Counseling Experience Research Articles

Exploring counselor experiences of training in the PR6 resilience model

AbstractResilience‐related knowledge and skills are part of all counselors‐in‐training foundational curriculum. We used interpretative phenomenological analysis to explore nine novice counselors’ perceived training experiences in the Predictive 6 Factor (PR6) model of resilience. We identified the following group experiential themes: value of the neuroscience information and PR6 model, counselors’ personal resonance and buy‐in, and considerations for practice. We also identified nine subthemes representing more nuanced elements of the larger themes.

Patterns of professional identity in school counselors: A latent profile analysis

AbstractUnderstanding school counselors’ professional identity development is important to promote positive work‐related outcomes and provide appropriate support for more quality school counseling services. The purpose of this study was to examine the patterns of professional identity in school counselors. As a result of latent profile analysis using a sample of school counselors (N = 343), we found five types of professional identity, including (1) Well‐Developed (n = 99; 28.9%), (2) High Competence (n = 53; 15.5%), (3) Moderate (n = 156; 45.5%), (4) Professionally Disconnected (n = 18; 5.2%), and (5) Vulnerable (n = 17; 5.0%). Based on the profiles, we identified significant differences in their work‐related attitudes and experiences (i.e., burnout, stress, job satisfaction, and years of school counseling experience), but there were no significant differences in demographics except for the American School Counselor Association membership. Implications and recommendations for counseling professionals are suggested.

상담자의 상담경력과 사례개념화 능력의 관계에서 마음챙김과 인지적 유연성의 매개효과

Objectives This study examined the process by which counselor experience influences case conceptualization ability through the mediating effects of mindfulness and cognitive flexibility. Methods A total of 261 counselors with counseling experience participated in an online survey for data collection. The relationship between counselor experience and case conceptualization ability, mediated by mindfulness and cognitive flexibility, was examined using the SPSS Process Macro. Bootstrapping was conducted to test the significance of the mediating effects. Results First, the results revealed significant correlations among counselor experience, case conceptualization ability, mindfulness, and cognitive flexibility. Second, counselor experience was found to influence case conceptualization ability through the mediating effect of mindfulness. Third, counselor experience was found to affect case conceptualization ability through the mediating effect of cognitive flexibility. Fourth, it was also confirmed that counselor experience influences case conceptualization ability sequentially meidated by mindfulness and cognitive flexibility. Conclusions The findings highlight the importance of mindfulness and cognitive flexibility in the improvement of case conceptualization ability resulting from increased counselor experience. Consequently, counselor education aimed at enhancing these factors is deemed necessary.

Case Analysis of Women Experienced Abuse: with Special Reference to Beneficiaries of Parihar, Bangalore

Abstract Case Analysis in this article presents a consolidated analysis of five case studies of women who have experienced abuse, exploring the varying types of abuse, challenges faced, and systemic responses. The cases have been chosen from the individuals i.e women who especially approach the institution “Parihar” Bangalore seeking help or emotional support. span different cultural and socioeconomic contexts, highlighting the pervasive nature of abuse across the globe. Through detailed comparison, the article examines the role of economic dependency, legal protections, and social stigma in perpetuating abuse, as well as the importance of community and psychological support in recovery. The analysis underscores the need for stronger legal frameworks, community education, and economic empowerment to help women break free from abusive environments. “Parihar” is a charitable institution registered under the Karnataka Societies Registration act 1960, exempted under 80(G) of Income Tax Act. It is an initiative of Bengaluru City Police, and is managed by a dedicated, committed and successful team of professional counsellors, and police staff with vast experience in counselling and social work. Parihar undertakes charitable, philanthropic and socio–economic programs for the welfare of Women, Children and Family as a whole. Parihar’s implementation structure consists of mainly four important people, its Ex-officio President being the Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru City, Vice President and Nodal officer, is the Jt. Commissioner of Police (Crime) & Secretary is the Deputy Commissioner of Police(Admin) and Treasurer is the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) “Parihar” stands out for its ‘vision’ and ‘mission’ to work for the upliftment of women and children in today’s society with various challenges and positive attitude to redress the issues in a holistic manner.

A qualitative study on the field experience of genetic counseling in Korea.

