Counseling Latinos: A Case Study

Counseling Latinos

With the growing population of minorities in the United States, it is reasonable to believe that at some point in a counselor or therapist career, there will be a session with a Latino/Hispanic client. From a cultural competence perspective, it is imperative that a counselor understands the Latino/Hispanic culture and their worldviews. Counseling Latinos offer to be discussed in the paper is the case of an Alberto and Angela a Mexican American couple married for 27 years. Alberto has recently lost his job. (

Cultural Differences Between the Client and the Counselor

The client is Alberto and Angela a Mexican American married couple. I am an African American female counselor for the Mexican American clients. Although both cultures are minorities there are many differences between these

two unique and complex cultures. There exists worldviews, cultural experiences, values, and beliefs that are specific to their cultural identity, (Sue & Sue, 2016). There are also differences in the family structure and communication styles between African Americans and Latinos.
Demonstrating Cultural Competence to a Mexican American Client
As a cultural competent counselor, one must be aware of the American Counseling Association (ACA) Ethical Guidelines, A.4.b personal values, which speak to a counselor not to allow their own values, beliefs, and attitudes to interfere with their clients (ACA, 2014).

A counselor can also show competence by being sensitive to Alberto’s situation of unemployment and validating how he feels. In addition, have an understanding that the Latino culture is family oriented. The patriarchal system is often honored in the Latino culture (Sue & Sue, 2016). Alberto believes that his wife should not work outside the home.

Professionally speaking as a counselor, one can also display their cultural competence by understanding the world views of diverse clients, their values and life circumstances (Sue & Sue, 2016). Alberto and Angela mentioned that they have prayed over their situation, but nothing has changed. Understanding that religion is an important cultural factor in the Latino culture can help a counselor to develop a deeper understanding of their diverse client (Hunter-Hernandez, Costas-Muniz, Gany,

2015).
Counseling Strategies Used to Improve Cultural Competence
One strategy could use to improve my cultural competence with Alberto and Angles is to develop an understanding of the importance of spirituality in the Latino culture. Another strategy that can be beneficial is to understand my own biases and stereotypes towards the Latino/Hispanic culture. Multicultural training will also enhance my abilities as a cultural competent counselor. There is also a belief on my part that the cultural differences, that exist between the African American and Latino cultures will enhance my knowledge and understating of the Latino culture.
There must also be an awareness of not to race categorize Latino clients. Professionally speaking I believe that utilizing the ADDRESSING framework system would be beneficial in learning about the Latino culture (Hays, 2016). This strategy helps to provide an understanding of different types of cultural influences (Hays, 2016).
Conclusion
It is understood in the counseling profession that counselors are to respect the diversity of their client (Sue & Sue, 2016). With that said, professionally speaking it is up to me to continue my education and training in becoming a cultural competent counselor. California is the state where I will work as a counselor. The Latino/Hispanic population is approximately 55.4 million. (Los Angeles Times, 2015). It is imperative that I have knowledge of the Latino culture as a counselor. This paper discussed the case study of Alberto and Angela, a Mexican American couple presenting to counseling to deals with their issues of Alberto being laid off from work. In addition, the effects that the unemployment is having on their marriage. From a counseling perspective, how to interact with a Latino/Hispanic client is also discussed.