Multiculturalism Counselors Have An Ethical Obligation To De ✓ Solved

Multiculturalism Counselors have an ethical obligation to deliv

Multicultural Counselors have an ethical obligation to deliver services that are respectful of cultural diversity. Cultural diversity includes race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, physical ability, sexual orientation, religion, and nationality. Counselors are at risk for acting unethically when they do not consider the values of non-dominant cultures and exhibit insensitivity toward individual and group variations. Discrimination is not ethical or acceptable behavior from a helping professional. Counselors may be vulnerable to cultural tunnel vision, the belief that other cultures are similar to one’s own culture.

Wrenn (1962) identified cultural encapsulation as a significant problem in the helping profession. Culturally encapsulated counselors see reality through one culture and are insensitive to cultural diversity. They hold steadfast to cultural assumptions and biases and are unwilling to explore alternative views or positions. Pederson (2003) encourages counselors to identify and evaluate personal assumptions and biases to enhance awareness of culture similarities and differences. Pederson (2008) affirms that cultural awareness and the application of culturally sensitive interventions enhance the overall quality of psychological practice.

Cultural pluralism refers to the recognition of cultural diversity and respect for diversity in beliefs and values. To practice effectively and ethically, the therapist must be culturally self-aware, as these beliefs and biases impact the therapeutic relationship. An important cultural distinction for all practitioners is to be able to understand the common values, mores, beliefs, and worldviews of individualistic versus collectivistic cultures. Triandis (1995) contextualized these cultural categories in terms of prioritizing the self and independence (Individualism) as opposed to prioritizing the community and selflessness (Collectivism).

People who embody individualism usually prioritize personality traits such as assertiveness and strength, while collectivistic individuals usually hold generosity and sensitivity in high regard. An important distinction between these two cultural categories is a prioritization of values (Van Hoorn, 2015). As such, when discussing goals, offering advice, formulating plans, understanding client etiology, or engaging in general counseling, understanding these inherent priorities is crucial in the practitioner-client relationship. Traditional psychological services are rooted in Western assumptions, which may result in the underutilization of services by minority or collectivistic clients.

To reach culturally diverse client populations, therapists must be willing to deliver services in non-traditional ways, such as through home-based therapy. These efforts are fundamental to establishing trust and building rapport. In addition, therapists may need to open their view of mental health services to include support systems, such as religious or spiritual figures, self-help groups, family, and peers as resources in treatment. Many psychological theories and practices are based on the culture of mainstream America. The individualistic approach focuses on the self over others and may not be well-suited to clients who embrace collectivist cultures.

It is important for the therapist to understand the client’s perspective and work within this structure when providing services (Corey et al., 2015). There are many common assumptions related to the therapeutic process. It is important for therapists to evaluate their own assumptions and biases to ensure they are acting in the best interests of the client. Many Western therapists view self-disclosure as healthy and appropriate in the therapeutic relationship. Disclosing personal information to an authority figure may not be viewed as appropriate in other cultures. Clients who are Asian American, African American, or Native American may feel pressured to disclose personal information.

The pressure may impact their decision to return for subsequent appointments. Self-assertion and directness are valued in Western therapy. Many mainstream therapists equate directness with respect, whereas some cultures may be more comfortable with indirect forms of communicating respect. A common assumption of Western therapists is that all clients want to achieve self-actualization. It is important for therapists to consider how the self-actualization of the individual may affect the overall family dynamic or other important relationships.

There are also common assumptions about nonverbal behavior, specifically with regard to eye contact, personal space, silence, clothing, sense of time, etc. Diversity also encompasses sexual orientation. Early in the practice of psychology, heterosexuality was the only socially acceptable sexual orientation. Any other sexual orientation was considered a problem that required treatment. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, nomenclature evolved to include the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) population.

As of 2019, this classificatory system of sexual identification has evolved to include Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Pansexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersexed, Asexual, Agender, Ally, and a plus sign (LGTBQIA+) to cover anyone not included in the aforementioned categories (Yarns Abrams, Meeks, & Sewell, 2016). Today, helping professionals focus on the problems of these individuals versus viewing them as the problem. It is not appropriate or professional to discriminate toward LBGTQIA+ clients. Working with LBGTQIA+ clients requires counselors to challenge personal biases, fears, and stereotypes related to sexual orientation.

It is also important for counselors to consider the relationship between societal factors and the treatment of LBGTQIA+ individuals. Counselors need to be aware that heterosexism is pervasive in society and often perpetuates negative views of LBGTQIA+ individuals. Indeed, this intricate classification system can be difficult to completely understand, and counselors working with LBGTQIA+ individuals should be familiar with the competencies identified by the Association for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Issues in Counseling (Corey et al., 2015).

Counselors are likely to work with individuals who have a mental, medical, or developmental disability. It is important for counselors to focus treatment on the person and not the disability. Diagnoses do not sufficiently capture the client’s experience of the disability or the client’s overall daily functioning. The goal of counseling is to help the client attain optimal levels of psychosocial functioning. As with any therapeutic process, the counselor should work collaboratively with the client.

