From the U.S. to China: understanding the factors impacting professional adjustment of Chinese counselors returning home

Key Points

• Returning counselors experience significant cultural reintegration challenges—affecting their professional adjustment.
• Key factors include identity struggles and adaptation to home culture, impacting service delivery and satisfaction.
• Qualitative analysis through interviews highlights personal and professional complexities in adjustment processes.
• Implications suggest that targeted support programs may improve the reintegration experience for returning counselors.