Scoping Review Methodology: A Practical Guide for Counseling Researchers

Abstract

Scoping review methodology is an accessible knowledge synthesis research method for counseling researchers that has the potential to significantly impact the counseling research ecosystem. Scoping reviews can be mobilized to analyze a body of academic literature in order to map concepts, develop critical research questions, and focus research efforts. Learning how to conduct scoping reviews can facilitate counseling researchers’ emergent scholarly interests and agendas. This research guideline aims to introduce scoping review methodology to the counseling profession, present key methodological steps and considerations for counseling researchers, and share lessons learned from previous team-based scoping review studies.

Keywords:

• Research methodology
• scoping reviews
• counseling research
• research

Disclosure statement

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

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Gideon Litherland

Gideon Litherland is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Counseling Program at the Family Institute at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL.

Arien Muzacz

Arien Muzacz is an Associate Clinical Professor, Counseling at Oregon State University in Corvallis, OR.

Gretchen Schulthes

Gretchen Schulthes is the Associate Dean of Advisement at Hudson County Community College in Jersey City, New Jersey.