Abstract
Despite the recognized value of an experiential training group in major counselling program accrediting and governing institutions, there is a paucity of research investigating the effectiveness of such a training group for counsellors-in-training (CITs). The present study examined the effects of a wellness-themed training group conducted in Hong Kong on CITs’ psychological wellness and group leader self-efficacy. The Five Factor Wellness Inventory (5F–Wel) and the Group Leader Self-Efficacy Instrument (GLSI) were administered to forty-three CITs of a Hong Kong master’s degree program in counsellor education. A pretest–posttest design was employed to compare psychological wellness and group leader self-efficacy before and after a 12-hour experiential training group. Two research aims were addressed. The findings showed significant increases in group leader self-efficacy and psychological wellness among CIT participants. Further investigation showed that Coping Self, Creative Self and Life Satisfaction improved significantly following the experiential training group. The foci of promoting an awareness of personal resources and identifying personal-fit positive coping strategies in the current group intervention might contribute to the positive results. The present findings have important implications for counsellor educators who have an important role in preparing competent and resilient CITs. The mandatory participation of the CITs as group members in an authentic, feedback experiential training group is recommended in a professional counselling program.
Highlights
Recognition of the importance of an experiential training group in counsellor education is evidenced by the accredited standards adopted by major accrediting institutions
This study found that both group leader self-efficacy and psychological wellness among CIT participants increased significantly
The results of the present study suggest that the experiential training group is effective in enhancing the wellness of the CITs as a whole and, in enhancing Thinking, Realistic Beliefs, Self-worth and Stress Management
Summary
Recognition of the importance of an experiential training group in counsellor education is evidenced by the accredited standards adopted by major accrediting institutions. The professional training standards for the training of group workers of the Association for Specialists in Group Work (ASGW) states that “core training shall include a minimum of 10 clock hours (20 clock hours recommended) observation of and participation in a group experience as a group member and/or as a group leader” (Association for Specialist in Group Work [ASGW], 2000). The possible benefits of increasing professional abilities and personal qualities has led to much interest in implementing experiential training groups in counsellor education. A survey conducted by Merta, Wolfgang, and McNeil (1993) found that a large majority of counsellor educators used the experiential group in the CITs’ group counselling training.
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