Counseling and counseling services status in Ethiopia

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was obtaining pertinent evidence from contemporary expert counselors and relevant professionals on societal understanding and interest to receive counseling service in their lifetime. Counseling organizations were purposively selected from modern counseling structure and practices based on its relevance to the intended inquiry. Qualitative research approach with a thematic data analysis method was employed. Semi-structured interviews, observation, and focus group discussions were conducted with the selected participants. The study result identified that societal understanding of counseling and counseling practices in a real-life situation needs more effort to work in the country. Institutions providing services focus on indigenous wisdom, personal experience, and knowledge captured from educational institutes. It is concluded that concerned government and non-government organizations need to boost the purpose and functions of counseling to maintain adolescents’ holistic development in and out of school. Accordingly, counseling in Ethiopia needs reworking to provide proper services to community.

KEYWORDS:

• Counseling
• counseling practices
• counseling services
• counseling tradition

Acknowledgments

The first and foremost appreciation goes to the elder counselors and Gadaa leaders involved in this study who keenly gave me rewarding information. My grateful appreciation also goes to Jimma University for its financial assistance.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).