A Phenomenological Study of the Lived Experiences of Counselors in Training When Discussing the Existential Factors of Death, Isolation, Freedom, and Meaning in Life With Their Clients
Year: 2020
Type: article
Abstract: Grounded in the theoretical framework of existential therapy, this study aimed to uncover the lived experiences of counselors in training when addressing existential factors of death, isolation, freedom, and meaning in life with their clients. To have a better understanding of this phenomenon and address the research questions, data was primarily collected via semi-structured interviews. The obtained data was analyzed using an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). The data analysis process revealed six superordinate themes from the participants’ experiences: the emotional experience in the session and during the interview; transference/ countertransference; perspective on existential factors; factors that influenced counseling effectiveness in helping clients when discussing existential factors; reflections on inner experiences during the interview; and differences in approaching existential factors at the beginning of the training vs. now. The study revealed several implications for practice and research.
Author: Sabina Musliu
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W3134700908