Date of Conferral

11-11-2025

Date of Award

November 2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Counselor Education and Supervision

Advisor

Geneva Gray

Abstract

This constructivist grounded theory study examined how community-based mental health counselors perceive their preparedness to provide trauma-informed care. Guided by Charmaz’s constructivist grounded theory, semistructured interviews were analyzed through coding and constant comparison to co-construct meaning around counselors’ lived experiences. This study explored how counselors define, develop, and sustain preparedness for trauma-informed care. The purpose was to generate an interpretive understanding of how counselors constructed meaning around their preparedness, including how training, supervision, and professional experiences shaped their ability to serve trauma-affected clients. Participants included 12 master’s-level licensed and pre-licensed community-based mental health counselors with experience serving trauma-affected clients. Findings revealed that preparedness is a dynamic process influenced by individual, organizational, and systemic factors. Counselors identified trauma-specific training, supervision, and experiential learning as essential supports, while resilience and cultural competence enhanced confidence and effectiveness. Participants also reported insufficient graduate training and limited resources as barriers to sustaining trauma-informed practice. The resulting theory conceptualized preparedness as an ongoing process of continuous learning, reflection, and support. Recommendations include integrating trauma-informed content into counselor education, expanding supervision opportunities, and strengthening agency support systems. The study’s implications for positive social change include advancing counselor competence, improving trauma-informed care, and fostering more resilient and equitable communities.

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