Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision
Author ORCID Identifier
Woodbridge: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0165-5039. Kemp: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0502-2263
Document Type
Article
Keywords
counselor education and supervision, master’s students, caregivers, COVID-19 pandemic, social support
Subject Area
Counselor Education
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic created challenging circumstances for many counselors-in-training. In this study, researchers used a qualitative phenomenological design to explore eight master’s counseling students’ experiences navigating multiple roles, including graduate student and caregiver, during the pandemic. Themes included the many ways participants’ lives changed, participants’ sense of being pulled in many directions simultaneously, and factors that added to or mitigated the strain of navigating multiple life roles during a public health crisis. Because this role strain is not unique to the pandemic, the authors provide recommendations for counselor educators who work with master’s students who are caregivers. These recommendations include inviting students to disclose significant life responsibilities, sharing relevant resources, and considering integrating greater flexibility into course and program policies.
Public Significance Statement
Like many, some counselors-in-training were unpaid caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some cared for minor children, some for adults, and some for members of both groups. This article shares the experiences of eight master’s counseling students who were caregivers during the pandemic. The article discusses ways counseling programs can support student-caregivers whether or not there is a public health emergency. This support may help student-caregivers successfully complete their training, which will expand the pool of professional counselors available to students and clients.
DOI
http://dx.doi.org/10.70013/osfwp2em
Recommended Citation
Woodbridge, L. M., Kemp, K. M., Duys, D. K., & Simon, T. J. (2025). Lived Experiences of Master’s Counseling Student-Caregivers During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision, 19(1). http://dx.doi.org/10.70013/osfwp2em
