Biography
Stephen’s research focuses on children and families with a strong emphasis on child protection and engagement with vulnerable populations. Over the last six years his research has been directed more broadly towards international development with projects in India centring on the psychosocial adjustment of individuals living with HIV/AIDs and Nepal where he has been working in a consulting capacity with Terre des hommes, an international non-government organisation (INGO) focussing on exploitative and hazardous labour in child populations. Stephen is currently employed as a senior lecturer working in the School of Human Services and Social Work, Griffith University. He is a qualified counsellor and psychotherapist and over the last fifteen years has consulted in an advisory capacity for a range of organisations focussing on training and development in counselling and working with children and families. In 2011 Stephen was awarded a National university teaching award in recognition for his teaching excellence in a range of disciplines including counselling, psychology and human services practices.
Title: Traversing the challenges of international counselling education: Lessons from the field.
Abstract
Working as a therapist or educator with individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds presents a range of challenges to practice. Such challenges may compromise the facilitation of a supportive space where transformation can occur. When working with diverse ethnic populations, culturally relevant practice is paramount. This presentation explores key considerations for working cross-culturally with a focus on counselling education. A number of core principles will be highlighted using stories from the field to illustrate practices that encourage a transformative approach to therapeutic growth. The presentation will also emphasise the importance of moving beyond therapeutic and educative models of practice that are underpinned by notions of cultural competence. An alternative practice framework, culturally relevant practice, will be proposed. This approach encourages self-reflexivity, challenging racism and colonialism. Further, the presentation will draw attention to the emancipatory discourse foundational to culturally relevant practice that influences both individual and collective transformation.