A Qualitative Investigation of the Challenges in the Field of Guidance and Counseling (Counseling Specialization) at Farhangian University and the Educational System Based on the Lived Experiences of Professors and Counseling Teacher-Students

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Assistant Professor ,Department of Psychology and Counselling, Farhangian University, P.O. Box 14665-889,Tehran, Iran

Abstract
Given that one of the most important roles in schools is that of the school counselor, and the training of counselors at Farhangian University is of critical importance, the aim of this research was to identify the challenges and issues in the field of counseling and guidance based on the lived experiences of professors and teacher-students in this field. This research was conducted using a qualitative and phenomenological approach, employing semi-structured interviews. The sampling method was purposive, and after interviewing 10 counseling teacher-students and 10 professors, data saturation was achieved. The data were coded using Strauss and Corbin's method. The findings included 152 open codes, 10 axial codes, and 4 selective codes, which were extracted as the main challenges of the counseling field in the educational system and at Farhangian University. The results indicated that the key challenges in the field of guidance and counseling at Farhangian University and within the educational system are individual challenges, academic challenges, organizational challenges, and cultural and local challenges. Individual challenges refer to personal issues that counseling teacher-students face. Academic challenges pertain to the theoretical and practical courses for teacher-students. Organizational challenges are related to undefined or ambiguous structures within this field. Finally, cultural and local challenges involve the attitudes of school staff and parents towards counseling services.

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