Sustainable Education and Digital Transformation
Toward sustainable student support in digital education: A phenomenological study of technology and AI-supported counselling practice
Patricia Mawusi Amos 1 *
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1 Department of Counselling Psychology, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana
* Corresponding Author
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Sustainable Education and Digital Transformation, 2027 - Volume 2 Issue 2, Article No: e45132
https://doi.org/10.33902/SEDT.202645132

Article Type: Research Article

Published Online: 27 Sep 2026

Views: 181 | Downloads: 147

ABSTRACT
The study explored how student counsellors integrate digital technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI) into their practicum experience. Using an exploratory phenomenological design, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with fifteen postgraduate counselling students at the University of Education, Winneba. The study examined the types of tools used, perceived benefits, challenges encountered and the implications for the counselling relationship. Findings indicate that student counsellors frequently rely on basic digital tools for communication, documentation and preparation while AI applications are used more selectively to support planning, idea generation and case conceptualization. Participants reported that these technologies improved efficiency, enhanced preparation, and increased confidence before sessions. However, several challenges emerged including limited infrastructure, unreliable internet access, lack of formal training and concerns about the cultural relevance of AI-generated content. Importantly, participants maintained clear boundaries by avoiding the use of AI during live counselling sessions, emphasizing the need to preserve empathy, trust and relational depth. The study highlights the growing role of technology in counsellor training while underscoring the importance of ethical awareness, contextual sensitivity and human centred practice. It recommends the integration of AI literacy, ethical guidelines and improved digital infrastructure into counsellor education to better prepare trainees for contemporary practice.
KEYWORDS
counselling training counsellor education digital counselling student counsellors therapeutic alliance therapeutic relationship
In-text citation: (Amos, 2027)
Reference: Amos, P. M. (2027). Toward sustainable student support in digital education: A phenomenological study of technology and AI-supported counselling practice. Sustainable Education and Digital Transformation, 2(2), e45132. https://doi.org/10.33902/SEDT.202645132
In-text citation: (1), (2), (3), etc.
Reference: Amos PM. Toward sustainable student support in digital education: A phenomenological study of technology and AI-supported counselling practice. Sustainable Education and Digital Transformation. 2027;2(2), e45132. https://doi.org/10.33902/SEDT.202645132
In-text citation: (1), (2), (3), etc.
Reference: Amos PM. Toward sustainable student support in digital education: A phenomenological study of technology and AI-supported counselling practice. Sustainable Education and Digital Transformation. 2027;2(2):e45132. https://doi.org/10.33902/SEDT.202645132
In-text citation: (Amos, 2027)
Reference: Amos, Patricia Mawusi. "Toward sustainable student support in digital education: A phenomenological study of technology and AI-supported counselling practice". Sustainable Education and Digital Transformation 2027 2 no. 2 (2027): e45132. https://doi.org/10.33902/SEDT.202645132
In-text citation: (Amos, 2027)
Reference: Amos, P. M. (2027). Toward sustainable student support in digital education: A phenomenological study of technology and AI-supported counselling practice. Sustainable Education and Digital Transformation, 2(2), e45132. https://doi.org/10.33902/SEDT.202645132
In-text citation: (Amos, 2027)
Reference: Amos, Patricia Mawusi "Toward sustainable student support in digital education: A phenomenological study of technology and AI-supported counselling practice". Sustainable Education and Digital Transformation, vol. 2, no. 2, 2027, e45132. https://doi.org/10.33902/SEDT.202645132
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