「Seeing Myself Through You」: Intersubjective Experiences of Participants in Online REBT Group Counseling

This study explored how participants in an open-format, online (via Zoom) REBT (Rati onal Emotive Behavior Therapy) group counseling program—composed of counseling pro fessionals—experience intersubjectivity, using Giorgi’s descriptive phenomenological meth od. In recent years, intersubjectivity has gained recognition as a core component of ther apeutic relationships, highlighting the need for in-depth qualitative research into how it i s formed and experienced within group counseling settings. The researcher participated i n the group for 18 months as both an observer and member and conducted in-depth int erviews with five group members. Through analysis of their lived narratives, six core t hemes and 24 subthemes were identified: (1) a sense of belonging blossoming through r elationships, (2) a journey of gradually bridging emotional distance, (3) moments of shar ed emotional resonance and mutual growth, (4) the emotional fulfillment that arises from being accepted as one truly is, (5) re-encountering oneself and co-creating meaning, an d (6) the belief in one’s capacity to help others, growing as a counselor. These themes reflect how participants experienced intersubjectivity through genuine self-disclosure wit hin the group and, through that process, deepened their self-understanding and professio nal development. The study suggests that REBT group counseling, beyond cognitive res tructuring, can offer a relational space for healing and growth, and provides foundational insight into the practical application of intersubjectivity within REBT group settings.