Exploratory Findings on Novice Group Counselors' Initial Co-facilitating Experiences in In-Class Support Groups With Adjunct Online Support Groups

This study focused on 16 Asian novice group counselors' initial co-facilitation experiences in in-class and online support groups. A qualitative analysis using Grounded Theory produced 16 themes in 5 categories. Participants' Expectations (Causal Condition) and Readiness (Intervening Condition) to co-facilitate, informed their strategic actions/interactions in navigating Challenges, encountered during support group sessions. The consequences were Growth and formation of Views of Online Group Counseling. The majority of participants reported greater awareness of themselves and co-facilitation issues, as well as a preference for the face-to-face counseling platform, over the online counseling platform.