it easier for students, parents, and staff to engage with you and understand their options.

3. Crisis Intervention: Your experience enables you to effectively handle crisis situations, providing immediate support and resources to students in need.

4. Collaboration: You may have strong skills in working with teachers, administrators, and community organizations, fostering partnerships that enhance student support and well-being.

5. Cultural Competence: Your awareness of and sensitivity to diverse backgrounds and experiences enables you to support all students equitably.

6. Technology Utilization: Enhancing your proficiency with counseling technologies and digital resources could improve your ability to connect with students and provide support in innovative ways.

   
   

   Areas for Improvement:

   
   

   1. Data-Driven Decision Making: Improving your skills in using data to inform your counseling practices and measure outcomes could enhance the effectiveness of your interventions.

   2. Self-Care Practices: As someone who holds space for others, you may benefit from focusing on your self-care routines to prevent burnout and maintain your emotional well-being.

      
      

      References

      Shores, A. (2006). There’s More to Graduate School - Personal & Professional Development Resources for Graduate Students & Graduate Student Mentors. American Counselor Association: Vista.

      
      

      
      

      
      

      
      

      
      

My name is Amber Davis and I am from Midland, Texas! I am currently enrolled in the Mental Health and Wellness Counseling Master’s program, with plans to graduate in May. After graduation, I plan to continue into the LPC Bridge Program to pursue licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), while working full-time as an elementary school teacher.

I am currently a First Grade Teacher in Midland, Texas and have been in education for the past eleven years.  My long-term goal is to become a professional counselor, focusing on children and young adults.

Having personally struggled with mental health challenges in the past, I understand the importance of support in these areas, and I am passionate about helping others face similar struggles.

In this course, my goal is to better understand the professional standards and ethics in counseling. I’m particularly interested in learning more about telehealth counseling and how it can be as effective as in-person sessions, as well as how to ensure the success of these remote counseling sessions.

Professional identity refers to the identity that develops as we integrate the values, beliefs, and norms of our professional community (Exceptional Futures, n.d.). I believe that personal and professional experiences, along with ongoing professional development, shape our professional identity. My desired role is to become a licensed professional counselor specializing in children and young adults. My experience as an educator and my own mental health journey will inform and support my future work in counseling.

While my professional identity in counseling is still developing, I see it as a continual process. As I complete the Mental Health and Wellness program and begin the LPC Bridge Program, my professional identity will continue to develop as I learn more through different courses and experiences.

One of my strengths in this process is building rapport and trust. My teaching background has helped me recognize the importance of creating a safe, supportive space for others. My personal experience with mental health challenges also allows me to empathize with clients and understand their struggles on a deeper level.

An area for growth is expanding my knowledge of counseling practices and learning more techniques to support children and young adults, the age group I’m most interested in working with. I know that gaining practical experience in the field will enhance my growth and help refine my professional identity. I believe that professional growth is an ongoing journey, and I’m excited to continue learning from all of you over the next eight weeks.

References:

Exceptional Futures. (n.d.). Professional identity. Exceptional Futures. Retrieved January 20, 2025, from https://www.exceptionalfutures.com/professional-identity/

Hello to all! 

My name is Cassie Johnson, and I am working on my second master's degree and the LPC Bridge program.  This is a photo of my sweet daughter and I at her stocks how last weekend.

I will graduate this spring and then work on the experience portion requirement for my LPC.  I am excited about the prospect of continuing my education, as I believe that to be the best, one must constantly strive for excellence.  I currently work as a High School Drama teacher and Speech and Debate coach, and my three children keep me busy.  I am thrilled to be a part of this course and am eager to learn and grow.  

My primary goal for this course is to deepen my understanding and practice as a professional in mental health settings. I am committed to learning more about practice and application, as my education career has been all about gaining knowledge and understanding.

I'm eager to put into practice everything I've learned in education so far. I'm particularly interested in understanding the professional identity of Mental Health counselors and how we can effectively communicate our identity to others.  

