Voices of Resilience

An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis of BIPOC Counseling Student Researchers’ Journey

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33043/47x3rc9z

Keywords:

Counselor Education, Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis, BIPOC graduate students, research identity

Abstract

Research identity is a critical component of counselor education, yet little is known about the experiences of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) graduate counseling students engaged in academic research. This interpretive phenomenological analysis study explored how BIPOC counseling students navigate research training, and examined systemic barriers, motivations, and factors that influenced their development as researchers. Using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) and semi-structured interviews, data were collected from 11 participants in CACREP-accredited programs. The analysis revealed four central themes and stages of researcher identity development: (a) Roots of inspiration, (b) Pathway to readiness, (c) Research in motion and (d) Grounded in growth. The results also suggested the need for more inclusive, equity centered research training in counselor education and offered recommendations for supporting novice counseling student researchers.

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Author Biographies

Alfonso Ferguson, Saybrook University

Dr. Ferguson is an Afro-Caribbean male who migrated to the U.S. during his formative years. His Caribbean heritage has shaped his identity as an adult, partner and professional. Dr. Ferguson’s personal mission is to provide brave and safe spaces for marginalized to communities to feel heard, affirmed, and celebrated. 

Dr. Alfonso Ferguson is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (NY; FL), Licensed Professional Counselor (NJ), Approved Clinical Supervisor, and National Certified Counselor. Dr. Ferguson prides himself on providing culturally responsive counseling services to underserved communities. Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling from Montclair State University and now holds a position as a core faculty member in the Counseling department at Saybrook University. 

As a counselor educator, Dr. Ferguson contributes to the diversity readiness of the counseling field by preparing counselors in training to be culturally responsive in their work with intersectionally minoritized communities. Dr. Ferguson intentionally teaches all courses through a social justice lens. He believes that if we effectively prepare counselors of tomorrow, we are all more likely to have a better future. 

Dr. Ferguson has gained a variety of experiences in individual and family counseling services to those who are experiencing psychosocial stressors, family issues, and mood disorders. He has a strong interest to work with LGBTQ+ Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) struggling with mood disorders and psychosocial stressors. His clinical experiences include case management, inpatient therapy, outpatient therapy, private practice owner, supervision, and consultation. Dr. Ferguson is the founder and executive director of GoodWerk, a group psychotherapy private practice where he and his team provide counseling services to individuals, couples and families living in New York, New Jersey, and Florida. 



LaShawn M. Adams, Montclair State University

LaShawn “Shawnie” Adams is a doctoral candidate in Montclair State University’s Counseling program. She’s a 2023 recipient of the NBCC Minority Fellowship Program and a Licensed Associate Counselor in New Jersey. She’s the past president of the Chi Sigma Iota chapter at Montclair State University and the treasurer for the Counselors for Social Justice. She’s an adjunct counselor educator teaching counseling courses at Montclair State University and Kean University. She works in private practice at Hearts Empowerment Counseling Center, providing individual and group counseling sessions to BIPOC women and adolescents

Olivia A. Fadul, University of New Mexico

Olivia Fadul is a Counselor Education and Supervision doctoral student committed to helping her clients find their truth, identity, strength, and power. As a 2nd-generation Filipinx-American woman living with a disability, her life journey and early hearing loss at age five led her to become a counselor. She is the proud owner of a telehealth business called Olive Tree Counseling and Wellness. In her doctoral program, Olivia founded the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) Peer Support group, serves on the board of Albuquerque Mayor Keller's Americans with Disabilities Act Advisory Council (ADAAC), is a board member of the Hearing Loss of America-Albuquerque chapter, and the President of College of Education and Human Services, UNM Graduate Student Leadership Alliance.

Estefanie Ceballo, Montclair State University

Estefanie Ceballo, is a Licensed Professional Counselor (NJ), and Licensed Mental Health Counselor (NY) with over 15 years of experience working in the Mental Health field. Her focus includes providing multiculturally competent care for marginalized populations living in the United States. Estefanie is a doctoral candidate in her third year at Montclair State University,  pursuing a Ph.D. in Counseling Education and Supervision. Research interests include the following: Examining the Racial and Ethnic identity development in Latine Individuals, Multicultural Counseling, Decolonizing and Liberation Theories, Ethical issues in Counseling Latine individuals. Currently, Estefanie is the President of the Chi Sigma Mu Chapter of Chi Sigma Iota Honor Society at Montclair State University. 

Estefanie has several certifications that assist her in this, including the following; a National Counseling Certification (NCC), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Certification (C-TFCBT), a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Certification (CCTP), Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC), a school counseling certification (NY) and an Approved Clinical  Supervisor Certification (ACS).



Shanta Pamphile, Montclair State University

Dr. Shanta Pamphile is an accomplished professional in mental health counseling. She holds multiple licenses and certifications, including a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor), CCMHC (Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor), NCC (National Certified Counselor) and ACS (Approved Clinical Supervisor). 

 

Dr. Pamphile's professional background extends beyond her credentials. She is actively involved in teaching and research as a post-doctoral teaching and learning fellow at Montclair State University. In this role, she imparts her expertise by instructing clinical courses within the clinical mental health program at the university.

 

Furthermore, Dr. Pamphile is the CEO of Free of Mind Psychotherapy, a private practice in Montclair, New Jersey. Her private practice specializes in various areas, including trauma, mood disorders, couples therapy, and family counseling. She approaches her work with a somatic relational approach and a decolonized lens, emphasizing the importance of the mind-body connection and a culturally sensitive perspective in her therapeutic practice.



Daylan Moore, Regent University

Daylan Moore is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LAC) and a National Certified Counselor (NCC), working full-time in the Counseling Center at the University of Central Arkansas (UCA). He is also an Adjunct Professor for Masters-Level Counseling Students at John Brown University. Daylan enjoys helping others process life transitions, heal from racial trauma, and work through religious identity development. 


Daylan received a Master’s degree (M.S.) and an Educational Specialist degree (Ed.S.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Harding University (CACREP-Accredited Program). Daylan earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree (Ph.D.) in Counseling and Psychological Studies (emphasis in Industrial and Organizational Psychology) from Regent University.

Sunanda M. Sharma, Montclair State University

Sunanda “Suni” Sharma is a doctoral candidate in the Counseling PhD program at Montclair State University. She is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in the state of New Jersey, a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC) in the state of Ohio, and a nationally certified counselor (NCC). Suni received her master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Monmouth University in 2019. Suni remains engaged in clinical work in private practice at Empowerment Center, LLC in New Jersey where she provides telehealth counseling services. Suni has served as a master’s level NBCC minority addictions fellow in 2018 and a doctoral minority fellow in 2022. Suni highly values advocacy work as well and has been volunteering with the only domestic violence shelter that works with South Asian survivors of domestic violence for the last several years. 

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Published

2025-08-06

How to Cite

Ferguson, A., Adams, L., Fadul, O., Ceballo, E., Pamphile, S., Moore, D., & Sharma, S. (2025). Voices of Resilience: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis of BIPOC Counseling Student Researchers’ Journey. Journal for Social Action in Counseling & Psychology, 17(1), 82–99. https://doi.org/10.33043/47x3rc9z

Issue

Vol. 17 No. 1 (2025): Journal for Social Action and Counseling Psychology, Summer 2025

Section

Education and Training

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Copyright (c) 2025 Alfonso Ferguson, LaShawn M. Adams, Olivia A. Fadul, Estefanie Ceballo, Shanta Pamphile, Daylan Moore, Sunanda M. Sharma

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