To celebrate 20 years of the multilingual counselling service we asked some of the counsellors who work with our refugees, asylum-seekers and migrants clients to share some of their experiences of their work.
Next up, Pedro who has worked at WCC since October 2023. Pedro works with refugee and asylum-seeking clients in Spanish and English, as well as within the Low Cost Service.
1. What attracted you to working at WCC’s multilingual service for refugees & asylum-seekers?
What attracted me to WCC’s multilingual service was how dedicated they are to supporting migrants, refugees & asylum seekers through their challenging journeys. It was inspiring to see what a small but dedicated team can achieve, even with limited resources. They make such a big difference, helping over 300 clients each year and providing a wide range of free services to individuals often excluded from public support, such as victims of human trafficking and modern slavery. Witnessing all that commitment and dedication motivated me to get involved and do my bit for a cause I believe too.
2. What do you think makes the multilingual service unique or special?
In my opinion, what makes WCC’s multilingual service special is its 20 years of experience in supporting migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, combined with its holistic approach to care. WCC provides counselling in over 30 languages, which I found both impressive and highly responsive to our client’s needs for therapy in their native languages. They also offer free services including regular meetups and workshops, and help clients access further support such as English classes, foodbanks or housing advice. These services are great opportunities for our clients to connect with their community and build essential networks for their recovery journey.
3. What has been the most rewarding experience?
Without a doubt, the most rewarding aspect of my work as a counsellor at WCC is witnessing my client’s growth through therapy. Unfortunately, many clients from our multilingual service often lack access to spaces where they feel welcomed, heard and supported. It is an honour for me to facilitate such space in our therapy sessions, where they can find the emotional refuge and support necessary for their recovery.
It’s especially fulfilling when clients, who often arrive to us feeling helpless or isolated, begin to realise that, despite their challenges, there are still opportunities for them. Witnessing this powerful transformation is truly a privilege.
4. What is one thing you have learnt?
Working with migrants, refugees and asylum seekers has truly shown me the depth of hope and resilience that we, as human beings, can hold, even when it may not be evident to ourselves. Despite facing challenges like deep trauma and mental health stigma, many of our clients at WCC choose to engage in therapy to overcome their obstacles, which I find both courageous and incredibly inspiring.
I also realised that, as a society, we need to improve our empathy and solidarity towards this community. If more people could hear even a fraction of the stories our clients share with us, it would change how we think and feel about immigration.
5. What are some of the challenges you faced?
One of the main challenges I face as a counsellor at WCC’s multilingual service is navigating societal biases and the often-misleading narratives about immigration. My role requires me to remain empathetic and well-informed, constantly educating myself so I can understand the diverse backgrounds and unique situations of those I support in therapy. Grasping how trauma and migration experiences have impacted our client’s lives is crucial, and I work hard to approach each case without assumptions or judgments. Additionally, finding ways to connect across cultural differences adds another layer of complexity, but it ensures that each client feels heard and valued.
6. How important is it that refugees, asylum-seekers & migrants can access multilingual and / or culturally-sensitive counselling?
Access to multilingual and culturally sensitive counselling is crucial for our clients at WCC. Many of our clients experience social isolation, often worsened by cultural clashes and language barriers. Providing a counselling service that is sensitive to their needs helps them express complex emotions and share their experiences in their preferred language. Also, by understanding our client’s cultural background, we ensure that our service is not just relevant, but also respects their unique views, beliefs, and experiences. This approach sets a strong base for emotional healing and recovery, creating a space where our clients can flourish.
7. Looking ahead, what do you see as the most important areas for the service to focus on to continue effectively supporting this community?
I see several key areas where our service should focus to keep supporting our refugee, asylum-seeker, and migrant clients. For instance, addressing barriers to accessing counselling is important, which includes increasing mental health awareness to fight the stigma often faced within this community. Expanding the ranges of languages available and integrating more technology could also enhance accessibility. I also believe it is important to continue building partnerships with more organisations and agencies so we can expand our reach, share resources, and provide more activities, ensuring that every client receives the support they need.