{"value"=>"<p> <span class=\"title\">On Becoming A Professional</span></p> <p>This paper will discuss both a theoretical and personal view of becoming a professional. The special focus of the paper is to discuss what it is like to become a dual profession.</p> <p>The first part of this paper will review the literature on professions. This includes pieces on semi-professions and interprofessional issues. I will discuss the definition and characteristics of a profession and professional. I will discuss the roles of education and socialization as factors leading to becoming a professional. Social workers and dance therapists often work in a bureaucracy. The role of the bureaucracy will be discussed. Lastly, a profession does not exist without clients who need services. I will discuss the role of the client as related to professions. Much of the written material comes from the field of sociology and social work. I have narrowed the literature so that it applies to social work and dance therapy. The second part of this paper will discuss my experience being socialized as a dance therapist and a social worker. There have been subtle and obvious differences. This includes experiences in school and in the field. The people who have contributed to my socialization are fellow students, teachers, clients, supervisors, staff, and administration. I have been socialized by health care policies, agencies, and other systems. I have learned different roles and attitudes expected of me as a social worker and dance therapist. Throughout my education I have integrated in formation. I have my own set of values which I have chosen from both professions. These values help me to work as a professional with clients and the larger systems to the best of my ability.</p>"}