The Socratic method is one of many methods used in counseling guidance services. The simple Socratic method can be applied by counselors to reduce bullying. The purpose of this study was to determine whether high school counselors in Yogyakarta Province recognize the Socratic method and whether there is an opportunity for this method to be applied to increase the awareness of students about bullying. A qualitative research approach was used, with a focus on phenomenology. The data were collected using an open questionnaire. The subjects consisted of 19 counselors from 15 secondary schools in the Yogyakarta Province who were selected by purposive sampling. Data analysis was carried out based on the guidance of Narbuko and Achmadi; this process consisted of three steps, namely editing, coding, and tabulation. The results showed that there was a substantial opportunity for the Socratic method to be applied by secondary school counselors in Yogyakarta Province to increase students’ awareness about bullying. This was evidenced by: 1) bullying continued to occur among middle school students, even though the counselors had used various methods and services to discuss bullying; 2) only a small number of school counselors had received information about the Socratic method, but the procedure for implementing the Socratic method was considered simple; and 3) all counselors stated that guidance on implementing the Socratic method was necessary and were enthusiastic about applying the Socratic method in an effort to increase students’ awareness about bullying
Keywords: Socratic method, opportunity, anti-bullying awareness