Counselors' Experiences of Workplace Aggression and Organizational Values: A Descriptive Analysis

Abstract

Limited research exists on workplace aggression within the counseling profession despite its negative ramifications for clinical practice. The authors conducted a descriptive study to explore the prevalence and common forms of workplace aggression experienced by a sample of practicing counselors (N = 117). More than 50% of counselors reported the experience of at least 1 aggressive act, and nearly 25% met the threshold for workplace aggression. The authors discuss the implications of these results and consider workplace aggression's incongruity with professional counseling values.

Incidence of client‐initiated workplace violence among counselors: A national study

“…Given that not all participants answered this question, and some did not recall whether they received training, it is possible that the number of untrained counselors is higher than reported in these data. It is important for counselor educators to acknowledge that students are likely to experience WPV and, therefore, are responsible for discussing the issue (Honderich et al., 2019).…”

“…The primary role of supervisors is to inform counselors that employers must provide safe working conditions and failing to do so is illegal (Honderich et al., 2019). Therefore, supervisors play a very important role when students or counselors experience client‐initiated WPV.…”

“…A study of substance use counselors demonstrated that 53% (n = 998) of respondents were victims of violence and 44% (n = 829) witnessed violence at work (Bride et al, 2015). A study of counselors conducted by Honderich et al (2019) found that 76% (n = 89) of counselor participants experienced at least one incident of workplace criticism from coworkers or supervisors. Many such conflicts involved issues with counseling agency policies.…”

“…A study of counselors conducted by Honderich et al. (2019) found that 76% ( n = 89) of counselor participants experienced at least one incident of workplace criticism from coworkers or supervisors. Many such conflicts involved issues with counseling agency policies.…”