Date

11-11-2026

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling (EdD)

Chair

William Townsend

Keywords

Affective Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, ACBT, African American, military, Mental health providers, stigmas, Black, military personnel, culturally responsive therapy, military structure

Disciplines

Counseling | Psychology

Abstract

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe mental health providers’ lived experience with affective cognitive behavioral therapy (ACBT) in treating African American military personnel. Although ACBT has shown promise as a culturally responsive therapeutic approach, limited research has explored its application within military contexts for African American service members. Guided by Moustakas (1994) and Colaizzi’s (1978) phenomenological frameworks, data were collected through semistructured interviews with licensed mental health providers experienced in ACBT delivery. Data analysis followed an iterative process of equalization, thematic clustering, systemic challenges, and textural-structural synthesis to capture the essence of providers’ experiences. Findings highlight providers’ perspectives on cultural adaptation, therapeutic rapport, and factors influencing treatment delivery. This phenomenological study may help contribute to the theoretical understanding of culturally responsive psychotherapy, while introducing practical insights for clinical training, supervision, and military mental health policies aimed at minimizing disparities and improving outcomes for African American service members. This qualitative study incorporated the lived experiences of eight to 15 licensed mental health providers (MHPs) who integrate ACBT while working with African American military personnel.

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