Professional Identity

Dispositions and Professional Identity

“We cannot become what we want to be by remaining what we are.” — Max DePree

Professional Identity

Growth in Professional Identity

I am a trauma-informed counselor-in-training with a strong systemic and relational orientation. Grounded in attachment theory and family systems perspectives, I view many emotional and behavioral struggles as adaptive responses to trauma, relationships, and life experiences. My work focuses on fostering emotional safety, strengthening connection, and helping individuals, couples, and families move toward healing and meaningful change.

My professional identity has continued to develop through clinical experience, supervision, mentorship, and ongoing learning. I have become more confident in my clinical judgment while remaining open to feedback and willing to modify my approach when appropriate. I increasingly view professional growth as a lifelong responsibility that includes reflective practice, ethical decision-making, continued education, and staying informed about evolving research and best practices.

CACREP Standard 2.F.1 - Professional Counseling Orientation and Ethical Practice

CACREP Standard 2.F.1.f

Professional counseling organizations, including membership benefits, activities, services to members, and current issues.

CACREP Standard 2.F.1.i

Ethical standards of professional counseling organizations and credentialing bodies, and applications of ethical and legal considerations in professional counseling.

ACA COE C.1 — Knowledge of and Compliance with Standards

Counselors have a responsibility to read, understand, and follow the ACA Code of Ethics and adhere to applicable laws and regulations.

ACA COE C.2.e - Consultations on Ethical Obligations

Counselors take reasonable steps to consult with other counselors, the ACA Ethics and Professional Standards Department, or related professionals when they have questions regarding their ethical obligations or professional practice.

ACA COE C.2.f — Continuing Education

Counselors recognize the need for continuing education to acquire and maintain a reasonable level of awareness of current scientific and professional information in their fields of activity.

The full standard continues by requiring counselors to maintain competence, remain open to new procedures, and stay informed about best practices with diverse populations.

ACA COE C.4.f - Professional Membership

Counselors clearly differentiate between current, active memberships and former memberships in associations.