Understanding the Lived Experiences of Students of Color in Graduate Counseling Education: Implications for Educators and Leaders

• In Event: Racial Identity and Healing: Insights From Diverse Experiences in Counseling Education

Abstract

The presentation will share a qualitative study to understand the lived experiences of students of color enrolled in Graduate Counseling Education (GCE) master’s-level programs in California, United States, given there are a limited number of studies focusing on the experiences of students of color in master’s level GCE in California. A phenomenological approach was used, and participants included 25 students of color from five GCE master’s-level programs in California. The following three main themes emerged in the findings: (a) Social Support, (b) Structural and Interpersonal Racism, and (c) Administrative and Leadership Needs. Implications of findings and recommendations indicate social supports, addressing structural racism, and administrative and leadership needs help to increase academic success for students of color in GCE programs.

Author

• Ulash Thakore-Dunlap, California State University - East Bay