Unveiling the Hidden Struggles and Repressive Coping among Counselors-in-Training

The path of counselors-in-training (CITs) toward professional development is marked by struggles that often go unnoticed, prompting them to develop strategies to navigate the journey. This qualitative-phenomenological study aimed to explore the hidden struggles and repressive coping mechanisms among CITs. Through purposive sampling, the researchers conducted face-to-face, semi-structured interviews with ten (10) CITs in SOCCSKSARGEN, specifically at General Santos City, Polomolok, and Koronoda City. Using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis, the results revealed that CITs struggled with role overload, occupational burnout, managing exceptional cases, attending to reluctant clients, multicultural challenges, identifying the appropriate counseling approach, working with many clients, and emotional residue. The study's findings also showed that CITs employed repressive coping strategies, including emotional regulation, immersing oneself, strategic coping, and diverting oneself through leisure activities. Recognizing these hidden struggles is crucial for CITs, as it cultivates awareness of the vulnerabilities in the mental health field. Thus, this study underscores the importance of equipping CITs with effective coping strategies to address these challenges, ensuring their well-being is safeguarded as they continue to guide others.