Date of Award
2011
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Program
Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
Supervisor
Dr. Lilian Magalhaes
Abstract
Addiction is a growing concern particularly in Manitoba where the rate is higher than the national average. Individuals are accessing addictions services at steadily increasing rates therefore Counsellors will be needed to deal with this increase. International literature reports high turnover among addictions counsellors, with detrimental effects on service delivery. This thesis aims to enhance an understanding of the ways in which contextual features influence how and when counsellors leave the field of addiction. A critical narrative approach was adopted that aligned with a constructivist paradigm. Two semi structured narrative interviews were conducted with four participants. Common themes that emerged were: education playing a major role in the difficulties experienced by the participants, the impact of centralized decision-making, lack of support from management and coworkers, systemic constraints making work in addictions challenging, as well as each participant being uncertain about entering, leaving and returning to the field of addictions. Findings indicate that turnover is non-linear and contextually situated.
Recommended Citation
Winters, Shannon Elizabeth, "AN EXPLORATION INTO ADDICTIONS COUNSELLOR TURNOVER IN MANITOBA: A NARRATIVE INQUIRY" (2011). Digitized Theses. 3262.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/digitizedtheses/3262