International Students’ Perspectives of Helpful and Hindering Factors in the Initial Stages of a Therapeutic Relationship

Authors

  • Sariné Willis-O'Connor University of New Brunswick
  • Jeff Landine University of New Brunswick
  • José F. Domene University of New Brunswick

Keywords:

Counsellor Education, International Students, Applied Practice

Abstract

Using interpersonal process recall, 8 international student participants (6 men, 2 women) described what they thought was helpful or hindering to the therapeutic relationship during an analogue initial counselling session. A thematic qualitative analysis revealed that the participants found 5 counsellor qualities and techniques to be helpful to the therapeutic relationship: (a) active listening, (b) casualness, (c) direction, (d) enthusiasm, and (e) connection with client’s culture. Three factors were identified as hindering to the therapeutic relationship: (a) language barriers, (b) fast pace, and (c) counsellor disengagement. Limitations and future directions are discussed.

Author Biographies

Sariné Willis-O'Connor, University of New Brunswick

Sariné Willis-O'Connor is a Canadian Certified Counsellor and is currently working as a CONNECT counsellor for the Canadian Hearing Society. This article is based on research conducted in partial fulfillment of her M.Ed Counselling degree at the University of New Brunswick. 

Jeff Landine, University of New Brunswick

Dr. Jeff Landine is an Associate Professor at the University of New Brunswick where he teaches in the counselling program area.

José F. Domene, University of New Brunswick

Dr. José F Domene is a Professor and Canada Research Chair in School to Work Transition in the Faculty of Education at the University of New Brunswick, where he teaches in the counselling program area. His research interests include social and relational aspects of career development, particularly during emerging adulthood, and professional issues in counselling and counselling psychology.

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Published

2016-09-14

How to Cite

Willis-O’Connor, S., Landine, J., & Domene, J. F. (2016). International Students’ Perspectives of Helpful and Hindering Factors in the Initial Stages of a Therapeutic Relationship. Canadian Journal of Counselling and Psychotherapy, 50(3s). Retrieved from https://dev.journalhosting.ucalgary.ca/index.php/rcc/article/view/61059

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Section

Articles/ Articles