Path Analysis Of Person, Socio-Cognitive, Environmental Factors On International Counseling Students’ Researcher Development,
2025
University of Northern Iowa
Path Analysis Of Person, Socio-Cognitive, Environmental Factors On International Counseling Students’ Researcher Development, Priyanka Jha
Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations
Counseling and counselor education programs consider researcher development as a core component of professional development, preparing students and scholars to contribute to knowledge and evidence-based practices in the field. Despite this importance, researcher development remains understudied, especially for international graduate students in counseling and counselor education programs. Guided by the Social Cognitive Career Theory framework, this dissertation quantitively examined the impact of person, socio-cognitive, and environmental factors on researcher development for international graduate students. This study was correlational in nature and adopted a cross-sectional survey design. The sample for the current study was 85 international graduate students or recent graduate …
Beyond Borders: Exploring Counselors’ Perceptions Of Multicultural Counseling Competencies Following Cultural Immersion,
2025
Northern Illinois University
Beyond Borders: Exploring Counselors’ Perceptions Of Multicultural Counseling Competencies Following Cultural Immersion, Kassandra M. Kavanaugh
Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations
Research has revealed that cultural immersion can increase multicultural counseling competencies in counselors-in-training (Barden & Cashwell, 2014; Barden et al., 2015; Choi & Protivnak, 2016; Dietz & Baker, 2019; Gaia, 2015; Wathen & Kleist, 2015). In light of the increasing diversity within the counseling profession and cultural competency continuing education requirements, the examination of cultural immersion as a means of shaping counselors' cultural competence is both justified and imperative. By utilizing interpretive phenomenological analysis, five participants were interviewed to better understand professional counselors’ perceptions of their multicultural counseling competencies following cultural immersion. The results from this study identified five themes, …
Embodied Affliction: Somalis’ Perception Of Trauma,
2025
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Embodied Affliction: Somalis’ Perception Of Trauma, Ahmed M. Hassan
All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects
Somali immigrants and refugees have a high rate of trauma, mainly because of their traumatic experiences during the Somali civil war and subsequent migration. Nevertheless, they do not readily access available psychological services in the countries to which they migrate. Research of the past two decades has revealed that different cultures conceptualize and communicate mental distress differently from one another. Those differences affect how Western mental health providers approach the treatment of clients who immigrate from an unfamiliar culture to Western countries, where the biomedical model of mental health dominates the health care system. Improved cultural awareness and communication between …
Mental Heath Experiences Of Transracial Adoptees Of The Global Majority (Black, Indigenous, And People Of Color - Bipoc).,
2025
Antioch University Seattle
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 …
Exploring The Use Of Somatic Skills And Techniques In Clinical Supervision,
2025
Antioch University Seattle
Exploring The Use Of Somatic Skills And Techniques In Clinical Supervision, Areka D. Foster
Antioch University Dissertations & Theses
This study explores the lived experiences of clinical supervisors who engage in somatically oriented supervision. Informed by relational-cultural theory and polyvagal theory, the research employs a grounded theory methodology to investigate the potential development of a somatic supervision framework. Eleven participants completed semi-structured interviews and data were analyzed using both thematic analysis and grounded theory techniques. Eleven core themes emerged: (a) conceptualizations of somatic supervision, (b) integration of somatic techniques in supervisory practice, (c) theoretical foundations for somatic supervision, (d) attunement to countertransference, (e) the supervisory relationship, (f) trauma-informed approaches, (g) somatic techniques and practices, (h) initiating and structuring somatic …
Initial Validation Of The Measure Of Practical Existential Wellbeing,
2025
Antioch University
Initial Validation Of The Measure Of Practical Existential Wellbeing, Bryant L. Moore
Antioch University Dissertations & Theses
