Counseling Experience Research Articles

상담자의 관찰하는 자기 경험 과정과 영향 요인에 대한 탐색: 구성주의적 근거이론 접근

The purpose of this study was to understand in-depth the process of counselor's ‘observing self’ experience and its influencing factors. To this end, 10 counselors with more than 10 years of counseling experience were selected as study participants. Data were collected by conducting in-depth interviews on their experience of observing self, and it was analyzed in three stages according to the data analysis method of Charmaz's constructivist grounded theory: initial coding, focused coding and theoretical coding. As a result of data analysis, 141 semantic units were extracted through initial coding, and 43 subcategories and 14 categories were derived through focused coding. After that, theoretical coding was carried out, and it was derived into four stages: self-limitation stage, self-confrontation stage, acceptance and letting go stage, and self-expansion stage, and three characteristics, such as personal characteristics, relational characteristics, and practical characteristics, were found to influence this process. Based on this, constructing a story about the couselor's experience of observing self is the process of experiencing 'shakable self', 'contemplating self', 'self as it is', and 'transcendent self' through the self-limiting stage, self-confrontation stage, acceptance and letting go stage, and self-expansion stage, and these four types of self circulate with each other and transition to a transcendent identity. Based on these results, the process of counselor's observing self experience and its influencing factors were discussed, and finally, the significance of the study and suggestions for follow-up studies were presented.

Embracing virtual support: A phenomenological study on the lived experiences of Filipino guidance counselees during the Covid-19 pandemic

The Covid-19 pandemic profoundly impacted student and faculty well-being, necessitating a closer examination of guidance counselee experiences in virtual counseling. This research aims to address the unique challenges and benefits of virtual counseling during crises and improve guidance counseling delivery. This qualitative research explored the experiences and challenges of Filipino guidance counselees during virtual counseling amid the pandemic using phenomenological inquiry. Ten purposively selected participants underwent in-depth interviews, then the information was transcribed and analyzed thematically. Analysis revealed three major themes: Psychological struggles, challenges of virtual counseling, and the importance of virtual counseling. Participants discussed psychological struggles, pre-existing mental health conditions, and challenges like poor Internet connectivity. They emphasized the significance of virtual counseling for well-being. The findings underscore recognizing and addressing counselees' psychological struggles during the pandemic. Effective support must mitigate challenges like technological literacy and resource constraints. Virtual counseling maintains connections despite social distancing restrictions. This research provides valuable insights into guidance counselee experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic in the Philippines. It emphasizes embracing virtual counseling advantages while addressing specific challenges. Policymakers and school leaders should recognize counselor expertise and provide comprehensive support. Further research is recommended to develop interventions for different age groups and educational levels. Understanding and supporting guidance counselees to promote mental health and overall development.

Influence of Students’ Personality Traits on Academic Dishonesty in Public Secondary Schools in Makueni County, Kenya

There is a worldwide concern about academic dishonesty and more so in African countries. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of students’ personality traits on academic dishonesty in public secondary schools in Makueni County, Kenya. This study was informed by Psychosocial Dynamic Theory and Theory of Planned Behaviour. The investigation used mixed methodology and the concurrent triangulation design. The sample size was 802 which consisted of 750 students sampled randomly, 25 principals and 25 teachers sampled purposively. There was 1 SCDE and 1 CDE purposively sampled. The research tools utilized were questionnaires for principals, teachers and students, and interviews for SCDEs and the County Director of Education. The study findings were that, personality traits significantly influence academic dishonesty. The study established that there was need to improve on the students’ personality traits. It was recommended that integrating interventions like introduction of competent, experienced and professional counsellors in schools was necessary to eliminate academic dishonesty

The Lived Experiences of Burnout in Clinical Psychologists in Pakistan: A Phenomenological Study

