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SUMMARY:Dissertation Defense: Kayla Toole
DESCRIPTION:Title: “NO ONE PREPARED ME”—A QUALITATIVE STUDY EXAMINING NOVICE COUNSELORS’ EXPERIENCES SERVING MANDATED CLIENTS \nAbbreviated Abstract: In the United States\, a substantial number of individuals participate in counseling because of mandates from external entities rather than voluntary self-referral (Choi et al.\, 2022). Mandated clients may be referred by a variety of systems\, including the criminal justice system\, courts\, child protective services\, employers\, and educational institutions\, requiring them to engage in counseling services (Ritchie\, 1986; Sotero et al.\, 2016). Novice counselors are likely to encounter mandated clients early in their careers\, particularly in community-based settings where mandated counseling is common (Freadling & Foss\, 2014; SAMHSA\, 2023). Although graduate training introduces some clinical interventions for working with mandated clients (Kim\, 2008; Doumas et al.\, 2019)\, novice counselors often receive limited preparation\, supervision\, and ongoing support (Kim et al.\, 2018; Aarons et al.\, 2009)\, leaving them to navigate challenges such as client resistance\, limited client motivation\, and the demands of involuntary counseling (Ritchie\, 1986; Lui et al.\, 2020; Cook et al.\, 2020). Together\, these factors increase the risk of counselor burnout and reduced job satisfaction\, particularly among novice counselors (Cook et al.\, 2021; Ellis et al.\, 2014; Cook & Sackett\, 2018; Morse et al.\, 2012). This study explored the lived experiences of novice counselors in providing counseling to mandated clients\, explored gaps in training and educational programming\, and explored the importance of supervision practices and counselor wellness. \n\nThrough Interpretative Phenomenological (IPA)\, this study explored novice counselors’ experiences of conceptualizing and counseling mandated clients (Smith et al.\, 2021). Data were gathered using semi-structured interviews then analyzed using a constructivists lens. Throughout data analysis\, five main themes emerged: Navigating the Complexities of Mandated Clients\, Learning through Immersion\, Feeling Unprepared for the Realities of Mandated Clients\, From Stigma to Understanding\, and Navigating the Emotional Demands of the Counselor Role along with multiple subthemes for each larger theme. This study identified a gap in counselor education and training related to counseling mandated clients and insights into improvements in counselor education\, training\, and supervision practices to improve counselor experiences with providing quality care to this vulnerable population while maintaining counselor wellness. Keywords: mandated counseling\, novice counselors\, counselor education\, systemic barriers\, counselor wellness\, counselor preparation\, interpretative phenomenological analysis
URL:https://grad.southernct.edu/event/dissertation-defense-kayla-toole/
LOCATION:Davis Hall\, Room 223\, 537 Fitch Street\, New Haven\, CT\, 06514\, United States
CATEGORIES:Defense
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SUMMARY:Dissertation Defense: Naa Opoku-Gyamfi
DESCRIPTION:Title: I’m Rooting for Everybody Black: A Heuristic Phenomenological Study on Racial Violence\, Trauma and Healing Among Black Women \nDissertation Committee: Dr. Durryle Brooks\, Dr. Louisa Foss\, Dr. Brandon Hutchinson \nAbbreviated Abstract: This study explores racial trauma through the stories of black women. Using a Critical Love Theory framework and heuristic phenomenology\, six themes emerge\, from racial harm and silencing to healing and counseling. Findings call for counseling. Findings call for counseling spaces that center black women’s voices and experiences\, shaping more effective training\, interventions and healing practices. \nBio: Naa Opoku-Gyamfi is a counselor\, educator\, and doctoral candidate at Southern Connecticut State University researching racial trauma and healing among Black women. She works as a Mental Health Clinician in higher education\, teaches as an adjunct professor\, and maintains a private therapy practice. Naa’s work integrates narrative practice\, de colonial frameworks\, and community-rooted mental health care.
URL:https://grad.southernct.edu/event/dissertation-defense-naa-opoku-gyamfi/
LOCATION:Davis Hall\, Room 223\, 537 Fitch Street\, New Haven\, CT\, 06514\, United States
CATEGORIES:Defense
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