Perceptions of Psychological Counselors on Working with Clients From Different Cultures

Abstract

The main purpose of this study is to examine the perceptions of psychological counselors on working with clients from different cultures. Accordingly, the extent of the knowledge of psychological counselors on multicultural counseling approach and their perceptions of this approach, the theoretical competencies thereof, and cultural differences were examined in line with the main purpose of the study. The study was conducted using the basic qualitative design. The study group consists of 17 psychological counselors (eleven females and six males) who were continuing their post-graduate education at Gazi University Institute of Educational Sciences in the Spring Semester of the 2020-2021 Academic Year. Data were collected online with semi-structured interviews. The results revealed that a significant portion of the participants did not consider themselves theoretically competent in the multicultural counseling approach. It was further concluded that the majority of the participants had positive perceptions of cultural differences. On the other hand, the holistic evaluation of the answers indicated that the extent of knowledge and awareness of the significant portion of the participants on cultural differences are rather poor and insufficient. It is recommended to implement psychoeducational programs and training on the subject, to give compulsory courses on multicultural counseling approach in Guidance and Psychological Counseling undergraduate programs, and to direct students to exchange programs to experience cultural differences.