Stressors of Professionals and Trainees at APA-Approved Counseling and VA Medical Center Internship Sites

The purpose of this study was to assess the perceived stress experienced by professionals and trainees during psychotherapy and supervisory activities at American Psychological Association-approved university counseling center and Veterans Administration (VA) medical center internship sites. One hundred thirty-five staff members (90 professionals, 43 interns, 2 practicum students) from fourteen VA centers and 144 staff members (79 professionals, 37 interns, 28 practicum students) from twelve university counseling centers responded to a questionnaire used to assess perceived stress. In data analysis, we compared the stress of professionals and trainees. In secondary analysis, we compared stressors of staffs at VA and counseling centers. We also investigated beliefs that contributed to the stress experienced. Results indicate that professional staff find their experiences less stressful than do interns, who find their experiences less stressful than do practicum students. Also, VA staff members reported less stress than did counseling staff. Results are compared with previous research in this area, and previous conclusions regarding the universality of stressors are addressed.