Date of Conferral

7-9-2026

Date of Award

July 2026

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Counselor Education and Supervision

Advisor

Rebecca Cowan

Abstract

The prevalence of trauma across clinical settings and limited trauma training for clinicians can negatively affect trauma survivors. The impact of novice clinicians’ lack of preparedness and its implications for clients should be important considerations for educators, supervisors, and policymakers. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the lived experiences of novice counselors and their preparedness to work with trauma survivors. Grounded in descriptive phenomenology, this study explored participants’ perceived preparedness to work with trauma survivors and the ways these experiences may inform counselor education and supervision. Participants were provisionally licensed counselors within three years of graduating from a CACREP-accredited master’s program. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 participants and analyzed using Giorgi’s descriptive phenomenological method. Findings indicate that trauma is encountered across diverse client populations and settings, reinforcing the need for trauma-informed training. Participants described entering the workforce with varying levels of preparedness, which influenced their confidence and competence when working with trauma survivors. Therefore, integrating trauma-informed education throughout counseling programs may strengthen counselors’ perceived readiness for practice. Findings also highlight the importance of ongoing supervision and professional development to help novice counselors build competence and mitigate burnout. Social change implications include strengthening the integration of trauma-informed care across counselor education, supervision, CACREP standards, and training to improve outcomes for trauma-impacted individuals and communities.

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