Chapter 23 Review Paper 2
School of Behavioral Sciences, Liberty University
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Chapter 23 Review Paper 2 2
Summary
Kirk et al. (2024) define professional identity as the integration of personal views with
professional competence to achieve congruency, which is then utilized within a professional
community. For some counselors in training, their personal values consist of looking at life from
a Christian worldview. Although the act of implementing personal values, especially Christian
values, into a professional identity hasn’t always been considered possible, this chapter
discusses how both biblical principles, CACREP, and the ACA code of ethics help grow and
build a professional identity (Kirk et al., 2024).
Those who hold a Christian faith often differentiate experiences or topics into Christian
and secular contexts. Secular describes any “event, object, or way” that doesn’t discuss or is
about God or scripture (Kirk et al., 2024, p.345). Counselors may often interact with secular
areas; some of these areas include conducting sessions in a secular setting, evidence-based
treatments, and attending counseling conferences. Apart from secular settings within counseling,
it defines attending school, workplaces, and interacting with friends. Although secular topics
exist, the bible makes it clear that God is the maker of all creation (Kirk et al., 2024). Because He
is the maker of all creation, it also means that He has allowed for the development of science and
research. Textbooks and research display the undeniable talents and skills given by God. He
allows these talented individuals who don’t identify with a faith to provide God-given work that
can better develop the professionalism of counselors in training. Ephesians 3:8 states, “Although
I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the
Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ,” (NIV). This provides an example of how God uses
others for great things, even if they don’t walk with faith. The professional development within
counseling consists of ongoing learning, which means that counselors will often engage with
experts in the field and conduct research or training while still being able to see the glory of God
(Kirk et al., 2024).
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The definition of counseling identity has been interpreted in different ways. More
recently, Woo et al. (2014) developed a professional identity scale in counseling, which
comprises six characteristics: professional knowledge, articulation of philosophy, awareness of
role, validation, display of professional behavior, and engagement in the field (Kirk et al., 2024).
Furthermore, the CACREP standards formalized the counselor identity development in
counseling programs by requiring programs to help counselors in training develop a professional
identity. The professional counselor identity consists of the professional self and the personal
self, but it also considers important elements such as social justice, cultural competency, and
ethics (Kirk et al., 2024). By considering these elements and integrating them with personal
values, the professional counselor's identity has been shaped by these factors. The process of
embracing and integrating begins from the beginning of training within a counseling program
and continues throughout the counselor’s professional career. As for Christian counselors, they
must work on integrating their faith alongside their professional and personal lives to positively
engage with the surrounding professional community from their perspective as followers of
Christ (Kirk et al., 2024).
This chapter discusses the ability for integration to exist even if it includes scientific
research and biblical faith (Kirk et al., 2024). Scientific research and biblical faith are often seen
as incompatible; one can be seen as secular and the other as Christian. The CACREP (2015) and
the ACA (2014) require all counselors to use scientifically supported interventions like research
and training, especially when working with more vulnerable populations. Counselors also have
the ethical and spiritual responsibility to engage in evidence-based practices, which creates a
more solidified professional development. Because God is the source of all knowledge and
wisdom, the act of inquiring into scientific research and interventions can reflect divine truth
when used as a tool.
Chapter 23 Review Paper 2 4
Interaction
My initial response to Chapter 23 is extremely positive. The chapter provides insight into
what professional development consists of. It was informative and provided a clear connection of
just how secular work, such as scientific research and training, aligns with biblical principles and
teachings. Before reading this chapter, I often wondered how possible it would be to incorporate
Christian faith within a professional identity. This initial thought was derived from the belief that
a counseling profession couldn’t include Christian views due to its scientific-based background.
Kirk et al. (2024) throughout the chapter mention that God is the maker of everything, and when
used correctly, secular ideals can be used to gain further knowledge and wisdom, which is
essential to helping a community. It provided a well-rounded discussion on the integration of
Christian and theoretical work within a professional counseling identity development. It aligned
professional growth with the CACREP, ACA, and scriptural principles as practical insights that
future counselors can use when practicing their profession.
