Facilitating Economic, Psychological, and Social Acculturation and Adaptation: Socially Just Counselling for Refugees

Abstract

Facilitating the successful economic, psychological, and social acculturation and adaptation of refugees in cross-cultural transition requires thoughtful consideration of the interaction between pre- and post-migration realities, cultural and religious identities, and social locations, as well as direct advocacy with host society institutions and systems to alter the existing structure of opportunity and privilege in Canadian society. This chapter describes the case of a large refugee family from Afghanistan who was abandoned by the relatives who sponsored them to come to Canada, thus becoming homeless shortly after their arrival. The counsellor’s interconnected interventions and advocacy efforts are described, which aimed to help them realize their fundamental human rights to (a) access safe shelter, (b) pursue opportunities for child development and adult education and employment, (c) be physically and mentally healthy, and (d) exercise reproductive rights within the cultural framework in which they were embedded and Canadian host society’s parameters, through the use of a social justice counselling approach. Various activities were also initiated to increase their social and financial capital to promote their integration in Canada. The chapter concludes with some questions for reflection and a series of learning activities.