Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Thesis Format

Monograph

Degree

Master of Arts

Program

Education

Supervisor

Lengyell, Marguerite

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.

Summary for Lay Audience

Access to mental health care is essential for one’s well-being, yet individuals experiencing low-income face significant barriers to accessing mental health support. Financial constraints, limited availability of accessible care, and a lack of counsellor awareness of the impact of socioeconomic hardships contribute to ineffective service provision. Counsellors’ willingness to acknowledge the role of social class in clients’ lives can significantly influence treatment outcomes for low-income demographics.

This study examined how counsellors’ awareness of their own social background and position affects their work with low-income clients. This study involved interviewing counsellors about their experiences working with low-income clients and a subsequent sorting activity where participants grouped their own and others’ responses to the interview questions based on perceived similarities. The generated data was analyzed using multidimensional scaling, which visually represents statements as points on an x-y axis, with the proximity of the points indicating how often participants grouped them together. Cluster analysis was then conducted, which identifies themes by grouping statements that were frequently sorted together by participants.

The study identified 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 approaches and principles that counsellors can apply in their work with low-income clients to improve their service provision for this demographic. The generated results highlight the need for training and resources to help counsellors implement these approaches effectively.

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