The Phenomenological Study on the Graduate School Experiences of Christian Related to Counseling

This qualitative study employed a phenomenological approach to explore the experiences of christian attending graduate school for counseling. The study participants were 12 christian members currently enrolled in a graduate program at a university in Seoul. Data were collected through in-depth individual interviews using a questionnaire.The collected data were analyzed using Colaizzi's method of phenomenological analysis, resulting in approximately 130 significant statements that were organized into 42 concepts. These concepts were then integrated into 17 categories and 6 overarching themes, leading to the following results. First, the study participants entered graduate school with the desire to become professionals who help people both spiritually and psychologically,while maintaining their faith-based values and principles. Despite experiencing emotional difficulties, discomfort, and academic burdens in their graduate studies, they found their growth and development as counselors, psychological understanding and application of faith, and positive perceptions of their aspirations and dreams to be beneficial experiences. Furthermore, the participants recognized the academic value of studying counseling psychology in that it provides a concrete understanding and development of practical aspects in terms of faith,expressing their hope that it can be utilized in church missionary work. However, it was revealed that they recognize the need for more learning opportunities regarding the development of counseling skills and competencies, as well as the integration of faith and counseling, from the perspective of majoring in counseling psychology.