White Counselors' Conceptualization of Privilege and Oppression: Implications for Counselor Training

Abstract

The authors in this qualitative study explored how White counselors define and experience privilege and oppression. Specifically, 2 research questions were addressed in semistructured interviews with 8 counselors: How do White counselors conceptualize privilege and oppression as separate but related constructs= and What experiences do White counselors generally describe concerning privilege and oppression? The authors present a research model that represents the factors that contribute to changes in the conceptualization and awareness of privilege and oppression and the way that these changes come about. Implications for counselor training are discussed.