IMPECCABLE NOTIONS ON GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING: CHALLENGES AND COPING MECHANISM

The need for guidance counseling among college students has grown profoundly in reaction to the technological modern world, which brings uncertainties.But, despite the indispensability of guidance counseling services , there is inadequate information dissemination on the availability of its services offered, primarily due to their perception of guidance counseling services. To hunt through this issue, this study aimed to single out the components that affect students' perceptions on guidance counseling through qualitative approach. A total ten college students were purposely chosen for individual interviews.It revealed low engagement with the guidance counselor, despite students expressing positive views towards certain factors such as awareness of available services, ease of access, trust in the counselor, and session confidentiality. However, there are components that should be addressed, as they dissuade students from seeking guidance counseling services and contribute to misconceptions about guidance counseling. These elements include the stigma of fear of judgment associated with mental health issues. The qualitative thematic analysis highlighted further issues that require attention, such as negative experiences, limited information on available services, lack of certainty on confidentiality.