In Korea, genetic counseling services began with the opening of genetic clinics in the early 1990s; in recent years, demand for these services has increased. However, genetic counseling is not an officially recognized healthcare service under the Korean national health insurance system; further, its certification is not recognized as a medical qualification. To clarify the role and significance of genetic counselors, this study examined their field experiences. To this end, we conducted focus group interviews with 11 certified genetic counselors, six advanced practice nurses, and four regular nurses. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and examined using thematic analysis. We found that even though Korea did not recognize their roles, the participants met their responsibilities and primary duties. In addition, they faced challenges during counseling due to a lack of formal education in genetics and genomics. Moreover, they encountered dilemmas related to the legal and ethical aspects of decision support for family testing or prenatal diagnosis due to the complexity of rare genetic disorders. However, they attempted to acquire the specialized knowledge needed to support patients with rare genetic disorders and their families, gradually developing practical experience and specialized knowledge. Therefore, it is necessary to develop manuals, establish systems, and improve working environments to provide high-quality and specialized genetic counseling. Additionally, there is a need for national support, such as establishing set wages for genetic counselors, developing a national qualification certification system, and securing dedicated personnel.

게이트키퍼 역할을 하는 수퍼바이저의 내러티브 탐구

Objectives This study was conducted to find out what is experienced in the role of a gatekeeper and what it means. Methods For this purpose, three supervisors with 10 to 30 years of counseling experience were selected as participants, and data were collected through in-depth interviews. Based on the collected data, the narrative research method proposed by Clandinin and Connelly was used to understand the participants' vivid experiences and reveal their meaning. In addition, to improve the quality of the research, the research was conducted under the supervision of a reviewer. Results Looking at the experiences of the supervisors' gatekeepers, I found that although they had never been taught the role of gatekeeper, they each fulfilled the role in their own way. In this process, they came to feel that they had responsibility as gatekeepers but no authority, and as their responsibility increased, they began to experience confusion and doubt about whether their judgments and decisions were correct. Therefore, it is emphasized that what is more important than teaching well is to check oneself as a gatekeeper. Conclusions Through research, the importance and necessity of the gatekeeper role was confirmed. It also suggests that self-understanding is necessary to play the role of gatekeeper. Lastly, the significance of the study can be attributed to the fact that it laid the foundation for research into the detailed field of gatekeepers.

To understand the experiences of autistic counsellors: A United Kingdom phenomenological study

AbstractAimThe study was designed to explore the experiences of autistic counsellors living and working in the United Kingdom (UK). The research question was split into four aims: exploring presenting differences, strategies and modalities preferences, challenges and barriers, and training and support needs.MethodSeven autistic counsellors, either self‐identified or diagnosed, completed semi‐structured questionnaires. Patterns and themes were then extracted from the data using a thematic analysis procedure.FindingsThe data analysis identified four themes: the practical differences of working as an autistic counsellor, working with a similar neurotype, understanding and accommodation within the counselling profession, and representation.ConclusionParticipants felt that being autistic brings unique strengths to the counselling process, and it was identified that while they have been trained to work with allistic (non‐autistic) clients, they found strength in supporting and being supported by those of a similar neurotype. Participants challenged the deficit depiction of autism and, subsequently, the lack of recognition, understanding, accommodation and representation of autistic counsellors within the profession. The participants called for a change in training, within professional bodies, counselling organisations, workplaces and colleagues.RecommendationsCounselling training needs to include autistic trainers, represent and accommodate autistic trainees, as well as support the needs of autistic clients.Counselling bodies need to create safe spaces for autistic counsellors, including the ability to advertise within directories and support the endorsement of neurological differences as strengths. These spaces need to challenge the archaic beliefs around autism through lived experience and the hiring of autistic professionals. Inclusivity should be encouraged within organisations and workplaces, consequently filtering to allistic colleagues.

Lived experiences of school counsellors: Needs after the earthquake

Lived experiences of school counsellors: Needs after the earthquake

Cancer genetic counseling via telegenetics and telephone: A qualitative study exploring the experience of patients and genetic counselors in an Australian cancer genetics context.

