Counselor Self-Efficacy: The Effects of Online Preparatory Counseling Programs

Volume 12 Issue 1 May - July 2018

Research Paper

Counselor Self-Efficacy: The Effects of Online Preparatory Counseling Programs

Kristopher Garza* , Marie-Anne Mundy**, Lori Kupczynski***

* Assistant Professor and Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Coordinator, Department of Educational Leadership and Counseling, Texas A&M University, USA.

** Associate Professor of Educational Leadership, Texas A&M University, USA.

*** Professor of Educational Leadership, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, USA.

Garza, K., Mundy, M., and Kupczynski, L. (2018). Counselor Self-Efficacy: The Effects of Online Preparatory Counseling Programs. i-manager’s Journal on Educational Psychology, 12(1), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.26634/jpsy.12.1.14374

Abstract

The delivery of counseling servicesonline is increasing at a rapid rate. This increase in online delivery is concerning due to the ethical obligation for preparatory courses to ensure that counseling programs are providing resources toensure the development of self-efficacy in addition toskill development among counselors-in-training for practice in an increasing online world. The development of counseling skills is very specific and requires applying learned techniques to real life situations. This study utilized data collected from counselors currently in practice concerning their perception of the effects of online counseling serviceson student self-efficacy. Professional counselors, with graduate level degrees in counseling, involved in private practice and practicing in K-12 educational settings served as the sample for this study.The results focused on the relationship between self-efficacy and technology. The results and implications of the study will be shared along with connections to current literature in academia and application to counseling practice.