Clinical psychologists are compelled to encounter the challenging conditions of psychologically ill clients in their exacerbating journey. They must bear the emotional burden of apprehension, worry, overtiredness, and mental fatigue. The adverse lived experiences of clinical sessions, psychotherapy, and counseling lead to work-related mental stress and emotional exhaustion. Consequently, burnout has been one of the main precursors that mental health professionals are constantly dealing with. The research study aims to explore the lived experiences of burnout among clinical psychologists and identify the coping strategies used by these clinical psychologists in Pakistan. The study uses the qualitative phenomenology method to evaluate the respondents' experiences. The purposive sampling technique was used to conduct semi-structured interviews with six clinical psychologists. Using interpretative phenomenological analysis, the four themes of lived experiences of burnout and the five themes of coping strategies emerged. Results suggest that clinical psychologists have encountered burnout mainly due to workplace conditions, caregivers' attitudes, a state of helplessness, and societal stereotypes. They cope with burnout because of family-work balance, a support system, religious affiliation, and determined personality traits. The findings contribute new aspects of knowledge about the burnout phenomenon and help shape mental healthcare policies. There remains a need for further rigorous investigation of burnout to establish a formal policy for the mental health of clinical psychologists.

Experiences of counselors participating in an innovative project to develop a training program for specialized foster parents of youth (13-18 years).

Children placed in foster care represent a vulnerable and distressed group that requires a high level of care. However, good training programs designed to address specific problems presented in specialized foster care are not easily accessible due to logistical, economic and structural barriers. The lack of easy access and a strong desire to provide high-quality services inspired counselors from a specialized foster care center on the frontline to initiate an innovative, developmentally relevant and locally grounded training program. This study focuses on counselors' experiences with the development of the training program and its impact on their work life. A qualitative research design within a participatory approach framework was used to understand the experiences of the counselors. All the counselors employed in the department and the leaders (n = 14) participated in the study. Data were gathered from participants, including the lead and second authors, using a semi-structured interview, and analyzed using thematic analysis. The analyses yielded three main categories: (i) Psychological Factors, (ii) Social Dynamics, and (iii) Leadership Style and Support. Each of the first two categories consisted of three subcategories. At the psychological level, the employees' experiences reflected the psychological states and traits required to fuel the tasks required by the project. The social dynamics of working in a team influenced the work process and, in turn, were impacted by it. Lastly, leadership style and support provided the foundation for innovation to germinate and grow. Engaging in a locally created training program was associated with a strong sense of collaboration and team spirit. Counselors reported high intrinsic motivation and a strong sense of personal pride and drive for their jobs. They were proactive in seeking colleagues with particular expertise and collaborated on project tasks despite differences. The leadership style reflected the presence of transformational leadership behaviors, signaling an organizational culture conducive to innovation. The study provides an example of how aligning employees' personal aspirations with workplace goals and professional development can create a workplace in which employees feel it is enjoyable to go to work.

43 A Qualitative Study to Establish a Culture Specific Presurgical Psychological Screening for Patients with Degenerative Spinal Disease in Taiwan

Objective:Presurgical psychological screening (PPS) is a procedure for mitigating possible unfavorable outcomes after spinal surgery. Although the effectiveness of PPS on degenerative spinal diseases has been investigated in Western studies, a potential cultural influence on PPS is still unknown. This study thus aims to explore the experiences of Taiwanese people before spinal surgery and tries to establish culture-specific components of PPS in Taiwan.Participants and Methods:A total of five participants aged from 44–69 with degenerative spinal diseases were eligible in this study. All participants visited a neurosurgical outpatient clinic for potential surgical treatment, and each participant underwent an one-hour semi-structured interview before surgery. The demographical information, medical history, psychological status (e.g., personality traits and emotional disturbances) and considerations to make a surgical decision, were recorded and further analyzed following the rule of grounded theory.Results:Four major components with 21 sub-components were reported when deciding to receive a surgical treatment for their spinal diseases, including disease-related considerations, medical information, self-concept and interpersonal relations. In terms of disease-related aspects, patients concerned about etiology, symptomatology, impacts, coping strategies and rehabilitation methods. As for medical information, patients paid more attention on medical compliance, the relationship with medical system, attitude for treatment, expectation to surgical outcomes, medical decisions and medical information. As for the self-concept, patients considered more on the impacts of disease on self-concept, strategies of emotional regulations and personality traits. In terms of interpersonal relations, patients reported more on the supportive resources, patterns of interpersonal activities and impacts of interpersonal relations on medical decisions. Additionally, other specific factors, such as past negative experiences (e.g., chronic insomnia, experiences of psychological counseling), litigation, physical punishment in childhood and social roles, were also reported.Conclusions:Like previous findings, our results supported that the interpersonal relations and doctor-patient relationship in PPS were important considerations before surgery, while we further evidenced that influences of family members on medical decision is determinant and unique in this culture.

