Narrative Exploring on the Experience of Concretizing the Chief Complaint of Counselee

Objectives The purpose of this study is to understand the client’s experience of concretizing the chief complaint and the meaning of the experience in initial counseling and to reveal the experience of life change. Methods Participant in the study consisted of female in their twenties, Following one counseling session, three rounds of in-depth interviews and data analysis were conducted. This research employed a narrative study methodology to deeply explore the experience and significance of the chief complaint in initial counseling sessions. Results Based on the data analysis, 2 domains and 6 subcategories, totaling 14 units of meaning, were derived. The experiential domains of the chief complaint include ‘The light of hope found in the midst of frustration’, ‘A counselor of who helped to open the closed door of your heart’, ‘My inner self navigated by understanding how my mind works, ’The butterfly effect of counseling in my life’ were identified. The meaning domains of the chief complaint encompass ‘a warm gaze towards oneself not meeting expectations’, ‘A Sense of control experineced through self-expression’. Conclusions In the early stages of counseling, the experience of concretizing the chief complaint allows the counselee to understand the triggering factors and psychological mechanisms underlying their presenting symptoms. Recognizing and regulating maladaptive patterns that recur in everyday life is an important factor. This contributes to establishing educational foundations for enhancing the counselor's professional competence.