On the problem of psychological counseling in the context of social turbulence and digitalization

In the context of social turbulence and digitalization, the requests and complexity of psychological counseling clients undergo significant changes, which makes it relevant to analyze these changes and develop methods for adapting psychological care to new realities. Modern socio-cultural dynamics and advances in the field of information technology influence the psychological state of people, requiring a revision of approaches to psychological counseling (PC). The purpose of this study was to analyze changes in the problems with which clients seek psychological help in the current socio-psychological context, as well as to assess their mental state and burnout syndrome. The study involved 50 clients (60% females and 40% males aged 25 to 56 years) who asked for help with professional adaptation, burnout syndrome, and career development. The following instruments were used for diagnostics: an author’s questionnaire and the “Professional Burnout” questionnaire by N.E. Vodopyanova et al. Counseling sessions were conducted in person. Additionally, 15 practicing psychological counselors (12 women, 3 men) with professional experience ranging from 3 to 17 years were surveyed. They expressed their views on clients’ mental states, the evolution of their counseling requests, and their perception of the consultation process itself. The study revealed that the majority of PC clients who seek help for career problems are experienced symptoms of professional burnout. According to the survey of practicing consultants, burnout is the most frequently reported issue among clients (66%). The practical significance of the study lies in the description of the current situation’s typical requests of PC clients. It confirms the importance of taking into account sociocultural and technological changes in working with clients and the need to develop their adaptation skills to new conditions.