International Counseling Values: Adapting to Community Settings with Strategies Derived by International Counseling Professionals Through Qualitative Analysis

Abstract

Cultures and communities throughout the world have offered unique and effective approaches to provide mental and emotional support throughout history. The researchers of this study recognize the value each culture brings to addressing mental health support distinctively, and this assumption drives the exploration of insight and knowledge from 16 participants identified as international counseling professionals from different countries, who offer their expertise through this qualitative research study. This content is the second part of a larger body of data, offering further insight for how international counseling values can inform ways that counselors adapt properly to community settings. The results reveal several themes identified as recognizing historical influences on counseling, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), upholding multicultural values, and understanding urban and rural differences. In combination with information available in the literature, strategies are recommended for adapting to community settings all over the world, which include viewing clients contextually, integrating local terms and traditions, supporting local professional development, facilitating rural-urban collaborations, and continuing mental health advocacy.