An Exploration of Counselors' Professional Leadership Development

Abstract

Little is understood about the development of leaders in counseling. This mixed‐method study explored leaders’ progression through leadership endeavors. The quantitative descriptive statistics and qualitative analysis included 58 elected and appointed leaders from the American Counseling Association and Chi Sigma Iota. Data were analyzed to explore experiences that prompted individuals to assume leadership roles in professional counseling organizations. By understanding how leaders evolve, counseling programs and professional associations can foster counselors’ leadership development.