Practicing with Avatars: Exploring Mixed Reality Simulation to Develop MSJCCs

Authors

Amy L. Cook, University of Massachusetts BostonFollow
Lillian DayFollow
Kristin M. Murphy, University of Massachusetts BostonFollow
Taylor HealyFollow
Julia KauselFollow
Lindsay M. FallonFollow
Christopher B. DenningFollow

Author ORCID Identifier

0000-0002-0221-2846

Author Biography

Amy L. Cook, Ph.D. is a professor of Counseling and School Psychology at the University of Massachusetts Boston. She received a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology, with a concentration in Counseling Psychology, from the University of Connecticut Storrs. She has worked in urban schools and community mental health organizations, providing counseling services to students and families. Dr. Cook's research team, Supporting Equity & Access for Social Emotional Learning (SEASEL), explores the development and implementation of transformative practices that promote youth development and equity-oriented outcomes largely via community-engaged participatory research with youth and educators in partner schools and organizations. Dr. Cook teaches courses in collaborative consultation in schools; professional, ethical, and legal issues; sociocultural considerations in counseling; research in counseling and psychology, and practicum. Through her teaching, she incorporates community engagement and scholarly research outcomes that prepare graduate students to implement transformative programming and practices that elevate the voices and social-emotional lives of youth.

Document Type

Empirical Research Article

Keywords

multicultural counseling competency, mixed reality simulation, multicultural and social justice counseling competencies (MSJCC)

Subject Area

Counselor Education

Abstract

This study used qualitative content analysis (QCA) to explore perceptions of engaging in Mixed Reality Simulation (MRS) with avatars on the development of Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling Competencies (MSJCCs) for school counselors in training. Results suggested that MRS contributed to improving participants’ confidence in MSJCCs, and they would have valued additional practice with MRS to address implicit bias with clients. Results indicate the need for additional MRS research to advance the development of MSJCCs in school counselor training.

Public Significance Statement

This study suggests that participation in mixed reality simulations as part of school counselor graduate training may have contributed to growth in confidence in multicultural and social justice counseling skills. The study also suggests that additional practice with mixed reality simulations is needed to address potential for displaying bias with clients.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.70013/g9dkkxmt

Recommended Citation

Cook, A. L., Day, L., Murphy, K. M., Healy, T., Kausel, J., Fallon, L. M., & Denning, C. B. (2025). (2024). Practicing with avatars: Exploring mixed reality simulation to evelop MSJCCs. Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision, 19(4), 1-21.