Learning to be a Counselor at a Distance: A Qualitative Investigation of the Distance Education Experience for Counselors-in-Training

Authors

Gregory Roth, La Salle UniversityFollow
Charles J. Jacob, University of Pennsylvania
Cheria Jackson
Jessica R. Stoler
Wemi Oloidi

Document Type

Empirical Research Article

Keywords

distance education, counselor training, Internet, qualitative research, counselors-in-training

Subject Area

Counselor Education

Abstract

Counselor education has evolved to include distance education. There is, however, a dearth of research aimed specifically at distance education for counselors-in-training. This research looks to redress this by analyzing data gathered during interviews of six counselors-in-training. The results revealed that online counseling students were predominately satisfied with their education experience despite some concerns. Themes relating to convenience, separateness, connectedness, self-efficacy, and stigma were identified. As distance education continues to progress, it will be imperative that counselor educators create programs that meet the needs of students but also allow for proper training and protection of clients and the public.

Recommended Citation

Roth, G., Jacob, C. J., Jackson, C., Stoler, J. R., & Oloidi, W. (2019). Learning to be a Counselor at a Distance: A Qualitative Investigation of the Distance Education Experience for Counselors-in-Training. Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision, 12(3). Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.sacredheart.edu/jcps/vol12/iss3/2