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Essay topics in multicultural counselling
Multiculturalism and ethics in counseling
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Journal: Multicultural Awareness This paper will introduce and define the need for Multicultural awareness as a clinical mental health counselor. It will further explore examples of various topics in Multicultural counseling such as: Racial and ethnic diversity, gender, social economic status. As a result of this research, in Multicultural awareness, the self-assessment depicted the identity of myself. It allowed me to realize what and who I was as “other.” In realizing who I was as “other”, I saw my own self-identity. Therefore, this assessment made me realize how the need to develop a plan to correct areas of acceptance in change, stereotyping, and assuming may interfere as a mental health counselor if not corrected.
Multicultural Self-Assessment
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I am determined to understand all aspects, related to the emotional well-being and developing skills in multicultural counseling regardless of personal beliefs. I am more than confident, my personal life experiences, and work history as a clinician will allow me to be loyal and devoted to all and any culture. Therefore, my love and desire to listen carefully, and respond in a genuine matter, will allow the diversity in culture greater in growth and human development regardless of social class, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and cultural …show more content…
Nevertheless, the ability to adapt to the demographics changes in society, and the societal changes and challenges that develop along the way. The importance of understanding my own values, my client’s values and beliefs, and the ability to become flexible in cultural differences, would contribute to this factor. In addition, it is important as a counselor become involved in social advocacy through the American Counseling Association(ACA) (Hays & Gray 2014, p 242-43). The framework of this advocacy would give me proper guidelines and tools related to multicultural counseling (Hays & Gray 2014, p
Hud-Aleem, Raushanah, and Jacqueline Countryman. "Biracial Identity Development and Recommendations in Therapy." Psychiatry (Edgmont). Matrix Medical Communications. Web. 09 Mar. 2016.
Cuéllar, I., & Paniagua, F. A. (2000). Handbook of Multicultural Mental Health : Assessment and Treatment of Diverse Populations. San Diego, CA: Academic Press.
Acculturation, worldview and perceived discrimination as cultural variables influence career behaviors of racial/ethnic minorities. Multicultural education and diversity appreciation training are thought to decrease counselor prejudice. Theme four looks at multicultural issues that require counselors to incorporate cultural data into their thinking and actions. Multicultural competence incorporates learning how to include cultural data into decision making process of complicated problems and interventions posed by culturally different clients. Theme five posits that people have multiple identities that affect the ways they experience and view the world. Multiple identities are used to refer to variables such as sex, age, socioeconomic status, nationality and ethnicity which impact an individual’s behavior, perception and
Counselors today face the task of how to appropriately counsel multicultural clients. Being sensitive to cultural variables can be conceptualized as holding a cultural lens to human behavior and making allowances for the possibility of cultural influence. However, to avoid stereotyping, it is important that the clinician recognize the existence of within-group differences as well as the influence of the client’s own personal culture and values (Furman, Negi, Iwamoto, Shukraft, & Gragg, 2009). One’s background is not always black or white and a counselor needs to be able to discern and adjust one’s treatment plan according to their client.
Culture can be defined as behaviors exhibited by certain racial, religious, social or ethnic groups. Some factors in which culture may vary include: family structure, education, and socioeconomic status (Kodjo, 2009). Some may think cultural competence is something that has an end point, however, when the big picture is seen, it is a learning process and journey. From the writer’s perspective, the client-therapist relationship can be challenging. Culturally competent therapists must realize that behaviors are shaped by an individual’s culture. Many changes are taking place within the United States cultural makeup. Therapists and healthcare professionals are being challenged to provide effective and sensitive care for patients and their families. This type of culturally sensitive care requires the professional to be open and seek understanding in the patients diverse belief systems (Kodjo, 2009).
Race and ethnicity can influence a client’s experience of self and others in a variety of ways. A client’s personal race and ethnicity can influence his or her experience within the context of therapy through the set of beliefs he or she brings into the room. This set of beliefs and customs influences how he or she views therapy and whether there is motivation to be there. If the client’s culture does not usually seek therapy for their problems, or even believe in mental illness, it is likely the client will have apprehensions about trusting or speaking to the clinician. If the clinician is not aware of this possibility, the clinician may wonder why the client is in therapy if he or she will not speak or allow rapport to be built. A responsible clinician will take this into consideration.
