Effectiveness of Experiential Group Training in Developing Leadership Self-Efficacy of Counselors-In-Training

Abstract

ABSTRACTCounselor education programs emphasize experiential group training (EGT). With the growing need for online group counseling services, it is unclear how to structure the EGT to improve group leadership self-efficacy of counselors-in-training (CITs). This pilot study used a unique EGT design to provide group membership and group leadership experience to master’s students in both face-to-face and online formats. Master’s students completed pre-and post-intervention measures to evaluate the effectiveness of this EGT in improving group leadership self-efficacy. Results indicated that there was a significant increase in students’ group leadership self-efficacy in both formats of training. Implications for building experiential group training programs are discussed.