Date
3-22-2024
Department
School of Behavioral Sciences
Degree
Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling (EdD)
Chair
Andrea Barbian-Keith
Keywords
counselors, self-efficacy, perceptions, life experiences
Disciplines
Counseling | Psychology
Recommended Citation
Kennedy, Melissa S., "Counselors Perception of Life Experiences Affecting Their Longevity in Counseling" (2024). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 5309.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/5309
Abstract
The purpose of this phenomenological study is to examine counselor perceptions of life experiences on clinicians remaining in the counseling field. The theory guiding this study is self-efficacy as it relates to clinicians’ positive experiences that supported them in counseling over time. In total, 10 state-licensed mental health counselors participated in semi-structured interviews with the researcher. The data collected was analyzed for common themes from all interviews. The common themes included the following: personal trauma, intrinsic motivation, faith, community building, theoretical application, and enjoyable activities. Counselors should engage in more positive activities to increase longevity in counseling.