When looking over professional identity and what it means to me, I believe it is what those around us consider our “profession” to help those who may not understand what counselors and mental health practitioners do.  My desired professional role is to help others.  That seems very simple when you think about it. Still, for the Professional role, I believe the American Counseling Association said it best: "Professional counselors help people gain personal insights, develop strategies, and come up with real-life solutions to the problems and challenges they face in every area of life.”  (ACA 2025).  I hope that this is where I want to be when I complete my degree.   I believe that I am developing my professional identity.  I will not lie; this is the first time I have ever heard or even thought of my “professional identity”.  As a teacher, I understand that what I do outside of school can affect who I am on the inside of school, so now I will have to work on developing my professional counseling identity.  I will be working on this because I am unsure where to start, but I am excited about this challenge.  

I would build strong and empathetic relationships regarding the aspects I identify as strengths. I have been doing this since I started teaching.  The foundation for good teaching is good relationships.  While looking at relationships, I also want to thank my Teaching for giving me professional integrity and learning to advocate for those not in an advocating position.  I also have a strong foundation in a supportive and professional setting and know how to look for evidence-based practices and business management. Working with high school students has improved my skills and helped me become a professional counselor.  

As I look ahead, I see areas where I can improve. I'm particularly keen on gaining more clinical and professional experience, and I'm open to learning from experienced professionals. I also want to ensure I fully understand the qualifications and overcome any feelings of imposter syndrome. I've taken the necessary courses, but I want to be fully prepared before I start. 

“What Is Counseling.” Www.counseling.org, www.counseling.org/mental-health-counseling/what-is-counseling#.

Hi everyone! My name is Mari. I am in the Mental Health and Wellness Program, and I am about less than halfway through. I have 6 courses remaining. I have been an educator for the last decade and am currently teaching and living bi-continentally, between the U.S. and Europe, and hopefully, later this year, Korea as well. I enjoy being an educator and supporter of students and people on their personal and academic journeys. I am still sorting out what specific role I may like to step into following graduation, but I am hoping to incorporate what I learn from this program, specifically, counseling theories, psychological theories, and mind-body interventions, in my future role. I am considering completing the LPC-Bridge program following this program but I am not totally committed to that idea yet.

Goal

My main goal for this course is to get a better sense of the professional and ethical standards for counseling and what those look like in practice. I am aware of some things from an intuitive standpoint and from experience, but I would like to clearly understand and be able to define and confidently put into practice what is expected from me professionally to best serve clients in a counseling capacity.

Professional Identity

Professional identity to me encompasses awareness of a defined role; in this case - the counselor role. Professional identity also includes actions and behavior that align with the role, including adherence to professional standards, preparation and competency to engage diverse clients, and participation in professional development (Home - CACREP, 2024). I have a professional interest in utilizing holistic interventions (ex. mindfulness and herbalism), especially for treating emotional issues and anxiety, in my future role. I am not sure what the title or scope of this role would be, but I would like the function and responsibilities of the role to include emotional support and facilitation of personal growth.

Professional Counseling Identity Development

I have a semi-vague vision of what I see myself doing in my future role and I have a somewhat clear awareness of how I like to support others. However, I do not feel I am far along in the development of my professional counseling identity in terms of my actual experience and awareness of the role and its responsibilities. For example, when I look at the ACA Code of Ethics and measure myself in areas like continuing education and professional memberships or knowledge of compliance and standards, I am inexperienced and underdeveloped (American Counseling Association, 2014). I also lack clinical experience. I think professional identity has a lot to do with self-perception as well. At this stage, I do not believe I can confidently say I have the full set of tools and capabilities to identify myself as a counselor, in distinction from the counseling responsibilities I may have as an educator. I need more experience and greater clarity about the specific counseling role I want to do.

Areas of Strength and Improvement

I do believe there is great crossover between some counseling responsibilities and the educator role. For this reason, I feel I have adequately developed my strengths in areas like empathy, confidentiality, relationship boundaries, cultural sensitivity, and collaboration with colleagues (referral process) (American Counseling Association, 2014). I need to develop a stronger working knowledge of general compliance obligations and ethical standards in the counseling field (American Counseling Association, 2014). I would also like to deeply learn about and gain competency in the application of counseling theories and holistic approaches and interventions.

