A SECRET KEPT IS A TRUST EARNED: FROM THE LIVED EXPERIENCES OF DESIGNATED GUIDANCE COUNSELORS

Guidance and Counseling

This qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of five designated guidance counselors in schools across Trento, Agusan del Sur; Nabunturan, Davao de Oro; and Tagum, Davao del Norte. It focused on how these counselors build and maintain student trust, a critical aspect of guidance and counseling. Through in-depth interviews, the study highlighted counselors’ rewarding experiences, including moments when students open up, show gratitude, handle problems, and deepen connections. Additionally, key trust-building practices like small check-ins, confidentiality, active listening, and allowing students to open up at their own pace were identified. Counselors emphasized trust’s crucial role in fostering honest sharing, courage, and emotional growth. Further, it examined key challenges faced, such as peer influence, confidentiality fears, negative past experiences, misconceptions, and mandatory reporting protocols. To overcome these, counselors employed various coping mechanisms including peer support, prayer, self-awareness, collaboration, and continuous learning. The study also provided valuable insights like genuine care, encouragement, respecting students’ pace, and empathetic listening. Truly, the counselors realized that honesty, authenticity, consistency, and trustworthiness are essential in fostering emotional growth and courageous sharing among students. Overall, this research offers practical advice for nurturing trust, protecting privacy, and promoting self-care in the field of guidance and counseling.

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