Lifting the Lived Experiences of American Indian Counselors on the Reservation: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis.

This study utilized interpretive phenomenological analysis to explore the experiences of three American Indian/Alaska Native counselors working on federal Indian reservations. Data analysis yielded four themes: the worth and weight of counseling on a reservation, the impact of culture and community on counseling, four forms of trauma impacting the counselor, and the effects of personal and professional wellness. This research contributes valuable insights into the nuanced experiences of American Indian/Alaska Native counselors working within reservation contexts and highlights the importance of addressing the unique challenges they face in delivering counseling services to their communities. Future research, support infrastructure, and counselor training initiatives should prioritize specialized training and systemic support for counselors tailored specifically to address the needs of American Indian/Alaska Native counselors and the communities they serve.