References

American Counseling Association. (2014). 2014 ACA code of ethics. https://www.counseling.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/ethics/2014-aca-code-of-ethics.pdf

Home - CACREP. (2024, August 26). CACREP. https://www.cacrep.org/section-2-professional-counseling-identity/uploads/2017/08/2016-Standards-with-citations.pdf

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·         I am pursuing my second master’s degree, having already earned a Master’s in Social Work and successfully passed the licensure exam. I’m now in the Mental Health and Wellness Counseling program to gain the additional hours required for LPC licensure. Along the way, I’ve also become a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, Mental Health Peer Specialist, and Peer Support Supervisor. Initially, I pursued these certifications to benefit my organization, but since then, I’ve realized how deeply they have shaped my career and passion for helping others. I’ve worked in the mental health and addiction field for about 10 years, and I look forward to expanding my knowledge and skills further through this program.

·         My goal for this course is to deepen my practical knowledge of counseling techniques and approaches. I aim to strengthen my understanding of how to integrate theoretical frameworks into meaningful and impactful client interactions.

·         To me, professional identity means embracing the values, ethics, and roles of my chosen field while continuously growing and adapting as a professional. It’s about knowing who I am as a clinician, what I stand for, and how I can best serve my clients. My desired role is to provide compassionate, client-centered care that empowers individuals to navigate their challenges and achieve personal growth. As highlighted in Time2Track’s blog on professional identity development, cultivating this identity is a process of self-awareness, ongoing learning, and applying personal and professional values to our work.

·         I’m not just starting my professional journey—my identity as a mental health professional has been shaped by my years in the field. However, my focus and passion have recently evolved, leading me to expand into the counseling aspect of care. This shift feels like the missing piece that will round out my professional identity, allowing me to combine my skills and experiences into a more comprehensive approach to client care.

·         One of my greatest strengths as a professional is my ability to build rapport with clients and foster an environment where they feel safe, heard, and supported. Additionally, my years of experience in the mental health field have equipped me with strong crisis management skills and a comprehensive understanding of client-centered care. However, I recognize that a personal area for improvement is managing the potential for burnout when working with specific mental illnesses that require extensive emotional and cognitive resources. Shores et al. (2019) emphasize the importance of self-reflection and professional development to identify biases and areas of weakness to foster growth and resilience. To address this, I aim to continue engaging in self-care practices, leaning into mentorship, and utilizing professional associations as a way to build strategies for maintaining my professional well-being while continuing to provide effective care for all clients. By acknowledging and addressing this area, I hope to sustain a long and impactful career in the mental health field.

References:

Whitehead, S. (2017, April 17). How to develop your professional identity as a counselor. Time2Track. https://blog.time2track.com/how-to-develop-your-professional-identity-as-a-counselor

Shores, A. S. (n.d.). There's more to graduate school: Personal and professional development resources for graduate students and graduate student mentors. Meredith College Career Development Center & Academic Advising Center. Retrieved from Angelo State University Blackboard platform.

A goal for this course is for me to refine who I am without losing who I am. My goal is to be as transparent as possible and to maintain a clear view of giving the best of me to my current students and my future clients. I plan to learn how to accomplish this in this course.

Professional Identity is a heavy term. It is not one point but several, and my goal is to refine and/or develop. These are personal values, knowledge, skills, ethical standards, and professional experiences, which are part of a coherent sense of self as a counselor. My goal upon completion is to start the road for my LPC in this great state of Texas.

I am competent in terms of your professional counseling identity development. I take every day as a learning opportunity and still hold a paper and pencil in hand to take notes from my colleagues. I know that I have shown growth, but there is always something that comes up that I am in awe of and want to know more about. For example, I will be learning about addictions in another course, and I am excited to learn about that topic.

My area of strength is personal value. As a child, my parents said that everything I did always to remember my work was a reflection of me. I need to work on my knowledge. I know there is so much to learn, and I am a willing participant.

My name is Genesa Camacho and I am currently enrolled in the Mental Health Wellness & Professional Counseling Program in pursuit of my licensure as a LPC. My goal upon graduation is to take additional courses on sports psychology, EMDR, and motivational interviewing in order to serve as a sports therapist here at the College.

For this course, my goal is to learn more about the boundaries, ethics, and legal requirements to ensure that I am utilizing best practices now and moving forward.

For me professional identity is the intentional choosing and application of ideas and behaviors. It requires an integration and maybe at times a conscious separation of personal opinion, biases, or beliefs. As a former advocate for victims of violence, educator on the prevention and response to violence, and as an academic advisor my personal professional identity has been shaped by the concepts of motivational interviewing and the rights of others to self-determine. It has allowed me to position myself as a support rather than a rescue for others. I hope to continue to develop and strengthen this skill in the future as well.

