The role of group support meetings in the formation of professional identity among novice psychologists

The article addresses the issue of forming professional identity among novice psychologists-consultants in the context of social and professional uncertainty. The relevance of the topic is due to the fact that at the stage of entering the profession, young specialists face a high level of anxiety, professional fears, and insecurity, which hinders the formation of their professional "self." The aim of the study is to identify the effectiveness of a group supportive format in reducing anxiety and strengthening identity. The methodological foundation consists of the concepts of professional identity by I.S. Kon, E. Erikson, J. Marcia, L.B. Schneider, and Yu.P. Poverenkov. In the empirical study, the sample consisted of n = 8 participants who underwent the developed program. The program included elements of the Balint approach, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT). The Spivak-Hanin anxiety questionnaire and the uncertainty tolerance scale were used. It is worth noting the high level of anxiety among novice specialists, caused by the blurred professional boundaries and the lack of clear normative criteria for admission to consulting practice. The results showed a statistically significant reduction in both personal and situational anxiety (p " 0.01), as well as an increase in tolerance to uncertainty (p " 0.05). Qualitative analysis revealed an increase in confidence, reflexivity, and awareness of the right to professional activity. The developed group supportive program proved effective as a space for professional formation and the establishment of a stable professional identity among psychologists. The obtained data suggest recommending the use of similar groups in universities and professional communities as a form of psychological support for novice specialists.

special contractual arrangement, counseling psychologists, group support meetings, Balint group, cognitive-behavioral approach, anxiety, tolerance for uncertainty, professional identity, school identity, psychological practice