The Professional Status and Identity of School Counselling in Queensland: Or, Are We a Profession Yet?

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9

Counselor Attitudes; Counselor Role; Elementary Secondary Education; Foreign Countries; Professional Development; Professional Occupations; Professional Personnel; Professional Recognition; School Counseling; School Counselors; Standards; Status; Teacher Attitudes

School counselors refer to themselves as professionals who provide services to clients. Nonetheless, a critical examination of perceptions and roles is necessary before this assertion can be accepted. The purpose of this study is twofold: (1) to examine the extent to which school counseling in Queensland, Australia is considered a profession, and (2) to examine the role and function of school counselors. Two surveys provided the data for analysis. The Counseling as a Profession Survey was completed by 268 school counselors and educators. Findings demonstrate that consensus exists on the professional status of school counselors. Respondents strongly supported the notion that school counselors have extensive training and qualifications; possess specialized knowledge and skills; perform work that is complex and sensitive; deal with sensitive legal and ethical issues; have prior association with teaching or psychology disciplines; and serve a function that is unique in the education system. These themes support the professional status of school counseling in society, as they relate to criteria indicative of a profession. The results of counselor responses to the Professional Identity Survey clearly reflect the broad, complex, multifacted role of school counselors which also indicates their particular professional identity. (LSR)

1997

ED409496