Abstract

This qualitative study is aimed at identifying therapeutic factors in group counselling that encourage the development of self. A total of five counselling students voluntarily participated in this study. The participants had been involved in at least ten sessions of group counselling, which is also part of the learning activities, prior to this research. Data were gathered through interview and diary writing. During this semi- structured interview, the researchers provided questions as a guide before starting the interview. However, the interview was not based solely on the provided questions. Participants were also asked to keep a diary designed to help them express their thoughts, experiences or any other matter related to group counselling experiences. All research participants engaged in three interviews and three journal entries during the data gathering period. Writing a diary entry was done after each interview was held. The data gathering period, interviews and diary writing, occurred over a period of eight weeks. The results showed that unconditional acceptance and compliance with confidentiality by the group leader and the group members were the main therapeutic factors that contributed to the self-development of members. Other therapeutic factors that had an effect were the leadership style, counselling skills and knowledge of the group leader, as well as the commitment of the group members. The presence of therapeutic factors promoted the development of self-confidence, insight, relief and feelings of appreciation among group members. The implication of this unconditional acceptance and confidentiality must be understood, and can thus be practiced by counsellors or group leaders, to create an opportunity for group members to model those behaviours.

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