Being able to maintain boundaries, respect confidentiality, and active listening are aspects of my professional identity that I feel particularly strong in. As a new person to the field of counseling I feel that there are many areas in which I can learn and grow - particularly in those areas of skill application rather than theory. For example, I may have the knowledge to ask a question rather than offer advice, but I need to know more about what the best question to ask actually is.

I look forward to learning from this course and all of you!

To me, professional identity means my understanding of my role as a mental health wellness counselor. Although I do understand what my role entails, (ethics, time management, respect, etc.,) I still feel that I haven't fully identified myself entirely yet. The reason I feel unsure is because of my lack of experience in the field. Although I've been a school counselor for two years, I still feel that I'm not fully equipped with all I need to know in order to truly know what it means to understand my identity as a mental health wellness counselor nor who I should focus on serving even though I do have an idea of who I want to work with. As stated by The American Counseling Association: Some counselors may be hesitant to define a practice niche because they fear it conflicts with their ethical responsibility to provide services to any client who walks in the door (Solmonson, 2024).

With that being said, by the end of this course, I do hope to gain a better perspective and insight into the identity of who I really am and aspire to be. I do believe I am a great listener, compassionate, and empathetic. Time management and preparation are my strengths, however, compassion fatigue is my weakness. I do tend to take my client's (student's) problems home and this at times can cause problems in my own personal life as well. I am definitely looking forward to this course and learning more from my classmates as well.

References

American Counseling Association. (2024). ACA code of ethics

https://www.counseling.org/publications/counseling-today-magazine/article-archive/article/march-2024/determining-your-practice-identity#

_{I have been working within the mental health field for more than ten years.  I strive to continuous education to achieve proficiency as I continue to serve.  Through this course, I hope to continue refining my professional identity as I venture into the LPC role.  Professional identity means to me the intersection point of personally held beliefs and morals with the legal and ethical standards that accompany a professional role.  As I currently understand, the role of the LPC is to provide ethical and evidence-based therapeutic counseling to individuals, families, and/or groups as they endeavor to address mental, emotional, and behavioral concerns.}

_{I feel I am well on my way to developing my professional counseling identity.  Having worked in mental health my entire professional career, though not as an LPC, I have chosen to uphold the legal and ethical expectations regardless, establishing a firm foundation to continue building upon.  As I transition to the LPC role, I understand my current identity as a mental health professional must be flexible to ensure I provide the most effective counseling.  I enjoy ethics and laws, both in practice and application, so I think my overall knowledge and willingness to continue learning in both aspects a strength.  I would like to work on my confidence in and expression of my professional counselor identity.  There are times when I feel anxious when contemplating the weight of responsibility in a professional counseling role and consider a stronger professional counselor identity helpful in addressing this feeling experience.  I am looking forward to this course with you all!}

For this course, my goal is to truly understand the standards (professionally, ethically, and legally) that go into being an LPC. There are so many things that are different between school counselors and LPCs, and I feel like it is very important for me to understand the differences so that I can be the best counselor for my clients and students.

To me, professional identity is who I am as a counselor based on the values, ethics, beliefs, and responsibilities that I have learned through my education and experiences. As a school counselor, my role is to help my students succeed academically, socially, and postsecondary (career) (ASCA, 2022). This can be as an advocate, an active listener, a crisis interventionalist, a mediator, etc. At the end of my course and as I begin my work as an LPC, I would like my professional identity to shift from education-based to a broader lens.

Personally, I think that I am brand new in the development of my counseling identity as an LPC. With so many differences between school counseling and LPC, I feel like I have so much to learn and so many ways to grow. I know some areas overlap in the fields, and those are where my strengths lie.

Some of those strengths include:

Building Rapport, Communication Skills, Collaboration, Crisis Intervention

Some aspects that I would like to improve would be my knowledge of different techniques, assessments, and developing treatment plans. I find myself overwhelmed with the concept of treatment plans because in the school counselor setting, we do less of that because we are short-term counseling. I would also like to develop my understanding of the use of data in mental health practice. We use data throughout the education world and find it very beneficial.