‘I guess the ending is the price you pay’. Working at relational depth in a seven‐session model: The impact of regular planned endings on counsellors

AbstractBackgroundEvidence suggests that the quality of the therapeutic relationship impacts the outcome of therapy, with the ending phase having the potential to elicit painful and difficult emotions. There is limited research on this phase of the therapeutic relationship.AimsThe study aimed to explore the lived experiences of counsellors when ending with clients in short‐term planned settings those relationships in which they have worked at relational depth.MethodInterpretative phenomenological analysis was used to evaluate the counsellors' lived experiences of ending therapeutic relationships. Online semi‐structured interviews took place with six trainee and qualified counsellors who volunteered as counsellors for a local charity.FindingsThree main themes were identified during the study—impact of ending, impact of short‐term work and professional issues. Findings indicated that working at relational depth in short‐term counselling could elicit unprocessed powerful emotions within the ending phase of therapy.LimitationsA small sample size limits the wider application of these findings.ImplicationsFurther guidance and support are needed for trainee and qualified practitioners in the management and experience of ending counselling relationships within short‐term work, including the exploration of counsellors' self‐disclosure. Implications for practice include the need for supervisors and counsellors to be proactive in managing reflective practice within supervision, supervisors recognising and challenging supervisees' non‐disclosure and counsellors looking at further ways for self‐reflection on endings in counselling relationships.ConclusionThe ending phase for counsellors working at relational depth within a seven‐session model can elicit powerful emotions, positive experiences and challenges.

Understanding the Experiences of Rural School Counselors Implementing Trauma-Informed Practices

School counselors are trained to address a wide range of student needs, including academic progress, college and career readiness, and social emotional wellness. Recent public health issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the opioid crisis, and racial violence have created an increased need for and focus on the social emotional work of school counselors. Trauma-informed practices (TIP) have become key strategies for school counselors interested in addressing student trauma within a school context. Per the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), school counselors are ethically responsible for utilizing evidence-based methods to address the holistic needs of students, especially when implementing trauma-informed care. Previous research indicates that rural schools, and by extension the school counselors within, generally feel unprepared and under-resourced to address crises or trauma. However, little is known about the implementation of TIP within rural school settings or by rural school counselors. Given that approximately one-fifth of the United States’ child population occupies rural schools, and rural communities have been found to experience more intense, frequent and specialized forms of trauma, it is critical to understand the experiences of rural school counselors addressing trauma within their schools. Therefore, this phenomenological investigation focused on exploring the lived experience of implementing TIP for eight rural school counselors across the United States. Three themes emerged: emotional experience of implementing TIP, support for implementing TIP, and practical logistics for implementing TIP. Considerations for enhancing the supports and addressing the challenges of TIP implementation for rural school counselors are discussed, as well as suggestions for future research.

School counselors' experiences of promoting elementary school students' health literacy during and after the COVID‐19 pandemic

AbstractThis study aims to document the emotional experiences of school counselors in promoting elementary school students' health literacy during and after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. Six school counselors were voluntarily recruited as participants and invited to be interviewed. Interview data were analyzed using Andy Hargreave's (2001) emotional geography. Findings show that school counselors felt dissatisfied, forced, and lonely when they promoted elementary school students' health literacy remotely using synchronous and asynchronous modes during the pandemic. School counselor skills should be capable of promoting elementary school students' health literacy after the COVID‐19 pandemic and beyond.

Profession choice processes and career counseling experiences of people with physical disabilities in Turkey

AbstractPeople with disabilities may face various barriers to employment. I aimed to explore the career counseling experiences of a sample of people with physical disabilities. The participants were 95 individuals with a disability aged 19–48 years. One emerging theme, barriers and aids, was related to family, teachers, and school counselors. Participants’ choices seemed to be affected by the negative attitudes of their peers with a disability. A second theme, career counseling as well as its availability, content, and quality, comprises subthemes such as collaboration between stakeholders in processes related to people with disabilities, qualifications of career counselors, and content of the services provided.

