Psychological counsellors awareness of cognitive biases: a qualitative study based on vignettes

Psychological counsellors, as part of their professional roles, make many decisions every day, and these decisions often directly impact the client's development. Awareness of cognitive biases that may unconsciously shape these decisions is essential for effective and ethical practice. However, limited qualitative research has examined how counsellors recognize, interpret, and evaluate such biases. This study explored counsellors’ perceptions of three structured bias types –confirmation, anchoring, and status quo– through vignette scenarios. Using a phenomenological design, the vignettes were presented to active counsellors, followed by semi-structured interviews. The findings suggest that participants were generally able to recognize various cognitive biases presented in the scenarios and acknowledged their potential impact on decision-making processes. Additionally, some participants shared personal experiences that illustrated the practical relevance of these biases. Results highlight the need to integrate bias-awareness competencies into professional counsellor education alongside ethical principles, enhancing decision-making quality and safeguarding client welfare.