Transformation in Counseling: A Multiple Case-Study

This qualitative multiple-case study examined how pastoral counseling supported emotional healing and spiritual resilience among evangelical church members in General Santos City, Philippines. The study addressed the research question: How did individuals who received pastoral counseling describe their lived experiences and perceived outcomes? Five participants were purposively sampled to reflect diverse presenting concerns (emotional trauma, grief, anxiety, relationship problems, life transitions, spiritual distress). Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis. To enhance analytic trustworthiness, the lead researcher conducted iterative coding, engaged in peer debriefing with an independent coder, performed member checking to confirm interpretive summaries, and maintained an audit trail. Findings revealed two overarching domains: challenges and coping/outcomes. Challenges included concerns about confidentiality and persistent personal struggles. Coping strategies and therapeutic outcomes comprised emotional and spiritual practices (prayer, scripture reflection), reliance on peer and church support, and engagement in individual or group counseling. Participants reported key experiential outcomes: feeling heard, gaining spiritual clarity, and developing meaningful relationships that supported ongoing resilience. The study concluded that pastoral counseling functioned as a faith-based pathway to both emotional healing and strengthened spiritual resilience within evangelical Philippine contexts. Methodologically, the study illustrated procedures for ensuring trustworthiness in multiple-case qualitative research. These findings have implications for clergy training, integration of counseling practices in church settings, and future qualitative research on culturally situated faith-based mental health supports.