Evaluation of a Web-Based Peer Discussion Group for Counselor Trainees

The present study examined the development, content, and outcome of a two-semester Web-Based Peer Discussion Group (WBPDG) for 20 counselor trainees. Outcome measures determined that participants felt significantly more open and co mfortable using the WBPDG at posttest in comparison to pretest. In addition, counselor trainees significantly reported a preference for using aliases online versus their real names in order to foster more sharing. Grounded theory(1) was used to analyze the 824 W BPDG messages revealing the fo llo wing themes: Therapeutic Technique, Case Conceptualizat ion, Professional Identity and Development, Supervision, Interpersonal Issues, and Ethics. Participation in the WBPDG also correlated with outcomes measured in face-to-face supervision. Imp lications for online peer supervision, practice, research, training and education in professional psychology are addressed.

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