Field Experience: Transitioning From Student to Professional (Counseling and Professional Identity)

"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."

"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."

"Excellent book that will inspire and enlighten evolving professionals."

Naijian Zhang, PhD, is a tenured full professor in the Department of Counselor Education at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Zhang has over 20 years’ experience of teaching in counseling, higher education/student affairs, and language programs at college and university and was also a university administrator in student affairs for four years. He has authored, coauthored, and edited over 30 articles, book chapters, and books. His most recent books include Counseling Theory: Guiding Reflective Practice in 2014, Becoming a Skilled Counselor in 2013 (both with SAGE), and Rentz’s Student Affairs Practice in Higher Education and Psychology in 2009. Dr. Zhang is also the co-editor of the book series Counseling and Professional Identity which consists of almost 30 counseling books. 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). In addition, Dr. Zhang has practiced over 15 years and is currently a licensed psychologist in Pennsylvania. He frequently gives presentations and conducts counseling training workshops internationally. 

Richard D. Parsons, PhD, is a full professor in the Department of Counselor Education, at West Chester University. He has over 37 years of university teaching in counselor preparation programs. He has been the recipient of many awards and honors, including the Pennsylvania Counselor of Year award, and has authored or co-authored over 80 professional articles, book chapters, and books. His most recent books include Counseling Theory: Guiding Reflective Practice in 2014, Becoming a Skilled Counselor in 2013 (both with SAGE), and a series of four training texts for school counselors grouped under the title, Transforming Theory into Practice (Corwin Press). Additional recent works include Fundamentals of the Helping Process (Waveland Press), Counseling Strategies That Work!: Evidence-Based for School Counselors (Allyn & Bacon), and Counseling Strategies and Intervention Techniques (Allyn & Bacon). His current project finds him editing a 35-book series for SAGE Publications, 11 of which cover the common core competencies for counselor preparation as outlined by the Council for the Accreditation of Counselor Education and Related Programs (CACREP), with the remaining books targeting specialty areas.