High Conflict Divorce in Counselor Education
Investigating an Emergent Curricular Gap
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21638681 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Christopher D Schmidt (0000-0003-3199-2578, Villanova University), Chris D Schmidt (Villanova University, corresponding author), Jenai Grigg (Holy Family University), Jenai M Grigg (Holy Family University), Valerie Zizik (Villanova University) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 33 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pages | 385-391 |
| Publication date | 2025-07-01 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | The Family Journal (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1066-4807 • E-ISSN: 1552-3950 |
| Publisher | SAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1177/10664807241312209 |
| OpenAlex | W4406335932 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 15 |
High conflict divorce (HCD) is increasingly prevalent, profoundly impacting families, and placing a unique burden on mental health professionals. Despite the significant emotional, psychological, and legal challenges associated with HCD, many counselors report feeling unprepared to address these complex cases due to inadequate training during their graduate education. This study examines the extent to which CACREP-accredited counselor education programs in the United States incorporate HCD content into their curricula. A survey of program directors from Clinical Mental Health Counseling programs revealed that while topics related to family dynamics and conflict resolution are commonly addressed, HCD-specific training is less frequently covered. Key areas, such as litigation and courts and parental alienation and the reunification processes, are often neglected, limiting graduates’ ability to navigate the intricacies of HCD effectively. The findings suggest a need for specialized coursework and expanded training to better prepare counselors for the growing demand in this area. Addressing these gaps could enhance both counselor competency and the well-being of families navigating HCDs
Counselor education · Developmental psychology · Higher education · Pedagogy · Political science · Attachment and Relationship Dynamics · Family Dynamics and Relationships · Psychology · Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications · Social Psychology
Children's Adjustment in Conflicted Marriage and Divorce
Concepts, Controversies And Conundrums Of “Alienation
Understanding Vicarious Trauma, Burnout, and Compassion Fatigue in High-Conflict Divorce
Counseling High Conflict
The Divorce Conflict Scale
Parameters of Reunification Therapy and Predictors of Treatment Success in High Conflict Divorce Cases
The Complexity of Families Involved in High-Conflict Disputes
Challenges and dilemmas working with high‐conflict families in child protection casework
High-Conflict Divorce
Dividing the child
| Citations per year | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2026 - 2026 (1) |
| Highly cited | No |