The Effects of COVID-19 on Counselor-in-Training Resilience: A Case Study

Authors

Anthony L. Suarez, Valparaiso UniversityFollow
Alishia Elliott, Valparaiso UniversityFollow
Bonni A. Behrend, Missouri State UniversityFollow
Chris L. Carver, Bellevue UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Keywords

COVID-19, pandemic, resilience, counselors-in-training, counseling students

Subject Area

Counseling, Counselor Education, Mental Health Counseling

Abstract

Contemporary literature in counseling suggests that resilience is a protective factor in preventing burnout among counselors and counselors-in-training. The strategies that counseling students have historically relied on to learn resilient habits have been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but the implications for students are still unknown. This qualitative case study examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on 17 counselors-in-training, their adjustments through a resilience lens, and students’ perspectives on the response of their program in support of pandemic-related challenges. Findings of the current study pinpoint specific causes of counseling students’ psychological distress, as well as the social and academic ramifications. Findings also highlight coping strategies that may increase resilience among counselors-in-training. Implications and recommendations for counseling programs are included.

Recommended Citation

Suarez, A. L., Elliott, A., Behrend, B. A., & Carver, C. L. (2022). The Effects of COVID-19 on Counselor-in-Training Resilience: A Case Study. Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision, 15(2). Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.sacredheart.edu/jcps/vol15/iss2/19