A Transcendental Phenomenology of School Counselors’ Lived Experiences Transforming Remote Counseling Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore school counselors' experiences migrating counseling services online during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a transcendental phenomenological approach, we conducted in-depth interviews with 14 school counselors with a focus on the use of technology and transformative practices. Findings of the study included five composite themes: (a) changes in school counseling services using technology; (b) reaching families for equity; (c) changes in relationship with stakeholders; (d) school counselors’ adjustment to grief, loss, and role confusion; and (e) positive outcomes for the future. We discuss the essence of the lived experience and implications for school counselors.

Guidance counselors on COVID-19 experiences: Distance education successes and challenges

“…The need to shift to online counselling necessitated learning how to utilise these new technologies. Studies reveal the challenges confronted by the counsellors, such as increased workload (Akgul et al, 2021), problems in access to devices and internet connectivity (Greenidge et al, 2023), and the lack of clear-cut policies on virtual counselling. Nevertheless, despite the difficulties, counsellors recognise the advantages of technology-based counselling in supporting students (Greenidge et al, 2023;Limberg et al, 2022).…”