American School Counselor Association (2022). ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors. https://www.schoolcounselor.org/About-School-Counseling/Ethical-Responsibilities/ASCA-Ethical-Standards-for-School-Counselors-(1)

Within this course, I hope to get a deeper understanding of what it means to create your own professional identity and take this knowledge and apply it to my career as much as possible. To me, professional identity is the ever changing description one gives to themself when describing their profession. I believe it to be ever changing because if as people we are always changing and growing, one must also believe we do the same within our profession. In terms of my own professional identity development, I believe I am barely scratching the surface. As previously mentioned, I am proud to say I have found a place at an institution of higher education, however, having just started less than a year ago, I do find it hard to believe I belong sometimes. There are many instances where the students I am to provide assistance to look at me in confusion when they realize I am not just the receptionist. I suppose it is not always something personal or anything to do with my knowledge, but more so that I am so close in age, and sometimes much younger, than them. Putting all that aside, the same things that I feel are disadvantages, I can use in my favor. Because of my age and the closeness between that of my students, most attempt to speak to me as a friend rather than a professional adult. I take great pride in being able to guide them on the right path to both respect and entrust in me. 

While I still do not have a specific desired role upon completion of my degree, I do have one goal; be there for and be able to help others, students or clients whichever it may be, as much as possible. 

In my personal life I am married with two children and enjoy board games and crafting with my Cricut in my spare time. I am mentally preparing myself for this coming August when my eldest daughter leaves for college at LSU.

I am excited to learn from this course the extensions of what a counselor is and does other than just sitting across from and helping a client. In my current role I do a lot of case management and I know how that fits in my role as an early interventionist and want to learn how it is similar and different as a counselor.

I think my professional identity in my current role and that as a counselor would be an LPC that is driven to help others and to not be the solution but a tool to guide others to their best solution for the needs they come to an LPC for. A professional identity to me means, not just who you are as a professional or the name of your role, but what parts of you that you bring to the role. I have always wanted to help others and have had a passion working with children and families. I would like to continue that work as an LPC.

I know my professional identity in my current role, but am still learning what it is in the role of a counselor. I have always been the counselor in my peer groups and with family members, but that is not equal as to being an LPC. It does however have positive traits such as being a good listener and helping people reflect that I know I can take within me into a counseling role and identity and see as strength. My current weakness would still be in learning all the different counseling methods that can be used in the profession.

I look forward to working with you all!

Hello! My name is Melanie Burns. I obtained my Masters in School Counseling at ASU. I am a teacher in a rural district in Central Texas. After seeing the limits of school counseling, I decided to return to ASU to continue my education. I am in my last semester of the Mental Health and Wellness Program. I am so excited to be graduating in May.

I am a single mother to my 15 year old son. My disabled mother and grandmother with dementia live with us as well. To say I'm busy wouldn't express the craziness of my life. I enjoy keeping busy, so I just do my best to keep up.

I love traveling and as you might guess the beach is my favorite spot! I enjoy cruises, road trips, or flying fun places. I really just like to go!

Career Goal:

My goal after graduation is to obtain my LPC-Associate and start counseling full-time. I am currently unsure if I want to go into private practice or work in an existing practice.

Class Goals:

I am still trying to find my personal interests and strengths to help me decide which areas of counseling to focus on. I am unsure exactly where I will work and what therapies I will use to best help my clients. I am working to become more self aware. I believe this will help me find my way and make decisions for my future.

I would like to learn more about professional development. I know that this field is constantly progressing. I hope to learn more about other certifications that will help me progress my skills and abilities.

Professional Identity:

Professional identity is how I see myself in my career, including the skills, values, and roles that define me as a counselor. For me, it means always learning, practicing ethically, and making a positive impact on others. As a future counselor, it’s about helping people through their challenges with care and integrity, while growing in my role to learn new skills.

My Professional Identity:

I feel very unsure about my professional identity. I know how to perform ethically and with integrity. I have always worked hard to show these traits in every aspect of my life and career.

I have worked with middle school students for many years. Going into this, I thought my counseling career would focus on teens and adolescents. As I have worked through the program, I have become very interested in family counseling and the way these relationships affect these individuals.

I now wonder if I want to limit my work to a certain age. I'm unsure if it's better to have a specialty or just work to help anyone I can.

