Date of Award

2006

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Psychology

Abstract

The researcher investigated the lived experience of counselingPsychology doctoral study through the perceptions of eight advanced students using a modified version of Seidman's (1998) phenomenological approach to interviewing and Colaizzi's (1978) phenomenological method of analysis. The findings of this study indicated that counselingPsychology doctoral study is a complex phenomenon involving numerous instances of challenge and change. Among these challenges is the overwhelming, all-encompassing and personally intrusive nature of counselingPsychology doctoral study. Changes discussed by the participants were both personal and professional in nature. Several changes, including personal and professional growth and the individualization of counselingPsychology doctoral study, constituted primary sources of meaning. Impediments and facilitators of counselingPsychology doctoral study success are discussed in detail, as are implications of the findings for prospective and current counselingPsychology doctoral students and counselingPsychology faculty.

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