The Impact of Counselor Training on Students’ Couple Relationships: A Qualitative Inquiry

The following qualitative study examined the impact of counselor training on the experience and process of four counseling students’ couple relationships. Students were selected from a Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredited program to take part in three rounds of interviews and member-check procedures. Data were analyzed using a grounded theory methodology informed by Strauss and Corbin (1998) and Clarke (2005). Findings indicated that couple relationships transform as counselors-in-training expose themselves to the discovery of new awareness. This newfound awareness fostered both personal and relationship changes for the counseling students. The relationship changes described by participants were further influenced by experiences of support and gratitude within their couple relationships.