Revisiting Experiential Group Training in Counselor Education: A Survey of Master's-Level Programs

Abstract

Instructors associated with 82 master's-level counseling group psychotherapy training courses were surveyed in an attempt to better determine current training practices and student outcomes. The experience of dual-role dilemmas and problems related to attendance, student performance, inappropriate self-disclosure, and/or perceived violations of confidentiality were recorded. Results suggest: (1) counseling programs continue to utilize experiential groups roughly 90% of the time; (2) an increased appreciation for the potential for dual-role dilemmas and negative student experiences to occur; and, (3) a relatively modest frequency of problematic student real-world outcomes. Implications, limitations, and recommendations based upon these findings are discussed.

Keywords:

• counselor education
• experiential group training
• group counseling
• group psychotherapy

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank the survey participants, anonymous reviewers, and Sally Barlow, Richard Hazler, Rod Merta, Kathleen Ritter, and Don Ward, for their participation, suggestions, guidance and feedback.

Notes

¹A copy of the survey can be made available upon request at [email protected]

²This item invited respondents to briefly describe any difficult dual relationship, confidentiality, and/or student participation issues encountered.

³The skill proficiency category included participation as both a group member or group leader in the areas of instructor-perceived student self-awareness, reflective listening skills, the ability to foster group discussion through facilitative questions, and observance of ethical standards of practice.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

David Shumaker

David Shumaker, Ph.D., is an assistant professor in Education and Human Services, Mental Health Counseling Program, at Suffolk University.

Carolyn Ortiz

Carolyn Ortiz, M.Ed., is a school counselor at Campbell High School in Litchfield, New Hampshire.

Laura Brenninkmeyer

Laura Brenninkmeyer, M.S., is a clinician and hotline coordinator for the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center.