Cross Cultural And Multicultural Counseling Essay

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Analysis of Cross Cultural and Multicultural Counseling
Counseling LGBT Individuals
Possible Barriers to Individual Counseling LGBT individuals may be hesitant to receive counseling due to prejudice and discrimination that they receive from society. The individual may or may not have come out yet to their loved ones, and the idea of talking with a counselor could increase their fear. On page 479, Sue & Sue (2013) explain that coming out is ongoing and individuals have to decide when to talk about it. This individual may also be struggling with self-identity because they can keep their “true self” secret. Transgender clients struggle with contrasting internal and external perceptions and the conflicts that are brought up because of it (Sue …show more content…

It could also be overlooked in the assessment stage. Since a large number of LGBT individuals have experienced a hate crime (Sue D. & Sue D., 2013, p. 480), the individual may lack trust at the beginning of the counseling relationship. When an individual feel that they have been born in the wrong body, the DSM diagnosis is known as gender dysphoria. Gender dysphoria is considered a mental disorder even though they share similar struggles as the gay and lesbian groups (p. 475). There may be personal bias with the counselor and/or the individual. If the bias isn 't recognized and identified, it could create a barrier to the relationship and therapeutic relationship (p. 482).
Possible Impact of Cultural Affiliations between the Counselor and Individuals Both the counselor and the individual 's religious or spiritual views could impact the relationship (p. 485). The counselor 's views on homosexuality should be explored. There also might be an internal struggle with the client that identifies with a certain religion that views homosexuality as “wrong.” On page 477, Sue D. & Sue D. (2013) explain that gay-straight alliances along with anti-bulling policies reduces harassment and can lower suicide risk.
Applied Counseling and Multicultural …show more content…

“Although most schools have policies that prohibit anti-gay discrimination or harassment, only 30% offer any education regarding sexual and gender diversity and less than 30% of school districts provide training for teachers and staff regarding challenges facing LGBT student (Sue D. & Sue D., 2013, p.476).” Same sex marriages are prohibited in many states and there isn 't much literature on same-sex marriages (p. 477). Adoption can be challenging in some states (p. 477). Research has shown that children raised by same sex couples are mentally healthy, the same as being raised by heterosexual couples. Counselors should be aware of their own bias and believes when it comes to same sex marriages, raising families (p.

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