BIPOC Counselling

BIPOC counselling

BIPOC counselling 

What is BIPOC-informed counselling? 

As a BIPOC registered clinical counsellor, I am mindful of an individual’s cultural background. When I support BIPOC individuals, I am also aware of their cultural norms, and values.

I understand that they or their family might have experienced racism and discrimination. They may also have faced racial trauma because of their cultural background. This can impact their mental health and how they view themselves, their self-esteem, self-worth, self-confidence, and relationships.

As a BIPOC-informed counsellor, sessions include: 

  • Cultural sensitivity:

As a BIPOC counsellor, I understand the importance of cultural norms and values for BIPOC individuals. Some people face challenges when balancing their cultural norms with Western values. I remain curious to learn more about the unique challenges a BIPOC individual may experience when supporting them. 

  • Historical trauma and systematic racism:

As a BIPOC counselor, I see how colonization, racism, and discrimination can impact an individual’s mental health. I also recognize the impact of white privilege.

Over the years, I’ve supported individuals whose parents and grandparents experienced racism, discrimination, and oppression. For many of these individuals, they experienced intergenerational trauma. For other individuals, they share experiencing low self-worth and self-esteem as a result of historical trauma.

  • Trauma-informed counselling:

As a BIPOC counselor, I recognize that many BIPOC individuals I help have a history of trauma. For some people, this trauma dates back to their ancestors. I understand how trauma affects people. I help individuals process their trauma in a safe, nonjudgmental, compassionate space in Burnaby.

I also appreciate that trauma impacts individuals differently and that we have different means of coping. I validate each client’s unique experience and support clients in meeting their goals.

  • Empowerment:

As a BIPOC counsellor, I support and empower BIPOC individuals to explore their identity in counselling. I have supported some BIPOC individuals who struggle with belonging and feel like they do not fit in.

We unpack and process how this impacted their self-esteem and self-worth. I have also supported clients who struggle to meet cultural expectations and how this affected their mental health. Finally, I identify which cultural norms and values resonate with clients.

  • Intersectionality:

As a BIPOC counselor, I understand that people form their identities based on several factors. These factors include race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and nationality. When supporting individuals, I am curious to understand how these factors shape their identity and self-esteem. I am also interested in learning about the discrimination and oppression individuals experience. 

  • Connection:

As a BIPOC counsellor, I appreciate the importance of building connections and a sense of community. As an immigrant in Canada without family here, I know how lonely and isolating it can feel without support. I have helped clients who are immigrants in Canada. They are excited about starting a new life but miss their loved ones back home.

Many BIPOC individuals miss their cultural practices and traditional food. They also long for the opportunity to speak their language with others in their community. In sessions, we unpack this sense of loss while identifying potential new support.

  • Immigration:

As a BIPOC counselor and an immigrant, I understand the difficulties that immigrants encounter. Moving to a new country, such as Canada, can be challenging. I understand how isolating and lonely it can feel, especially for individuals without family in Canada. The stress and anxiety regarding gaining a work permit or permanent residency status can impact their mental health.

As a BIPOC-informed counsellor, I create a safe, nonjudgmental, and inclusive space for all the individuals I support. I understand that BIPOC individuals experience unique challenges, which we unpack in sessions. I recognize the importance and impact of cultural norms and values for BIPOC individuals.

Finally, I am curious to learn and understand the unique experiences of each BIPOC individual I see for counselling. I tailor my therapeutic interventions to meet the needs and goals of BIPOC individuals.

Resources

Healing in Colour is a Canadian-based counsellor directory that helps individuals searching for BIPOC counsellors. BIPOC and 2SLGBTQ+ individuals may find a counsellor who better aligns with their goals and can meet their needs. 

https://www.healingincolour.com/

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