Research
An Exploration of Young Clients' Experiences in Counseling With Post-Master's Counselors
Corrine R. Sackett,
Ryan M. Cook,
Corresponding Author
Corrine R. Sackett
Department of Education and Human Development, Clemson University
Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Corrine R. Sackett, Department of Education and Human Development, Clemson University, 307 Gantt Circle, Clemson, SC 29634 (email: csacket@clemson.edu).Search for more papers by this authorRyan M. Cook
Department of Educational Studies in Psychology, Research Methodology, and Counseling, The University of Alabama
Search for more papers by this authorCorrine R. Sackett,
Ryan M. Cook,
Corresponding Author
Corrine R. Sackett
Department of Education and Human Development, Clemson University
Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Corrine R. Sackett, Department of Education and Human Development, Clemson University, 307 Gantt Circle, Clemson, SC 29634 (email: csacket@clemson.edu).Search for more papers by this authorRyan M. Cook
Department of Educational Studies in Psychology, Research Methodology, and Counseling, The University of Alabama
Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
This phenomenological study adds to current literature about clients' meaningful experiences in counseling by exploring the experiences of eight young clients (ages 8–18) in individual counseling with post-master's counselors in an outpatient setting. Interviews with these clients revealed the following six themes: (a) the process of growth, (b) having a safe place to talk, (c) counselor accepts and meets the client where they are, (d) counseling is a team effort, (e) supportive accountability from the counselor, and (f) understanding self and others. The final theme includes two subthemes: learning coping and emotion management skills, and learning better ways to communicate and behave. Findings and implications for counselors are discussed.
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