Counselor Education Commons^™

Adapting As Pioneers: A Phenomenological Study Of First-Batch Medical Students In A New Medical Faculty, Hilma Tsurayya Ifitahurroza, Tisnalia Merdya Andyastanti, Anditri Weningtyas, Rosalie Aurellie Wibowo, Callysta Neysa Yusangka

Jurnal Kajian Bimbingan dan Konseling

Entering medical faculty is inherently demanding for first year student and the challenges are amplified for first-batch students in newly established faculties. These students must navigate academic, social, and professional adaptation simultaneously with evolving institution systems. Understanding their adaptation is essential to support success and resilience. This study aimed to explore the adaptation experiences of first-batch medical students in their first year in a new medical faculty. A descriptive phenomenological approach was employed. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted in September 2024 with seven first-year students at the Faculty of Medicine, State University of Malang, established in 2023. Participants …

Training Experiences Of School Counselors-In-Training To Address Child Maltreatment: A Phenomenological Study, Zachary Pietrantoni, Szu-Yu Chen, Caroline Vollaro, Margiolis Lopez, Justin Santos

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

This study explores the experiences of six school counselors-in-training (SCIT) in addressing child maltreatment through a hypothetical vignette, providing an in-depth understanding of their experiences. Four main themes and five sub-themes emerged, providing insight into their preparedness and challenges faced. These findings highlight critical areas for improvement in training programs to better equip SCIT for addressing child maltreatment in schools.

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 …

Mental Heath Experiences Of Transracial Adoptees Of The Global Majority (Black, Indigenous, And People Of Color - Bipoc)., Phebe Brako

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological study explores the lived experiences of transracial adoptees of the global majority (BIPOC), focusing on their bicultural identity integration and its impact on mental health. During semi-structured interviews, nine participants shared their stories of navigating cultural and racial dynamics as adoptees in predominantly White adoptive families and communities. The findings revealed six core themes: (1) the Quest for Bicultural Identity Formation, (2) Cultural Integration and Adaptation, (3) Navigating Racial and Cultural Tensions, (4) the Role of Family in Cultural Integration, (5) the Importance of Community and Support Systems, and (6) Mental Health and Therapeutic Experiences, addressing …

Wounded And Healing: Licensed Counselors’ Experience With Personal Suicide Loss And The Impact On Clinical Practice, Supervision, And Self-Disclosure, Shannon Strohl

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study sought to explore the lived experiences of licensed counselors who experienced personal suicide loss and the impact of their loss on their professional lives. Of particular interest was the impact of the loss on countertransference, professional direction and choices, and self-disclosure with clients and other professionals in the field (e.g., supervisors, professors, and colleagues). The concept of the wounded healer, as described by Zerubavel and Wright (2012), served as the theoretical framework used to understand the participants’ stories. Previous studies have examined the wounded healer among psychologists; however, few studies explored the experience of licensed counselors as wounded …

Diverse Gamers: Resistance Through Video Gameplay, Breon Rose

Dissertations

With most of the global population engaging with video games, it is crucial to understand the relationship between gaming and the holistic health of players. However, counseling scholarship exploring the relationship between gaming technology and mental health is nascent. Moreover, ethical guidelines in counseling require professionals to further their awareness and competence while working with underrepresented populations (American Counseling Association; ACA, 2014). To address the preceding statements, this two-study dissertation focused on expanding awareness and clinical understanding of video game technology and human experience. The first study used quantitative methods to examine the relationship between race-related stress, motivations to play …

The Lived Experiences Of Counselors-In-Training Completing Practicum And Internship During Covid-19, Shelby Lauren Dillingham

Counseling & Human Services Theses & Dissertations

COVID-19’s classification as a pandemic in March 2020 changed numerous professions as they adjusted to social distancing expectations. Mental health providers particularly encountered transitions that included higher acuity caseloads, working different hours, and increased exposure to COVID-19. Counselors-in-training (CIT) faced the dilemma of earning their clinical hours in a safe manner, especially CITs working within integrated healthcare settings, such as hospitals or clinics. Despite some research with licensed professional counselors, limited research exists examining CITs' experiences working during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study sought to understand the lived experiences of CITs who completed their clinical hours in an integrated behavioral …

Experiences Of School Counseling Trainees In A Primary Care Integrated Behavioral Health Care Practicum, Kaprea Johnson, Krystal Clemons, Lauren Robins, Alexandra Gantt-Howrey, Afroze Shaikh, Heather A. Jones

Teaching and Supervision in Counseling

Youth integrated behavioral healthcare (IBH) is a preferred method of service delivery, and school system expertise on these teams is imperative. In this descriptive phenomenological study, we sought to understand the experiences of five school counseling practicum students (SCITs) engaged in IBH in an urban children's hospital. Phenomenological analysis resulted in five themes: (a) contributing school system knowledge, (b) expansion of professional identity through practical application, (c) collaborative interventions and techniques, (d) interprofessional supervision, and (e) program and setting challenges. Implications for counselor education and supervision, including IBH-specific training for SCITs, conclude.

