Unveiling The Challenges Faced by Counselors in Gerontology Counseling Practice

Abstract

By 2030, Malaysia is expected to transition into an aging nation, presenting unique mental health challenges for its elderly population. This demographic shift underscores the urgent need for counselors to develop specialized competencies that enable them to effectively support older clients. The main objective of this research was to explore the challenges counselors face when working with older adults. To achieve this, a qualitative research method was employed, using semi-structured interviews with 15 counselors registered with the Malaysian Board of Counselors who met specific inclusion criteria. Thematic analysis of the data revealed that counselors in gerontology counseling face a variety of complex challenges. One significant issue is the difficulty of assisting older adults who find it challenging to adjust to the counseling process. Counselors must maintain high levels of mental resilience, patience, and empathy, especially as they navigate the intricate dynamics of understanding their clients’ attitudes, characteristics, and the impact of physical and cognitive health issues on their mental well-being. Another challenge is the lack of accessible training and exposure to gerontology counseling, which limits counselors' ability to fully develop the necessary skills to meet the needs of this population. These findings emphasize the critical need for the development of a gerontology counseling competency model. Such a model would provide comprehensive guidelines and valuable references for counselors, enhancing their ability to meet the mental health needs of older adults. Additionally, it would support Malaysia's 2011 National Policy for Older Persons, highlighting the essential role counselors play in addressing the growing challenges associated with the aging population.