Professional Challenges Faced by Counsellors in Sri Lanka: An Analysis of Barriers and Opportunities

Counselling is one of the most important professions in the world when discussing mental health. The main objective of this study is to identify the challenges faced by Sri Lankan Professional counsellors in their professional setting. The current situation of establishing Counselling in Sri Lankan context and the practical challenges of counselling were studied. For the study, 20 Professional counsellors and 5 paraprofessionals were selected using purposive sampling. This descriptive study collected qualitative data through primary and secondary data. Interviews and participant observation were used as techniques. The collected were analyzed through content analysis. It was revealed that counsellors hold ambiguous legally authorized power in contemporary Sri Lanka. Counsellors do not have an opportunity to take an accepted license to practice the profession. Many of them refer to international licenses and its code of ethics such as American Counselling Association and British Counselling Association. Less public awareness/ acceptance and hope of mental health services from counselors are other professional challenges. Counselors who deal with confidential information have faced an immeasurable challenge regarding confidentiality due to the request for client information on the Freedom of Information Act. A similar effect has been encountered through exploratory, investigative journalism programs involving unannounced live recorded phone calls. Some paraprofessionals at the top of the hierarchy have had to face professional pressure from professionals if there is any popularity in the counseling center and counselor in dealing with paraprofessionals. Looking at counselors in the government sector, because the administration evaluates only on reports, many things that are done in practice are not properly evaluated. They think that counselors should be given a suitable atmosphere to reduce work stress and work freely.