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Forming A Professional Counselor Identity: The Impact Of Identity Processing Style, Jesse J. Lile

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

This study examined the impact of identity processing style on professional counselor identity development. 136 masters students in a CACREP-accredited counseling program completed a survey with measures of counselor identity and identity style. Results of the study signify that differences in identity processing style have an impact on the development of a professional counselor identity. The use of both informational and normative processing styles appear beneficial in forming a professional counselor identity, though the informational style alone was indicative of a professional counselor identity beyond identity commitment. The diffuse/avoidant style seems least suitable for developing a professional counselor identity.