A Story Does Exist: A Qualitative Exploration of the Use of Reflective Stories in Pre-Practicum

ABSTRACT

The authors explored the lived experiences of two cohorts of counselors-in-training who experienced a metaphoric story creation activity in pre-practicum II, a clinical training course. Using Merriam’s interpretive qualitative approach, the data suggested that students perceived the activity to have facilitated their ability to make meaning of their experiences in the class, as well as to better understand their development as counselors-in-training.

KEYWORDS:

• Counselor development
• counselor education
• creativity
• creativity in counseling
• metaphor
• pedagogy

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jason T. Duffy

Jason T. Duffy is an Assistant Professor of Counseling in the Counseling and Psychological Services Department at SUNY Oswego in Oswego, New York.

Michelle N. Saltis

Michelle N. Saltis is a Master’s student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in the Counseling and Human Services Department at Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York.

Laura K. Thompson

Laura K. Thompson is both a Staff Counselor in the Office of Counseling and Personal Development and an affiliate faculty member for the Division of Counseling and Family Therapy at Regis University in Denver, Colorado.

Steven J. Kassirer

Steven J. Kassirer is a PhD Candidate in Counseling and Counselor Education in the Counseling and Human Services Department at Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York.