Elevating expertise: The role of lifelong learning in Filipino counselor career growth

Department/Unit

Office of the Counselling and Career Services

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Source Title

Asian Conference on Psychology & Behavioral Sciences

First Page

293

Last Page

307

Abstract

This study explored the career progression of counselors and their aspirations to acquire new therapeutic techniques to foster professional growth and enhance client care. In the context of an increasingly complex mental health landscape, counselors emphasize the importance of continuous education to address diverse client needs and adapt to emerging trends in the field. Employing an explanatory sequential design, the research integrates focus-group discussions (FGDs) and Individual Development Plans (IDPs) as key tools to examine counselors’ current competencies and identify the therapeutic approaches they aim to master. Quantitative data were first collected to establish baseline competencies and goals, followed by qualitative insights from FGDs to provide a deeper understanding and context. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify patterns and themes related to counselors’ professional growth, which revealed that counselors are proficient in widely used techniques such as client-centered therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy. They reported confidence in applying these methods due to regular practice and formal training. The study underscored the shared desire for ongoing learning opportunities, formal certifications, and structured supervision, highlighting the importance of tailored professional development strategies to support counselors’ growth.

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Disciplines

Counseling Psychology

Keywords

Counselors—Education (Continuing education)—Philippines—Manila; Career development

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