Showing 25 results for Counseling
Somayeh Parsirad, Ebrahim Naeimi, Ali Bahadori Jahromi, Mohsen Ebrahimi,
Volume 23, Issue 91 (11-2024)
Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the experiences of the family counselors of the judiciary system to identify the effective features of the family counseling in reducing family disputes and strengthening the family. Methods: This was a phenomenonological type of qualitative research. The participants in the research included 20 people (13 women and 7 men) whoe were family counselors at the judiciary system in several Iranian cities during 1399-1400 Persian calendar. Participants were selected using the purposeful sampling method according the entry criteria. Sampling continued until saturation was reached. In order to analyze the data, first, the data were recorded and coded, then analyzed using Van Menen's interpretive phenomenological analysis method. Results: The findings of the research included 6 main themes and 33 sub-themes of counselors' experiences as effective therapeutic features. The main themes obtained include: goals pursued to reduce family disputes and strengthening the family, characteristics of counselors, facilitating and promoting measures of counseling alongside the court proceeding, failure of resistance in clients beside the court, interventions to achieve change in order to reduce family disputes and strengthen the family and the characteristics of the counseling location in order to increase the effectiveness of the counseling near the court. Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that the counselors of the judiciary system who have a lower divorce rate at the end of the counseling sessions and are more successful in solving family problems than their other colleagues, have personal characteristics and principles governing their meetings as such that it provides safe and favorable conditions for this group of clients and paves the way for raising issues, listening to them, and ultimately resolving their concerns
Fatemeh Haghighat, Yaser Madani, Keyvan Salehi, Maghsood Farasatkhah, Mehrnoosh Pazargadi,
Volume 23, Issue 91 (11-2024)
Abstract
Aim: The aim of this research is to present a theory to guide a comprehensive and quality counselor training program in Iran. Methods: By adopting a qualitative approach and grounded theory method, data were collected through semi-structured interviews, in the context of counselor training programs in Iran with purposeful sampling; open, central and selective coding was used to analyze the interviews. Results: The findings identified the core category of "personal growth and continuous professional development of the counselor and improvement of the quality of counseling". Other important categories and subcategories were "cognitive excellence" (strengthening critical thinking, strengthening creativity), "enhancing professional performance" (strengthening appropriate evaluation and effectiveness, continuous growth and development of communication and counseling skills) and "intern-oriented active learning" (educational and professional interactions, developmental assignments, continuous self-improvement). Conclusions: As a result of this research, a middle-range theory was formulated to facilitate the guidance of a comprehensive counselor training program, which helps the beneficiaries to ensure the quality and adequacy of this program, also improve the rate of graduates who are ready to enter the counseling profession field and reduce the waste of resources. Policy makers and administrators of various counselor training programs can use this theory as a reference to provide a rich and supportive educational and training environment to help the personal growth and continuous professional development of future counselors; This will ultimately lead to the improvement of the quality of education and counseling services.
Suzan Heydarpour, Mehdi Zare Bahramabadi, Somayeh Robat Mili, Reza Ghoban Jahromi,
Volume 23, Issue 92 (2-2025)
Abstract
Aim: Psychological counseling, supervision and consultation in the online setting have become widespread. The aim of this study was to design, develop and validate a career empowerment program for online counselors and its effectiveness on job self-efficacy. Methods: The present research was conducted in two stages. In the first stage, career empowerment sessions were developed after reviewing the literature and existing concepts in online counseling. Then, 5 psychology and counseling experts determined the content validity of the sessions. In the second stage, a semi-experimental design with pre-test, post-test and a control group, with a follow-up 2 months was used. The statistical population included online counselors in Tehran (Iran) in winter of 2024, who were evaluated by two-stage sampling. In the first stage, screening was done based on subjective sampling. In the second stage, based on the simple random method, 20 people were selected from among the qualified counselors with the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the study and were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups (10 individuals each). The career empowerment program was administered to the experimental group for 7 sessions, and after 2 month, a follow-up was done. Data was collected using job self-efficacy questionnaire of Riggs and Knight (1994). Findings: The results indicated that career empowerment program has acceptable content validity. Furthermore, the results of training intervention showed that career empowerment program significantly increase the symptoms of job self-efficacy in online counselors (F=21/433, sig=0.001) and this effect was also significant in the follow-up phase. Conclusion: Career empowerment program can be considered as a valid and effective program for increase job self-efficacy in online counselors
Hamidreza Aghamohammadian Sharbaf, Marzieh Dindoost, Samin Baharshanjani,
Volume 23, Issue 92 (2-2025)
Abstract
Aim: One of the main challenges for psychology and counseling students to start their careers is the lack of skills in managing meetings and communicating with clients. On the other hand, most of the academic units in universities are assigned to the theoretical part and practical courses are neglected; meanwhile, the role of the internship unit for psychology and counseling students cannot be ignored. The purpose of this research was to identify the necessary standards for completing internship courses from the point of view of psychology and counseling graduate students. Methods: The present research was conducted using a qualitative method utilizing thematic analysis. The studied sample were 13 psychology and counseling masters and doctoral students in Tehran. Targeted sampling was used. A semi-structured interview was conducted, then it was transcribed verbatim, and the data was analyzed using the seven-step Colaizzi method. Findings: In this study, 3 main themes were identified, including the necessary criteria for the supervising professor, the necessary criteria for the educational-therapeutic environment and student assignments, and 11 sub-themes were identified. Conclusion: The results of the research show that improving the quality of internships for psychology and counseling students requires strengthening the three elements of the supervising professor, the appropriate educational-therapeutic environment, and the active participation of the student. This can pave the way for better training of future therapists by providing quality supervision, adequate facilities, and educational and professional support.
Dr Maryam Sayad Shirazi, Mr Naemeh Nouri,
Volume 24, Issue 93 (3-2025)
Abstract
Objective: Marriage, as a fundamental social institution, faces significant challenges in the modern era, underscoring the critical importance of premarital counseling. This study aims to identify the existing gaps in premarital counseling from the perspective of experts, offering insights into its weaknesses and proposing actionable strategies to enhance the quality and effectiveness of these services.
Method: Utilizing a qualitative research design with a thematic analysis approach, this study explored the perspectives and experiences of experts regarding the shortcomings of premarital counseling. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 15 participants (10 women and 5 men), continuing until theoretical saturation was achieved.
Findings: The analysis of the data revealed meaningful statements that were categorized into basic, organizing, and global themes. Five organizing themes emerged, encompassing the essential requirements of premarital counseling, conducive contexts for its improvement, existing challenges and gaps, necessary strategies, and the outcomes of premarital counseling, all structured within three overarching global themes.
Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that premarital counseling plays a vital role in reducing marital conflicts and enhancing marital satisfaction. However, it is confronted with challenges such as a shortage of specialized counselors and insufficient educational programs. To improve the quality of these services, it is imperative to develop comprehensive educational programs, increase public awareness, and implement standardized assessment tools.