Strengths & Weaknesses:

I know that I am great at building connections and relationships. I work well with my students because I get to know who they are and what they care about. This has always helped me reach them when others cannot. This will be a great tool when working with clients.

I have been introduced to many different assessments through this program. However, I feel I have only gained a basic understanding without fully grasping any of them. I am hopeful to gain more understanding as I work with my supervisor after graduation.

References:

CACREP. (2004, August 26). CACREP. https://www.caprep.org/section-2-professional-counseling-identity/uploads/2017/09/2016-Standards-with-citations.pdf

"What Is Counseling?" Www.counseling.org,

www.counseling.org/mental-health-counseling/what-is-counseling#.

One of my primary goals for this course is to enhance my understanding of the complex dynamics of professional identity development within the counseling field. I hope to learn effective strategies for building and expressing a solid professional identity, which I recognize as essential for my future practice. Such understanding will enable me to connect better with my clients, peers, and the broader community.

To me, professional identity encompasses the integration of my personal values, beliefs, and behaviors with established professional ethics and standards. It is a continuous journey of developing skills, knowledge, and inclinations that correspond with becoming a competent counselor. My desired professional role upon completing my degree is to be a compassionate and effective mental health professional. I envision myself supporting individuals and families as they work through psychological difficulties and relationship issues, utilizing evidence-based practices to foster healing and growth.

In terms of my professional counseling identity development, I would categorize myself as being in the early stages. I am acquiring essential theoretical knowledge and practical skills, but I lack extensive hands-on experience in a clinical setting. This uncertainty sometimes makes me question my emerging identity as a counselor because I have yet to fully engage with clients in a therapeutic context. I feel that the transition from a classroom setting to real-world practice poses unique challenges that I have yet to navigate.

Regarding the aspects of my professional counselor identity, I believe I possess strong interpersonal skills. I am empathetic and good at establishing rapport, which are critical components for a successful counseling relationship. However, I need to improve my clinical knowledge and intervention strategies. I aim to focus on developing a deeper understanding of various evidence-based therapies and techniques in the coming months.

In sharing this reflection, I hope to foster connections within my cohort as we all navigate our journeys in mental health counseling. I look forward to learning more about my classmates’ perspectives and experiences as we support one another in our professional development.

In my photo with me is my 10-year-old pitbull named Bella.

As other students have mentioned, I look forward to learning more about telehealth. I think telehealth is such an important and valuable tool for counselors and their clients. I know that telehealth appointments have made my life easier. Being a part of the GenZ generation, we grew up on social media/technology, and this is just an added part of our lives. I am excited to explore how we can use telehealth to help our clients and support them in more than just the traditional way.

Professional identity is the idea that describes how we see ourselves within our careers and how we communicate this to others (Siobhan, N. 2014). Counselors usually base their professional identity on their values and ethics. As I navigate my master’s journey, I have found that one of the most important aspects to me is creating a safe space for all. Without a safe space, it will be difficult for a client needing help to express their whole needs. When I become an LPC, creating a safe space for all will be number one on my list for my professional identity. I also find it essential to advocate mental health, as our profession mainly consists of that. I hope to be empathetic, a good listener, and a strong client support.

As a teacher, I feel that I already have a strong professional identity that aligns with what I hope my counseling identity will be. However, I know that I am still learning and practicing new skills that will help develop my professional identity as a counselor. I am confident I will gain these skills while working towards becoming an LPC.

A strength I have with my counseling identity is my empathy and always wanting those around me to feel safe to come to me about anything without judgment. I enjoy creating relationships based on trust to ensure a safe environment.

I want to improve my advocacy for mental health. I want to learn how to advocate on a deeper level and find different ways to support and advocate for all clients and mental health.

References

Siobhan, N. (2014). PROFESSIONAL IDENTITY: What I call myself defines who I am. [Review of PROFESSIONAL IDENTITY: What I call myself defines who I am.].

A goal I have for this course is to learn the differences between school counseling and the work of an LPC. Professional identity is how I identify myself in a professional setting, how I portray myself. After completion of my program I will look for part time work as a private counselor or community counselor. 

I feel that I am still in the learning stage of professional counseling identity development. As a student I believe that it is hard to truly understand the role and responsibilities of the LPC. Once I start working as an LPC Associate I will get a better understanding of the role and start to develop my professional counseling identity. 

