Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Field Experience as Formative to Professional Identity
Field Experience: A Unique Learning Experience
Field Work: Fostering an Emerging Professional Identity
Nurturing Your Professional Identity
Postscript
Chapter 2: Matching Self to Site
It Starts With Self-Appraisal
Assessing Field Placement Options
Matching Self to Site: Targeting Professional Development
Chapter 3: From the Ideal to the Real
Knowing the Ideal
The Real Is Often Less Than Ideal
Even Interns Can Effect Change and Define Roles
Chapter 4: The Ethics of Practice: More Than Knowing, Being
The Need and Value of Professional Ethics
The What: In Principle
From the Ideal to the Real
Chapter 5: Reflecting on Practice
Reflecting on Practice: Case Conceptualization
Reflecting in Practice: Guiding Moment-to-Moment Decisions
Reflective Practice: Supporting Efficacy and Accountability
Reflection: For Professional Development
Chapter 6: Growing Through Supervision
Counseling Supervision
Expectations of Counseling Supervision
Issues and Dilemmas in Supervision
Chapter 7: Multicultural Counseling in Practice
Multiculturalism in Counseling
Multicultural Counseling Competence
Developing Multicultural Counseling Competence
Multicultural Counseling Competence and Professional Identity
Chapter 8: Crisis Prevention and Intervention: Suicide and Homicide
The Nature of Crisis and Crisis Intervention
Suicide
When Harm Is Other Directed
Site Policy on Crisis Procedures
Chapter 9: Reducing Risk
The Risk of Physical Harm
Reducing Legal Risks
Postscript
Chapter 10: Documentation and Record Keeping
Purpose of Documentation and Record Keeping
Ethical and Legal Ramifications
The “What” of Case Documentation
The “How,” or Format, of Case Documentation
Concluding Thoughts
Chapter 11: Termination and Closure
Terminating the Counseling Relationship
Challenges to Effective and Ethical Termination
Steps Toward Effective and Ethical Termination
Terminating Other Relationships at Internship
Chapter 12: Self-Care and Self-Protection—Necessary for All Counselors
Counseling: Challenging the Well-Being of the Counselor
Burnout
Compassion Fatigue
Chapter 13: Transition from Practice to Career
Connection Between Internship and Career
Preparation for Employment
Placement Resources
Advanced Education
Postscript
Chapter 14: Transitions: Self as Counselor
Identity
Responding to the Calling
With Pride

About the Author

Naijian Zhang, PhD, is a licensed psychologist in Pennsylvania and tenured full professor in the Department of Counselor Education at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Zhang has over 20 years’ experience of clinical practice and teaching in counseling psychology, higher education/student affairs, and language programs at college and university and was also a university administrator (Acting Department Chair, Graduate Coordinator). He has authored, coauthored, and edited over 40 articles, book chapters, and books. His most recent books include Field Experience: Transitioning from Student to Professional in 2015, Counseling Theory: Guiding Reflective Practice in 2014, Becoming a Skilled Counselor in 2013, Rentz’s Student Affairs Practice in Higher Education and Psychology in 2016, and Multicultural and Diversity Issues in Student Affairs Practice: A Professional Competency-Based Approach in 2019. Dr. Zhang is also the co-editor of the book series Counseling and Professional Identity which consists of 23 counseling books and editor of the book series, American Series in Student Affairs Practice and Professional Identity (11 volumes). Dr. Zhang was Vice President, President, and Past-President of the Association of Chinese Helping Professionals and Psychologists – International. He is a recipient of the Travel Award from the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Outstanding Research Award and Outstanding Service Award from the American College Personnel Association (ACPA). Currently he is teaching in a full load of graduate courses and seeing clients in his private practice. In addition, Dr. Zhang frequently gives presentations and conducts counseling training workshops internationally.

Richard D. Parsons, Ph.D. is a Full Professor in the Counselor Education Department at West Chester University.  Dr. Parsons has over 45 years of university teaching in counselor preparation programs. Prior to his University teaching Dr. Parsons spent 9 years as a school counselor in an inner-city high school.

Reviews

"This text goes above and beyond the ‘typical’ skill building approach to field placement experiences. The emphasis on the development of professional identity will support students as they practice applying what they have learned in a classroom to clinical work in the real world—a transition that can be challenging for many students."
*Britney G. Brinkman, Chatham University*

"Wonderful text! The material assists the intern with understanding how to take theoretical skills learned within the academic setting and apply the actual internship practices to the world of work."
*Ann Leonard, Curry College*

"Excellent book that will inspire and enlighten evolving professionals."
*Mary Olufunmilayo, St. Bonaventure University*