Lived Experiences of Guidance Counselors in Public Schools: Challenges, Motivations, and Coping Strategies

Guidance counselors in public secondary schools in the Davao Region face a range of professional challenges while experiencing a strong sense of fulfillment in their roles. These experiences affect their motivation, well-being, and work effectiveness. This study explored their lived experiences using an interpretive phenomenological approach. Nine licensed guidance counselors were selected through purposive sampling, with one additional participant recruited through snowball sampling, for a total of 10 participants. Five participants took part in in-depth interviews, while the remaining five participated in focus group discussions. Findings revealed that counselors faced challenges, including heavy workloads, limited resources, insufficient administrative support, and ethical dilemmas. Despite these difficulties, they remained motivated by a strong sense of purpose and fulfillment in helping students. To cope, they employed strategies such as faith-based reliance, peer support, self-care practices, and continuous professional learning. The study further highlights that when counselors' needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness are satisfied, and their psychological capital is strengthened, they are better equipped to navigate challenges, sustain passion, and achieve both personal and professional growth.