According to the theory of existential psychology, all humans experience existential anxiety, a negative feeling that results from the understanding of certain unavoidable truths. If left unchecked, existential anxiety can lead to symptoms of mental illness. Much work has been done to explore and measure existential anxiety, but little has focused on protective factors within existential theory. This dissertation proposes the construct of existential wellbeing, representing protective factors corresponding to different existential domains. To assess this construct, a new instrument, the Measure of Practical Existential Wellbeing (MPEW), was developed, distributed, and analyzed in relation to other established measures. The MPEW …
Exploring The Perceptions Of Technology Use Of Clinicians And Their Clients,
2025
Antioch University
Exploring The Perceptions Of Technology Use Of Clinicians And Their Clients, Chase M. Torbergson
Antioch University Dissertations & Theses
The research question guiding this study was: What is the perceived understanding of technology use by clinicians for their work with clients? Fourteen participants completed an online qualitative survey exploring their experiences with technology and media in clinical practice. A thematic analysis revealed four primary themes. The first theme, variations in counselor online media usage, highlighted differences in how counselors engaged with online platforms for education, client connection, and self-care. The second theme, counselor assessment of, and dialogue around, online media use, captured varying levels of intentionality in exploring clients’ digital habits, ranging from minimal inquiry to regular, structured discussions. …
Self-Awareness And Self-Efficacy In The Novice Professional Phase Of Marriage And Family Therapists After Person Of The Therapist Training, A Comparative Survey,
2025
St. Mary's University
Self-Awareness And Self-Efficacy In The Novice Professional Phase Of Marriage And Family Therapists After Person Of The Therapist Training, A Comparative Survey, Rubio Betsabé
Dissertations
The study focuses on examining the influence of person-of-the-therapist or self-of-the-therapist training on therapists’ self-reports of self-awareness (as a conscious awareness of one’s internal states and interactions with others) and self-efficacy (perceived beliefs in personal capabilities to perform in ways that give control over events that affect their lives) at the novice professional stage of their career. The study will examine the experiences reported by mental health providers actively providing clinical care by utilizing a survey design focusing on person of the therapist connecting through alumni lists and online solicitation. This research adds to the current literature by using a …
What About The Children? An Exploration Of Family Counselors' Play Therapy Training And Preparedness To Integrate Children Into Family Counseling,
2025
St. Mary's University
What About The Children? An Exploration Of Family Counselors' Play Therapy Training And Preparedness To Integrate Children Into Family Counseling, Patricia J. Walker Monical
Dissertations
Children are an important part of families, yet family counselor education programs often do not incorporate training for including children in family counseling. At some point in their careers, family counselors and therapists will encounter clients who have children 3–12 years old. The problem is that since these professionals often receive little to no training in play therapy and thus do not typically include young children in family therapy, these younger family members are often overlooked. Research has confirmed that, due to a lack of sufficient training and supervision in play therapy, many family therapists report feeling unprepared to work …
A Ticket To The Show: Reclaiming The Margins Of Film History Through The Orphan Film Movement,
2025
Antioch University
A Ticket To The Show: Reclaiming The Margins Of Film History Through The Orphan Film Movement, Charlotte Roi
Antioch University Dissertations & Theses
This dissertation explores the history, development, and legacy of the Orphan Film Movement (OFM), a vital initiative dedicated to identifying, preserving, and promoting cinematic works that have been neglected, forgotten, or left without clear copyright holders. Through the lens of Critical Archival Theory, the research traces the emergence of the OFM from its foundational roots in the broader film preservation movement and examines its evolution through academic, institutional, and community-based advocacy. Drawing on historical research, symposium analysis, and theoretical engagement, this study demonstrates how the OFM reshapes historical narratives, democratizes preservation practices, and redefines what constitutes cultural memory in film …
Exploration Of Mystical Experiences And Relationship Changes: An Ayahuasca Study,
2025
Antioch University
Exploration Of Mystical Experiences And Relationship Changes: An Ayahuasca Study, Ginny Jo Reyes
Antioch University Dissertations & Theses
