Lived-Experiences of Guidance Counselors in the Performance of their Duties during the Covid-19 Pandemic in Selected Private Schools in Rizal

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to understand the lived experiences of guidance counselors on how they perform their job particularly providing counseling services during the COVID-19 Pandemic in selected schools in Rizal. Proposed plans and project “Let’s grow together with a theme: “Going back to basics” was the output of the study. This study utilized a qualitative analysis through the phenomenological approach utilized purposive sampling technique in the selection of participants. It included eight (8) participants from selected private schools in Rizal. All collected responses were conducted through an in-depth interview. The study revealed that guidance counselors delivered their counseling services through the integration of technology into their practice. Along the many changes brought about by the sudden transition to virtual setting, guidance counselors experienced several challenges that included personal and professional challenges. These includes; difficulty to read /interpret client’s emotions, attitude of students towards online counseling , technical challenges, lack of formal training , counselor experiencing emotional exhaustion doing virtual counseling , their level of competency in doing virtual counseling and expressed blurred work-life balance. Guidance counselors used emotion coping like watching television, walking , k drama, getting a good night sleep, eating, using humor, seeking social support from family and colleagues and having strong religious practices like praying, listening to homily and practicing mindfulness. They also engaged in problem-focused coping like exercising, engaging in sports, seeking instrumental support and learned integrating technology into the practice. Thus, the experiences of guidance counselors vis a vis the difficulties they experienced helped them manage these struggles and perform their duties over and above expectations.