Understanding counselors’ experiences of treating racial trauma: a qualitative study

Abstract

The purpose of this generic qualitative study is to understand how U.S. counselors describe their training and experiences in treating racial trauma with clients of color. By exploring the perspectives and practices of counselors, this study sought to provide an in-depth understanding of how mental health professionals navigate the complexities of addressing racial trauma within their therapeutic settings and how well their CACREP-accredited counseling programs prepared them. The findings revealed that counselors use various counseling approaches, including traditional counseling theories and evidence-based modalities, and often had to modify their approach to better serve the clients due to their experiences with racism. Further research should include incorporating education and training about racial trauma into counseling program curriculum, the impact of counselors’ intersectional identities on their ability to treat racial trauma effectively, and the role of clinical supervision in supporting counselors in their work treating racial trauma with clients of color.