Multicultural Counselling Competencies with Female Adolescents: A Qualitative Investigation of Client Experiences

Authors

  • Anusha Kassan University of Calgary
  • Ada L. Sinacore McGill University

Keywords:

Multicultural Counselling Competencies, Cultural Competence, Adolescent Counselling, Adolescent Females

Abstract

As the cultural landscape of North America continues to shift, the helping profession is tasked with the responsibility of delivering culturally sensitive services. This phenomenological study explored the experiences of young women who attended counselling during their adolescence. Using a multicultural counselling competency framework as well as an inclusive definition of multiculturalism, the central phenomenon under investigation was that of participants’ perceptions of their counsellors’ cultural competence. Results demonstrated that counsellor awareness, knowledge, skills, and the multicultural counselling relationship are important competencies when working with female adolescents. Additional meaningful themes included cultural sensitivity, family interventions, and help beyond counselling. Implications for training and practice are discussed.

Author Biographies

Anusha Kassan, University of Calgary


Anusha Kassan, PhD
Assistant Professor
Educational Studies in Counselling Psychology
Werklund School of Education
University of Calgary
EDT 638, 2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4
403.220.6506

Ada L. Sinacore, McGill University

Ada L.  Sinacore, PhD, LPC
Fellow, Canadian Psychological Association
Program Director, Diploma in Human Relations and Family Life Education
Associate Professor
Counselling Psychology Program
Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology
Faculty of Education
McGill University
3700 MacTavish
Montreal, Quebec  H3A 1Y2
(tel) 514-398-3446

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Published

2016-11-18

How to Cite

Kassan, A., & Sinacore, A. L. (2016). Multicultural Counselling Competencies with Female Adolescents: A Qualitative Investigation of Client Experiences. Canadian Journal of Counselling and Psychotherapy, 50(4). Retrieved from https://dev.journalhosting.ucalgary.ca/index.php/rcc/article/view/61111

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Section

Articles/ Articles