The demand for direct-to-patient (DTP) telegenetics (genetics services delivered via videoconferencing) in genetic counseling practice has rapidly increased, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent telegenetics literature is mostly quantitative and not in the Australian context. A qualitative interview study was conducted to address this gap. This research investigated the experiences of patients and genetic counselors (GCs), enrolled in a randomized controlled trial, using telegenetics and telephone for cancer genetic counseling appointments. Twenty-eight semi-structured interviews with patients (n = 22) and GCs (n = 6) were conducted following patient randomization to either a telephone or telegenetics genetic counseling appointment. The interviews explored participant's experiences of telegenetics and compared DTP telegenetics with telephone and in-person delivery. Codebook thematic analysis was used to develop topic summaries from the data. Patient and GC participants noted positive experiences of telegenetics; with key benefits reported as reduced travel time, time and cost saving, ease, convenience, efficiency, and comfortability. Technical issues and privacy concerns were highlighted as potential disadvantages of telegenetics. All but one patient felt sufficiently emotionally supported while using telegenetics. Telegenetics has both benefits and limitations; however, generally, this cohort found telegenetics to be a suitable and acceptable mode of delivery for genetic counseling with many advantages over in-person or telephone appointments. Further studies should be conducted to provide evidence for the long-term implementation of telegenetics, regardless of any future COVID-19 pandemic lockdown restrictions.

S2105 Primary Care Physicians' Experiences of Obesity Counseling and Management in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Populations

S2105 Primary Care Physicians' Experiences of Obesity Counseling and Management in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Populations

Experiences of genetic counselors practicing in multiple languages: Progress and places for improvement.

As awareness of the value of genetic counseling services increases, there has been greater recognition of the need to diversify service delivery into different languages. Studies within genetic counseling and related fields have identified complications that can arise from language nonconcordance between provider and patient. A strategy to mitigate language barriers is prioritizing the development of a multilingual workforce of genetic counselors (GCs) who can communicate with patients in their preferred language. This exploratory study assessed the experiences of multilingual GCs who have practiced in a clinical role with the aim to identify relevant challenges and differences when counseling in their nondominant language. Statistical analysis was performed to identify differences in session tasks and emotions experienced when counseling in one's nondominant language versus their dominant language. Data analysis identified an increase in reported difficulty level for most clinical tasks while using a nondominant language, most notably for difficulty with psychosocial counseling, disclosing results, and administrative tasks. Participants were also surveyed on employer support and resources provided. Overall, results suggest that multilingual GCs may benefit from greater support in certain areas within clinical roles to enhance their ability to provide patient care in their nondominant language.

학교상담자의 윤리적 갈등과 대처 경험에 대한 질적 메타분석

The purpose of this study is to examine what school counselors experienced both inside and outside of psychology while encountering ethical conflicts and coping experiences. To this end, a qualitative meta-analysis was conducted on seven qualitative studies addressing the ethical conflicts and coping experiences of school counselors. Qualitative meta-analysis is a research method that synthesizes the results and discussions of individual qualitative studies to derive overarching themes and extended interpretations that permeate the individual studies. The ethical conflict and coping experiences of school counselors were described through the process of data coding and preparation of key statements from the analyzed papers, cross-comparative analysis of individual studies, derivation of central concepts and descriptive topics, and derivation and visualization of comprehensive topics and results. As a result of the analysis, 18 descriptive topics, 3 comprehensive topics, and 1 core topic were derived. School counselors, inevitably experiencing ethical conflicts on the “challenging path that school counselors must take,” were aiming for ethical growth by “seeking ways to coexist” and insisted on preparing institutional measures by “calling for structural changes.” The core topic was derived as “fully residing in the universal uncertainty and ambiguity that must be shouldered.” Based on these results, the meaning of the findings was discussed, along with the significance, implications and limitations of the study for school counseling, and suggestions for follow-up research were presented. It is hoped that the results of this study will contribute to providing meaningful interpretations of school counselors' ethical conflicts and coping experiences and foundational data for the establishment of school counseling legislation.

