Driving Forces in Elementary School Counseling Advocacy: A Phenomenological Investigation of Advocates’ Experiences

Abstract

Although the literature contains many recommendations for professional advocacy for school counseling, there is a dearth of research providing clear and contemporary evidence of effective strategies for advocating for elementary school counseling. In response to this gap in the literature, we conducted a phenomenological qualitative study of 13 professionals who successfully advocated for elementary school counseling positions or roles. We outline research-informed elementary school counseling advocacy strategies identified by participants, centering around three themes: (a) looking inward and developing one’s advocacy skills, (b) working with stakeholders, and (c) using data to advocate. We include implications for practice and research.