Developing Grief-Informed Counselors: A Reflexive Thematic Analysis of Counselors-in-Training’s Learning Experiences

Authors

• Katherine Atkins, The Family Institute at Northwestern UniversityFollow
• Sonya Lorelle, The Family Institute at Northwestern UniversityFollow
• Jennifer Slawson, The Family Institute at Northwestern UniversityFollow

Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5522-172X

Author Biography

Katherine (“Katie”) M. Atkins, PhD., is a clinical associate professor and clinical training director at The Family Institute at Counseling@Northwestern. She holds a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision and a master’s degree in counseling both from Northern Illinois University as well as a BA in psychology from Roosevelt University. She is a licensed counselor, nationally certified counselor, an approved clinical supervisor, and holds a professional educator license in school counseling. Prior to higher education, she worked as a school counselor, community mental health counselor, and home-based mental health clinician. She is also the co-founder/owner of Blooming Life Institute, LLC.

She has authored or co-authored more than 10 peer reviewed articles and eight book chapters in professional publications. She is an award-winning teacher, and has also delivered over 65 presentations at conferences, seminars, trainings, and workshops at the local, state, regional, national, and international levels. She was the recipient of the 2023 Teaching Excellence Award, a national award granted by the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision. She was also the recipient of the 2023 Excellence in Teaching Award at The Family Institute. Additionally, she received the 2016 School Counselor Educator of the Year Award from Illinois School Counseling Association and the 2015 Outstanding Woman Student Award from Northern Illinois University.

Her research interests have focused on developing the Transcending Model for Grief and Loss, implementing grief informed care, military advocacy, counseling military service personnel, veterans, and military-connected children and families, cultural immersion, and study abroad opportunities, international counseling, social constructivist approaches to counseling, teaching, and supervision, and school counselors and supervision.

She is the co-author of the book, Reconceptualizing Grief: Developmental Considerations for Counseling Clients Experiencing Loss. She is also currently working on several manuscripts with the students at TFI at Northwestern University that shares ways to incorporate the Transcending Model of Grief and Loss (TMGL) with various non-death losses.

Katie is a member of the American Counseling Association (ACA), Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES), Illinois Counseling Association (ICA), Illinois Counselor Educators and Supervisors (ICES), Military and Government Counseling Association (MGCA), and the North Central Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (NCACES).

Document Type

Article

Keywords

grief education, counselor preparation, counselor identity, reflexive thematic analysis, experiential learning

Subject Area

Counseling, Counselor Education

Abstract

Grief remains underrepresented in counselor education despite its relevance across the lifespan and its inclusion in the 2024 Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) standards. This qualitative study explored how counselors-in-training (CITs) conceptualized grief and their developing professional role following participation in a structured grief education series. Eleven master’s-level CITs engaged in didactic instruction, experiential grief interventions, and reflective focus groups. Using reflexive thematic analysis, four interrelated themes were constructed that addressed grief conceptualization, counselor role development, integration of the personal self, and educational supports for grief competence. Findings reflected shifts toward relational, culturally responsive, and non-pathologizing approaches to grief. Implications highlight the importance of intentional curricular infusion, experiential learning, and reflexive practices to support ethical and developmentally responsive grief counseling.

Public Significance Statement

Grief is often overlooked in training of new counselors, even though nearly every client experiences loss in some form. This study found that counselors-in-training who completed a structured grief education series shifted toward viewing grief as a normal, culturally shaped part of life rather than something to “fix,” and grew more confident supporting clients through loss. The findings suggest that intentionally teaching grief-related knowledge and skills, rather than leaving it to chance, helps prepare counselors to support grieving clients with greater presence, cultural sensitivity, and confidence.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.70013/8nx4t1ki

Recommended Citation

Atkins, K., Lorelle, S., & Slawson J. (2026). Developing grief-informed counselors: A reflexive thematic analysis of counselors-in-training’s learning experiences. Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision, 20(3), 1-15.