Date of Conferral
6-4-2024
Date of Award
June 2024
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Counselor Education and Supervision
Advisor
Nicole Bradley
Abstract
Exposure to trauma continues to be a significant issue for many individuals and is one of the leading reasons why clients seek counseling. Therefore, more trauma-informed and effective counseling interventions are needed to address the impact of trauma. Brainspotting has begun to rise in recognition as an intervention to treat trauma. The purpose of this qualitative transcendental phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of counselors trained in brainspotting with clients who have experienced trauma. The phenomenological study followed Husserl’s framework to understand the essence of the lived experiences of 12 counselors who integrate brainspotting with clients who have experienced trauma. Yin’s five phases of data analysis were used to hand code data and make meaning from the counselors‘ experiences. The five themes that emerged from their experiences include (a) counselors should engage in brainspotting as a client, (b) psychoeducation can help clients to overcome resistance or barriers with brainspotting, (c) consultation with other brainspotting providers can help to improve practices with clients who have experienced trauma, (d) brainspotting is flexible to meet the needs of clients, and (e) brainspotting leads to positive outcomes for clients who have experienced trauma. The study adds to existing literature on the treatment of trauma and advances the practice of brainspotting. The study also provides information that can be used to improve the clinical practice of brainspotting to treat clients who have experienced trauma.
Recommended Citation
Deveau, Tina, "The Lived Experiences of Counselors Trained in Brainspotting with Clients Who Have Experienced Trauma" (2024). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 15904.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/15904
