What is rehabilitation counseling?: A student's perspective on professional identity

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Hennessey, Mary L.

Affiliations: Kent State University, Center for Disability Studies, VocWorks, Inc., P.O. Box 534, Kent, OH 44240, USA. Tel.: +1 330 673 5017; Fax: +1 330 673 5018; E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: This article (a) reviews changing perspectives about the roles and functions of the rehabilitation counselor and (b) summarizes the reflections of a graduate student in rehabilitation counseling regarding how these perspectives have influenced her emerging professional identity. A review of the literature indicates many different thoughts as to where the profession will stand in the 21st Century. These differing opinions make it challenging for students deciding what career direction to take in their course of study, as well as for practitioners who must stay abreast of new developments in the field to maintain job marketability.

Keywords: rehabilitation counseling, roles and functions, professionalization

Journal: Work, vol. 17, no. 2, pp. 151-156, 2001