Abstract
This study explores the self-care practices of guidance counselors in Cavite as well as the challenges they face. A sample of six (6) Registered Guidance Counselors (RGCs) have participated in this qualitative research, which utilized in-depth interviews and Moustaka’s data analysis to understand their lived experiences. The essential features of this study’s methodology are semi-structured interviews focusing on their self-care practices, challenges as well as their solutions in addressing such. Findings reveal that these professionals employed various personal self-care practices (emotional, physical and social self-care) to achieve individual well-being and professional self-care practices (social coping strategies, work-life balance and professional growth) to attain well-being in the context of their work setting. Challenges identified by guidance counselors working in the public schools are systemic barriers, role ambiguity and interpersonal conflicts, reflecting the resource-limited system in our education. Nevertheless, guidance counselors are able to address challenges through sustainable and interdependent self-care practices which include time management, boundary setting, support system and improvised solutions. Prioritizing their self-care practices in the context of professional responsibilities include negotiating their self-care practices through professional boundaries, self-preservation ethics and reframing minds to be of service to others.
