A Phenomenological Investigation: Microaggressions and Counselors-in-Training

ABSTRACT

Counselor educators are charged with the responsibility of assisting counselors–in–training to gain knowledge about injustice and inequity in society. Individuals experience oppression and privilege in different ways depending on their identities of marginalized or majority status. This study examined microaggressions using written and photographic journals from 24 counselors–in–training through the lens of phenomenology. Participants identified four overarching themes in describing their experiences with microaggressions: denial, dismay, awareness, and action. Implications for training and future research are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Counselor education
• creativity in counseling
• journaling
• microaggressions
• phenomenology
• photography

Funding

This research was supported in part by a student research grant from the Association for Creativity in Counseling.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported in part by a student research grant from the Association for Creativity in Counseling.

Notes on contributors

Jennifer A. Smith

Jennifer A. Smith is in the Department of Applied Psychology and Counselor Education, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colorado.

Catherine Y. Chang

Catherine Y. Chang is in the Department of Counseling and Psychological Services, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia.

Jonathan J. Orr

Jonathan J. Orr is in the Department of Counseling and Psychological Services, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia.