Abstract

The purpose of this study was to classify 206 Korean counselors into latent profiles based on the 5 subscales of Korean Focusing Manner Scale-Revised and to analyze the patterns of the identified latent classes. In addition, these profiles were explored to determine the differences in authenticity, countertransference, and working alliance. The collected data was analyzed using R and Mclust. As a result, three distinct profiles were identified: congruent, acceptance, and avoidance. The latent class model appeared to be an ellipsoidal model, with latent groups of various sizes, but had equal shape and orientation. One-way ANOVA showed that the congruent type had significantly higher authenticity, and countertransference than the other types. The congruent type also had a higher working alliance than the avoidance type. This study comprehensively identified various subgroups of Korean counselors based on their focusing manner. Based on the findings, the implications for therapeutic interventions and counselor development as well as recommendations for future research are discussed.