Counseling Commons^™

Creative Arts Therapies Week, Raquel Estrada, William Flores

Library Display Posters

Creative Arts Therapies Week is observed during the third week of March. It is a collection of posters that has been designed to highlight library resources in celebration of Creative Arts Therapies Week. Poster topics include: General Books, Streaming Films, and Research Resources. Book and video covers are hyperlinked.

An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis Of Counselor's Experience Of Breathwork And Its Impact On Their Therapeutic Practice, Jennifer Zúñiga Agüero

Dissertations

Breathwork, a transpersonal and experiential approach to psychotherapy, has been used for healing and transformation throughout the years. When applied in clinical practice, breathwork can serve as a conduit to access nonordinary states of consciousness for self-exploration and transformation. Traditional psychotherapy does not engage with nonordinary states of consciousness as part of the therapeutic process; thus, research in relation to counselors’ experiences of breathwork and their impact on therapeutic practice has yet to be explored.

Counselors’ experiences of breathwork and the influence they have in clinical practice is the phenomena explored in this research study. Exploring counselor experience with a …

Women Residential Substance Use Treatment Program: A Quantitative Study Measuring Treatment Perceptions And Spiritual Experience Across Multiple Demographics., Michelle Davidson

Doctor of Social Work Capstone Projects

ABSTRACT

WOMEN RESIDENTIAL SUBSTANCE USE TREATMENT PROGRAM: A QUANTITATIVE STUDY MEASURING TREATMENT PERCEPTIONS AND SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE ACROSS MULTIPLE DEMOGRAPHICS

Michelle Davidson, LCSW

March 24, 2025

Substance use disorders (SUD) present complex challenges that necessitate comprehensive and personalized treatment approaches, particularly for women. Historically, SUD treatments have been predominantly driven by male treatment approaches, often neglecting the unique needs and experiences of women. This cross-sectional quantitative survey study explores the relationship between the variables of client treatment perceptions and spiritual experiences among women in residential treatment for their SUDs. This study utilizes the Treatment Perception Survey and Spiritual Experience Index-Revised to …

The Perception Of Mindfulness Practices Of Middle-Aged Black Christian Women Who Self-Diagnosed With Depression And Have Experiences With Racism, Latoya Angela Delmadge

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Black Christians rely heavily on their spiritual leaders for guidance and support when dealing with emotional and psychological issues. Consequently, counseling interventions such as mindfulness are often met with much resistance. The origin of mindfulness from the Buddhist culture may present a barrier to Christians incorporating such practices as meditation into their lifestyle. Lack of understanding still poses a limitation for middle-aged Christian women of color to engage in mindfulness practices. This qualitative transcendental phenomenological study explored the perceptions of mindfulness-based practices among Black middle-aged Christian women self-diagnosed with depression and how this intervention can be used to cope with …

The Ties That Bind: A Comprehensive Pastoral Counseling Approach To Bridge The Gap Between Christians Struggling With Same-Sex Attraction And Cornerstone Church, Barbara Pringle Taylor

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation project explores the need for a faith-based counseling program that aligns with biblical principles while fostering inclusivity and support for Christians experiencing same-sex attraction (SSA). The study addresses the challenges faced by individuals in the church community who often encounter isolation, shame, and rejection. It proposes a comprehensive pastoral counseling program to train church leaders in providing compassionate, transformative care. This project employs qualitative research methods, including focus groups and individual interviews, to gather insights from church leaders and members. It analyzes theological, psychological, and pastoral perspectives to build a robust spiritual and emotional support framework. The research …

Ethnic Identity And Acculturation: Mental Health Perceptions And Help-Seeking Behaviors Of College-Age Students With Sikh Punjabi Immigrant Parents, Manreet Kaur

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the experiences of college-age children of Sikh Punjabi immigrant parents who were considering mental health treatment in Pennsylvania. The theory guiding this study was ethnic identity theory, which was developed by Jean Phinney. There were four research questions addressed: (a) How do college-age children of Sikh Punjabi immigrant parents describe their experiences when considering mental health treatment in Pennsylvania? (b) How do participants describe the impact of their parents’ perceptions regarding mental health when contemplating seeking mental health treatment? (c) How do participants describe their experiences discussing mental health–related topics with …

A Phenomenological Study Of Syrian Refugees’ Experiences Seeking Mental Health Care In Lebanon, Mark Christopher Todd

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to examine the lived experience of Syrian refugees living in Tyre, Lebanon as it related to seeking mental health care. The theory guiding this study is the phenomenological approach of Moustakas (1994) as informed by the transcendental phenomenology of Husserl (Moustakas, 1994) in that it seeks to describe the essence of the phenomenon by putting aside all preconceptions and looking anew at the phenomenon through the lens of human experience. This study was also strongly influenced by transformative frameworks (Creswell & Poth, 2019) and decolonization theory (Smith, 2021) as it looked for answers …

