The study presented explores master ’s-level counseling students’ experiences in a high-stakes experiential research activity embedded within a research methods course. Grounded in Kolb’s Experiential Learning Model and Interpretative Phenomenological method, students engaged in applied learning, reflection, and meaning-making. Findings of this study illuminated how experiential engagement deepens research competence, emotional awareness, and the development of research practitioner identity.
This session presents findings from a hermeneutic phenomenological study of counselors working with multilayered complex trauma. Results highlight trauma work as a dialectical process involving strain, embodiment, institutional pressures, and meaning-making. Attendees will gain practical strategies to support counselor well-being, supervision, and sustainable trauma-informed practice.
Elements of the novel eye-movement protocol will be shared, followed by results of this quantitative clinical trial, meant to help confirm results of the pilot study. This quasi-experimental design had no control group but included pretest, midway, and posttest scores for PTSD frequency and severity, depression, anxiety, and ER using repeated measures analyses. Results showed significant reductions in depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms, along with significant improvement in ER.
This presentation will examine the impact of mental health on clients with chronic pain from a counseling perspective. The presenters will review the current assessment tools available for chronic pain. Furthermore, the presenters will discuss the impact of mental health on chronic pain. Finally, the presenters will provide implications related to the assessment of mental health factors with chronic pain clients.
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a public health issue affecting adults and children across multiple levels of family and social functioning, yet disclosure is often limited by fear, safety concerns and systemic barriers. This session examines the Kinetic Family Drawing (KFD) as a trauma‑ and violence‑informed art therapy tool to identify family dynamics, trauma indicators, and unspoken IPV experiences within a comprehensive assessment, while supporting rapport‑building and treatment planning.
Professional Counseling programs face increased pressure to demonstrate their value and effectiveness to secure vital resources. This roundtable discussion will explore strategies for using data to demonstrate impact and advocate for resources to support Professional Counseling programs. We will discuss types of data that are persuasive when engaging with administrators and other key stakeholders. We will also address common barriers to data collection and strategies to overcome those barriers.
