Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision
Document Type
Empirical Research Article
Keywords
counselor education, inclusive teaching practices, intersectionality, advocacy
Subject Area
Counselor Education, Mental Health Counseling
Abstract
Counselor educators are responsible for promoting inclusive practices within educational institutions and the counseling field. Inclusive teaching promotes equity in education through a commitment to social justice in the classroom. However, many professional organizations fail to define inclusive andragogy and provide little guidance for counselor educators on how to implement these practices within their training programs. Thus, many educators struggle with personal and institutional barriers, as well as limited guidance on effectively implementing inclusive teaching practices. This quantitative study (N=129) explores barriers counselor educators face in infusing inclusive teaching practices, highlights ways to overcome those barriers, and provides specific techniques to infuse inclusive teaching practices.
Public Significance Statement
This study identifies key barriers to integrating inclusive teaching practices in counselor education programs and offers practical solutions for overcoming them. By addressing challenges such as discomfort with difficult conversations, lack of institutional support, and tenure concerns, the study provides valuable strategies that can enhance inclusivity in counselor preparation. This research emphasizes the need for inclusive teaching across the entire curriculum, which is crucial for preparing counselors-in-training to meet the diverse needs of their future clients, especially those from marginalized and underrepresented communities. As counselor educators implement these practices, they can foster a more equitable learning environment that prepares students to provide culturally competent care. The findings underscore the importance of self-reflection, peer feedback, and institutional support in creating inclusive, antiracist counseling programs. In turn, this can lead to improved mental health services that better address the needs of diverse populations, making a direct and positive impact on individuals' well-being in society.
DOI
http://dx.doi.org/10.70013/tidn75tx
Recommended Citation
Pitts, A., Terrell, K. R., Salpietro, L., & Hamadi, H. Y. (2025). Overcoming Barriers and Infusing Inclusive Teaching Practices in Counseling Programs. Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision, 19(1). http://dx.doi.org/10.70013/tidn75tx