병영생활 전문상담관의 경험에 대한 질적 사례 연구: 경계선급 지능 병사 상담 경험을 중심으로

This study aimed to explore the experiences of military counselors from various perspectives and to deeply explore their experiences focusing on meeting and counseling borderline-level intelligence soldiers while working as military counselors. To this end, three military counselors with experience counseling borderline-level intelligence soldiers were selected and the study was conducted using a qualitative case study method. The research results yielded three primary categories, five middle categories, and 16 subcategories. The three primary categories were: ‘Military life of soldiers with borderline intellectual functioning as perceived by military counselors,’ ‘Counseling experiences of military counselors with soldiers who have borderline intellectual functioning,’ and ‘Areas for improvement identified by military counselors through their counseling experiences with soldiers with borderline intellectual functioning.’ Military counselors met borderline-level intelligence soldiers through the initial counseling process and observation of those around them, and during the counseling process, they came to recognize the various difficulties they experienced in military life. The military counselors felt rewarded by the fact that they played a supporting role through continuous counseling for soldiers with borderline intelligence during their military life. However, they experienced various difficulties in counseling due to the characteristics of borderline intelligence, and they recognized that efforts were needed to support soldiers with borderline intelligence at the individual and institutional levels. Based on these research results, practical and institutional supplements that should be considered in the future to support soldiers with borderline intelligence adapting to military life were proposed.

상처 입은 치유자로서의 성장 경험에 관한 자문화기술지

This study is a qualitative study to explore the experiences and growth as a wounded healer. For the study, the counseling experience of a professional counselor was described in a self-cultural technology paper, and the researcher's books, poems, and records were used for the study. The counselor who experienced various traumatic events in his childhood tried to vividly reveal the process of feeling, understanding, and reflecting on clients with confusing and confusing issues. The results of the study are as follows. First, I experienced various traumas in the absence of a safety net for my parents, which led to specialized trauma training. Second, in the process of writing and studying psychology, I began to find the feelings that were suppressed and lost existence. Third, as a wounded healer, I met various clients, discovered that the patterns of wounds were similar, and experienced healing and growth through this. In other words, the solidarity of wounds allowed me to experience existential empathy as a sublime beyond an individual's professional growth. These results are expected to be meaningful in vividly conveying the counselor's reflection and growth as a wounded healer.

남성 전문상담교사가 학교현장에서 경험하는 어려움에 대한 현상학적 질적연구

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the lived experience of male school counselors‘ difficulties in the field of school counseling. Methods: Eight male school counselors who had level 1 or level 2 school counselor certification with school counseling experiences within 3 years were recruited. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and data were analyzed using Giorgi’s phenomenological inquiry. Results: A total of five categories and twelve subcategories were found as results. Five categories were 'Discomfort due to prejudice as a male counselor', 'Embarrassment in counseling with female students', 'Bitterness of encountering misconceptions about counselors', 'Confusion over the multiple roles assigned to male counselors', 'Feeling of shame from the reality of school counseling'. Conclusion: Based on these findings, the unique difficulties of male professional counselors were identified and ways to deal with these difficulties were discussed.

중학생의 사이버불링에 대한 학교상담사의 대처 경험과 성장에 관한 연구

The purpose of this study is to deeply explore the coping experiences of school counselors regarding cyberbullying among middle school students and their subsequent growth. To achieve this research objective, in-depth interviews were conducted with 20 school counselors who have experience in dealing with cyberbullying. The raw data was conceptualized and categorized using a continuous comparison method. In this study, data were analyzed using the method of grounded theory. As a result of open coding, 79 concepts, 21 subcategories, and 9 categories were derived and arranged in a paradigm model. The central phenomenon experienced by school counselors regarding cyberbullying among middle school students is ‘facing crisis situations,’ which includes ‘recognizing the limitations of the school counselor's role and the unfamiliarity of cyberspace.’ The analysis went through four stages, and the relationships between the categories were confirmed to classify participants into ‘complete rebirth growth type,’ ‘experiential growth type,’ ‘infrastructure-building rebirth type,’ and ‘incomplete rebirth growth type.’ This study is significant in that it provides educational and counseling implications for coping with cyberbullying by deeply exploring and concretizing the practical characteristics and actual appearances of school counselors' coping experiences with cyberbullying among middle school students.

