Welcoming. Connecting. Belonging.

Thoughts & Feelings around Counselling

Welcoming. Connecting. Belonging.

Thoughts & feelings around Counselling

• It might make me worse• I might get upset• Does going to a counsellor mean I am a failure• What would my friends think?• I don’t want to be reminded of how bad I feel• I can sort my problems on my own• It’s like saying I am weak• I feel ashamed of my problems• If I go to counselling will it all be sorted• No one can understand how I feel• I really must be in a bad situation• I don’t want to talk to a stranger• Counselling could get in the way of my career• Once you start, it may never end• Maybe I won’t like the counsellor• Suppose I won’t know what to say?

Welcoming. Connecting. Belonging.

Thoughts & feelings around Counselling (comparison)

Perception that only weak or bad people need

counselling

Perception that a white person would not understand their

problems and would not be able to help them

Psychological problems are out of the control of an individual since they were created by policies

and forces

One cannot control oneself

Shameful to reveal that one has mental health concern

Mental health problems are believed to be

linked to immoral

thoughts and actions

In some cultures, disclosing personal problems is seen as

disgraceful and a sign of weakness and immaturity

Welcoming. Connecting. Belonging.

In some countries, not only the individual with a

mental illness but also the family “The traditional view of

counselling and mental health goes by the

Western view which is very individualistic”

Not valued in the one’s culture – no

need to seek professional help

“How can I get there during my lunch break or

after work? “

“Only crazy people need counselling”

There is too much stigma and shame

attached to counselling

“I can’t even speak good

English, how can I express myself

well to the counsellor?”

“What is it for?”

Thoughts & feelings around Counselling (comparison)

Welcoming. Connecting. Belonging.

A Word from the clients:

He is a good doctor but he doesnot have enough time. When I ask

him aquestion, he says, “You are here for

yourpap test. I will answer your question

another time.”

Welcoming. Connecting. Belonging.

C.r.a.s.h Model

• Culture: Examine your own cultural beliefs• Respect: Demonstrate respect and be mindful of

your gestures; e.g. not using too much of physical touch

• Assess: Language comprehension, health-literacy, and acculturation-level

• Sensitivity: Develop awareness on certain issues within a culture

• Humility: learn more about cultural competency, and be quick to apologize in the event of cultural mis-steps