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Counseling Students’ Experiences in an Islamic-Based Counseling Course

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences of learning and consequent development of twelve students enrolled in a four-year undergraduate counselling program at a higher institution of learning in Malaysia. The students’ ages ranged from 20 to 24 years. Participants outlined their learning experiences after taking a three-credit semester-long course on Islamic-based counseling, which was an attempt at integrating religion and spirituality into counselor training. An experiential learning theory served as the framework of reference, and a qualitative research design was adopted. Results revealed four major themes: (1) increased understanding of counseling, (2) better understanding in regard to the self and relationship with God, (3) applicability to daily practice, and (4) enhancing professional competence as a counselor. Finally, implications for research, counselor education and training, and clinical practice are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Education, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

    Melati Sumari

  2. Faculty of Leadership and Management, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, 71800, Nilai, Malaysia

    Dini Farhana Baharudin

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  1. Melati Sumari
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  2. Dini Farhana Baharudin
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Correspondence to Melati Sumari.

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Sumari, M., Baharudin, D.F. Counseling Students’ Experiences in an Islamic-Based Counseling Course. Int J Adv Counselling 38, 194–203 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10447-016-9267-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10447-016-9267-6

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