Three insightful observations that I gained upon reading this chapter are the act of
integrating a counselor-in-training’s personal identity and their professional identity in one,
including Christian beliefs. Deacon et al. (2019) state that the professional identity of a counselor
is reflected in the counseling professional associations, requirements of the licensure and
certification, standards of practice and code of ethics, and the educational training. Having a
well-developed professional identity can allow for a sense of belonging, give a sense of
competency, and provide a practical framework for professional practice and a professional
community that focuses on the wellness of clients (Deacon et al., 2019). The second observation
is the way in which the chapter discusses professional development from a theoretical framework
and demonstrates how a Christian framework exists even if not directly seen. Niles and Harris-
Bowlsbey (2022) discuss that early Christians viewed work as a way to provide an opportunity to
help those less fortunate and share the fruits of their labor, as well as a means for spiritual
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purification and a form of serving God through work. Regardless of the context, counselors are
still able to reflect their faith and God’s image as they navigate through their professional
conduct and ethical standards. The third observation is the continuous learning and development
that occurs within the counseling profession. This chapter discusses how professional
development is always ongoing. Knowledge and wisdom don’t ever stop as long as effort and
learning are implemented into the profession. The ACA code of ethics (2014) has an entire
section that describes the professional responsibility of a counselor. Standard C.2.f titled
Continuing Education, talks about the importance for counselors to pursue continuing education
to remain aware of current scientific and professional information, to maintain competence in the
skills they have, and stay informed of the best practices when working with diverse individuals.
Application
The chapter itself and the observations that I made serve as great implications, as I am
also in the process of developing my professional identity within the clinical mental health
counseling program at Liberty University. The chapter emphasizes the existence of personal and
professional identities that exist harmoniously to form proper professional development. Personal
identity also includes the Christian values that I hold. These values can be integrated by aligning
my personal worldview with professional responsibilities consistent with CACREP, ACA,
biblical principles, and the expected conduct. Despite being in the Liberty University program,
which integrates Christianity into the program, I had found it hard to consider secular topics,
research, and training as a form of God’s work just because it wasn’t directly correlated to
Christian views. However, when gaining wisdom through the necessary evidence-based practices
and training, it also reinforces the biblical principles stating that seeking knowledge and wisdom
isn’t only a professional obligation but also a necessary spiritual discipline.
I plan to apply this chapter as I work towards obtaining my master's degree and then
eventually become a licensed counselor. It has given me insight into what continuing education
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looks like and the reason why it is so important. This profession in some way is a lifelong
learning career; it requires the responsibility to seek supervision and other colleagues to discuss
clients, join groups and organizations relevant to the counseling career, and continue training by
staying up to date with current and newer approaches. I also began to consider that I will be
seeing a diverse group of individuals, not just demographically diverse but also by worldviews,
values, and upbringings. There may be times when I do not know a client’s culture or upbringing.
As a professional, that places a responsibility to seek out and gain knowledge to avoid harming
the client and positively impact them instead. This includes clients who have different spiritual
beliefs from mine. Matthew 7:12 states, “So in everything, do to others what you would have
them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (NIV) Treating clients with respect
and kindness, like we would like others to treat us, sums up the responsibility of a professional
counselor, but also as a follower of Christ.
The insights and principles listed in this chapter will shape my professional identity and
the way I will navigate professional services. By including my Christian faith in my professional
development, I will be able to serve clients with authenticity, comprehension, and competence by
utilising theoretical work and reflecting my work through the love and wisdom that is found in
God.
Chapter 23 Review Paper 2 7
References
American Counseling Association. (2014). ACA Code of Ethics. American Counseling
Association.
Deacon, M., Wynsberg, K., Simmons, R., & Chamberlain, B. (2019). Professional Identity:
Associations, Credentials, and Licenses. In R. Simmons, S. Lilley & A. Kuhnley (Eds),
Introduction to Counseling: Integration of Faith, Professional Identity, and Clinical
Practice (pp. 47-93). Kendall Hunt Publishers.
Kirk, K., Kimball, P., & Celoria, K. (2024). Christian Integration in Professional Development.
In J.A. King & K.M. Ford (Eds), Christian Integration in Counselor Education (pp.
315-326). Kendall Hunt Publishers.
New International Version. (2011). The NIV Bible. https://www.thenivbible.com
Niles, S. G. & Harris-Bowlsbey, J. (2022). Career Development Interventions (6th ed.). Pearson.
ISBN: 9780135842638.
