TPC Journal V7, Issue 2 - FULL ISSUE

The Professional Counselor | Volume 7, Issue 2 187 profession’s values and philosophy impact the counselor’s behaviors with clients. He noted that counselor professional identity is not based on the profession of counseling owning specific techniques. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is used in the professions of counseling, psychology and social work. CBT is not owned by any one profession but is used differently by the professions because of differences in each profession’s values and philosophy. Similarly, human development is not owned by any of the three professions. However, the emphasis and application of human development in each profession is different. This is like MRIs being used by oncologists, physical therapists and neurosurgeons. Although all three professions use MRIs, each profession is using that assessment differently to gather information pertinent to their specific occupational role. As such, counselor professional identity is based on the counselor embracing the distinct philosophy and values of the counseling profession. Components of Counselor Professional Identity Counselor professional identity first centers on distinguishing the counseling profession’s unique philosophy and values from those of other mental health professions (Calley & Hawley, 2008; Choate, Smith, & Spruill, 2005; Puglia, 2008; Remley & Herlihy, 2014; Weinrach, Thomas, & Chan, 2001; Woo, 2013). Normal development, prevention, advocacy, wellness and empowerment are hallmarks of the unique philosophy and values of the counseling profession (Healey & Hays, 2012). A summary of the five distinct hallmarks and the differentiation from other mental health professions follows. First, counselors consider that the client’s human growth and development is ultimately positive and often expected when conceptualizing changes and challenges in clients’ lives (Remley & Herlihy, 2014). This hallmark can be found in the Preamble, Purpose, and Section A of the ACA Code of Ethics (2014). The Preamble of the ACA Code of Ethics lists “enhancing human development throughout the life span” as the first core professional value for the counseling profession (p. 3). Additionally, this hallmark is found in several 2016 CACREP Standards: five standards under Human Growth and Development , six standards under Career Development , two standards under Counseling and Helping Relationships and two standards under Assessment and Testing . Lastly, this hallmark is tested in the NCE under Counseling Process (assessing the course of development), Diagnostic and Assessment Services (assessing client’s educational preparation, conducting functional behavioral analysis, observing non-verbal behaviors, and performing a mental status exam), and Professional Practice (applying multicultural counseling models; NBCC, 2014b). In comparison, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics (2008) indicates that “Social workers should promote the general welfare of society, from local to global levels, and the development of people, their communities, and their environments” (Section 6.01, Social Welfare). Although both professions talk about development, counselors are applying development in the context of the client (individual, couple or family) while social workers focus on development in the context of local to global societies. Lastly, the American Psychological Association’s (APA’s) Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (2010, p. 3) states: “Psychologists are committed to increasing scientific and professional knowledge of behavior and people’s understanding of themselves and others and to the use of such knowledge to improve the condition of individuals, organizations, and society.” In psychology, development is researched to provide information to ultimately improve conditions for individuals, organizations, and society. Prevention services occur when counselors provide psychoeducation, help clients increase resilience and encourage healthy client development throughout the lifespan to prevent, delay or reduce the severity of client symptoms (Granello & Young, 2011). This hallmark can be found in the Preamble and Section A of the ACA Code of Ethics (2014). Section A states: “Counselors facilitate client growth and development in ways that foster the interest and welfare of clients and promote