This mixed-methodology dissertation explores how participation in ayahuasca ceremonies at Rythmia Life Advancement Center (Costa Rica) influences relationship dynamics within couples. Looking at this in combination with self-reported mental health changes, the connection to mystical experiences are navigated. Statistical significance and narratives are explored; this study steps into the gap between ancient plant medicine traditions and the modern search for meaning, healing, and connection. Grounded in a social constructionist lens, the study combines pre- and post-surveys (CAGE-AID pre-only; MAT, KMS, RHS, PSS, GAD-7, PHQ-9; MEQ-30 post-only) with semistructured interviews. Quantitatively, participants showed significant reductions in stress, anxiety, and depression, with …
Scrupulosity: A Comprehensive Review Of The Research,
2025
Antioch University
Scrupulosity: A Comprehensive Review Of The Research, Julie M. Painley
Antioch University Dissertations & Theses
This dissertation presents a comprehensive analysis of the current research on scrupulosity, a subtype of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) characterized by intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors related to religious and moral concerns. The dissertation identifies key similarities and differences from OCD, and directs focus to thematically related yet unsubstantiated theoretical work in psychology that helps elucidate the core features and etiological factors of scrupulosity as differentiated from other OCD subtypes. The study addresses the critical dearth of research on scrupulosity, aiming to fill significant gaps in the literature regarding its historical context, varied presentation and prevalence in different cultural contexts, and …
The Lived Experiences Of Trauma In Autistic Adults: A Thematic Analysis,
2025
Antioch University Seattle
The Lived Experiences Of Trauma In Autistic Adults: A Thematic Analysis, Briana Trageser
Antioch University Dissertations & Theses
A qualitative research study focused on Autistic adults explored the lived experiences of trauma. Participants included Autistic adults who have either been professionally diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder or who self-identify as Autistic. Data was collected through a survey with 12 open-ended questions. A thematic analysis revealed six themes: (a) adverse childhood experiences, (b) exposure to violence and loss, (c) difficulty relating to others, (d) complex mind and sensory experiences, (e) medical and mental health challenges, and (f) autistic identity. The themes revealed instances of Autistic people experiencing trauma in ways that differ and vary in clinical presentation from their …
For Black College Students Who Considered Dropping Out When Grit Wasn’T Enough: A Mixed Methods Study Exploring The Influence Of Family Messaging On Collegiate Outcomes,
2025
Antioch University
For Black College Students Who Considered Dropping Out When Grit Wasn’T Enough: A Mixed Methods Study Exploring The Influence Of Family Messaging On Collegiate Outcomes, Dawn M. Wilson
Antioch University Dissertations & Theses
Black college student outcomes are well researched areas in education literature. This dissertation sought to explore the influence of academic and ethnic racial socialization on experiences of shame and guilt and examine the association of those relationships on Black college student retention and persistence. This study employed an explanatory sequential mixed methods design to investigate the socialization experiences of 272 Black college students in the US. Conditional process model analyses revealed that academic socialization is associated with experiences of guilt and shame—guilt predicted improved retention outcomes, while shame predicted lower retention outcomes. The analysis also revealed that while ethnic racial …
How Marriage And Family Therapy Graduate Programs Awaken, Develop, And Teach Clinical Intuition: A Hermeneutic Qualitative Phenomenological Study,
2025
Antioch University
How Marriage And Family Therapy Graduate Programs Awaken, Develop, And Teach Clinical Intuition: A Hermeneutic Qualitative Phenomenological Study, Jessica Fountas
Antioch University Dissertations & Theses
This research explored how marriage and family therapy graduate programs awaken, develop, and teach clinical intuition. Using criterion-based sampling and snowball sampling, six licensed marriage and family therapists participated in a two-step hermeneutic phenomenological study consisting of individual semistructured interviews and a follow-up focus group. Requirements for participation were licensed marriage and family therapists who were in clinical practice, had experienced the phenomenon of clinical intuition and awakening of clinical intuition, and used clinical intuition in therapy with clients and in systemic supervision with supervisees. The research findings highlighted 14 themes: Reflection of the Experience of Clinical Intuition; Bodily Knowing, …