The aspects of my professional counseling identity I feel I am the strongest are the characteristics needed to be a good counselor. The same qualities are needed as a school counselor and as a LPC. Empathy is a characteristic that I think is a requirement for counselors regardless of the type of counselor. There are others but this is the most important. I have a strong grasp of the qualities and characteristics needed to be a successful counselor.

I am excited to start this course and learn more about the role of an LPC.

I would like to get a better understanding of what all counseling entails and the correct road to get there.

I am unsure about my professional counseling identity development because as I stated before, I am just starting the program and am looking to get a better understanding.

If I had to identify strengths and weaknesses right now, I would say my strength is my compassion. It goes along way and I empathize with people and have been a safe space for many. My weakness and goal is to listen to understand, not to just reply. A lot of times, I am so busy that I tend to tune out a lot of things. Taking more time to just pause and listen is one of the main goals.

While taking this course, I hope to learn more about both expanding my professional vocabulary, and the ins and outs of the legal and professional approach to the counseling profession. I also hope to gain a broader perspective on all that the counseling profession has to offer, as this will allow me to consider more thoroughly about where exactly I belong and adjust my professional identity accordingly.

I very much subscribe to the notion that one's career development impacts their professional identity and how they present themself. It is how I intend to approach my own, though I would consider it more of an unconscious effort after a while. As in, the further one pursues in their career, the more their professional identity becomes second nature, and less intentional. For myself, I'm currently looking into a title as an LPC.

However, I don't consider myself to have much of a professional identity yet, especially not in professional counseling. Currently, to my name, I have a Bachelors of Science in Psychology and little to no experience. Of course, I'm hoping this will all change over the next two years.

I don't believe I've discovered my strengths yet, but I do consider myself to be very personable and observant. Obviously, I would (and am looking into) gaining more experience. I graduated December of 2024, so I haven't had that much time to gain any.

My goal in this professional orientation course is to enhance my understanding of counseling and establish a solid foundation in ethical practices, professional standards, and communication skills. I intend to develop a clearer vision of my career path and the necessary steps to transition into my private practice.

Professional identity means that a combination of values, skills, and experiences shapes my career perspective. I see myself as a licensed professional counselor focused on working with families, creating a safe space for exploring thoughts and developing coping strategies. Building trusting relationships and advocating for resources will be crucial in my practice. As I move into private practice, I plan to embrace holistic approaches tailored to individual needs.

I am at a pivotal point in my professional identity development. As a student in the LPC Bridge Program, I am gaining essential knowledge and skills while preparing for my future as a licensed professional counselor. Building relationships with peers and instructors is also a priority since these connections will provide valuable support during my career transition.

In reflecting on my professional counselor identity, I acknowledge my strengths in connecting with students and communicating ideas clearly. However, as I work toward becoming an LPC, I also need to enhance my skills in business operations, client management, and self-care strategies. By focusing on these areas, I aspire to strengthen my professional identity and make a positive impact in the community.

Another goal would be to expand my knowledge on techniques and strategies that would be beneficial to utilize during client interactions.

Professional Identity:
I have no prior knowledge and never heard of someone having a professional identity until this course, so my knowledge is very limited. Professional identity to me reflects an individual’s professional representation including their values, growth, skill level, experiences, professional network, and knowledge. It also encompasses professional development within your role as a counselor that gives you insight and allows for one to interact with clients while abiding by the legal and ethics of a counselor’s role (Home - CACREP, 2024). My desired professional role after graduation would be practicing within a local practice or even private practice with counseling offered virtually and face-to-face. I love the age of the youth and adolescent population but feel passionately for supporting adult mental health related to trauma. I do plan on staying in my current role to gain exposure and build my counseling toolbox with youth and build upon the experiences this role offers me.

Professional Counseling Identity Development:
Honestly, I wish I had come across this long before now. I know one’s professional identity is created and altered over time and throughout one’s career, but I had no idea what all impacts it. I have a solid foundation of my personal morals, values, and beliefs, but when it comes to my professional identity, I feel a little lost. I believe this might be due to my lack of exposure and knowledge to the professional counselor role and my outlook on where I want to end up professionally. I know one’s professional network can be an influence and impact on an identity, and I do not have a broad network just yet. I am hoping this course can point me in the right direction and help me gain a more in-depth understanding of what it truly means.

