Elucidating the Process of Growth and Development of Family Counselors: A Qualitative Meta-Analysis

Omid  Mohammadi; Masoumeh  Asmaeili

doi:10.18502/qjcr.v24i94.20079

Omid Mohammadi Ph.D. in Counseling, Professor, Faculty of Psychology and Education, Allameh Tabataba'i University,Tehran, Iran.
Masoumeh Asmaeili Ph.D. in Counseling, Professor, Faculty of Psychology and Education, Allameh Tabataba'i University,Tehran, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/qjcr.v24i94.20079

Keywords: growth; development; professional identity; qualitative meta-analysis; thematic analysis

Abstract

Aim: The professional growth and development of counselors is a continuous and lifelong process. Accordingly, this study aimed to elucidate the process of growth and development among family counselors. Methods: This qualitative study employed a qualitative meta-analysis approach. The study population consisted of Persian and English qualitative articles related to the growth and development of family counselors. A total of 107 qualitative studies were reviewed, of which 18 were identified as fully relevant. Relevant articles were selected through comprehensive searches in databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, SID, NoorMagz, and Magiran. Data were analyzed using a systematic review method and the inductive thematic analysis approach proposed by Thomas and Harden, encompassing three stages: open coding, organizing codes into descriptive themes, and generating analytical concepts. Findings: The thematic analysis of the qualitative studies resulted in the identification of four main themes, 13 subcategories, and 230 sub-subcategories. The main themes were: Initiation and Orientation; Activity and Exploration; Transition and Follow-up; and Integration and Synergy. The subcategories included: Non-professional Assistance; Beginner Student and Self-Doubt; Understanding Philosophy and Enhancing Professional Knowledge; Basic Level Performance; Entering the Internship Path and Receiving Supervision; Labeling Oneself as a Professional Specialist; Novice Professional Performance; Contextual Understanding of the Professional Community; Experienced Professional Performance; Deepening Personal and Professional Reflection; Integration of Personal and Professional Self; Self-Transcendence and Self-Enhancement; and Mission-Centricity. Conclusion: The findings indicate that cultivating responsibility and self-confidence during training enables counselors to discover their unique professional voice and achieve a meaningful integration between their personal and professional selves.