ABSTRACT
In this chapter we present a conceptual model of professional development and stagnation. Many elements of the model have been presented throughout the book, but in this chapter the elements are more fully defined, combined, and extended into an integrated cyclical-trajectory model that illustrates a movement that is initiated when therapists/counselors experience difficulties or challenges, not only in their professional practice but also in other parts of the life sphere. Our reference to the life sphere is inspired by the concept of “life space” employed by (Kurt Lewin 1943/1997, 1951) and by Husserl’s (1936/1970) concept of the “life world.” The concept is broad and includes all experiences of the therapist in professional as well as in nonprofessional contexts.
