Exploration of Counselor Self-Efficacy Across Academic Training

Abstract

This study investigated counselor self-efficacy and anxiety among psychology students at different levels of training. All participants, including undergraduate and graduate students, completed a set of questionnaires covering topics ranging from clinical experience to feelings encountered during counseling sessions (for example, anxiety and confidence). We compared students across various levels of training and computed a multivariate analysis of variance, with dependent variables measuring self-efficacy, self-esteem, life satisfaction, and general happiness. Results indicated curvilinear relationships across level of training for self-efficacy and anxiety about seeing clients. These findings, as well as possible theoretical underpinnings, have important implications for supervision and training.

Dispositional Mindfulness and Personal Distress as Predictors of Counseling Self‐Efficacy

“…The beliefs that counselors‐in‐training (CITs) hold about their ability to perform as counselors are a fundamental aspect of counselor development (Goreczny, Hamilton, Lubinski, & Pasquinelli, 2015; Larson et al, 1992). Known as counseling self‐efficacy (Larson et al, 1992), a counselor’s belief that he or she will be able to effectively perform counseling‐related tasks in the near future is considered to be “a primary mechanism between simply knowing how to help in a counseling situation and actually executing effective counseling actions” (Greason & Cashwell, 2009, p. 3).…”

Self‐Efficacy of Counselors Working With Refugees

“…Previous literature on this relationship has yielded mixed findings. For instance, Goreczny et al (2015) found a relationship between years of experience and counselor self‐efficacy, whereas Larson and Daniels (1998) found the relationship to be minimal. Thus, there is not a clear relationship between years of experience and a sense of efficacy, which is surprising.…”

Teaching Counseling Microskills to Audiology Students: Recommendations from Professional Counseling Educators

“…Anxiety and negative reactions to feedback in counselor training and education is well documented in counseling literature. 23,[45][46][47] Counseling and psychology graduate students demonstrate lowest levels in self-efficacy during the beginning terms of clinical training programs. 47 This is likely due to increased awareness in areas that require growth and exposure to clinical feedback.…”

“…23,[45][46][47] Counseling and psychology graduate students demonstrate lowest levels in self-efficacy during the beginning terms of clinical training programs. 47 This is likely due to increased awareness in areas that require growth and exposure to clinical feedback. Students are accustomed to receiving feedback on exams or papers and corrections to these types of work are less likely to be taken personally.…”