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Emily Velidow, PhD, is a 2026 graduate of the PhD program in Counselor Education & Supervision, Antioch University, Seattle.

Najla Hrustanovic, PhD, Committee Chair

Stephen Southern, PhD, Committee Member

Anthony Vajda, ND, Committee Member

Keywords

Trait activation theory, well-being theory, ecological systems theory, counselors, workplace wellness, personal traits

Document Type

Dissertation

Publication Date

2026

Abstract

This study is a qualitative thematic analysis of counselor wellness practices as well as how selfidentified personal traits are part of how a counselor practices and prioritizes wellness. Theoretical underpinnings of the study integrate trait activation theory (Tett & Burnett, 2003), Martin Seligman’s wellbeing theory (Seligman, 2011), and Urie Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory (Bronfenbrenner, 1977). Participants included nineteen licensed counselors (N=19). Analyzed responses lead to four main themes, each with two to four subthemes. Resulting themes included (1) intentional caseload and workday structure, (2) deliberately emphasizing physical wellness, (3) setting boundaries attending to mental and emotional energy, and (4) the impacts of practicing wellness. Self-identified personal traits were varied, but responses indicated a perceived relationship between counselor’s wellness practices and how they describe themselves. Implications for counselors and counselor educators are included and recommendations for more research are noted.

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Emily Velidow, PhD, 2026

ORCID iD  0009-0007-9496-4212

Emily Velidow (she/her) is a licensed professional counselor in the state of Connecticut and a 2026 graduate of Antioch University’s PhD program in Counselor Education and Supervision. She has served as a clinician and clinical supervisor in a community-based outpatient program, serving a diverse population of adults with a wide range of clinical presentations and addiction. Her research interests lie in the burnout and wellness experiences of counselors and how to best prepare counselors-in-training for career sustainability.

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