A Quantitative Study: The Association Between College Selection Methodology And Sense Of Belongingness Among First-Year, Full-Time Residential College Students, Tamara Reese

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

College selection methodology can be traced back to the 1920s when colleges had to rely on their to travel through word of mouth, catalogs, pictures, and brochures. Although virtual tours can be dated back to 1994, COVID-19 catapulted the popularity of traveling through virtual reality. While many studies have sought to measure the impact of visitation on student enrollment propensities, none have made a noteworthy effort to account for a potential endogenous link between the student's college choice methodology and a student's sense of belongingness at their college or university campus. The purpose of this quantitative quasi-experimental study is to …

Centering Black Resource-Poor Adolescent Voices: A Critical Phenomenological Study Of Lived Mental Health Struggles While Enduring The Covid-19 Pandemic, Paulette Dispagna

Counseling and Psychology Dissertations

There is a dearth of research in general and qualitative research specifically about the mental health experience of resource-poor Black adolescents living in Boston. This has implications for the field in terms of how adolescents experiencing mental health issues can be supported and how professionals can create more useful mental health treatment. Drawing from the theoretical lens of critical race theory and more specifically, intersectionality, this hermeneutic phenomenological inquiry examined the ways in which experiencing multiple levels of inequality, especially from racism and poverty, affected a Black adolescent’s mental health. Eleven adolescents were interviewed via Zoom. Six major findings included: …

Addressing Obesity In Cancer Survivorship: Referral Gaps And Patient Engagement In Nutrition And Lifestyle Interventions, Brian Dinh, Kelly Nguyen, Whittney Thoman, Katherine Gilmore, Ying Qiao, Kathy Carpenter, Zayed Razouki, David Santos, Michael Roth

Cancer Survivorship Research Retreat

No abstract provided.

Gatekeeping As An Online Adjunct Clinical Instructor In Counselor Education, Bernadet Dejonge, Deborah J. Rubel, Yun Shi

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

Abstract

This interpretative phenomenological analysis study examined how adjunct instructors teaching online clinical counseling courses experienced gatekeeping in the context of the university system. The research question was: How do online, adjunct instructors teaching master’s level clinical counseling courses experience their university interactions as a part of gatekeeping? The participants described five experiential themes. These were: a) Balancing marginalization in the system with advocacy for the profession; b) Maneuvering through dependency on the system in gatekeeping; c) Finding consultation while navigating gatekeeping interactions; d) Managing the intensity of clinical courses; and e) Navigating the steep learning curve of learning how …

The Power Of Choice: Comparing Asynchronous And Synchronous Learning, Heidi L. Henry, Kayla Newkirk, Lauren Guggenberger

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

Using explanatory sequential mixed-methods design, we investigated counseling student outcomes and attitudes in asynchronous versus synchronous learning modalities. We studied whether asynchronous or synchronous learning contributed to differences in student outcomes on a final project in an Advanced Human Growth and Development course. Using a Kruskal-Wallis H test, we found no significant differences on final project scores among groups categorized according to the number of asynchronous and synchronous activities completed. We also explored the attitudes of online counseling students towards synchronous and asynchronous learning. Thematic analysis of open-ended surveys of 53 counseling students revealed four themes: enhanced learning experiences, advantages …

Parallel Journeys: Supporting Wounded Healers In Counselor Education, Susannah C. Coaston

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

Much has been written about the motivations for wounded healers to pursue work in the helping professions. Those with painful life experiences can have a unique ability to understand the pain of others, and through their recovery, they may gain insight and understanding to benefit others. The counselor development process can be fraught with challenges that may have a detrimental impact on wounded healers. As such, counselor educators can benefit from amending their approaches to ensure that wounded healers gain the skills necessary to support their mental health and well-being, effectiveness, and personal and professional development. This article introduces a …

Building Community In Counselor Education Doctoral Programs: A Grounded Theory, Ellise Nolan, Madeline Clark, Rachel Mattingly, Sahar Sheikh, Jennifer Rio

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

The researchers utilized a grounded theory methodology to study the process of community building in counselor education doctoral programs. Researchers found, throughout their program, students have a series of catalytic experiences during which they either experience program supports or barriers, leading to outcomes which influence student sense of community, wellness, and retention.

