Counseling Tradition and Counseling Services Status in Ethiopia

Abstract

The underlying point of reference in the study was obtaining relevant information from modern and professional counselors in the country in view of the societal understanding and interest of practicing the counseling services in their lifetime. The counseling organizations involved in the study were representing modern counseling structure and practices based on certain relevance they could have for the intended lessons. To achieve its goal, qualitative study method was conducted employing thematic data analysis technique. The tools used to gather information were interview, observation and focus group discussions conducted with key informants of the institutions. The study result identified that counseling and counseling service quality is at promising status in the country. Institutions engaging in counseling services provision focus on indigenous wisdom, personal experience and knowledge captured from educational institutes. Since the work is so fragmented, much is expected from concerned government and non-government organizations in boosting the purpose and functions of counseling in order to maintain adolescents’ holistic development in and out of school. Accordingly, counseling as a tradition among the community, specifically the Oromo, become practical to maintain peaceful mental and social serenity with further consideration to progress.