An exploratory study on the competencies of professional counselors for applying Q Methodology: Focused on FGI of middle and high school teachers

Objectives This study aims to identify the perceptions of middle and high school teachers regarding the subjective and individual competencies of professional counselors through focus group interviews(FGI). The findings will provide foundational data for forming a Q sample for the application of Q methodology. Methods To achieve this, we identified the current status of professional counselors in middle and high schools, conducted a literature study on the capabilities of professional counselors, and conducted FGI(Focus Group Interviews) targeting middle and high school teachers in Seoul and Gyeonggi regions, and Giorgi(1985) Data were analyzed through the application of the four presented phenomenological analysis methods and triangulation, and the results were presented. Results The analysis results revealed the following findings: First, there is a recognized need for an increase in the number of professional counselors due to the rising psychological issues and maladjustment problems among students in current secondary schools. Second, there is a perceived necessity for enhancing the professionalism of professional counselors. Third, conflicts have arisen between school members and professional counselors, indicating the need for a clear establishment of the counselors' roles within the school. Fourth, there is a recognition of the need to strengthen the status and improve the treatment of professional counselors. Fifth, there is a perceived need for a revision of the qualifications and recruitment standards for professional counselors. Conclusions Therefore, in order for professional counselors in middle and high schools to perform their duties smoothly, it is judged that policy and institutional support is needed to enhance the expertise of professional counselors and to improve the status, treatment, and authority of professional counselors in schools. It is hoped that these research results will serve as basic data for establishing the roles and duties of professional counselors in middle and high schools.