Counsellor considerations for providing helpful therapy practices for clients living with low income

Abstract

BackgroundIndividuals with low income frequently face unique challenges and stressors that heighten their need for mental health support. However, research on the most effective interventions for enhancing services for this population is limited. This study aimed to address this gap by exploring counsellors' perspectives on what has been helpful when working with low‐income populations.MethodsCounsellors were invited to share their personal and professional experiences through interviews, responding to the question, ‘What have you found to be the most helpful aspects of counselling with clients facing low income?’. Counsellors were also invited to complete a sorting task using the interview responses.ResultsThe sorted responses were analysed using Group Concept Mapping, identifying six key concepts: accessibility to counselling services, providing advocacy and resources, addressing basic needs, therapeutic approaches, therapeutic relationship, and understanding barriers.ConclusionThese results were contextualised within the existing literature, and recommendations were offered for counselling practices and future research.