Developing Grief-Informed Counselors: A Reflexive Thematic Developing Grief-Informed Counselors: A Reflexive Thematic Analysis of Counselors-in-Training’s Learning Experiences

Dr. Katherine M. Atkins and Dr. Sonya Lorelle conducted a qualitative study with counselors-in-training (CITs) to better understand what enables CITs to best develop knowledge, skills, and competence working with client grief that is often underexplored in CACREP programs. In this publication about their findings, I co-authored a literature review to better understand the current landscape of CIT readiness to work with grief.

The abstract is below, and the full article can be found here: https://research.library.kutztown.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1919&context=jcps

ABSTRACT

Grief remains underrepresented in counselor education despite its relevance across the lifespan and its inclusion in the 2024 Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) standards. This qualitative study explored how counselors-in-training (CITs) conceptualized grief and their developing professional role following participation in a structured grief education series. Eleven master’s-level CITs engaged in didactic instruction, experiential grief interventions, and reflective focus groups. Using reflexive thematic analysis, four interrelated themes were constructed that addressed grief conceptualization, counselor role development, integration of the personal self, and educational supports for grief competence. Findings reflected shifts toward relational, culturally responsive, and non-pathologizing approaches to grief. Implications highlight the importance of intentional curricular infusion, experiential learning, and reflexive practices to support ethical and developmentally responsive grief counseling.