¿Hablas Español?: The Experiences of Recently Graduated Bilingual Counselors Providing Spanish Language Counseling Services to the Latinx/E Population
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D)
Department
Counseling
Date of Award
5-22-2024
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to understand the phenomena of bilingual counselors who work with the Latinx/e population and provide counseling services using the Spanish language. Specifically, this researcher hoped to highlight the voices of recently graduated bilingual counselors who graduated within the last 5 years from CACREP programs and were trained using the English language. Currently, there is limited research on the training and experiences of bilingual counselors, but current research indicates a need for specialized training for bilingual counselors. Furthermore, research on recently graduated counselors highlights certain developmental milestones that occur during this stage of a counselor’s career development that are relevant to understanding the impact of training. This study used a qualitative approach by using a phenomenological lens with a constructivist paradigm, as well as a thematic analysis to explore the research question: What are the experiences of recently graduated (i.e., within the last 5 years) bilingual counselors who work with the Latinx/e population using the Spanish language in their counseling sessions relative to their training (which is mainly in English)? From this, five themes emerged: (a) increased demand and complexities in roles, (b) impact of language proficiency on therapeutic efficacy, (c) cultural sensitivity and awareness, (d) motivation and commitment to serving the Hispanic/Latinx/e community, and (e) perceived lack of resources. The researcher closes with a discussion of the study’s implications, recommendations for practice and future research, and limitations that should guide interpretation of the study’s results.
Advisor
Zaidy MohdZain
Subject Categories
Counseling Psychology | Psychology | Social and Behavioral Sciences
Recommended Citation
Rodriguez, Diana Guadalupe, "¿Hablas Español?: The Experiences of Recently Graduated Bilingual Counselors Providing Spanish Language Counseling Services to the Latinx/E Population" (2024). Electronic Theses & Dissertations. 1166.
https://digitalcommons.tamuc.edu/etd/1166