A Phenomenological Study Of How Parents Of Lgbtqia+ Youth Experience School-Based Sex Education,
2025
Antioch University
A Phenomenological Study Of How Parents Of Lgbtqia+ Youth Experience School-Based Sex Education, Alisha Bachman
Antioch University Dissertations & Theses
Empirical research on LGBTQIA+ youth and Comprehensive Sex Education is scarce and now, due to the current political climate, is under threat. Utilizing an interpretive phenomenological approach applying ecological systems and queer theory, this study explored the lived experiences of how parents of LGBTQIA+ youth perceive school-based comprehensive sex education. By isolating the phenomenon of comprehensive sex education, this study focused on the immediate context of influence that comprehensive sex education makes on LGBTQIA+ youth and families. This research used data collected through semi-structured interviews with nine different parents. Four themes emerged from the data: Communication and Education about Sexuality …
Memento Mori: A Photo-Elicit Narrative Analysis On Grief,
2025
Antioch University Seattle
Memento Mori: A Photo-Elicit Narrative Analysis On Grief, Jared Becknell
Antioch University Dissertations & Theses
Training and education about grief counseling has been stagnant, stalling the creativity and novel practice when working with bereaved individuals. Counselors in Training often receive minimal education and training in grief, even though clients will ultimately experience this phenomenon. Qualitative research findings provide insights into how individuals actively engage in the grieving process, while promoting their own versions of healing and acceptance through the artifacts kept from deceased loved ones. These findings explore the lived experience of individuals who keep artifacts from a deceased loved one. Results show an active participation in reconnecting to the deceased versus addressing grief symptoms …
Reality Shock And Systemic Strain: Understanding The Lived Experiences Of Pre-Licensed Mental Health Counselors,
2025
Antioch University Seattle
Reality Shock And Systemic Strain: Understanding The Lived Experiences Of Pre-Licensed Mental Health Counselors, Sara Al-Khedairy
Antioch University Dissertations & Theses
The counseling profession is struggling to meet the rising demand for mental health care due to a growing workforce shortage driven by burnout, inadequate support, and low compensation—pressures that disproportionately impact pre-licensed clinicians. Despite their critical role in sustaining the field, pre-licensed counselors often face systemic barriers with little structural support. This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of pre-licensed clinical mental health clinicians through social-ecological and reality shock theories. Participants included 14 pre-licensed clinical mental health counselors who had graduated from CACREP-accredited programs within the last five years. Individual interviews were conducted to gain a deeper understanding of participants’ …
Exploring The Lived Experience Of Grief In Adults With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder,
2025
Antioch University Seattle
Exploring The Lived Experience Of Grief In Adults With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Martina Bauer
Antioch University Dissertations & Theses
The purpose of this phenomenological descriptive-interpretive study was to understand the lived experience of maintaining attention to one’s responsibilities while grieving among adults diagnosed with ADHD who have recently experienced bereavement in the United States. The population for this study included adults aged 18 and over who had experienced the loss of a loved one in the past 5 years and had a current diagnosis of ADHD. Participants were recruited using a sample of convenience via social media, email, and flyers, employing a snowball sampling technique. There were eight participants who met the inclusion criteria and participated in a semi-structured …
Bisexuality: An Individual's Direction Is Society's Detour,
2025
Antioch University Seattle
Bisexuality: An Individual's Direction Is Society's Detour, Madisyn J. Roberts
Antioch University Dissertations & Theses
This dissertation explores the lived experiences of self-identified bisexual adults through a qualitative, narrative inquiry approach that centers how folx construct their story of sexuality and individual meaning making capacities based on held intersections of identity. Using Queer theory and intersectionality as a theoretical framework, this study investigates and advocates that sexual orientation is not validated or invalidated by its fluidity but aims to understand how bisexuality is an integrative part of an individual’s identity. This dissertation explores how society’s tendency to view sexuality as divided between heterosexuality and homosexuality erases the complexity and spectrum of sexual orientations that exist …
