Experiences of Counselors Working with Children and Adolescents Exhibiting Symptoms of Selective Mutism
Abstract
This phenomenological study aimed to identify the experiences of counselors working with children and adolescents who display symptoms of Selective Mutism (SM). Eight participants were interviewed to share their experiences working systemically across clinical, academic, and home settings to support children with Selective Mutism. The three overarching themes identified were: 1) Collaborative care and continuity, 2) Treatment approaches, and 3) Challenges and considerations in SM treatment. U.S. counseling journals contain little to no research on the treatment of SM. Therefore, the findings of this study contribute to counseling literature and inform counselor education, supervision, and practice.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development
Child Therapy and Development
Family and Disability Support Research
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of Child and Adolescent Counseling
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Volume
- 12
- Issue
- 1
- Publication date
- 2 January 2026
- Language
- EN