What is CSI?

Chi Sigma Iota is the international honor society of professional counseling.  It was established for counselors-in-training, counselor educators, and professional counselors whose career commitment is to research and service through professional counseling. Its mission is to promote scholarship, research, professionalism, leadership and excellence in counseling, and to recognize high attainment in the pursuit of academic and clinical excellence in the profession of counseling. Because common usage of the term "counselor" can be misleading, professional counselors are prepared at the graduate level only in pursuit of both Masters and doctoral degrees.  One's highest or terminal degree in counselor education is considered evidence of desire to identify with  the profession and through membership to support the mission of the Society.

The Society was established in 1985 through the efforts of leaders in the profession of counseling whose desire was to provide recognition for outstanding achievement as well as outstanding service within the profession.  For purposes of clarity among helping professionals who use counseling as a method or its techniques, the graduate education of members of the profession of counseling are defined by the national standards of the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).  Individuals whose programs of study in counselor education were accredited by the Council of Rehabilitation Education (CORE) also are eligible for membership. While members may be enrolled in programs that are not accredited by CACREP, the program where chapters are located must prepare its graduates to be eligible for state or national credentialing as professional counselors and fundamentally meet the minimum standards as defined by CACREP.

Our Chapter Members Speak:

So you know that CSI is the official academic and professional honor society for the counseling profession – but what exactly does it mean to be a member of CSI, or more specifically the Rho Theta Chapter? We asked some of our members and here is what they’ve said:

"Chi Sigma Iota means a great deal to me, which is why I have a lifetime membership in the honor society. When I entered GW's counseling program many years ago, I was in the process of changing careers and fields. I was excited about entering the counseling field, but also a little nervous about this new venture. In my first year, I had the benefit of being introduced to GW's chapter of CSI. It was through my interactions with my classmates, that I realized I chose an exciting, dynamic, and stimulating profession. The beauty of CSI is that it embraces all counselors in all stages of their programs and in the profession. CSI provides a very special and unique form of mentorship, peer mentorship. The colleagues and friends I made by joining CSI are very evident in my life today. Through my involvement with CSI, I quickly learned the importance of serving as a leader and advocate for the profession. The skills I developed while on the board of CSI have served me well in the local leadership positions that I hold. On a final note, there are some wonderfully enriching opportunities that are available to CSI members at the national level. The CSI International Honor Society offers students fellowships and internships, which are worth the application process and the experience. The leaders and professionals you will meet in the field through this connection are remarkable!"
- Victoria A. Sardi, Ph.D.
Former Rho Theta Chapter President and Life Time Member

"Becoming a member of CSI has helped me become increasingly proud of my profession and also offered endless oppurtunities to participate academically and socially."
- Chelsea Howe
Community Counseling MA, '05

"To me, CSI has been a source of information, support and pride throughout my experience at GW.  CSI workshops provide valuable opportunities for professional development, and CSI officers create a sense of community in our program.  I am especially fond of the mentor/mentee program."
- Julie Nelson
Counseling Ph.D Program

What does being a member of the Rho Theta Chapter mean to you? Send an email to csi@gwu.edu if you'd like to share!