Master Group Counselors’ Case Conceptualizations

ABSTRACT

Despite its critical role in successful counseling, case conceptualization has received less attention in group counseling than in individual counseling. The current research examined what information is considered important in group case conceptualizations by interviewing 12 master counselors in group counseling. Interview data were analyzed by using Consensual Qualitative Research. Two domains and 12 categories emerged from the data. Results indicated master counselors in this study conceptualized group counseling focusing concurrently on Group Functioning and Individual Functioning. Limitations and implications for practice of group work, supervision, and future research were presented.

KEYWORDS:

• Case conceptualization
• case formulation
• consensual qualitative research
• group counseling
• master counselors

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Yoonhee Sung

Yoonhee Sung, Ph.D., LP is staff psychologist at the Counseling Center at Pohang University of Science and Technology.

Thomas M. Skovholt

Thomas M. Skovholt, Ph.D., LP, is professor of Counseling in the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Minnesota.