Counselor Self-Efficacy, Work Experience, and Educational Background as Predictors in Willingness to Treat and Seek Additional Training to Work with Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Clients

The aim of the research was to understand how counselor self-efficacy (CSE) influences willingness to treat non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) clients, as well as willingness to seek out training to learn about NSSI. Research has shown that NSSI clients are viewed by counselors as one of the most difficult types of clients to treat and counselors report a lack of knowledge of how to confidently work with NSSI clients. However, CSE for both community and school counselors and whether it predictswillingness to work with NSSI clients or to obtain training about NSSI has not been examined in the literature. The current study used a non-experimental, quantitative design to look at the relationship between CSE, willingness to treat NSSI clients, and willingness to participate in NSSI training. The results found significant differences between CSE and willingness to work with NSSI clients, but no significant differences between CSE and willingness to obtain NSSI training. The clinical implications, limitations and future research recommendations for counselors are discussed.