The Development Of Teacher Identity In Counselor Education Doctoral Students, Wes Allen, Joel F. Diambra, Rebecca Gaylor

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

Abstract

Counselor educators (CE) prepare counselor education doctoral students (CEDS) to work as counselors, scholars, leaders, supervisors, and teachers. While we have a firm understanding of how CEDS develop in general (Limberg et al., 2013; Moss et al., 2014), there is little known about how they develop specifically as teachers. The goal of this research study was to gain insight into how teacher identity develops for CEDS. We interviewed 10 participants using transcendental phenomenology methodology to gain insight into their teaching preparation experiences and identities as teachers. We identified three primary themes from the data: (1) Connection, (2) Confidence, or …

Duty And Inequality: A Thematic Analysis Of Muslim Sexual Trauma Counselors, Mitchell Waters, Waleed Sami

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

In this qualitative study, the experiences of four practicing Muslim counselors who specialize in the treatment of sexual trauma were examined. By collecting data with semi-structured interviews, three distinct themes emerged: a) embodied inequality, b) theodicy and ambivalence, and c) Islamic integration and the therapeutic relationship. The findings of this study highlight the inequalities many Muslim counselors embody while balancing engagement in traditional counseling work. Implications for counselor educators and supervisors that enhance multicultural competence and improve counseling outcomes are provided.

Inclusion Of Suicide Education And Prevention In Counselor Education, Karlesia T. Montague, Susan Furr

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

Suicide is a frequent crisis that counselors encounter in the field. Despite this concern, several studies over the last two decades indicate inadequate preparation in training programs. This article includes a discussion on possible ways to integrate suicide education throughout the curriculum using the CACREP core areas.

How Professional Counselors Experience Being Intake Counselors In The Inpatient Psychiatric Setting, Nineka K. Dyson, Deborah J. Rubel, Arien Muzacz

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

Abstract

Intake counselors (ICs) are essential members of an interdisciplinary team who assess potential clients for admission to inpatient psychiatric facilities. This interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) explored the experiences of professional counselors working as ICs in inpatient psychiatric settings (n = 8). Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analyzed using IPA procedures. Four themes emerged that dealt with participants’ experiences: (1) coping with the lack of specific training, (2) balancing professional identity and system requirements, (3) coping with the emotional stressors of the inpatient environment, and (4) depending on scarce connection and support for sustainability. The findings of …

Lived Experiences Of Master’S Counseling Student-Caregivers During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Lindsay M. Woodbridge, Kayla M. Kemp, David K. Duys, Tiffany J. L. Simon

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

The COVID-19 pandemic created challenging circumstances for many counselors-in-training. In this study, researchers used a qualitative phenomenological design to explore eight master’s counseling students’ experiences navigating multiple roles, including graduate student and caregiver, during the pandemic. Themes included the many ways participants’ lives changed, participants’ sense of being pulled in many directions simultaneously, and factors that added to or mitigated the strain of navigating multiple life roles during a public health crisis. Because this role strain is not unique to the pandemic, the authors provide recommendations for counselor educators who work with master’s students who are caregivers. These recommendations include …

“But How Do I Start?” A Beginner’S Guide To Your First Qualitative Project, Jason B. Whiting Phd, Bria Nicole Davies

The Qualitative Report

Many new qualitative researchers feel overwhelmed and struggle to find direction in existing books and articles about qualitative methodology. Qualitative methods have a long history that includes different philosophies, practices, and methods, and there are endless ways to interpret and use these tools within these traditions. This article introduces basic qualitative methods with the intent to guide a first-time researcher through a first social science research project, such as a thesis or dissertation. It frames the process as a five-step journey with guidelines to follow and additional resources that can be accessed related to each phase. Although the craft of …

2025-2-8 Cummulative Report, Pennsylvania Counseling Association

PCA Board of Directors Meetings

No abstract provided.

Inclusive Space For Everyone Door Sign (Printable 8.5 X 11 Inch), Joan H. Robinson

Open Educational Resources

This is a printable 8.5 x 11 inch door sign for faculty, staff, and administrators to let people know it is an inclusive space for everyone. For improved visibility, print with a color printer and cut along the dotted line.

See also: 11 x 17 inch door sign.

