Counsellors' professional and personal perspectives on working and living in a remote northern community

This research presents findings from interviews with three counsellors dealing with issues related to counselling in a Canadian remote northern community. Five areas were explored through 15 open-ended questions pertaining to confidentiality, privacy and anonymity, dual relationships, isolation, professional development and resources. Results show how counsellors' responses are grounded in professional and personal ethics, are creating boundaries as vital to well-being and self-care. Responses reflect a need for opportunities for professional development as essential though lacking, and a need in sharing resources verbally and tangibly as a necessity. This study revealed a distinction between the hub community where the study was conducted and the outlying communities. Future considerations are discussed including: inviting counsellors working in remote locations to the table when ethical principles are being revised, conducting additional research in remote communities, fostering a higher standard of professional development opportunities, (including video and tele-conferencing for educational seminars) and promoting professional consultation.