“Treat Me Like a Dumb American”: a Qualitative Exploration of the American Immigrant Counselor Experience

Abstract

This qualitative study addresses the gap in the limited literature on the experiences of American immigrant counselors practicing overseas. Seven American immigrant counselors were interviewed regarding their experience. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using inductive Thematic Analysis. Three themes were identified: lack of cultural knowledge as counseling technique, American stereotypes/politics within the counseling session, and issues surrounding lack of counseling regulation and transfer of professional credentials. Implications for American counselor education are discussed.