RESEARCH ARTICLE
Thriving: The Positive Experiences of Tenured Faculty Mothers in Counselor Education
Brandee M. Appling,
Loni Crumb,
Breanna V. Stubbs-Brown,
Carey C. Crawford,
Corresponding Author
Brandee M. Appling
Department of Counseling and Human Development Services, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
Correspondence: Brandee M. Appling ([email protected])
Search for more papers by this authorLoni Crumb
Department of Interdisciplinary Professions, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
Search for more papers by this authorBreanna V. Stubbs-Brown
Department of Counseling and Human Development Services, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
Search for more papers by this authorCarey C. Crawford
Department of Counseling, Higher Education, and Speech-Language Pathology, University of West Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
Search for more papers by this authorBrandee M. Appling,
Loni Crumb,
Breanna V. Stubbs-Brown,
Carey C. Crawford,
Corresponding Author
Brandee M. Appling
Department of Counseling and Human Development Services, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
Correspondence: Brandee M. Appling ([email protected])
Search for more papers by this authorLoni Crumb
Department of Interdisciplinary Professions, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
Search for more papers by this authorBreanna V. Stubbs-Brown
Department of Counseling and Human Development Services, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
Search for more papers by this authorCarey C. Crawford
Department of Counseling, Higher Education, and Speech-Language Pathology, University of West Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
Search for more papers by this authorFirst published: 16 February 2025
ABSTRACT
In this feminist phenomenological study, experiences of tenured faculty mothers in counselor education were explored. The researchers developed five themes: (a) linking motherhood to counselor education, (b) creating work–life harmony, (c) establishing multiple layers of support, (d) celebrating the wins, and (e) pushing back and moving forward. These findings suggest that mothers in counselor education have a range of experiences that shape their personal and professional identities and buttress career success. Research, practice, and advocacy implications are addressed.
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