An exploratory study of student counsellors’ motivations, considerations, and plans in Singapore

ABSTRACT This paper examines adult learners’ motivation when enrolling into a counselling course, factors that influence their choice of institutions, and employment plans. Survey respondents comprised 288 pre-enrolled students to a Master of Counselling programme. Findings revealed that respondents identified “a sense of calling” and “the desire to help others” as top motivators. Most placed great emphasis on course content and curriculum, credibility and quality of the course, and recognition by professional bodies, locally and internationally when selecting schools. Most respondents looked to a career in counselling upon graduation. The findings will benefit counselling education providers when designing their counselling curriculum, taking into consideration the profile of adult learners, and provide the counselling profession and community a catalyst for generative conversation.