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In today's increasingly diverse society, multicultural counseling practices have become essential. Counselors have an ethical obligation to address the complexities of cultural diversity to remain effective in their professional roles. This involves acknowledging and respecting individual differences based on race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, physical ability, sexual orientation, religion, and nationality.

Failing to consider these variables can lead counselors into ethical dilemmas, particularly when they engage in discriminatory practices that ignore cultural values and norms. The concept of cultural tunnel vision emphasizes a risk for counselors who might mistakenly believe that clients from different backgrounds share similar experiences. This misconception can create barriers in effective therapy, as it prevents professionals from recognizing and validating unique client narratives.

The notion of cultural encapsulation, a term popularized by Wrenn (1962), draws attention to the dangers associated with viewing the world solely through one's own cultural lens. This insularity leads to inaccuracies in understanding clients’ lives, which can be detrimental to the therapeutic alliance. Pederson's work (2003, 2008) encourages counselors to reflect on their biases and preconceptions, reaffirming the importance of culturally sensitive practice.

Moreover, cultural pluralism reinforces the idea that varied belief systems and values deserve acknowledgment and respect. Counselors’ cultural self-awareness can significantly influence the therapeutic relationship, demonstrating the profound connection between a therapist's attitudes and client engagement.

Understanding the difference between individualistic and collectivistic cultural paradigms plays an integral role in counseling dynamics. In individualistic cultures, traits such as autonomy and self-assertion are often championed, while collectivistic cultures celebrate community and interdependence (Triandis, 1995). Practitioners must adapt their approaches to accommodate these differences, and failure to do so can jeopardize the efficacy of therapeutic outcomes.

The traditional Western model of psychology, which tends to emphasize individual characteristics, may not be suitable for individuals from collectivistic backgrounds. This disconnect underscores the necessity for therapists to customize their strategies and service delivery to foster inclusivity.

Counselors also have a responsibility to ensure that they provide services accessible to diverse populations. It may entail offering non-traditional therapeutic modalities, like home-based therapy, to accommodate clients who face barriers such as limited transportation or work commitments. This flexibility can foster trust and improve therapy participation from marginalized communities.

Critical reflection on common assumptions rooted in Western psychology is necessary. For instance, self-disclosure is considered beneficial in therapy, but clients from Asian-American or Native American backgrounds might view it differently, leading to discomfort or resistance. Issues around directness and indirect communication also highlight the need for counselors to adapt to the clients’ preferred styles of engagement, ensuring a respectful and effective therapeutic interaction.

Similarly, the evolution of sexual identity discourse illustrates the need for counselors to be educated about diverse experiences. Understanding the complexities surrounding LGBTQIA+ identities is vital to avoid perpetuating systemic biases. Past views that pathologized these identities have shifted toward a more affirmative framework, emphasizing respect and understanding of LGBTQIA+ individuals (Yarns Abrams, Meeks, & Sewell, 2016).

Counselors must engage actively in self-reflection to challenge any biases related to sexual orientation, while also remaining informed about societal heterosexism that continues to affect LGBTQIA+ clients' mental health and social experiences. Emphasizing strengths rather than deficits, professionals can foster a more supportive therapeutic environment.

Lastly, individuals with disabilities also deserve special attention in counseling. Focusing on their strengths and individuality rather than the disability ensures that clients feel valued and understood. A collaborative approach between counselor and client reinforces empowerment, enabling people to navigate their mental health journeys more effectively.

Ultimately, the goal of counseling extends beyond simply addressing psychological disorders; it aims to uplift clients toward optimal psychological and social well-being. As multicultural counselors expand their understanding of cultural dynamics and entrenched biases, they become more equipped to serve the diverse needs of today's population.

References

• Corey, G., Corey, M. S., & Callanan, P. (2015). Issues and Ethics in the Helping Professions. Cengage Learning.
• Pederon, J. (2003). Culturally Relevant Counseling with Minorities. In N. A. Block, & R. Smith (Eds.), Handbook of Multicultural Counseling.
• Pederon, J. (2008). Cultural Competence in the Mental Health Professions. Journal of Counseling Psychology.
• Triandis, H. C. (1995). Individualism & Collectivism. Westview Press.
• Van Hoorn, J. (2015). Cultural Variations in Child Development and Parenting. Early Childhood Research Quarterly.
• Wrenn, C. G. (1962). The Counselor in a Multicultural Society. Journal of Guidance & Counseling.
• Yarns Abrams, J., Meeks, L. M., & Sewell, M. (2016). The LGBTQIA+ Community: A Diverse Population. Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development.
• California State University, Chico. (n.d.). CRAAP Test. Retrieved from https://www.csuchico.edu/library/
• American Psychological Association. (2017). Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Transgender and Gender Nonconforming People.
• Sue, S., Cheng, J. K. Y., Saad, C. S., & Cheng, J. (2012). Asian American Mental Health: A Cultural Review. American Psychologist.