| bjective: The topic of trauma counseling is part of the 2009 and 2016 CACREP standards. Research shows preparation of students with skills and knowledge of trauma reduces anxiety and increase self-efficacy. However, few counselor education programs teach trauma as a topic-specific course, and there is scant literature on the topic, thus it is unclear how students are being prepared for encountering these issues with clients. Method: In this study, I used Q methodology, and a purposeful sample of 11 counselor educators, to identify perspectives on what topics should be prioritized when teaching trauma counseling to counselors in training. I developed two Q sets of 16 statements about trauma knowledge and 23 statements about skills in trauma counseling. I analyzed these two Q sort data sets using correlational analysis and factor analysis. I used qualitative data from written, structured interviews to enhance factor interpretation. Results: Three factors emerged for the knowledge factor analysis: Factor 1: Holistic, systemic perspective, Factor 2: Practice-focused perspective, and Factor 3: Subjective experience perspective. Three skills factors emerged: Factor 1: Client-focused, strengths perspective, Factor 2: Effective practice perspective, and Factor 3: Self-awareness/do no harm perspective. Conclusions: Given limited time, counselor educators should focus on he systemic and holistic aspects of trauma; client-focused, strengths-based skills; effective, evidence-based practice; the subjective experience of trauma; knowledge and skills required to do no harm; and counselor self-awareness. Given additional time, knowledge of the types, symptoms, reactions of trauma, and the impact on domains of functioning as well as legal and ethical issues should be attended to. Knowledge of psychopharmacology and skills in reprocessing trauma are viewed as outside the scope of practice for general practitioner counselors and are of least importance. Additionally, there is a clear need to entry-level trauma-informed counseling competencies and advanced level or post-graduation trauma counseling competencies, which reflect the unique identity of professional counseling. |