생성형 AI 이미지를 활용한 내러티브 상담 경험: 미해결 원가족 이슈를 경험한 여성 사례들을 중심으로

Objectives: This study is a multiple case study analyzing the counseling experiences of four women with unresolved family-of-origin issues through narrative therapy using AI image generation. Methods: DALL-E3 was used to convert family-of-origin issues and expectations into images, which were then used as tools for counseling. After completing five sessions of counseling, semi-structured interviews and focus group interviews were conducted. Results: The findings from the qualitative analyses were as follows. First, in the domain of “encountering AI”, AI was found to be an effective tool for helping participants to confront unresolved family-of-origin issues, overcome sadness and regain confidence and agency. Second, in the domain of “dissolution of discourse”, participants' understanding and acceptance of their family-of-origin increased. Third, in the domain of “alternative story”, participants’ current family relationships were improved, and their self-care/self-acceptance abilities were expanded. Conclusion: The potential use of image-generating AI in the family therapy field was discussed.

Reflections from LGBTQIA+ individuals of their past experiences of psychotherapy and counselling and the use of creative therapy—A qualitative study

AbstractBackgroundPrevious literature tends to suggest that the LGBTQIA+ community face higher rates of mental disorders and illnesses. This appears to be due to minority stress as a result of the discrimination and hostility towards the community from society. In relation to psychotherapy and/or counselling, affirmative therapy has been found to be helpful; however, it is clear from the literature that the LGBTQIA+ population do not feel accepted or understood when accessing mental health support.MethodParticipants were invited to take part in an interview consisting of open‐ended questions relating to the topic of interest. Following this, a thematic analysis was completed.FindingsThe thematic analysis revealed four main themes: these were ‘sexuality and gender within the therapeutic relationship’, ‘desirable characteristics and attributes in a therapist’, ‘undesirable characteristics and attributes in a therapist’ and ‘creative therapy’.Implications for PracticeThe results could be used to inform mental health practitioners of the importance of cultural competency in relation to the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as helping aid how to approach sexuality and/or gender in a therapeutic space. The conclusions also highlight the need for practitioners to explore context with LGBTQIA+ clients rather than solely emotion focus.ConclusionThis study indicated that the LGBTQIA+ community prefer working with LGBTQIA+ therapists due to a shared lived experience and perceived baseline understanding of each other. It was also found that context was important for them in therapy, rather than emotion focus, and creative therapy was also shown to be useful for the community.

Improving Grief Counseling: Enhancing the Education and Confidence of Psychology Graduate Students

Most therapists do not receive formal graduate training in grief counseling and may rely on outdated knowledge and questionable skills when working with grieving clients (Dodd et al., 2022; Jankauskaite et al., 2021). This study aimed to develop a virtual intervention to educate psychology graduate students about grief counseling and evaluate whether this training can increase knowledge in grief and grief counseling and self-efficacy in working with grieving individuals. This mixed-methods study compared participants in three conditions (full video intervention, partial video intervention, and control). When controlling for prior grief counseling training and experience, those randomized to the full video intervention had higher grief and grief counseling knowledge and self-efficacy in working with bereaved individuals than those in the partial intervention and control groups. Further, qualitative results highlighted the assessment and treatment approaches that therapists-in-training would use with a bereaved client across conditions. Overall, the full intervention is a feasible and efficacious way to teach psychology doctoral students about grief counseling and increase their confidence in working with bereaved clients. Future research considerations and recommendations are discussed.

School Counselors’ Reflections on Supporting LGBTQ+ Students

Background: Suicide attempts and suicide completion are on the rise for children and adolescents and even more so for LGBTQ+ youth. Despite some social progress, LGBTQ+ individuals still face oppression socially and legally. With much of the restrictive LGBTQ+ legislation occurring within educational settings, school counselors have an important role supporting the mental health of LGBTQ+ youth; however, many school counselors do not feel equipped to do so. Objectives: School counselors often exit their graduate programs and enter the profession with little to no knowledge of or experience working with LGBTQ+ students. The current study sought to better understand school counselors’ experiences supporting LGBTQ+ youth in their school by discussing results of two focus groups with school counselors working with LGBTQ+ students in a southeastern school district. Research Question: What are the experiences of elementary, middle, and high school counselors supporting LGBTQ+ students in a southeastern school district? Methods: Using thematic analysis of two focus group interviews, we gained greater insight into school counselors’ experiences of supporting LGBTQ+ students in their schools. Results: Through the thematic analysis, five themes and two subthemes emerged in the data. Conclusions: Although school counselors often lack time or resources to work with LGBTQ+ youth ( Gonzalez, 2016 ), the current study’s findings reveal additional barriers given less attention in the literature: navigating tension and pressure from legal policies and nonaffirming parents.