Newfoundland and Labrador guidance counsellors' use of theory to inform practice

• Main Author: Coleman, Shelley
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: Memorial University of Newfoundland 2018
• Subjects: Newfoundland
• Online Access: https://research.library.mun.ca/13223/; https://research.library.mun.ca/13223/1/thesis.pdf

Theory is an important consideration in professional guidance counsellor practice. There are a multitude of theoretical models that counsellors can use to understand their work and guide their practice. The current study explored the views of guidance counsellors in Newfoundland and Labrador in terms of how they reported using theory, along with which theories they used, to guide their various work-related responsibilities. All guidance counsellors in the province received an e-mail invitation to complete a survey designed to explore theory use for each of the established 15 guidance counsellor work related roles in Newfoundland and Labrador. Survey questions also explored views on previous training around theory and potential areas for future training needs. Results illustrated a wide variety of views on the usefulness and appropriateness of theory to inform practice. Results also highlighted a range of theoretical models being utilized in schools in Newfoundland and Labrador by guidance counsellors. The current thesis explores findings related to theory use among guidance counsellors in the province with a focus on implications for practice, future research, and training.