‘Oh, it is a special gift you give to me … ’: a phenomenological analysis of counsellors in Cambodia

ABSTRACT Research on mental health in Cambodia is increasing, yet there is limited focus on experiences of counsellors within this developing profession. This paper reports an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis conducted with thirteen practicing counsellors in Cambodia. Our specific interest was to gain an idiographic understanding of the meanings participants made of the changes they experienced in becoming counsellors, while also considering the unique context of Cambodia. Our findings are presented through an integration of description and interpretation, which grounds our participants’ experiences of change, tension, and meaning-making in the socio-historical context of Cambodia and mental health development. Implications recommend ways to improve support needed to assist counsellors in this developing field.