Infusing Military Culture In Multicultural Counseling Frameworks: A Phenomenological Study, Katherine M. Atkins, Toni R. Tollerud, Tilottama Roy-White, Lauren E. Brdecka, Deanna Chrones

The Qualitative Report

This descriptive phenomenological study focused on counselor educators’ (CESs) experiences infusing military culture into counseling curriculum. Specifically, this study sought to learn what counseling programs can do to best prepare counselors-in-training to work with military families. The researchers used the McCracken (1988) method to interview ten participants who had terminal degrees in counselor education or a highly related field, experience providing services to military-connected clients, and were aware of military cultural facets (e.g., implicit and explicit expectations, rules, and ways of being). The findings support the need to redefine multiculturalism and intentional infusion of military culture in counseling curriculum to …

Experience Of Underrepresented Students In Master’S-Level Counselor Education Programs, Deborah L. Duenyas, Andre Sumiel, Jill Krahwinkel

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

The purpose of this phenomenological investigation was to understand the racial and ethnic experiences of underrepresented Master’s-level counseling graduate students in CACREP-accredited counselor education programs. The second author conducted semi-structured interviews with six masters-level counseling graduate students. Data analysis revealed four composite themes that comprised students’ experience. The themes were: Perceived Cultural Competence, Individual Characteristics, Connection and Advocacy, and Bringing “It” Up. Implications on how counselor education programming and curriculum can provide support for underrepresented students are provided.

Counselors' Perceptions Of Their Preparedness For Telemental Health Services: A Phenomenological Examination, Daniel C. Holland, Jeffry L. Moe, Alan M. "Woody" Schwitzer, Shana Pribesh, Jeanel Franklin

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

Background: To examine counselors' perceptions of their formal preparation for engaging in telemental health (TMH) counseling with the intent of gaining an understanding of their lived experiences.

Materials and Methods: Semistructured interviews were conducted with seven seasoned counselors who regularly engage in technology-mediated distance counseling.

Results: The results highlighted themes within two emerging categories: the counselor and training/education. Themes related to motivation and specific counselor attributes emerged from the first category and themes of availability, inadequacy, and modality emerged from the second category.

Discussion: The implications from this study suggest a lack of availability and standardization of effective training on …

Cross-Cultural Distance Dialogues In Counselor Education: Collaborative Pedagogy, Sarah N. Baquet, Jehan Hill

Teaching and Supervision in Counseling

Researchers examined the experience of participating in Cross Cultural Distance Dialogues (CCDD) in facilitating Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling Competency (MSJCC) through an interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA). With the high need to develop curriculum in counselor education programs that intentionally incorporate cultural competencies (Ratts et al., 2016), this study was conducted to explore an innovative pedological technique that further fosters MSJCC within master's level coursework. Four counseling students engaged in a structured dialogue across university campuses during their multicultural course were selected for participation in this study. After completing two rounds of interviews and a member check, the following themes …

Veterans In Counseling Programs: Military Service And The Counselor Training Process, Crystal D. Hahn, Carl R. Price, Claudia G. Interiano-Shiverdecker

Teaching and Supervision in Counseling

The authors conducted a transcendental phenomenological study to acquire a deeper understanding of graduate student veterans’ experiences in counselor training programs and explore how military background influences counselor development. Results are based on semi-structured interviews with eight graduate student veterans enrolled in counseling programs across the United States. Four themes resulted which impacted counselor training processes (a) military behaviors, values, and identity (b) military counseling cultural contrasts, (c) integrating military service into counselor training, and (d) veteran-friendly suggestions for counseling programs. This study presented a range of experiences graduate student veterans have in counselor training programs, concluding that this student …

The Experiences Of Collegiality By Early-Career Counselor Educators, Jessica M. Tyler, Malti Tuttle, Marina Naviaux, Sara Ellison

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

It is essential to develop a work culture that supports faculty needs, be it professional for promotion and tenure, or personal. This phenomenological study examined the lived experiences of collegiality by early-career counselor educator faculty members (CES) working in a CACREP institution. Relational support, expectations, administration, and doctoral experiences emerged as themes from these narratives. Implications for the field are discussed to address these experiences and provide recommendations to counselor education faculty and departments.