Cultural Competence Understanding culture is an important aspect of being a social worker; this does not mean learning common cultural traits is of great significance to the social work profession. “Consider the second-generation Japanese-American social worker whose practice consists of Mexican-American and African-American families. Memorizing national traits or cultural rituals would be interesting and informative, but ultimately these would be an inaccurate basis on which to “know” these particular families” (Dorfman, 1996, p. 33). When understanding cultural competence, it is important to learn from the client about their culture in order to serve them in the most helpful and efficient way possible. There is a major drawback to memorizing information, and that is, this information will not give you a real understanding of who your client is and what life experiences they have personally faced.
I am able to consult a more qualified resource person when working with culturally different clients and represent a non-racist identity as a counselor. I am aware of my cultural beliefs regarding health, causes of diseases and purpose of life. Accordingly, I am aware of how different cultural groups perceive dietary habits, family roles, high-risk behaviors and spiritual beliefs regarding nursing care and thus I am capable of discussing with the client on such beliefs and values before counseling (Andrews & Boyle,
When advocating for the success of a client when utilizing this theory, a counselor must be prepared to identify and eliminate barriers, prejudices, oppression, and discrimination that may create a psychological obstruction in the client. Learning culturally-competent counseling practices and current theoretical approaches while practicing self-reflection will help the counselor acquire the skills necessary to engage with a diverse clientele. Strategies such as; identifying cultural differences, understanding and addressing issues in the counseling process, the counselor’s ability to understand self, and ongoing education are all important strategies in combating oppression and eliminating barriers.
In some countries, seeking medical help for mental health issues is the reasonable thing to do, where other cultures may view it as taboo and believe those matters should be left to religion or the family. Another vital aspect of multicultural counseling is the relationship between the therapist and counselee. It is essential that both parties are aware of the existing cultural differences. As a professional counselor, I will continue to educate myself properly, so as to give the best counsel by building trust and rapport. A few other aspects to keep in mind is learning to become culturally sensitive to communication and steering clear of trigger words or speech that the client may find offensive. Also, being aware of spatial distance is necessary. Some cultures prefer close contact and others may find too close of a distance
broad range of clients. Awareness and respect for diversity and multicultural values facilitates good communication and therapeutic relationship.
The diversity among clients and the counselor is an issue that has recently come to the forefront. The counselor must be very cautious and sensitive to the cultural values of their clients, gender and gender preference, age, language preference, ethnicity, and spirituality and religious beliefs.
3. Pedersen B. (1994) A Handbook for Developing of Multicultural Awareness, American Counselling Association: USA
Social justice practices and multicultural counseling are closely related, because it is likely that the person in need of justice comes from a different background than the counselor and has a variety of experiences impacting their view and situation. Constantine, Hage, Kindaichi, and Bryant, (2007) recognized nine core competencies that can be summarized in three general areas: knowledge/awareness, collaboration, and advocacy skills. It is noted that it is crucial to constantly challenge therapeutic approaches and to be aware of ones own privilege and experiences and oppression. Knowledge and awareness of various ways injustices are experienced by all individuals and groups of people is the foundation to being effective in social justice movements instead of perpetrating the problem more deeply. Each person has their own values, beliefs, and biases and it is important to understand how that influences your working relationships and effectiveness so that it does not undermine or replicate injustice for a certain individual or people group (Constantine et al.,
Understanding race, ethnicity, and culture is an extremely important aspect of being a counselor. If an individual does not have cultural identity of their own or understand his or herself as a cultural, ethnic, or racial individual, it may be difficult to help your clients. Understanding and being aware of your cultural identity will help the counselor be conscious of their own prejudice. Being aware of your own prejudice towards any culture, race, or ethnic group may help you redirect your negative thinking into a positive active role as a counselor. Having awareness will make an individual an improved counselor able to empathize and understand any individual who seeks therapy.