Emotional Turbulence Of Children Of The Clergy, The Lived Experiences And Emotional Development Of Adult Children Of The Clergy: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Tabitha L. Bennett

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The current study is a Phenomenological qualitative approach to understanding the lived experience of adult Children of the Clergy and exploring the various pressures and expectations faced by Children of the Clergy versus other church members. Everyone experiences external and internal pressures, but this will delve into whether it is an added layer simply from being a child of the clergy. The current study will investigate multiple families to understand family dynamics and the effects of growing up as Children of the Clergy into adulthood. Through phenomenological testing, utilizing the Bowen Family Theory and a sub-theory of the Labeling theory, …

Worldview And Moral Injury: An Exploratory Multiple Case Study On Behavioral Health Providers’ Descriptions Of Moral Injury, Mark C. Lane Jr

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The concept of Moral Injury continues to gain research traction in the helping professional fields. Researchers continue to debate different components of Moral Injury. Defining, assessing, and treating Moral Injury captures much of the psychological literature. Despite this, standardized holistic conceptualization and treatment have yet to be realized. Worldview influences all aspects of every endeavor in human life. As such, this qualitative exploratory multiple case study from a Christian post-positivist position explored how Department of Defense or Veteran Affairs behavioral health providers’ worldview influences their descriptions of the construct of Moral Injury, its morbidity, and how behavioral health providers choose …

Experiences Of Health And Mental Health Services For Immigrant Mothers From The Northern Triangle Of Central America, Lisa Dianne Vega

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of immigrant mothers from the Northern Triangle of Central America with access to health and mental health services in the Southern United States. The theory guiding this study is social constructivism developed by Lev Vygotsky in 1968, as it will seek to understand the greater contexts of the experiences of the participants, both currently, as well as the stories and experiences of their immigration journey. Central American immigrant mothers from the Northern Triangle face many types of traumatic events in their lives. These events began in their home …

The Impact Of Covid-19 Pandemic On The Mental Health Of Frontline Workers Of Toronto Homeless Shelters (Csws), Isiaka Omotosho Akande

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The objective of this phenomenological research is to understand the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of the client service workers (CSWs) in Toronto homeless shelters. Kolcaba's theory of comfort guides this study. This theory holds that being comfortable is one of the fundamental necessities for relief after stressful health care events or incidents. Comfort boosts health-seeking behaviors for patients, clients, and workers. In the context of the City of Toronto’s homeless shelters, Kolcaba’s theory of comfort suggests that if client service workers are given adequate resources to balance their health and mental needs, thus stabilizing their comfortabilities, then …

The Effectiveness Of Various Forms Of Physical Exercise On The Trauma Recovery Process: A Quantitative Study, Noah J. Cicalo

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this research is to further the knowledge base on available trauma recovery processes. The extent to which trauma is experienced in the United States as well as the long-term effects of trauma are becoming increasingly apparent within the mental health community. Identifying and providing care that addresses trauma is therefore paramount. Previous research annotates that physical exercise of various types has positively impacted the relationship between experienced trauma and trauma recovery. This study further explores this relationship, and considers physical activities that are specifically bilateral in nature due to the overlap of such activities with Eye Movement …

School Counselors’ Experiences With Transitioning Military-Dependent Students, Diane K. Jackson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study examined Asia-Pacific military school counselors’ lived social-emotional experiences. The study aimed to provide a qualitative transcendental phenomenological perspective of Asia-Pacific school counselors. Furthermore, this study focused on the counselors’ reported lived experiences with military-dependent students newly transitioned from the United States to Asia-Pacific. This study investigated a phenomenon to understand human experience and how the events are perceived and experienced by school counselors in the phenomena. The theoretical framework was informed by the invitational theory, Bronfenbrenner’s theory, and the contextual model of family stress. Three research questions were answered: (a) What are the lived experiences of Asia-Pacific …

Voices From The Field: Mental Health Therapists' Perceptions Of Collaboration With Child Protective Services Workers, Tamara P. Fields

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The child welfare system in the United States requires collaboration across various agencies in the provision of services. Although collaboration between mental health therapists and state agencies is fundamental when the goal is to provide quality care and achieve positive outcomes for families involved with Child Protective Services (CPS), the system is characterized as complicated and fragmented. Using Bronstein’s 2003 model of interprofessional collaboration to understand the dynamics of collaboration between mental health therapists and CPS workers in Texas, this qualitative descriptive research study described mental health therapists’ perceptions of collaborating with CPS workers in delivering therapy services to CPS-involved …

Site Supervisor Roles And Responsibilities: Counseling Programs’ Written Expectations, Justin D. Lauka, Amanda Mccarthy, Steven Moody, Minna Yoo

Teaching and Supervision in Counseling

Site supervisors play a vital role in training clinical mental health counseling (CMHC) students during their field work. While clear roles and responsibilities for site supervision is a professional and ethical requirement, the scope of these expectations remains ambiguous. This article provides baseline empirical data on the expectations of sites and site supervisors communicated through field experience handbooks of CACREP-accredited CMHC programs. The authors completed a qualitative content analysis that resulted in three key categories including Site and Site Supervisor Administrative Expectations, Clinical Supervision, and Site/Program Interaction. Implications for counseling programs and future research are discussed.