Associations between therapeutic working alliance, meaningful experiences, and affective distress

AbstractWe used structural equation modeling to test client meaningful experiences in counseling and the therapeutic working alliance (TWA) as predictors of affective distress, controlling for clients’ age, gender, race and ethnicity, and length of counseling relationship. In a sample of 306 adult clients engaging in counseling, we a found statistically significant relationship between client meaningful experiences in counseling and the TWA (r = 0.80, p < 0.001). There was a significant and negative direct effect from client meaningful experiences in counseling to affective distress (β = −0.45, p < 0.001). However, we did not find a significant direct effect of the TWA on affective distress (β = −0.00, p = 0.97). Implications for counselors, supervisors, and counselor educators are discussed.

The Experiences of Clinical Mental Health Counselors Treating Clients for Process/Behavioral Addictions

ABSTRACTProcess/behavioral addictions (PBAs) have become more frequently identified and diagnosed within the previous decade. For this reason, licensed counseling professionals (LCPs) are likely to work with clients with PBAs. In this study, we examined the experiences of LCPs treating clients with PBAs. Through constant comparison analysis, findings include three major themes, each with several subthemes. Treatment implications and the importance of education about PBAs for counselors in training are discussed. We advocate for continued training and research about PBAs for professional counselors to provide best practices to their clients.

Social justice and public policy: Learning from school and counseling psychologists

For applied psychologists, the goal is to promote positive outcomes among the individuals and groups they serve. Psychological practice takes place within a real-world context, including societal conditions that both harm and support children. Within school and counseling psychology, growing recognition of the impact of society on children has led to efforts to identify social justice as a key framework and set of strategies. Despite the obvious impact of public policy on the lives of children, there is very limited research on pathways and experiences of counseling and school psychologists who are involved in public policy efforts in their capacity as psychologists. This study addresses this gap, interviewing eighteen individuals across the United Kingdom and United States. Key findings include the importance of cultural responsiveness, professional development opportunities, and building and sustaining relationships. Several implications for future research and practice are provided, highlighting the need for multidisciplinary collaboration among those engaged in public policy and social justice efforts.

Possibilities of using the method of positive psychotherapy in implementing the concept of Healthy Organizations

Introduction. Modern socio-economic changes and challenges require organizations to look for ways to ensure organizations’ effectiveness. Implementing the concept of healthy organizations is one of such ways. Healthy organizations may use the method of positive psychotherapy (PPT), which is focused on finding resources and developing the potential of the organizations’ personnel. Aim: to determine the possibilities of using the method of positive psychotherapy in implementing the concept of healthy organizations. Methods: analysis and systematization of relevant scientific literature; theoretical analysis of the problem in question; the author's own of counseling and psychotherapeutic experience. Results. The basic principles of the N. Peseschkian’s positive psychotherapy (hope, balance and consultation) are quite effective in implementing the concept of healthy organizations. The N. Peseschkian’s classification of primary and secondary actual capacities has been supplemented. Three subgroups of secondary capacities have been identified (those related to the use of space-and-time and subject environment; activities; interaction with society). Three subgroups of primary capacities, which are related to the emotional attitudes to various objects and establishing contacts with them; attitude to the development of human potential; attitude to the future and faith, have also been identified. The author substantiates the importance of primary and secondary capacities (as conflict potential) for organization staff’s activities. Conclusions. The implementation of the concept of healthy organizations in Ukrainian organizations based on the peculiarities of their functioning in current social and economic conditions, can promote staff’s mental health and organizations’ effectiveness.

Perceived barriers, recommendations, and resources for multistate licensure in the United States: A mixed-methods study of laboratory genetic counselors.

With genetic counselor licensure now available in 32 states, the number of laboratory genetic counselors (LGCs) who are required to be licensed in multiple states has risen substantially. Although previous studies have documented the complexity of the multistate licensing (MSL) process, there has been little research on the experiences of LGCs applying for and maintaining licensure. The purpose of this study was to identify perceived barriers, recommendations, and resources for LGCs pursuing MSL. A 15-item mixed-methods, anonymous questionnaire was used to survey genetic counselors currently or formerly employed by genetic testing laboratories. Responses were analyzed with a combination of descriptive statistics and inductive thematic analysis. Of the 150 eligible participants who completed the survey, the majority worked at a commercial, non-academic laboratory (84%, n = 126), had 1-4 years of laboratory genetic counseling experience (54%, n = 81), held non-patient-facing roles (65%, n = 97), and were required by their employer to hold licensure in at least one state (73%, n = 110). Most participants (86%, n = 129) felt there were barriers to MSL for LGCs, with three emergent themes: (1) resource burden, (2) complexity, and (3) legislative ambiguity. Participants described the current MSL process as tedious, cumbersome, confusing, overwhelming, and redundant. Several shared that the current licensing system undermines the intent to improve the status of the profession and actually negatively impacts patient care. Recommendations to improve MSL included overall process enhancements, like transitioning to online systems and a single central information repository for licensees, increased professional advocacy, and investing in collaborative pathways to licensure such as interstate compacts. Participants found national genetic counseling organizations, state-based genetic counseling organizations, and genetic counseling colleagues to be the most helpful resources for understanding licensure law and where to apply for licensure.