Motivated But Challenged: Counselor Educators’ Experiences Teaching About Social Determinants Of Health, John M. Waters, Alexandra C. Gantt, Allison Worth, Bisola Duyile, Kaprea Johnson, Davide Mariotti

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

A phenomenological study was conducted to understand eight counselor educators’ experiences teaching about social determinants of health. The analysis yielded three themes: educator identity, motivations, and challenges. Implications for counselor educators preparing future counselors to be leaders in multiculturalism, social justice, and advocacy are provided.

An Application Of The Two Routes In Counseling Philosophy, Lance Kair

Counseling and Family Therapy Scholarship Review

This is a case study of a session with a subject. The subject’s name is philosophy. Philosophy needs a counseling intervention due to the development of an epistemological rupture revealing two routes into or upon knowledge. This problem that philosophy faces arises along two epistemological routes, called truth and reality. The significant issue of philosophy is how to reconcile a true reality. The proposal at hand for this consideration by philosophy is that a reconciliation is most effective though argumentative validation in orientation over argumentative proof in ideological reduction. Our effort here works toward the truth of reality found through …

Motivated But Challenged: Counselor Educators' Experiences Teaching About Social Determinants Of Health, John M. Waters, Alexandra C. Gantt, Allison Worth, Bisola Duyile, Kaprea Johnson, Davide Mariotti

Department of Counseling Scholarship and Creative Works

A phenomenological study was conducted to understand eight counselor educators' experiences teaching about social determinants of health. The analysis yielded three themes: educator identity, motivations, and challenges. Implications for counselor educators preparing future counselors to be leaders in multiculturalism, social justice, and advocacy are provided.

An Essay Concerning The Substance Of Counseling, Lance Kair

Counseling and Family Therapy Scholarship Review

Our modern world appears to lack a way to find truth. Philosophically, this problem is formulated in a manner of knowing which never gets beyond the subject of the universe; even objectivity in the universe is arguable. The effort called empirical science then gives us conclusions that regularly perpetuate an unstable world. Due to this real subjective empirical constraint, the usual approach to therapeutic Counseling offers methods focused on the individual obtaining skills and conceptions that function to mitigate the apparent and ubiquitous problem of modernity. Empirical science, whether it be physical, biological or phenomenal, has left us with only …

A Phenomenological Study Of Felt Sense Among Beginning Counselors, Perry Peace, Sondra Smith-Adcock

Teaching and Supervision in Counseling

This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of felt sense among six graduate counseling students. Each participant engaged in two semi-structured interviews and completed a journal of felt sense experiences. A Hermeneutic phenomenological method was used to analyze interview transcripts and journals. Findings, as well as implications for counselor education, supervision, and counseling practice, are discussed.

Moments Of Reflection: A Phenomenological Study Of Preservice Teacher Reflection, Jane Ferris

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

Transitioning from their training programs to their own classrooms, new teachers may feel a disconnect between what they learned and what they experience. To help with this transition and to promote teachers’ abilities to respond to the varying and unique needs of their students and schools, teacher training programs, beginning in the 1980s, have incorporated the use of reflective practice. Reflection provides teachers an opportunity to engage with their experiences in such a way that prereflective understandings, assumptions, biases, and beliefs may be identified. Reviewed literature suggests that teacher training programs do not clearly define and implement reflection instruction into …

Epistemological Issues In Counselor Preparation: An Examination Of Constructivist And Phenomenological Assumptions, Brett D. Wilkinson, Gary Shank, Fred Hanna

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

This article clarifies how the epistemological issues of belief justification and truth values relate to counselor preparation methods. Exploring constructivism and phenomenology in detail as well as aspects of positivism relevant to counselor education, we highlight how specific philosophical assumptions about student learning inform counselor education. We propose that counselor educators and researchers may benefit from exploring phenomenology as a supplementary instructional approach to constructivism.

A Phenomenological Study Of The Lived Experiences Of Counseling Students In A Co-Facilitated Experiential Group, Alexandra Meyers

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Research in the fields of experiential learning, group psychotherapy, and neuroscience has supported the inclusion of the experiential group in counseling training programs due to the potential for positive impact on students’ personal and professional development (Badenoch & Cox, 2010; Denninger, 2010). Investigations exploring counseling students’ experiences of the experiential group have been primarily limited to quantitative studies, while in-depth qualitative inquiry has been minimal. Additionally, an extensive review of the literature has found there have been no qualitative studies examining experiential groups co-facilitated by a course instructor and a doctoral student. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to …

