A Qualitative Study Of Experiences Of Counseling Graduate Students With Chronic Mental Illness

This dissertation explored the lived experiences of counseling graduate students living with a diagnosis of a chronic mental illness. Despite the prevalence of mental illness among graduate students, limited research has explored their unique experiences, particularly within counselor education. This study employed Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis as an approach to explore this lived experience. By focusing on their personal narratives, this research shed light on the strengths and challenges of these students while navigating their academic and professional journeys. Central to this investigation was Bandura's self-efficacy theory, which provided a lens through which to understand how these students perceive their ability to succeed. Data from 8 participants was collected through in-depth interviews, which evoked rich, detailed accounts of their experiences. The study contributes to the existing literature by offering a nuanced understanding of the intersection between chronic mental illness and counselor education, potentially informing inclusive practices in the field. While the overarching research question was about the lived experiences of counseling graduate students living with a diagnosis of chronic mental illness, semi-structured interview questions were developed to explore students' experiences of stigma, support systems, and the impact of their diagnosis on their self-efficacy beliefs. The findings revealed a complex interplay of factors that shape and shaped these students' experiences, including faculty support, stigma, self-stigma, and viewing their CMI as a clinical strength.