The Personal in Practice: How Counsellors’ Awareness of their Social Location Impacts Counselling with Low-Income Clients
Abstract
Individuals experiencing low-income are at a significant risk for experiencing poor mental health. Yet, this population is less likely to receive effective counselling services because of distinct social, systemic, and logistical barriers, including a perceived lack of understanding from counsellors due to differences in social location. The present study explored how counsellors' awareness of their social location affects their work with low-income clients through concept mapping methodology. Counsellors were interviewed about their experiences counselling with low-income clients (n= 113), subsequently completing a sorting activity involving grouping responses reflecting similar ideas (n=27). Cluster analysis was then conducted, identifying six concepts: emotional impact of the work, recognizing external factors, a changed perspective, flexibility in practice, integrating personal experiences, and client-centered care. These findings provide practice-based evidence of how counsellors' awareness of their social location influences their counselling approach, enhancing the quality of care for low-income clients.