Strengths:

Empathic Listening- As a school counselor it is vital that we are able to listen to our clients in order to truly understand their logic, reasoning, and experiences.

Intervention- Situations regarding crisis interventions may arise and it is imperative that you know or have a protocol to be proactive in case it does occur.

Communication: Strong communication when counseling clients is one of the most important areas in my opinion. There are a variety of skills, strategies, interventions, and supports a counselor can deliver and strong communication is powerful.

Team Player- There are various types of interactions with a variety of stakeholders that a counselor may have to collaborate with for the success of a client or student. Building a professional network is important and requires all individuals to be team players while sharing research and ideas with one another.

Safety- With my background being in elementary education and two years being a school counselor, the importance of building and keeping a safe place for others to voice their concerns, discuss hardships, and be vulnerable is supported by allowing them use of a safe place to conversate.

Confidentiality- Confidentiality in counseling is top priority for any professional, but especially within the counseling role.

Areas for growth:

Professional Toolkit- Gaining a variety of theoretical approaches, skills to utilize, strategies to support clients, and broaden one’s resources for factual and accurate research helps counselors be successful in their role.

Self-care and wellness- Finding balance and providing time to take care of yourself should be a priority. Listening and counseling others can be heavy and draining and finding time to take care our yourself is so important.

References:

Home – CACREP. (2024, August 26). CACREP. https://www.cacrep.org/introduction-to-the-2024-standards/

My goal for this course is to gain an understanding of the counseling field. I am excited to learn how to incorporate my past experience as a community health advocate and my undergraduate degree with the mental health and wellness field. I look forward to gaining insight and learning about different counseling techniques.

For me, professional identity is how I see myself in my professional role and how I present myself to others. My work ethic, principals, and beliefs are all a part of my professional identity. In my current role, customer service is key. I feel I go above and beyond to assist my customers with making the best financial decisions for their unique situations. Although my future career goals are different than my current role, it is still service oriented. I would love to work with families who struggle with their relationship with food. Many people do not have access to nutrition education or healthful foods and many others form unhealthy relationships with food that can cause poor health conditions and body image struggles. Upon completion of my degree, I plan to seek certifications to become a community health educator and qualified mental health professional to serve that community.

I feel I am at the early stages of my professional counseling identity development. I have had no formal education in counseling and no work experience in this field. Being in my forties and pursuing a different career path feels daunting at times, but I am eager to learn and challenge myself.

When contemplating my strengths and weaknesses I feel that I have very strong listening and communication skills. I have worked in sales and customer service for many years which has provided me with opportunities to build these strengths, and I am confident they will be beneficial in my anticipated role. Being new to the field I have so much to learn and I know that as the course progresses I will become more aware of my weaknesses and areas of opportunity for growth and development.

I look forward to learning and getting to know you all throughout the course.

In this course I hope to gain a better understanding of how to establish boundaries both personally and professionally as well as learn more about the legal and ethical requirements because while I know some I don’t know all of them. I am also looking forward to learning more about enhancing my skills for addressing social justice issues from a counseling perspective because clients can come from diverse cultural backgrounds and their experiences can be shaped by systematic inequalities that affect their mental health and well-being. I know that being able to effectively address these issues would allow for me as a counselor to gain more cultural competence and provide care that is affirming and a safe space tailored to each client.

Professional identity is how we perceive ourselves within the role we are in and the way we describe it to others (Neary, 2014). This includes the values, skills, actions, and behaviors that we develop as we grow in our professions. My desired role when I complete my degree and get my LPC license would be to continue advocacy work but move more into one-on-one women’s mental health counseling at that the organization I work for and help expand the program. I am not sure where I am in terms of my professional counseling identity because I do not have much experience in it.

I think a strength that I have is building connection with others this is important for building trust with my clients and allows for them to feel more comfortable with me leading to more open and honest communication. A weakness I would like to work on is my time management while I have been working to improve it by using a planner and setting reminders on my calendar there is still room for improvement.

Neary, S. (2014, June). Professional identity: What I call myself defines who I am. https://repository.derby.ac.uk/item/93z02/professional-identity-what-i-call-myself-defines-who-i-am