Culturally Responsive Group Counselling in Indonesian Secondary Schools: Challenges and Professional Support Needs

This study explored school counsellors’ experiences, implementation challenges, and professional support needs related to culturally responsive group counselling in secondary schools in North Sumatra, Indonesia. Data were collected through open-ended questionnaires completed by 389 school counsellors and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Three themes emerged: the underuse of group counselling for preventive and developmental purposes; challenges in facilitating intercultural interaction and managing multicultural group dynamics; and the need for contextually relevant counselling models and practical guidance. The findings indicate that culturally responsive practice requires both professional development for school counsellors and organisational support. Practitioners need clear, accessible guidance, while schools and professional organisations can facilitate implementation through appropriate resources and opportunities for planning. This study provides practice-oriented evidence on counsellors’ experiences and support needs in North Sumatra. The findings may inform practice in other settings, although their transferability depends on local cultural, educational, and organisational conditions.