Abstract
<jats:p>This article presents a study of group counselling for experienced healthcare workers employed in health and care services. The study context involves part-time students in the final year of a two-year counselling education programme, who facilitated counselling in groups for healthcare workers undertaking further education in mental health care at a vocational college. The aim was to explore how participants experienced person-centred group counselling grounded in person-centred, gestalt-based, and phenomenological theory and practice. Data were collected through focus group interviews and process evaluation forms. The evaluation forms included four questions and four open comment fields, generating 84 responses. Focus group interviews were conducted with 12 of the 31 participants who had taken part in three planned and structured group sessions. Findings indicate that the format was experienced as surprising and as a ‘gift,’ strengthening the sense of professional community. Participants described gaining professional insight and personal confidence through sharing experiences and daring to be themselves. The mentors’ status as students was not significant, provided participants felt supported. The article argues that person-centred counselling promotes reflection, supports practice, and fosters transformative learning in working life.</jats:p>