Exploring beneficial practices of mental health professionals working with refugees
Abstract
Evidence suggests that despite growing numbers of refugees entering Alberta each year, there
may not be enough counsellors equipped to provide helping services. Within the counselling context, refugees are identified as at risk for developing complex psychological challenges, requiring culturally sensitive counselling that incorporates diverse culture and language differences. This case study explored how three Alberta-based mental health professionals provide helpful counselling services to refugees and how they prepared to attain competencies and relevant experiences required for providing appropriate, culturally sensitive interventions to refugees.
Notes
Community organizations: n/a
Future research / gaps identified: This thesis explored the experiences of 3 case studies due to limitations in participant recruitment due to COVID-19.
Integration timeline: not defined
Key populations: mental health counselors/therapists working with refugees in Alberta
Key recommendations:
- Expose counseling practicum students and interns to working with different ethnocultural communities.
- Ensure counselors have trauma-informed training and intervention certifications before they begin working with refugees.
Location: Edmonton, AB
Key findings:
The 7 themes emerged on how to implement culturally sensitive counseling and interventions:
- Building trust in the working relationship
- Maintaining ethical practice
- Attending to the client’s culture and context
- Attending to and working with complex mental health concerns
- Helpful components of formal training
- Helpful components of professional development and ongoing training
- Supportive consultation and supervision
Open access: No
