Definitions
The process of moving from one country to another to live, work, or study.
What is immigration?
When Canada does not recognize immigrants’ professional degrees, this often happens.
What is underemployment?
This concept explains that people’s experiences are shaped by multiple identities at the same time.
What is intersectionality?
Counsellors should recognize cultural differences and approach clients with respect, avoiding the imposition of dominant norms.
What is cultural competence and cultural humility?
In counselling, this involves a commitment to addressing systemic inequalities that affect mental health and access to services.
What is social justice?
This occurs when newcomers adopt the host culture and reduce their connection to their heritage culture.
What is assimilation?
Many immigrants struggle with this even if they had good finances before moving to Canada.
What is financial instability?
For newcomers, migration experiences vary because of factors like race, gender, immigration status, language ability, and this.
What is socioeconomic background?
Because counsellors hold authority in the therapeutic setting, these may influence the relationship with newcomer clients.
What are power dynamics?
New Canadians face these unfair societal patterns that limit opportunities and resources.
What are structural inequalities?
This happens when newcomers keep their heritage culture but avoid interaction with the host society.
What is separation?
Immigrants sometimes take lower-paying jobs than they had before. This is called…
What is downward mobility?
Two people from the same country can have very different experiences in Canada due to differences in these combined factors.
What are intersecting identities (or multiple identities)?
This ensures clients fully understand counselling processes, especially when language barriers exist
What is language and informed consent?
Discrimination and prejudice based on race can negatively impact mental health and access to care.
What is racism and discrimination?
This describes newcomers who have limited connection to both their heritage culture and the host society.
What is marginalization?
Even if mental health services are public, these three obstacles can still prevent immigrants from using them: work, travel, and family needs.
What are time off work, transportation, and childcare barriers?
Research by Sarah Benkirane and Marina M. Doucerain emphasizes understanding acculturation through this type of lens.
What is an intersectional lens?
Immigrant clients may worry about this due to past experiences with institutions, making it a key ethical concern in therapy.
What is confidentiality and trust?
These challenges in communication can prevent newcomers from fully accessing healthcare and social services.
What are language barriers?
This term describes when newcomers maintain their heritage culture while also participating in the host society.
What is integration?
Because of money stress, many immigrants see this type of service as a “luxury” they cannot afford.
What are mental health services?
For counsellors, this means we shouldn’t assume all newcomers face the same challenges, but instead consider how identities interact with barriers like discrimination and access to services.
What is an intersectional approach?
Ethical practice involves addressing barriers so clients can receive services that are culturally appropriate and accessible.
What is equitable access to care?
Underemployment, unrecognized professional credentials, and insecure immigration status are examples of barriers that highlight the need for this approach in counselling.
What is social justice advocacy (or addressing systemic inequities)?