Dissertation Defense
Experience of Role Discernment and Disclosure in Triadic Supervision:
A Phenomenological Study of Counseling Students
Marlise R. Lonn, MS, LPC-S, NCC
Doctoral Candidate, Department of Counseling
Date & Time: Thursday, April 9, 2015 at 10:00 a.m.
Location: BV 1.338
Dissertation Chair: Gerald Juhnke, Ph.D.
Dissertation Committee Members: Michael Moyer, Ph.D., Janeé Avent, Ph.D. &
Hope Bell, Ph.D.
Triadic supervision is frequently utilized in counseling programs. However there is a
paucity of research on the experiences of student counselors' triadic supervision
experiences. This phenomenological study focused on the experience of student counselors
engaged in triadic supervision during practicum. The purpose was to understand two
aspects of participants' triadic supervision experience - role discernment and
relevant disclosure. Ten ethnically diverse female participants were interviewed for this
project. Interviews allowed participants to explore their experiences and understanding
of role discernment and disclosure as a new supervisee in the triadic supervision setting.
Transcendental phenomenological analysis revealed results for each area of inquiry.
Results yielded three subsequent themes related to role discernment: the experience of
newness, dependence on supervisor, and impact of supervision. The essence of
participant's role discernment experience was changed perception of self and other.
Inquiry into disclosure experiences yielded the following themes: relationships, presence
of peer, and sharing time. The essence of participants' disclosure experience was
identified as heightened awareness. Specific implications for supervisors and counselor
educators related to facilitating effective triadic supervision are explored and student
counselors' need for pre-supervision preparation is addressed.