Basic competency in this field requires a baseline understanding of psychology and therapeutic theory. But the counseling relationship is as variable as your clients. What happens when a client and a counselor have different cultural backgrounds? Cultural competence in counseling is a crucial factor in ensuring successful outcomes for all patients, and as the U. While this is not to say that counselors and clients have no hope of communicating unless they share a cultural identity, it is important to recognize that building trust between individuals from different walks of life can present obstacles on both sides of the counseling encounter.
It is up to counselors to train and be prepared so that they can deliver the best outcome possible, regardless of differences between themselves and their clients. Psychosocial development is different for people from different cultural backgrounds. Cultures differ in their attitudes toward major life challenges, which means solutions for common disorders are not one-size-fits-all.
Even more, certain identities are underrepresented in the counseling profession, which can lead to a lack of trust on behalf of some populations, who do not believe their needs will be reflected in a counseling relationship.
The most important first step is to establish trust with a client. Most of the time, by showing awareness of differences and an openness to new understanding, counselors can begin to build trust and a productive relationship with clients.
Read here for more info. Understanding Culture There are a myriad of definitions of what culture is. People also use these standards to orient their own behavior. Race: This a number of broad divisions of the human species based on a common geographic origin and certain shared physical or genetic characteristics Gaw, n. Sub-groups of people within a larger group or society that share common origins, symbols, and standards for behavior of self and others Beliefs about others and the world that are held to be true e.
As we learn about ourselves, it can be helpful to ask ourselves these questions: Do I know the main characteristics of my own culture? Am I aware of words, connotations, or labels that negatively affect specific groups of people?
Am I aware of my own biases and stereotypes? Am I aware of the different cultures of the people in my workplace? Am I curious about different cultures? Am I comfortable discussing culture and diversity? Do I take the time to learn about other cultures? Do I understand the role of culture in a counseling setting?
Are there any groups or cultures I am uncomfortable working with? Increasing Cultural Competence Taking the time and making the effort to become culturally competent counselors will ensure we can work effectively with a diverse population of clients. Learn about different cultures. Of course, traveling is a great way to explore other cultures, but doing research online, reading books and journal articles, and studying unfamiliar cultures is a great way to learn.
It can also be helpful to learn about current and historic issues and challenges faced by specific groups and cultures. Learn another language. This is especially helpful if you live in an area with a large population of a certain ethnic group. Learning how people express things in their first language can help prevent misunderstandings.
Spend time interacting with diverse groups of people. Spend time with people from a culture that is unfamiliar to you will enhance your ability to work effectively with different groups. This can be accomplished by volunteering, attending social events, or visiting different religious institutions. Try putting yourself into situations in which you are the minority, and explore how this feels. Attend diversity conferences and professional development activities. This will enable you to learn about recent research, behavioral health practice issues, and opportunities to learn about different cultures Clay, Related posts Accessing Behavioral Health Care: Engaging Diverse Populations Everyone deserves access to high quality, culturally competent, and affordable behavioral healthcare In therapy, we are listening to patients and working to empathize and understand their experience as well as their own perceptions of their experience.
It is from this space that we work, we are never trying to impose our own view of whats right on our clients. The therapeutic relationship is an alliance between the therapist and the client.
The fact that the therapist and client are from different cultures may actually foster a closeness that would not otherwise be present if both shared the same culture. In this way, the cultural differences can help the therapist avoid being boxed in by the very social norms and values with which the client may be struggling.
Rather than be a detriment to the relationship, the client can benefit from a point of view that is different and free from potential judgments regarding the behavior, wants, needs, and desires that may conflict with social norms. Over any therapists career, working with patients of different cultures is guaranteed. To provide quality care, the therapist must first be honest about his or her ability to provide therapy to any individual client.
In addition to cultural awareness and competence, the issue of language competency is important and can determine whether a client continues therapy or not 3. If a therapist does not feel qualified to provide adequate therapy, steps should be taken to point the patient in the right direction so he or she can get the help they need.
If you're wondering how to start, here's some helpful…. EFT is a 3-stage psychotherapy approach that can help you identify unwanted relationship patterns and develop more secure ways to connect to others. Are we using the wrong criteria to diagnose mental health conditions? BetterHelp pairs users with licensed therapists for web-based therapy sessions.
Therapy can be a powerful tool for healing and personal growth.
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