Date

8-20-2026

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling (EdD)

Chair

Richard Green

Keywords

African Americans, coaching, counseling, help-seeking, life coaching

Disciplines

Counseling

Abstract

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of African American adults who have used life coaching services, as well as their attitudes toward counseling. The study focused on understanding these individuals’ experience with life coaching, the effects it had on them, and if their experience influenced them to attend counseling services. The study aimed to answer the following research questions: How do African American participants describe their experiences with life coaching? How do African American participants perceive the value of life coaching for their problems and issues? What re the participants’ perceptions and thoughts on counseling and if after life coaching they would consider using counseling services? The theories guiding this study were Carl Rogers’ person-centered therapy and Kurt Lewin’s person-environment fit theory. An eligibility questionnaire, semi-structured interviews, and a focus group with African American adults aged 18 years and older were used to collect data. The interviews and focus group were transcribed and coded, and the data in the transcripts were analyzed for any similarities and differences across participants, organized into themes, and interpreted. The study found the majority of participants had positive experiences with their life coach, which led to positive outcomes. The results of the study also showed that most participants lacked an understanding of what counseling entailed and what a counselor really does.

Download

Included in

Counseling Commons

Share

COinS