Vicarious resilience among ethnic minority counsellors working with attempted genocide survivors
Abstract
This qualitative study used basic interpretive inquiry to explore experiences of vicarious resilience among racialized and ethnically diverse mental health practitioners who have worked with resilient attempted genocide survivor clients within a counselling setting. Five self-identified racialized and ethnically diverse mental health practitioners participated in semistructured interviews regarding their experiences.
Notes
Community organizations: n/a
Key findings:
Intersections between racialized counsellors’ own identities and those of their clients led to:
- Increased attachment to and connection with their own ethnic group, heritage, and history
- Increased appreciation of their ethnic identity and its role in their lives and functions as a source of strength and resilience
- Shifts in professional practice and priorities towards trauma-informed care, assistance with removing systemic barriers, and greater political participation, education and advocacy regarding racism, discrimination, and microaggressions.
Key populations: racialized mental health practitioners whose clients are attempted genocide survivors
Location: Edmonton, AB
Open access: No
Future research / gaps identified:
Integration timeline: not defined
Key recommendations:
- Facilitate vicarious resilience as a buffer for burnout in counsellors.
- Encourage discussions on intersectional identities, fostering vicarious resilience and empowerment in counsellors’ supervision meetings.
