HELPING TILL IT HURTS: NARRATIVE OF SCHOOLHELPING PROFESSIONALS

  ABSTRACT: This research study focused on the lived experiences of school-helping professionals, primarily on their struggles and motivation to persist in their chosen careers, which have been overlooked until today. Using a descriptive qualitative method, precisely a phenomenological approach, 17 professionals were invited to share their experiencesthrough in-depth interviews orfocus group discussions. Thisstudy employed purposive sampling to choose respondents who were fit to participate. The data in this study was collected using focus group discussions and individual interviews. With these methods employed, we can have two viewpoints of the participants. The data in this study was analyzed using thematic analysis following Colaizzi’s method, which involves systematically identifying key themes and patterns, helping capture the participants’ core ideas. The result showed that these professionals experienced self-doubt, getting disturbed by the cases they handled, and feeling drained and stressed after work while conducting their profession. However, they manage these challenges and difficulties by realizing self-growth and progress, being resourceful and resilient, and reducing stressthrough self-care. However, their profession has made them feel fulfilled and accomplished, recognizing continuous learning and growth and that their profession is a blessing and an opportunity.

KEYWORDS: psychology, lived experiences of school-helping professionals, SDG 3, phenomenology, Philippines