A Phenomenological Study of Group Facilitators’ Experiences: A Mindfulness-based Wellbeing Group for International Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic

ABSTRACT

This article presents the results of a phenomenological study that examined twelve counseling students’ experiences of facilitating an online mindfulness-based wellbeing group for international students (MBWIS) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Three themes emerged, including the challenges of facilitating an online MBWIS, strategies and resources to cope with the challenges, and personal and professional growth of the facilitators. Implications for group work and counselor training are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Focus groups
• group counseling
• international students; qualitative research
• wellbeing and mindfulness

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Faculty Senate Pitch Grant offered by the Johns Hopkins School of Education and the Faculty Research Award offered by the University of Texas at San Antonio, College of Education and Human Development

Notes on contributors

Yiying Xiong

Yiying Xiong is an Assistant Professor of Counseling and Educational Studies at Johns Hopkins University.

Priscilla Rose Prasath

Priscilla Rose Prasath is an assistant professor of Counseling at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

Qiyang Zhang

Qiyang Zhang is a doctoral student of Education at Johns Hopkins University.

Lieny Jeon

Lieny Jeon is an associate professor of Education and Human Development at Johns Hopkins University.

Yegan Pillay

Yegan Pillay is a professor of Counseling and Higher Education at Ohio University.