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Perceived Professional Identity among Experienced Canadian Counsellors: A Qualitative Investigation

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International Journal for the Advancement of Counselling Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

This qualitative study addressed how experienced Canadian masters-level counsellors perceived the collective identity of their profession in terms of roles, abilities, reputation, and sense of unity. The study employed a variation of grounded theory methodology guided by two research questions: (a) how do experienced counsellors view the professional identity of counselling?, and (b) how do counsellors describe their professional roles and practices? Nine categories of counsellor perceived identity and nine categories related to roles and practices emerged. Findings are discussed in light of the emerging trend toward the statutory regulation of counselling and psychotherapy in Canada.

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Correspondence to Nicola Gazzola.

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Alves, S., Gazzola, N. Perceived Professional Identity among Experienced Canadian Counsellors: A Qualitative Investigation. Int J Adv Counselling 35, 298–316 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10447-013-9184-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10447-013-9184-x

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