A Qualitative Inquiry on the Experiences of University Counselors on Synchronous Telecounseling Using Video Conferencing

Abstract ―​

The integration of technology in school counseling services has accelerated due to the mental health challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. As institutions transition into the post-pandemic era, online counseling remains a critical tool in addressing students' psychological well-being. This study explores the experiences of school counselors conducting synchronous telecounseling via videoconferencing in Philippine tertiary institutions during and after the pandemic. A qualitative research approach (Creswell, 2014) was used, with purposive and convenience sampling, and ten (10) licensed counselors from public and private colleges and universities were selected. These participants had at least one semester of full-time online counseling experience or an ongoing client engaged in synchronous telecounseling (Etikan et al., 2016; Campbell et al., 2020). Focus group discussions (FGDs) with 2 to 5 participants per group were conducted through a video conferencing platform. Semi-structured interviews provided data for thematic analysis, identifying key themes from their experiences (Braun & Clarke, 2006). The study highlighted the benefits and challenges of telecounseling in the post-pandemic setting, emphasizing the need for continuous training, awareness programs, and skill enhancement for school counselors. Findings provided insights into the sustainability of online counseling and its long-term implications for school counseling practices.