Identifying the Dimensions of Professional Identity Development in School Counselors Using Thematic Analysis

Background: Professional identity development defines the role of school counselors to provide the best counseling services to students. The present study aimed to identify the dimensions of professional identity development in school counselors using thematic analysis method.Methods: This qualitative study was applied in terms of purpose. The participants were 11 school counselors in Ahvaz, Iran in the academic year of 2023-2024. Data were collected through a purposive sampling method. The participants were interviewed until reaching theoretical data saturation. Data were analyzed through thematic analysis of Attrid-Sterling (2001) using MAXQDA (2020) software.Results: The study findings showed that professional identity development in school counselors included 34 basic themes, eight organizing themes (i.e., personality traits, attitudes and beliefs, values, professional participation, professional knowledge and awareness, organizational culture, social support, and financial benefits), and three global themes (i.e., the internal dimension of professional identity, the professional orientation dimension, the external dimension of professional identity).Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, each of the obtained themes contributed to the growth of professional identity. Officials and experts can plan how to further develop professional identity in school counselors by considering these themes.