Black female doctoral students’ mentorship experiences in counselor education

ABSTRACT In this transcendental phenomenological investigation, we used qualitative research methodology to explore the mentorship experiences and challenges of Black female doctoral students (N = 10). The participants represented the North Central, North Atlantic, and Southern regions of the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision. Five themes were uncovered as a result of the interviews: (a) gender and ethnic match, (b) desired qualities of the mentoring relationship, (c) support, (d) isolating and negative experiences, and (e) coping and meaning making. We offer suggestions for ways to increase equality within counselor education programs and recommendations for creating mentorship programs in order to provide underrepresented populations professional opportunities and equitable experiences for Black women in counselor education programs.