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Laura Durkin, PhD, is a 2025 graduate of the PhD program in Counselor Education & Supervision at Antioch University, Seattle.

Dissertation Committee:

Stephanie Thorson-Olesen, PhD, Committee Chair

Jennifer Kennet, PhD, Committee Member

Angela Mensink, EdD, Committee Member

Keywords

attrition; dissertation; counselor education and supervision; institutionalized racism

Document Type

Dissertation

Publication Date

2025

Abstract

This study explores the experiences of doctoral graduates from Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)-accredited Counselor Education and Supervision (CES) programs. Guided by theoretical frameworks on student attrition and institutional racism, the research investigates three primary questions: (1) What dissertation- specific programmatic factors influence time to completion for CES doctoral students? (2) What interventions most strongly promote a sense of social integration and belonging? and (3) What interventions most strongly promote academic integration and confidence in students’ ability to succeed? Data were collected anonymously through an online survey, which included demographic and open-ended questions. Twelve participants completed the survey. Thematic analysis identified seven major themes: (1) intersectionality and identity, (2) attrition, (3) relational support within the institutional setting, (4) incorporation of programmatic structure, (5) programmatic barriers, (6) academic-life balance, and (7) emotional and mental health. Findings contribute to the literature on student attrition by highlighting effective interventions, programmatic structures, and persistent challenges within CES programs. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu).

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Laura Durkin, PhD, 2025

ORCID Scholar No. 0009-0001-9547-2064

Laura Durkin PhD LMFT, is a Counselor Educator, Supervisor, and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Seattle, WA. She earned her PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Antioch University and her Master’s in Couple and Family Therapy from Lewis and Clark Graduate School of Education and Counseling. She has extensive advanced training in the areas of family therapy, somatic/body psychotherapy, polyvagal theory and EMDR. Dr. Durkin’s current clinical practice focuses on somatic therapy for individuals and couples frequently navigating complex identity intersections. Her research explores accessibility in higher education with a special focus on dissertation phase interventions of Counselor Education and Supervision programs. As a supervisor and educator, she values a transparent, relational approach that demystifies mental health counseling and prioritizes creating a sustainable professional landscape for clinicians of diverse backgrounds and experiences.

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