The Lived Experience of Nationally Certified Counselors who Attended an Eight-Day Native American Cultural Immersion Institute

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to understand how Nationally Certified Counselors experienced an eight-day cultural immersion experience on a Native American reservation. This phenomenological study was designed to capture the essence of the cultural immersion experience. Individual interviews were conducted with 5 participants utilizing a semi-structured interview. One theme emerged from data, along with six sub-themes. The overarching theme that emerged from the data was cultural humility and the six subthemes included difficult conversations, appreciation and application of Native American spirituality, hearing the silent scream, desire to share lead to activism, learner’s mindset, and connection. These themes described how Nationally Certified Counselors experienced the Native American cultural immersion experience. Implications from this research shed light on the significance of cultural immersion opportunities and how they can impact personal and professional growth.