Experiences of Lay Counselors Providing a Family-Based Therapy in Kenya: A Focus on Identity, Stress, Burnout, Motivation, and Self-Efficacy

Abstract

As health systems continue to implement task shifting models to overcome health access barriers and inequity, it is critical to understand the experiences of lay individuals in these new roles. This is particularly true for lay counselors who provide mental health services. This study sought to understand lay counselor experiences through the lens of identity, stress, motivation, burnout, and self-efficacy. Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with three groups of lay counselors with varying levels of counseling experience from a family therapy program in Eldoret, Kenya. Using thematic analysis, emergent themes were explored to characterize counselor experiences and inform task shifting implementation improvements. Such research provides crucial insight so that future interventions can improve support of lay providers.