AI Client Simulation in Counselor Education: What do we know?

Episode

Dr. Rakesh Maurya shares research based practice guidance on how counselor educators can successfully utilize AI in client simulation training for students.

Guest

Dr. Rakesh Maurya is an Associate Professor in the Department of Leadership, School Counseling, and Sport Management at the University of North Florida. Her academic journey is rooted in a passion for advancing the counseling profession through rigorous research, innovative teaching, and dedicated mentorship. She earned her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of Wyoming, where I specialized in both Qualitative and Quantitative Research methods. Dr. Maurya's research interests are diverse yet interconnected, focusing on the integration of Artificial Intelligence in counseling, qualitative research methodologies, counselor wellness, and school counseling. She explores how emerging technologies like AI can support clinical training and enhance counseling practice, while also examining the well-being of counselors and the evolving role of school counselors in education systems. Her work has been recognized with awards such as the Wiley Top Cited Research Article and a Distinguished Faculty Citation Award. She is also an investigator on large-scale, federally funded projects like the GEAR UP grant, which supports college readiness for underserved youth. Through her publications and presentations, she aims to contribute meaningful insights that bridge the gap between theory and practice while addressing the future of counseling in an AI-driven world. As an educator, she is committed to fostering the growth of future counselors and scholars. She teaches a range of graduate and doctoral courses and actively mentor students through their research and dissertation processes. Her goal is to empower them with the skills and knowledge to become effective, ethical, and compassionate leaders in the field.