The Lived Experiences of Queer and Trans Counselor Educators in CACREP Programs

Authors

• Erin Pitts, Sam Houston State UniversityFollow
• Kathleen Brown-Rice, Sam Houston State UniversityFollow
• Maribeth F. Jorgensen, Sam Houston State UniversityFollow

Author ORCID Identifier

ORCID iD: 0009-0003-0244-6946

Author Biography

First Author:

Erin Pitts (they/them), PhD, LPC, NCC is a clinical assist professor at Sam Houston State University. Their research interest involves serving queer and trans communities, aimed at challenging barriers. They also serves their local queer and trans communities as a licensed professional counselor. ORCID iD: 0009-0003-0244-6946

Second Author:

Kathleen Brown Rice, PhD, LPC-S(TX), LPC(SD), LCMHC (NC), ACS, NCC is a professor of counselor education at Sam Houston State University. Their research interest focuses on counselor supervision and training with an emphasis in ethical considerations, the implications of historical/generational trauma, and the impact of substance abuse on individuals, families, and the community. They also incorporate the use of biomarkers in their research to understand emotional regulation, risky behaviors, and resiliency. https://orcid.org/0009-0008-7544-9319.

Third Author:

Maribeth F. Jorgensen (she/her), PhD, LPC (TX/SD), LMHC (WA), LIMHP (NE), NCC is an associate professor in the Department of Counselor Education at Sam Houston State University. Her primary area of scholarship includes researcher development, aimed at further understanding and facilitating the ingredients of merging research and practice. She has been a licensed professional counselor since 2006 and sees individuals experiencing death and non-death losses. ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3131-8591

Document Type

Article

Keywords

queer, LGBTQIA+, counselor education, workplace experiences, career development

Subject Area

Counselor Education

Abstract

Queer and trans professionals historically experience discrimination, persecution, and oppression in the workplace. While counselor education has ethical and accreditation standards requiring multicultural inclusion and competence, there is limited research that explores the experiences of queer and trans counselor educators in the workplace. We used an interpretive phenomenological approach to explore the experiences of queer and trans faculty working in CACREP programs. Four participants completed semi-structured interviews, resulting in four themes: 1) career journey, 2) visibility matters, 3) if not us then who, and 4) work in progress. Implications for counselor education programs are offered related to identifying and addressing potential gaps and concerns, such as use of appropriate language and setting queer competency goals across the department.

Public Significance Statement

To our knowledge, this study is the first to explicitly explore the lived experiences of queer and trans faculty working in CACREP-accredited counselor education programs. The results highlight complex experiences due to both the difficulties and joys the participants shared about how their queer and trans identities impact their experiences as counselor educators. Authors provide suggestions to assist counseling programs in addressing potential concerns within their own institution.

Recommended Citation

Pitts, E., Brown-Rice, K., & Jorgensen, M. F. (2026). The Lived Experiences of Queer and Trans Counselor Educators in CACREP Programs. Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision, 20(3). Retrieved from https://research.library.kutztown.edu/jcps/vol20/iss3/2