The Phenomenal Space Of Soulful Silence, Ellen Wimmer

Counseling and Family Therapy Scholarship Review

Where has silence gone? What does this mean for the spiritual soul? This analysis utilizes a phenomenological and qualitative lens to assess the way silence and the soul interact. The author posits that the relationship between silence and the soul, or soulful silence, creates a space to learn about the powerful phenomena that shape us. Through imagery, metaphor, and personal reflection the author embarks on a descriptive journey to explore what we learn by sitting in soulful silence, the phenomenological and spiritual implications of soulful silence, and how one must first become intimately familiar with their own soulful silence …

A Sociopolitical View Of Mental Health: An Exploration Of The Lived Experiences Of Policymakers Regarding Their Perspectives Surrounding Mental Health Policy Construction, Katie C. Fetzer

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

A substantial gap exists between those who are considered experts on mental health (e.g., academics, mental health professionals) and those in charge of constructing mental health policies (e.g., legislators, Senators). This gap is in areas of both knowledge and professional relations. Mental health professionals are not adequately trained to engage in policy advocacy and reform efforts and have little to no policy advocacy training (Smith, Reynolds, & Rovnak, 2009). Policymakers lack necessary knowledge related to mental health for effective mental health policy construction (Corrigan, Druss, & Perlick, 2014; Lee, Smith, & Henry, 2013). As a result of this gap, mental …

Godspeed: Counselor Education Doctoral Student Experiences From Diverse Religious And Spiritual Backgrounds, Alyse M. Anekstein, Lynn Bohecker, Tiffany Nielson, Hailey Martinez

The Qualitative Report

Amidst growing literature regarding the importance of spirituality within counseling and counselor education, little is known of the experiences of doctoral students regarding their religious and spiritual backgrounds while matriculating through their doctoral program. This research explored the experiences of four researcher-participant counselor education doctoral students from diverse religious and spiritual backgrounds. This exploration deepened their understanding of the role their religious and spiritual identities played in their thoughts, emotions, challenges, and strengths of their experiences. A phenomenological autoethnography method was used for this study. A unique data analysis procedure was developed called Integrative Group Process Phenomenology (IGPP), which was …

An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis Of Doctoral Counselor Education Students' Experience Of Receiving Cybersupervision, Sara Bender, Deborah J. Rubel, Cass Dykeman

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

Cybersupervision with counselor education doctoral students is an understudied practice. This phenomenological study explored five doctoral-level counselor education supervisees’ lived experiences engaging in cybersupervision, Their experiences, which were embedded in their converging professional roles, included skepticism and anxiety, learning and growth in their relationship with supervisors, and unique context-dependent meaning making. Limitations and implications for practice and future research are discussed.

A Phenomenological Study Of Counseling Students’ Experiences With Ambiguity, Stephani A. B. Jahn, Sondra Smith-Adcock

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

Six master’s-level counseling students were interviewed about their phenomenological experiences of ambiguity in counselor preparation. Analysis revealed five themes: students’ preparation for ambiguous experiences, ambiguities of counselor preparation, accompanying overwhelming feelings, coping approaches, and self-assurance gained from facing ambiguity. These findings have implications for counselor education and supervision.

A Phenomenological Inquiry Into The Shared Lived Experience Of Married Male Doctoral Students In Counselor Education And Their Non-Student Spouses, Anthony Suarez

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Research involving married doctoral students has suggested that they face a unique set of circumstances that include benefits, challenges, and changes. Additional research has highlighted the culture within Counselor Education and Supervision (CES) programs. While there are some studies that explore the experiences of married graduate students in counseling-related fields, very little literature exists that explores married students in CES programs. No such studies focus on the experiences of married male students in CES.

The purpose of this study was to explore the shared lived experiences of married male doctoral students in Counselor Education and Supervision (CES) programs and their …

Walking On Eggshells: The Lived Experience Of Partners Of Veterans With Ptsd, Tiffany A. Beks

The Qualitative Report

This phenomenological study examined the descriptions of lived experience among female partners of veteran men with combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) via internet discussion forums. Personal, self-initiated written accounts of 30 partners were analyzed with respect to meaning, challenges, coping responses, and role in veterans’ healing and rehabilitation. Following data analysis, five descriptive themes emerged: all-consuming effect of the illness, walking on eggshells, ambiguous loss, alone, and facing PTSD as a unit. The central meaning of these themes describes the widespread priority of the veterans’ illness, and the resulting isolation, grief, and apprehension experienced by intimate partners as they assume …

Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis: A Contemporary Phenomenological Approach, Raissa M. Miller, Casey A. Barrio Minton

Counselor Education Faculty Publications and Presentations

Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) is a contemporary qualitative research method grounded in phenomenology, hermeneutics, and idiography. The philosophical principles and rigorous methodology make this approach well suited for research in counselor education and supervision. This primer introduces counselor educators to IPA theory and methodology and discusses considerations for implementation.