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ORCID
https://orcid.org/0009-0006-7252-6310
Date of Graduation
5-14-2026
Semester of Graduation
Spring
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Department of Graduate Psychology
First Advisor
Stephanie Crockett
Second Advisor
Cara Meixner
Third Advisor
Debbie Sturm
Abstract
This dissertation examines the ways that play is constructed and understood in a variety of settings. Using Relational Cultural Theory as a guiding theoretical influence, each portion examines how play influences relationships and how engagement in play and conversations about play can enhance student–teacher relationships, social connection, and the therapeutic relationship. The first section of this dissertation, the conceptual article, explores how play can support counselor education as it encourages creative engagement and discourages perfectionism, which is often noticeable in novice counselors. Play may take many forms in the classroom and offers counselor educators the opportunity to tailor activity to student interests, preferences, and needs. The second section is a mixed-methods, netnographic study of sexual fantasy on Reddit and how the individuals in that community understand sexual fantasy, which is representative of a type of imaginary play. This study seeks to understand the human qualities of sexual fantasy in this community and seeks to normalize sexual fantasy in a broader sense. The third section is a qualitative study using Enhanced Critical Incident Technique to understand how incidents of broaching sex, sexual fantasy, and sexual desire impact counselor willingness to engage in sexual topics with clients in the future (Butterfield et al., 2009). Additionally, this section examines items a counselor may have wished for in the moment or in the future to make the experience of broaching sexual topics easier or more comfortable. This research offers implications to counselors and counselor educators who may be considering expanding their own understanding of play and sexuality in their practice or classroom.
