Counselor Professional Identity Development: Narratives from a Professional Event

The goal of a one-day professional event was to enhance counselor professional identity (CPI) development through a panel discussion on CPI, professional and career information in sessions and booths, and networking breaks to connect Master’s students, doctoral students, and counseling professionals. Narrative analysis of eight interviews with event attendees, event leaders, and event speakers (i.e., practicing counselors) revealed themes of commitment, community, defining my professional self, and ambiguity and affirmation. Implications for best practices in CPI development and future research are discussed