Date of Conferral

4-24-2026

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Counselor Education and Supervision

Advisor

Corinne Bridges

Abstract

Emotional intelligence (EI) is a critical competency for counselors due to the relational and emotionally demanding nature of counseling. Although existing literature explored EI among Black women broadly, limited research examined the experiences of Black women counselors (BWCs). This descriptive phenomenological study was guided by the philosophy of phenomenology and explored the lived experiences and impact of the SBW cultural convention on the EI of BWCs. The researcher explored the lived experiences of BWCs regarding the SBW cultural convention and its impact on emotional intelligence. Participant data from eight semi-structured interviews were collected. The participants identified as female gender identity, assigned female at birth, BWCs who understood the SBW cultural convention and felt it impacted their EI, and were from various socioeconomic backgrounds. Data analysis using Giorgi’s descriptive phenomenological method resulted in eight emergent themes: intergenerational transmission of strength and survival, cultural heritage and identity formation, duality and complexity, faith as a foundational source of strength and resilience, healing through therapeutic engagement, the negative side of seeking help, professional identity development, and EI and self-awareness within the context of cultural strength norms. This study contributes to counseling literature by examining how culturally embedded expectations shape emotional awareness and wellness. Implications highlight the need for counselor education programs, supervision, and professional development to address strength norms while promoting emotional expression, boundary setting, and help seeking to support well-being and sustainable professional engagement among BWCs.

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