How do Persons Perceive Rehabilitation Counseling? A Qualitative Study on Experienced Rehabilitation Counseling Implemented by the Federal German Pension Insurance among Persons with Approved Vocational Rehabilitation

Abstract

Background and objective Persons with approved vocational rehabilitation participate in a conversation with a rehabilitation consultant shortly after approval. The aim of the consultation is to select individually suitable services from the available range of services, based on the illness and employment biography of persons with approved vocational rehabilitation. The initial consultation is thus of essential importance for the further rehabilitation process. To date, there has been little research about what characterizes successful counseling from the point of view of persons with approved vocational rehabilitation. The aim of the qualitative study was to examine the perspective on counseling for persons with approved vocational rehabilitation financed by the German Federal Pension Insurance. Method Telephone interviews based on guidelines were conducted with 16 persons. The interviews were recorded and transcribed. The data was analyzed with MAXQDA using qualitative content analysis and the technique of inductive category development. Results Three perceived forms of counseling could be distinguished: a supportive counseling, a passive counseling and an inhibitory counseling. Persons with experienced passive and inhibitory counseling reported uncertainty and withdrawal in the further rehabilitation process. Conclusion There is an individual perception of the counseling and support provided by the rehabilitation consultant, which can have an impact on the attitude and behaviour of persons in the further course of vocational rehabilitation. The challenge is to enable supportive experiences within the time-limited framework of the initial consultation.