Exploring Mental Health Professionals’ Experiences With Using Humanistic Counseling for Children With ASD

ABSTRACT Researchers explored the perspectives of mental health professionals regarding their work with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families and found evidence of humanistic approaches. Using a transcendental phenomenological method, we conducted semistructured, in‐depth interviews with 14 professional counselors and marriage family therapists who self‐identified as experts in treating children diagnosed with ASD. The following three themes were established: (a) applications of person‐centered practice, (b) centering practice on social justice counseling, and (c) recognizing the strengths within clients. Counselors are urged to examine their current practices and provide support for the integration of person‐centered practices when engaging with children with ASD.