Career Counseling with Foster Adolescents Transitioning to Adulthood: A Phenomenological Study Using a Psychoeducation Group Counseling Approach

Young adults who age out of the foster care system face a unique set of challenges including increased risk of homelessness, substance use, mental health problems, and difficulty with employment. The current phenomenological study aims to understand participants’ experiences of Project P.A.T.H., a group psychoeducational group intervention aimed at improving self-efficacy, employment hope, and job search knowledge in individuals who were unemployed or underemployed and actively seeking employment. Participants were recruited through the FLITE Center, a nonprofit organization providing services supporting individuals transitioning out of the foster system. A total of 23 participants aged 18-26 participated in this study. The participants took part in a structured two-day psychoeducational group workshop facilitated by trained professionals specializing in career development and mental health. The group emphasized key areas such as career planning, job search tactics, interviewing skills, and job performance and success (i.e., emotional regulation, conflict resolution, problem solving, etc.) followed by focus groups providing insight and feedback about their experience. Focus group interviews were analyzed using Colaizzi’s (1978) seven steps and open coding. Four significant themes emerged from the qualitative data collection: emotional regulation, professional preparation, mattering, and simulation practice. Participants emphasized the importance of regulating their emotions while also building confidence, which was crucial in helping them be successful in their job search process. Participants were appreciative of the information and the opportunity to practice job search and interviewing skills.