311P Multinational survey study assessing genetic testing and counselling among patients (pts) with breast cancer (MAGENTA): Results on the genetic counselling experience

311P Multinational survey study assessing genetic testing and counselling among patients (pts) with breast cancer (MAGENTA): Results on the genetic counselling experience

중개형 온라인 플랫폼 서비스직의 직업적 매력과 어려움: 온라인 플랫폼 심리상담사 경험을 중심으로

중개형 온라인 플랫폼 서비스직의 직업적 매력과 어려움: 온라인 플랫폼 심리상담사 경험을 중심으로

Exploring the Relationship Between Components of Professional Identity for Counselors

The present study of 1,218 counselors used a correlational research design to explore the relationship between components of professional identity for counselors. The study explored relationships between factors of practice setting, years of experience, compassion, demographics, and overall professional identity. The study included provisionally and fully licensed counselors. Counselors in full-time practice reported a significantly higher sense of professional identity as compared with counselors in part-time practice. Further, highly experienced counselors reported significantly higher strength of professional identity as compared with novice counselors. However, no significant group differences were found based on counselor work setting, licensure type, and gender identity. Type of practice, years of experience, and compassion emerged as the best predictors of counselor professional identity. Implications for clinical supervision and burnout prevention to support strong professional identity for counselors are discussed.

“It Is Nice To Be Seen, Not Gazed At”: A Reflection of Using PhotoVoice and Critical Participatory Action Research With Queer, Trans, Black, and Indigenous People of Color in Substance Use Disorder Counseling

This article focuses on the reflexivity process associated with studying Queer, Transgender, Black, and Indigenous People of Colors’ experiences in substance use disorder counseling. Specifically, this article explores the authors’ experience working with QTBIPOC in substance use disorder counseling, studying QTBIPOC counseling research, researching QTBIPOC lived experiences in substance use disorder counseling, and utilizing QTBIPOC affirming research methods in understanding QTBIPOC lived experiences. This article is especially important as it interrogates what it means to identify as a Queer researcher while studying the lived experiences of QTBIPOC. This article also includes implications for conducting counseling research in studying QTBIPOC lived experiences with culturally responsive frameworks.

The GC Immersive: Patching the pipeline with genetic counseling experiences for all.

Genetic counseling graduate programs largely recommend that prospective applicants shadow or gain exposure to genetic counselors (GC) as a means of developing insight into the profession. However, prospective students have cited this need to shadow genetic counselors as harder to access in comparison to other prerequisites. The GC Immersive (GCI) at Color was created as a no-cost, remote, self-paced professional exploration program designed to provide resources and live interaction with a team of genetic counselors to increase accessibility to GC exposure and enhance the competitiveness of underrepresented GC candidates. The program design and curriculum were developed by a team of certified genetic counselors and a GC student in 2021 and is marketed to those who have one or more identities underrepresented in the GC field. In total, 287 individuals enrolled in the program in the first and second cycles, with 115 providing demographic information. The majority of enrollees identified as an underrepresented minority in GC in one or more identities, with individuals who are ethnic and/or racial minority (70%), first-generation college student (44%), lesbian, gay, transgender, queer, intersex, and/or asexual (LGBTQIA+) (27%), and disabled community (16%) reported as the most common identities. Most participants had never shadowed a GC (55%) prior to this course. Twenty-two percent of enrollees resided outside of the United States, representing 15 different countries. Of the 287 enrolled participants, 21 (7%) have completed the program, with the remaining participants having between 5 and 11 months to complete. All individuals who completed the program reported they felt better prepared to apply for a GC program. The general structure of this program can be replicated by any institution, as the program consists primarily of recorded content. Ongoing effort by genetic counselors is minimal and has the ability to provide GC experience to prospective applicants at great scale.