Professional Identity

This chapter begins by providing different meanings of professional identification. With an initial focus on social work, we look at the dynamic nature of professional identity work, including the interplay between personal and professional identities, professional traits, professionalism, identity of a profession, and the process of becoming a professional. We consider the formation of these multiple identities as well as tensions between identities. Looking beyond disciplinary boundaries we note that addressing and reducing these tensions has the potential to either disrupt or strengthen professional identity formation, development and sustainability. In addition, we incorporate voices from the field, practitioner&s;s narratives at different career stages, work environments and cultural landscapes. The overarching purpose of this chapter is to instil in readers the significance of crafting, developing and consolidating their professional identities. This understanding is both essential and central to who we are as helping professionals.