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Counseling in Fiji.

Article Excerpt
This article discusses the evolving role of mental health counseling in Fiji in the context of current social and cultural changes. Although counseling traditionally has been reserved for cultural elders and the clergy, the term counselor is being redefined, due to Western influences, to include persons who are formally educated and trained to provide mental health services. Contemporary issues such as changing gender roles, violence, and suicide are discussed as forces that are influencing the need for trained mental health counselors. This article discusses the current status of educating and credentialing counselors in Fiji and emphasizes counselor education that stresses methods suited to the cultural characteristics of persons in the region.

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Counseling in Fiji takes place in a unique context of blended and varied cultures. The term Fijians, or Fiji Islanders, refers to the collection of ethnic groups that inhabit the Islands: however, such terms tend to homogenize the uniqueness of the separate cultures that exist together. Indigenous Fijians and Indian Fijians account for approximately 95% of the population, with Chinese, Europeans, and other Pacific Islanders making up the remainder. Two significant historical events influence the characteristics of contemporary Fiji: British colonization from 1874 to 1970, and the British importation of agricultural laborers to Fiji from India during the early days of colonization. The lingering influences of colonization still permeate every facet of Fijian society, and Indian Fijians now make up 44% of Fiji's population (World Facts, n.d.).

The lingering effects of colonization and the current press of globalization are two forces that place Fiji in a posture of change. Many people believe that social problems will dramatically increase in the next 5 years due to the effects of Fiji's current rate of economic development and urban drift. People are voluntarily moving to cities in search of jobs and economic stability, although many agricultural workers are forced to move to urban areas because of expired sugarcane land leases. Towns and cities are becoming burdened with displaced and disenfranchised persons who have minimal sources of livelihood. These persons, who were once accepted members of well-ordered rural social communities, often demonstrate their frustration with the chaotic and impersonal atmosphere of urban living through domestic violence, crimes against property, child abuse, marital strain, and suicide.

ROLE OF COUNSELING

For the majority of Fijians, the term counseling refers to a process that differs from Western concepts of...