Counselor Competence in Enhancing Group Dynamics and Its Influence on Counseling Outcomes: A Systematic Literature Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37304/pandohop.v6i2.25455Keywords:
counselor competence, counseling outcomes, group dynamics, group cohesion, therapeutic allianceAbstract
The success of group counseling does not depend solely on the intervention techniques used by counselors but is also strongly determined by the quality of the dynamics that develop within the group. This study aims to examine counselor competence in enhancing group dynamics and its influence on counseling outcomes. This study employed a systematic literature review approach guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), which includes the stages of identification, screening, eligibility, and inclusion. A total of 10 relevant research articles met the inclusion criteria and were selected for further analysis. The findings indicate that counselor competence consists of several key dimensions, namely relational competence, intrapersonal and multicultural competence, technical and reflective competence, and digital competence. These findings highlight the importance of comprehensive counselor competence development to optimize group counseling practices, including in digital contexts. The implications of this review indicate that the effectiveness of group counseling is strongly influenced by counselors’ ability to establish therapeutic relationships, manage group interactions, and adapt their approaches to the needs of group members. Therefore, counselor education and training programs need to place greater emphasis on the development of practical, reflective, multicultural, and digital competencies to support the implementation of effective and adaptive group counseling practices.
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