Working Across Differences While Online: Examining the Experience of Facilitating a Virtual Group

Abstract

A growing body of literature illustrates the benefits of online groups for clients, but few studies have examined counselors’ experience facilitating such groups, particularly in regard to counselor work with clients of differing sociodemographic traits. In this study, graduate-level counseling students facilitated two psychoeducational college counseling groups via an online platform. Groups were tailored for Black and/or African American first-generation college students (FGCS) enrolled in urban high schools. Facilitator experiences using an online platform and counseling across sociodemographic variables were explored. Themes included barriers to cohesion building, difficulty of power/oppression discussions via a virtual setting, and adjusting tactics and expectations.

Enhancing Effectiveness of Guidance and Counseling Services Through Web-Based Interactive Media

“…Unlike previous patterns, the implementation of technology-based service media directs counselors to be more effective and engaging. The utilization of technology in guidance and counseling services is believed to increase active participation from both school counselors and students [50].…”