Research and scholarship have become an important part of professional identity throughout my doctoral training. Entering the program, I had an interest in research, but the coursework and experiences within Liberty University’s Counselor Education and Supervision Program helped me develop a deeper appreciation for the role of research in advancing the counseling profession. Throughout both qualitative and quantitative research courses, I developed the skills necessary to critically examine literature, identify meaningful gaps in the field, and design research that contributes to professional knowledge. One of the most meaningful aspects of this process has been identifying a gap in the literature regarding counselors’ intention to utilize animal-assisted therapy. Through collaboration with leaders in the field, including Pet Partners and members of the American Psychological Association, my dissertation examines clinicians’ multicultural competence in the implementation of animal-assisted therapy. These experiences have strengthened my ability to engage in scholarly inquiry and have reinforced my desire to contribute to the field through research and publication. A goal is to have the edits and revisions to my dissertation submitted in future manuscripts.

As I progressed through the program, I began to see myself not only as a clinician but also as a researcher and future counselor educator. Developing a researcher identity has become a strength that I plan to continue cultivating throughout my career. The research training within the doctoral program at Liberty has fostered in me a sense of curiosity, critical thinking, and a commitment to lifelong learning, all of which will be essential to advancing counseling scholarship. Moving forward, I hope to utilize these research skills to mentor future counseling students and support the development of evidence-informed counseling practices.

At the same time, the process of developing research competence presented both areas for growth and challenges. Early in the program, learning statistical procedures and becoming proficient with data analysis software required effort and persistence. Engaging in both qualitative and quantitative methodologies challenged me to expand my analytical thinking and develop new technical skills. Through continued coursework, mentorship, and the process of completing my dissertation, I have grown more confident in my ability to conduct rigorous research and apply statistical analysis to counseling-related questions. My plan for continued excellence in this area includes ongoing engagement in research, collaboration with colleagues, and continued scholarly writing and publication as I transition into the role of counselor educator.

My Christian faith has also played a meaningful role in sustaining me throughout the research process. Research and scholarly work can be demanding, requiring perseverance and dedication over extended periods of time. During challenging moments in the doctoral journey, I often reflected on Isaiah 40:31, which reminds believers that “those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk  and not be faint.” This passage has served as a source of encouragement and perspective as I navigated the demands of my doctoral study and research. My faith continues to guide my commitment to integrity, diligence, and service as I pursue a career in counselor education and research. Overall, the research training within the doctoral program has strengthened my identity as a scholar, deepened my commitment to advancing the counseling profession, and prepared me to contribute to the field through teaching, research, and mentorship.