A Qualitative Study on Counseling and Psychotherapy Experiences of Female College Students

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore and understand various meanings of female college students’ counseling and psychotherapy experiences. In-depth interviews were conducted with 7 female college students aged 20-24 at A University in Seoul, and as a result of data analysis, a total of 5 themes and 14 sub-themes were derived. The conclusions based on the research results are as follows. First, participants felt burdened and dissatisfied in the early stages of counseling and psychotherapy, but as they began to understand the counseling and psychotherapy process and counselors, they experienced changes, accepting their inner self. Second, participants expanded perception and gained confidence in themselves in the course of counseling and psychotherapy, and mentioned that various media and counselors were significant factors to promote change. Third, the participants showed a desire for counseling and psychotherapy to build solidarity and feel empathy with the unique experience they had as female college students. Fourth, participants were actively using counseling and psychotherapy services offered at student counseling centers in the university, but said there was room for improvement for the counseling structure, showing the need of continuous counseling services. This study is meaningful in that it explored the experience of female college students in counseling and psychotherapy and discussed ways to address practical needs.