“It Got the Ball Rolling”: A Qualitative Exploration of Counseling Students’ Small Group Experiences during Group Work Training

摘要: Because the counseling profession often involves responsibilities associated with providing both individual and group-based client services, it is important that counselors-in-training are instructed in ways prepare them to be effective facilitating therapeutic modalities. Researchers noted group therapy constitutes an equally effective, if not at times more approach treating a range of issues (Corey, 2015; Gladding, 2012; Ward, 2004; Yalom & Leszcz, 2005). The which students currently trained work frequently involve experiential methods (Guth McDonnell, 2004), one increasingly popular requirement small participation (Furr Barret, 2000; Lennie, 2007). Although CACREP (2009) requires engage 10 hours membership over course semester, little mention made requiring facilitation practice. As such, unclear literature how required groups as future facilitators. To address this gap literature, study used content analysis analyze qualitative interviews seven graduates who participated part their Group Dynamics Methods course. Using Kolb’s (1984) Experiential Learning Theory lens examine transcribed interviews, five themes emerged, including: “Expectations”, “The Emotional Experience”, Process”, “Preparation”, “Missing Pieces”. I discuss these findings detail key aspects relation counselor education existing literature. also identify implications for educators accreditation bodies, provide recommendations research.