A Phenomenological Study of the Experiences of Master’s Level Students of Color in Counseling Programs

Abstract

This qualitative study investigated the training experiences of 12 students of color in Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs-accredited master’s-level counseling programs using semi-structured phenomenological interviews. The 12 participants identified as Asian American (n = 2), Japanese American (n = 1), Chinese (n = 1), Black (n = 1), African American (n = 1), Latino and/or Hispanic (n = 3), and multiracial (n = 3). We used interpretive phenomenological analysis and identified three main themes: cultural marginalization, biculturalism, and safe or counter-hegemonic relationships. Training implications for counselor education programs are provided.