Vol. 12, Issue 3, 2024

The Role of Counselling Psychology in Empowering Individuals to Overcome Poverty

Morufu Adedayo Daodu & Moruf Adebayo Abidogun

Abstract

The role of counselling psychology in empowering individuals to overcome poverty is a critical and multifaceted aspect of addressing socioeconomic challenges. This paper explores the significance of counselling psychology in facilitating personal growth, resilience, and empowerment among individuals facing poverty. It highlights the therapeutic techniques and interventions employed by counselling psychologists to address the emotional, cognitive, and behavioural barriers associated with poverty. By promoting self-efficacy, enhancing coping strategies, and fostering emotional well-being, counselling psychology plays a pivotal role in equipping individuals with the skills and mind-set necessary to break the cycle of poverty and achieve sustainable socioeconomic progress. This paper emphasizes the importance of integrating counselling psychology into poverty alleviation programs and policies to promote holistic and lasting empowerment. The Transformative Potential of Counselling Psychology in Poverty Alleviation and Counselling Psychology as a Catalyst for Socioeconomic Mobility. The paper concludes that, through a client-centred, culturally sensitive, and advocacy-oriented approach, counselling psychologists significantly contribute to the well-being and socioeconomic mobility of individuals and communities facing poverty. Recommendations are made among which is to develop and implement financial literacy programs at the community level, schools, and social service agencies. These programs should focus on budgeting, debt management, and saving strategies

Keywords

Counselling psychology, Poverty, Poverty Alleviation and Empowerment.

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