This paper refers to the main findings of a qualitative research experience in which a phenomenological method was used. The study was undertaken with primary school teachers from one of the state-subsidised institutions of the North San José Educational Region. Several key questions guided the research process, such as: What personal and professional self-concept do the primary school teachers in the group have? What do the teachers consider is needed to enhance their own personal and professional development? What can Counseling provide to promote personal and professional development of primary school teachers? The technique, according to the purpose and nature of the study the best suited for information gathering was the in-depth interview. Group discussion was the technique used for validation of the data. An important finding is that in a patriarchal culture, women teachers transfer elements of their personal development to the area of their professional development. Finally, it was presented the Counseling discipline's relevance related to these situations.

personal development; professional development; teaching; gender and counseling