Date of Conferral

2-24-2026

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Counselor Education and Supervision

Advisor

Melinda Haley

Abstract

Black males remain incarcerated at higher rates than any other race. Those individuals trying to reintegrate into society face many challenges with little mental and emotional rehabilitation support. The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenology study was to improve the understanding of what contributes to successful reintegration and the mental health and emotional needs of formerly incarcerated Black males. Critical race theory (CRT) was used as a secondary lens to examine how race, systemic racism, and structural inequities shaped participants' experiences. This study examined the following research question: What are the experiences of Black males who were previously incarcerated and have successfully reintegrated into society? The sample included seven Black males throughout the United States. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis, guided by hermeneutic phenomenology and CRT. Analysis of the findings indicated that successful reintegration was not a singular outcome, but an ongoing, dynamic process characterized by identity reclamation, emotional healing, spiritual grounding, and purposeful engagement. Faith, mentorship, entrepreneurship, and self-reflection emerged as key themes supporting participant resilience and accountability. Reintegration success was defined less by external markers alone and more by internal shifts in identity, dignity, and purpose. Implications for counseling include the need for culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and strength-based interventions that validate lived experience and support identity reconstruction beyond behavioral compliance. The findings contribute to positive social change by challenging deficit-based narratives and advancing the understanding of Black males' capacity for growth, agency, and resilience following incarceration.

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