Field Experience

Naijian Zhang, PhD, is a licensed psychologist in Pennsylvania and tenured full professor in the Department of Counselor Education at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Zhang has over 20 years' experience of clinical practice and teaching in counseling psychology, higher education/student affairs, and language programs at college and university and was also a university administrator (Acting Department Chair, Graduate Coordinator). He has authored, coauthored, and edited over 40 articles, book chapters, and books. His most recent books include Field Experience: Transitioning from Student to Professional in 2015, Counseling Theory: Guiding Reflective Practice in 2014, Becoming a Skilled Counselor in 2013, Rentz's Student Affairs Practice in Higher Education and Psychology in 2016, and Multicultural and Diversity Issues in Student Affairs Practice: A Professional Competency-Based Approach in 2019. Dr. Zhang is also the co-editor of the book series Counseling and Professional Identity which consists of 23 counseling books and editor of the book series, American Series in Student Affairs Practice and Professional Identity (11 volumes). Dr. Zhang was Vice President, President, and Past-President of the Association of Chinese Helping Professionals and Psychologists - International. 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). Currently he is teaching in a full load of graduate courses and seeing clients in his private practice. In addition, Dr. Zhang frequently gives presentations and conducts counseling training workshops internationally. Richard D. Parsons, Ph.D. is a Full Professor in the Counselor Education Department at West Chester University. Dr. Parsons has over 45 years of university teaching in counselor preparation programs. Prior to his University teaching Dr. Parsons spent 9 years as a school counselor in an inner-city high school.

Chapter 1: Field Experience as Formative to Professional Identity Field Experience: A Unique Learning Experience Field Work: Fostering an Emerging Professional Identity Nurturing Your Professional Identity Postscript Chapter 2: Matching Self to Site It Starts With Self-Appraisal Assessing Field Placement Options Matching Self to Site: Targeting Professional Development Chapter 3: From the Ideal to the Real Knowing the Ideal The Real Is Often Less Than Ideal Even Interns Can Effect Change and Define Roles Chapter 4: The Ethics of Practice: More Than Knowing, Being The Need and Value of Professional Ethics The What: In Principle From the Ideal to the Real Chapter 5: Reflecting on Practice Reflecting on Practice: Case Conceptualization Reflecting in Practice: Guiding Moment-to-Moment Decisions Reflective Practice: Supporting Efficacy and Accountability Reflection: For Professional Development Chapter 6: Growing Through Supervision Counseling Supervision Expectations of Counseling Supervision Issues and Dilemmas in Supervision Chapter 7: Multicultural Counseling in Practice Multiculturalism in Counseling Multicultural Counseling Competence Developing Multicultural Counseling Competence Multicultural Counseling Competence and Professional Identity Chapter 8: Crisis Prevention and Intervention: Suicide and Homicide The Nature of Crisis and Crisis Intervention Suicide When Harm Is Other Directed Site Policy on Crisis Procedures Chapter 9: Reducing Risk The Risk of Physical Harm Reducing Legal Risks Postscript Chapter 10: Documentation and Record Keeping Purpose of Documentation and Record Keeping Ethical and Legal Ramifications The "What" of Case Documentation The "How," or Format, of Case Documentation Concluding Thoughts Chapter 11: Termination and Closure Terminating the Counseling Relationship Challenges to Effective and Ethical Termination Steps Toward Effective and Ethical Termination Terminating Other Relationships at Internship Chapter 12: Self-Care and Self-Protection-Necessary for All Counselors Counseling: Challenging the Well-Being of the Counselor Burnout Compassion Fatigue Chapter 13: Transition from Practice to Career Connection Between Internship and Career Preparation for Employment Placement Resources Advanced Education Postscript Chapter 14: Transitions: Self as Counselor Identity Responding to the Calling With Pride

"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." -- Britney G. Brinkman, Chatham University "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." -- Ann Leonard, Curry College "Excellent book that will inspire and enlighten evolving professionals." -- Mary Olufunmilayo, St. Bonaventure University