A Qualitative Study of Challenges and Issues Faced by School Counselors

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Educational Psychology and Counseling, University of Tehran, I.R.Iran

2 Department of Counseling, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

3 Faculty of Psychology and Education, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

School counselors face numerous challenges in promoting students’ mental health and academic achievement. This qualitative study, conducted during the 2019–2020 academic year, aimed to explore the professional experiences and challenges of school counselors using a phenomenological research approach. Fourteen counselors were selected through purposive sampling and participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using Strauss and Glaser’s interpretive coding method. The analysis revealed three main themes, seven sub-themes, and thirty-eight initial concepts. The main themes included: (1) challenges related to the counseling role (such as student-related and parent-related difficulties), (2) organizational challenges (including conflicts with school principals and colleagues, obstacles in academic guidance, and systemic administrative issues), and (3) personal life challenges (such as role confusion and occupational burnout). To ensure the trustworthiness of the findings, Lincoln and Guba’s four criteria—credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability—were applied throughout the research process. The results underscore the need for comprehensive training and support programs to strengthen counselors’ competencies. Promoting collaboration between counselors, school administrators, and teachers can also enhance the effectiveness of counseling services.Given counselors’ vital role in student development, educational policymakers must adopt practical solutions to address these challenges. The study offers implications for improving counseling practices and informing strategic educational planning.

Keywords

Educational and Scholastic studies

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 20 January 2026

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