Off-campus South Dakota State University users: To download campus access theses, please use the following link to log into our proxy server with your South Dakota State University ID and password.
Non-South Dakota State University users: Please talk to your librarian about requesting this thesis through interlibrary loan.
Document Type
Thesis - University Access Only
Award Date
2015
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department / School
Counseling and Human Development
First Advisor
Alan Davis
Abstract
Historically, high quality counseling services for people with Intellectual Disabilities (ID) has been limited in that there has been a lack of research identifying successful counseling techniques and a lack of understanding regarding counselors’ experiences working with this population. This study was designed to explore counselors’ experiences in working with ID clients, and to determine which counseling techniques they have found to be effective with this population. A qualitative study was developed and conducted using semi-structured interviews that explored the research questions and allowed opportunities for the participants to include their individual experiences and insight. The interviews of eight counselors were analyzed using two rounds of coding. The first round of coding utilized In Vivo coding and the second utilized Descriptive coding. Five themes emerged from the interviews: Trial and Error, Flexible Technique, Meet the Clients Where They Are, Collaboration, and Rapport. The five themes are further categorized under Technical Themes and Relational Themes. The themes also influenced one another, and their interactions played a critical role in the development of effective counseling techniques for people with ID. The results of this study provide a starting point for counselors looking to effectively counsel people with ID; however, there is still room for further research that explores specific techniques, specific adaptations, and counselor attitudes. Counselors that wish to provide mental health vi services to people with ID should familiarize themselves with the interactions of the themes and develop skills accordingly.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
People with mental disabilities--Counseling of.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (pages 40-45)
Format
application/pdf
Number of Pages
53
Publisher
South Dakota State University
Recommended Citation
Bukowski, Megan, "A Qualitative Examination of Quality Indicators in Counseling For Persons with Intellectual Disabilities" (2015). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1766.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/etd/1766
Rights Statement
