This Is AuburnElectronic Theses and Dissertations

How Site Supervisors Identify and Respond to Counselors-in-Training Who Exhibit Problematic Behaviors: A Grounded Theory Study

Date

2015-12-08

Author

Hancock, Elizabeth

Type of Degree

Dissertation

Department

Rehabilitation and Special Education

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to provide information regarding the experiences of site supervisors in supervising counselors-in-training who have exhibited problematic behaviors and to begin building a theory about how site supervisors’ identify and respond to intern counselors-in-training who exhibit problematic behavior while at their internship sites. Grounded theory was utilized in this study to allow for the exploration of a topic that has previously been explored on a limited basis. Categories that emerged within this study describe how site supervisors identify those intern counselors-in-training exhibiting problematic behavior and how they responded to the situation. Ten participants participated in a single semi-structured interview incorporating experience-near questions. Categories depicting how site supervisors identify problematic behavior including through observation by administrative staff and the site supervisor; during supervision through the self-identification from the intern counselor-in-training; and via external sources such as clients or the faculty supervisor. Categories depicting how site supervisors respond to an intern counselor-in-training exhibiting problematic behaviors include collaboration with colleagues, supervisors, and faculty supervisors; reactions including shock, frustration, and sadness; and interventions which included working with the intern and as a last resort, termination. Further, categories emerged that were not connected to the research questions, including challenges supervisors face, motivations to be a site supervisors, and experiences working with faculty supervisors. Results are provided and discussed along with implications for counselor education programs are provided.