Field Experience

A blueprint for doing clinical work in field experience, this practical book aids students in developing their professional identity on their journey toward becoming a counselor. Authors Naijian Zhang and Richard D. Parsons help students integrate the knowledge they learn across the curriculum by presenting a roadmap of how to start, navigate, and finish a practicum or internship. Throughout the book, coverage of CACREP standards, case illustrations, exercises, and real-life examples create an accessible overview of the entire transitioning process. Field Experience is part of the SAGE Counseling and Professional Identity Series, which targets specific competencies identified by CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs).

"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.", "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.", "Excellent book that will inspire and enlighten evolving professionals."

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.