From Theory to Practice: The Perspective of Ghanaian Counselling Students

Counselling practicum is a vital component of counseling programs, as it provides counseling students with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience working with clients under the supervision of a licensed or experienced counselor. Therefore, this study sought to explore challenges and prospects of counseling practicum among students pursuing postgraduate degree programs in University of Education, Winneba (UEW) in the Central Region of Ghana. Exploratory case study design within qualitative research approach was adopted in this study. Seven (7) students were sampled using purposive (maximum variation) sampling technique. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from the participants. Data were analyzed in themes. It was established that limited availability of practicum sites, inadequate supervision, limited exposure to diverse populations, time management, difficulty in balancing academic coursework and practicum, inadequate resources and limited practical experience were some of the challenges faced by students. Also, to develop counseling skills, gain hands-on experience, network with professionals, and contribution to the field through research and professional development activities were key opportunities for these students. It was concluded that counseling practicum can be a challenging experience for university students, as it requires them to navigate complex ethical, personal, and professional issues into practice, it also contributes to the enrichment of the students' counselling practices and experiences.Recommendations were made based on the findings and conclusion drawn.